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Creo Parametric Milling

Jouni Ahola

ISBN 978-952-7074-31-2

Copyright Jouni Ahola

February 2015

Publisher: Klaava Media

www.klaava.com

book@klaava.com

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any form, in whole
or in

part, without written permission from the author.

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Table of contents

CREO PARAMETRIC INTERFACE


.............................................................................................................. 6

1.1 THIS BOOK


.................................................................................................................................................
6

1.2 CHAPTERS AND TASKS


.......................................................................................................................................
6

3
1.3 INTRODUCTION TO MILLING MANUFACTURING
................................................................................................ 7

1.4 STARTING
.................................................................................................................................................
9

1.5 OPTIONS AND CONFIGURATIONS


.....................................................................................................................10

1.5.1

MANUFACTURING CONFIGURATIONS
..........................................................................................................12

1.6 CREATING A NEW TEMPLATE


............................................................................................................................16

1.7 WORKING DIRECTORY


......................................................................................................................................27

1.8 IMPORT REFERENCE MODEL


.............................................................................................................................29

1.8.1

CREATING DATUM FEATURES


......................................................................................................................32

1.8.2

MODEL PROPERTIES
.....................................................................................................................................36

1.9 CUTTING PARAMETERS


....................................................................................................................................41

1.9.1

4
CUTTING SPEED FORMULAS
.........................................................................................................................43

1.9.2

MILLING FEED CALCULATING


.......................................................................................................................45

1.9.3

SURFACE ROUGHNESS
.................................................................................................................................46

1.10

CAMSHAFT PLATE CUTTING PARAMETERS


...................................................................................................47

CREO PARAMETRIC BASIC MILLING


......................................................................................................48

2.1 COMMON PROCEDURE FOR CREATING A NEW


MANUFACTURING MODEL ......................................................48

2.2 REFERENCE
MODEL.................................................................................................................................

2.3 WORKPIECE
MODEL.................................................................................................................................

2.4 CONFIGURING WORKCELL


................................................................................................................................55

2.4.1

3-AXIS MILL MACHINE TOOL SIMULATION


...................................................................................................60

5
2.4.2

CREATING WORKCELL
..................................................................................................................................62

2.5 MANUFACTURING
OPERATIONS......................................................................................................................

2.5.1

CREATING MACHINE COORDINATE SYSTEM


.................................................................................................65

2.5.2

CREATING OPERATIONS
...............................................................................................................................68

2.6 FIXTURES
.................................................................................................................................................

2.7 CUTTING TOOLS


................................................................................................................................................7

2.7.1

STANDARD MILLING TOOLS


.........................................................................................................................77

2.7.2

CREATING STANDARD MILLING TOOLS


........................................................................................................80

2.7.3

CREATING TOOL CUTTING DATA


..................................................................................................................82

6
2.7.4

SOLID MILLING
TOOLS..................................................................................................................................8

2.7.5

SOLID TOOLS COORDINATE SYSTEMS


...........................................................................................................87

2.7.6

SOLID TOOL PARAMETERS


...........................................................................................................................88

2.8 TOOLS FOR CAMSHAFT PLATE


..........................................................................................................................89

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2.8.1

FACE MILLING TOOL


.....................................................................................................................................90

2.8.2

END MILL
.................................................................................................................................................

2.8.3

SPOT DRILL
.................................................................................................................................................

2.8.4

7
DRILLING TOOL
............................................................................................................................................92

2.8.5

TAPPING TOOL
.............................................................................................................................................93

2.8.6

CHAMFER TOOL
...........................................................................................................................................93

2.9 TOOL LIBRARY


.................................................................................................................................................

2.10

COMMON ABOUT NC SEQUENCES


...............................................................................................................98

2.10.1

MILLING MANUFACTURING PARAMETERS


..............................................................................................99

2.10.2

MILLING NC
SEQUENCES........................................................................................................................
101

CAMSHAFT PLATE MILLING SEQUENCES


........................................................................................... 102

3.1 FACE MILLING


.................................................................................................................................................

8
102

3.1.1

EDITING NC SEQUENCE PARAMETERS


........................................................................................................ 107

3.1.2

LATERAL CONTROL FACE MILLING PARAMETERS


....................................................................................... 112

3.1.3

MATERIAL REMOVAL FEATURE


.................................................................................................................. 115

3.2 PROFILE MILLING


............................................................................................................................................
116

3.2.1

LEAD IN AND LEAD OUT


.............................................................................................................................
119

3.2.2

DEPTH AND LATERAL CONTROL PARAMETERS


........................................................................................... 122

3.2.3

CUTTER COMPENSATION
...........................................................................................................................
124

3.2.3.1

9
CUTTER COMPENSATION IN CREO
......................................................................................................... 125

3.3 VOLUME MILLING


...........................................................................................................................................
129

3.3.1

SCANNING VOLUME MILLING PARAMETERS


.............................................................................................. 139

3.4 POCKET MILLING


............................................................................................................................................
144

3.5 HOLEMAKING
.................................................................................................................................................
148

3.5.1

BASIC DRILLING
..........................................................................................................................................
150

3.5.2

COUNTERSINK DRILLING CYCLE


.................................................................................................................. 151

3.5.3

STANDARD DRILLING CYCLE


.......................................................................................................................
153

3.5.4

10
TAPPING CYCLE
..........................................................................................................................................
157

3.6 TRAJECTORY MILLING


.....................................................................................................................................
160

3.6.1

2-AXIS TRAJECTORY MILLING


..................................................................................................................... 161

3.7 OPERATION 2.
................................................................................................................................................
169

3.8 MILL SURFACES AND MILL WINDOWS FOR FACE MILLING


.............................................................................. 171

3.9 MILL WINDOW FACE MILLING


........................................................................................................................
173

3.10

2-AXIS TRAJECTORY MILLING


..................................................................................................................... 176

3.11

CHAMFER AND ROUND MILLING STEPS


..................................................................................................... 180

3.12

TOOLPATH SIMULATION
............................................................................................................................
184

11
3.12.1

PLAY PATH
.............................................................................................................................................
185

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3.12.2

MATERIAL REMOVAL SIMULATION


....................................................................................................... 186

3.12.3

MACHINE PLAY
......................................................................................................................................
187

3.13

CAMSHAFT PLATE TOOLPATH SIMULATION


............................................................................................... 188

3.13.1

VERICUT SIMULATION
...........................................................................................................................
190

3.13.2

MACHINE PLAY CONFIGURATION


.......................................................................................................... 194

3.13.3

12
MACHINE PLAY
SIMULATION.................................................................................................................
198

POSTPROCESSING
...................................................................................................................................
202

4.1 WHAT IS A POSTPROCESSOR


..........................................................................................................................
202

4.2 CL DATA
.................................................................................................................................................
205

4.3 CL DATA FOR THE CAMSHAFT PLATE BOTTOM SIDE


....................................................................................... 207

4.3.1

CL DATA FOR THE CAMSHAFT PLATE TOP SIDE


........................................................................................... 210

4.3.2

MANIPULATING CL DATA FOR THE CAMSHAFT PLATE


................................................................................ 213

CNC LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE


...................................................................................................... 214

5.1 NC OR CNC
.................................................................................................................................................
214

13
5.2 STRUCTURE OF AN NC
PROGRAM...................................................................................................................
215

5.3 COMMON G- AND M-CODES


..........................................................................................................................
217

5.3.1

G-CODE CANNED CYCLES


............................................................................................................................
219

5.4 CAMSHAFT PLATE NC CODE


............................................................................................................................
220

5.5 CUSTOMIZING NC CODE OUTPUT


................................................................................................................... 221

3 AXIS MACHINING
....................................................................................................................................
223

6.1 2.5 VERSUS 3 AXIS


..........................................................................................................................................
223

6.2 3 AXIS SURFACE MACHINING


..........................................................................................................................
224

6.2.1

STRAIGHT CUT SURFACE MILLING


.............................................................................................................. 225

14
6.2.2

MILL WINDOW SURFACE MILLING


............................................................................................................. 232

APPENDIX
.................................................................................................................................................
238

7.1 CREO PARAMETRIC QUICK REFERENCE CARD


............................................................................... 238

INDEX
.................................................................................................................................................
244

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CREO PARAMETRIC INTERFACE

1.1

This book

This book is a follow-up to the book Creo Parametric Modeling. If you


already

know the basis of the Creo Parametric and modeling you can use this book
easily.

If you are using the software first time, and want to go straight to the CAM
module,

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you can download the needed 3D models and tools:

· The downloaded models are in the native Creo Parametric 2-format (.prt),

(.asm), (.drw) and (mfg).

· Also the models are available in the STEP-format. In the chapter 1.7 are in-

structions how to import models from the other systems.

Before you use Creo Parametric to machine components (CAM), it is


important to

understand the complete manufacturing process and the steps involved in this
pro-

cess. It is also important to understand the elements that make up completed


manu-

facturing models.

Download site: http://www.gold-cam.fi/en/download

Or inquire: gold-cam@dlc.fi

1.2

16
Chapters and Tasks
This book consists of several chapters each dealing with a primary theme of
Creo

Parametric and are meant to be used alongside the running Creo Parametric.

You will learn the material best if you take time along the way to read the
text care-

fully and think about what you are doing and observing what happens.

Usually, first is the theory and then is the Task. Tasks are marked as chapter
num-

bers, for example:

Task 1.2: How to use this book?

When the task is ready, there is a text:

Task 1.2 is ready.

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1.3

20
Introduction to Milling Manufacturing
The milling manufacturing process can be divided into different main-level
steps;

1. Manufacturing Template

2. Reference Model

3. Workpiece

4. Ref Model and Workpiece

5. Fixture

6. NC Sequences and tools

7. Simulation

8. CL Data and Postprocessing CNC Code

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1. A template manufacturing model can be selected and copied during the


creation

process. Using template manufacturing models enables you to standardize on


the

initial manufacturing model configuration. By default, the template


manufactur-

ing model includes default datum planes and a default coordinate system.

2. The reference model represents the final machined component. Surfaces

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and

edges are selected from the reference model and are used as references when
cre-

ating NC steps. The reference model can be also imported from the other
CAD-

software. You must assemble a reference model before creating NC steps.

3. Workpiece model – This represents the unmachined stock material. It is


an op-

tional element and is not required to create NC steps. However, using a

workpiece enables you to simulate the machining of the stock material.

Workpieces can be standard stock billets or you can configure them to


represent

models such as castings.

4. You can assemble or create a workpiece in a manufacturing model. A


number

of options are available. An automatic workpiece enables you to create a


rectan-

gular or round workpiece depending on your requirements.

5. Fixtures are parts or assemblies that can be used to hold the component
being

machined. For example, you can create chuck assemblies and use them as
fix-

tures.

6. An NC sequence is a workpiece feature that represents a single tool path.

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The

tool path consists of:

· 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).

7. Toolpaths and machine simulations are one of the most important stages
in the

manufacturing process. You can display the toolpath for an operation, a


single

step, or multiple steps. You can also display tool path and machine
simulation to-

gether if the machine assembly is defined.

8. Post-processing is the final stage in the manufacturing process. When


toolpaths

and simulation have been completed, you can create ASCII format cutter
location

(CL) data files for operations or selected NC steps. This CL data file will then

have to be postprocessed to generate an MCD file, containing the proper


CNC

codes.

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1.4

Starting

Opening the software:

The main interface:

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1.5

Options and configurations

You can access the Creo Parametric Options dialog box by clicking File -
Options.

The options dialog box contains the following categories:

Favorites – You can add favorite config.pro options in this panel.

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Configuration Editor – Location for the config.pro editor.

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Default settings:

Save settings:

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1.5.1 Manufacturing Configurations

There are a few useful configurations for manufacturing, for example you
can de-

fine where cutting tools and NC machines locates. Before that you need to
create

folders and put your solid tools and machine assemblies and so on to them.
For ex-

ample:

Task 1.5.1: NC Options.

Open Configuration Editor. Select Find

Type keyword: pro_mf – Find Now

These all settings are for directories.

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First, select pro_mf_workcell_dir:

Select Browse and give the full path to the folder where are NC Machine
assem-

blies:

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OK.

Add/Change.

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You can see the new settings in the options list:

Do the same for pro_mf_tprm_dir.

You can select option and Add to Favorites.

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When options are defined – OK. Save options – Yes.

Give the path to the installation folder where the original config.pro locates
(if you

have writing rights).

Next time you can find and change options easily if needed.

Task 1.5.1 is ready.

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1.6

Creating a new template

New models or assemblies should be created using templates. It means that


every us-

ers of the company has the same way to start the work. The model contains
the same

information, for example:

· Datums – default datum planes and coordinate system, named by user.

· View Orientations – same standard view orientations.

· Parameters

· Layers

· Units

The system default templates locate in installation folder:

Manufacturing template:

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When you start the new model and give the name and clear Use default
template

box, you get the New File Options window. Here you can select or browse
template.

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Note! Sometimes may happen, that you can´t open templates or there is no
template

what you need. You can create customized templates that can be used to
create new

parts and assemblies.

Task 1.6: Own template

Now the task is create manufacturing template for milling. It should be


Manufactur-

ing template, because manufacturing session will be assembly.

Start new:

Select Empty.

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Create planes by selecting Plane tool. Show the plane Tags:

If the you can´t see the plane names in the model tree, select settings and
Tree

Filters:

Create the Coordinate System:

Select up to 3 references, such as plane, edge, coordinate system, or point to


place

coordinate system.

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Select planes in order. Select Orientation page. You can change the
orientation if

needed.

Your coordinate system is shown in to the same direction as the spin center.
Red

means X-axis, Green means Y-axis and blue is the Z-axis. (RGB).

Give the name and click OK.

You can also rename the planes as above.

Below is the picture of the 3-axis milling machine. Now the coordinate
system of the

template matches to the milling machine axis. Usually in Vertical Machining


Centre

(VMC), Z-axis is the tool axis pointing up and X-axis is to the right and Y-
axis

pointing forward.

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The other useful way is Creating view orientations. Click Reorient from
the bot-

tom of the Named Views drop-down list in the In Graphics toolbar. Select
the

NC_FRONT plane as Reference 1 (Front). Select the NC_TOP plane as


Reference 2

(Top). Expand the Saved Views menu and give the name: NC_FRONT >
Save. OK.

You can open saved views:

You can make as many views as you want. Save the template.

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Next step is to define units: File - Prepare - Model Properties:

Select Units – change:

Select new:

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Give the units. OK.

Set new unit_system1 and Convert dimensions – OK. - Close

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Close Model Properties window. Save the template.

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Using layers in the manufacturing assembly. Similar to parts, you can hide
non-

solid geometry of assembly features including assembly datum features and


surfaces.

Unlike parts, you can add components to layers in an assembly. If you add
com-

ponents to a layer and then hide layer, the component geometry hides.

Select Layers:

Click New Layer:

Give the name and Layer id. Select planes from the template:

OK. Activate layer from the tree and hide:

Planes are hided from the template and you can see the name of the layer
dimmed.

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Click Layers again and you can see the model tree. Planes are hided. Make
new lay-

er for Coordinate systems. Give the name and Id and select coordinate
system:

If you hide or unhide layers, you need to Save Status. (Right lick)

Now, unhide both layers and Save Status. Save the template.

Next parameters. Parameters are metadata information that can be included


in a

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model template or created by a user in his own part or assembly. Parameters
enable

you to add important additional information into part and assembly models.

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You can access parameters in many ways:

Or From the Ribbon and Tools tab:

Select one previously mentioned way to create parameters: Parameters


window:

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Click plus button and give the parameters. You can select: Integer, Real
Number,

String or Yes No as type.

OK. Save the template. Now the template is ready enough for testing. When

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you are

going to make a new manufacturing assembly, you can browse your own
template:

Task 1.6 is ready.

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1.7

Working directory

Creo Parametric is started in the default working directory, which is defined


during

installation of the software. Different working directories can be set by the


user.

There are many ways to define a new working directory:

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ü Icon - Select Working Directory:

ü From the Folder Tree or Web browser- Right click the folder and select: Set

Working Directory.

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ü From the File menu:

ü Click (File), Open – Right click the folder:

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1.8

Import reference model

Sometimes the machinable model is made in different CAD software. In Creo


you

can Open many kind of types:

In this case the original model is in STEP-format. STEP stands as Standard

Exchange Protocol or international standard for product data exchange and

extension is . STP

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Note! Skip this task if you already have the model!

Task 1.8: Import STEP-file.

Crerate Working Directory first! Download and save STEP-type model to

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your

working directory. In the Ribbon, click Open. Select Type: STEP and select

camshaft_plate.stp

From Import New Model window: Use Part as Type, Check Use Templates
– Select Details – Select Options - Select Template (here: mmns_part_solid).
Ok. - Ok.- Ok.

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Model opens:

The Datum Planes comes from the template. The datum planes are in relation
to the

coordinate system of the model. From a manufacturing point of view, it is


important

to know how to make planes, axis and coordinate systems. You can also see
the

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datum plane and axis names. In the Ribbon – View – Show or hide tags.

Task 1.8 is ready.

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1.8.1 Creating Datum Features

Datum features are commonly required as references when creating other


features.

Datum features can be used as dimensioning references, feature placement


refer-

ences, and assembly references. The default color of datum features in the
graphics

window is brown (datum planes are both brown and gray, depending upon
which

side is currently being viewed). The following four types of datum features
can be

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created:

· Datum Planes

· Datum Axes

· Datum Points

· Datum Coordinate Systems

Datum Axis Definition

Datum axes are individual features that can be redefined, suppressed, hidden,
or

deleted. A datum axis is a linear reference that has no mass. It is infinite in


length,

but its display length can be edited by selecting a reference, specifying a


value, or

dragging the drag handle.

A datum axis can be used as construction geometry in a feature. It can also be


used

as a reference for:

· Other datum features, such as datum planes.

· Other features, such as a hole location.

· Assembling components

Task 1.8.1: Create datum axes on a part model

Enable only the Datum Axis Display type. In the Ribbon - Select Model –
Axis:

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Select the hole surface as above. OK.

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Create axis for all holes. You can preselect the hole surface and then select
the Axis

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Tool.

Creating Coordinate System.

In the Ribbon - Select Model – Coordinate System:

Click Create a datum coordinate system from the Datum Group.

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Select the RIGHT Datum Plane and press CTRL and select the TOP Plane
and the

surface as shown below:

Select the Orientation tab. Click Flip to project Y. Select the Properties tab
and edit

the name of the coordinate system: PLATE_BOTTOM_NC. OK.

The coordinate system should be located as shown below:

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Do the same procedure to the top side of the model and name the coordinate
system

as PLATE_TOP_NC.

Save the model and close the window. Return to the manufacturing assembly.

Task 1.8.1 is ready.

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1.8.2 Model properties

You can establish a system of units and a density value for the specific
material type

used in your models. You can then create various types of analyses, such as
measur-

ing distances, angles, and surface areas. You can also calculate mass
properties and

perform interference checks on assemblies. These analyses can be useful for


extract-

ing data from a model or determining whether the model meets the required
design

intent.

When you start your work using templates, for example:

80
mmns_part_solid.prt,

there are some information already. You can change the properties whenever
you

want.

Task 1.8.2: Edit Model Properties

Click File > Prepare > Model Properties to open the Model Properties
dialog box.

In the Materials section, click change in the Material row:

Select material from the list and move it to the Materials in Model window.

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Select the material and make Copy. Select the copied material and click
Properties:

You can give the new name for the material and Description and change the
units to

kg/m3:

When changing units, you have to select Convert or Interpret values. Convert
means

for example: One inch is 25.4 millimeter. OK.

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Edit values as below. OK.

The new material is in the Materials in Model window and the original
remain on

the list. Select the new material, then Right click and Assign. OK.

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In the Materials section, click info in the Mass Properties row. Now the Mass
unit is

tonne. If you want for example grams, you can create a new set of units.

In the Materials section, click change in the Units row. In the Units Manager
dialog

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box, select New and edit drop-down menus as below and OK.

Select the new units system and SET. Select Convert dimensions > OK >
Close the

Unit Manager.

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Now the model has new material and unit system. Click Close.

Analyzing Mass Properties

You can view a model's mass properties within the Materials section of the
Model

Properties dialog box.

You can also calculate the mass properties by selecting the Analysis tab from
the

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ribbon and clicking Mass Properties from the Model Report group.

Task 1.8.2 is ready.

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1.9

Cutting parameters

You should know the Basics about Metal Cutting Parameters before creating

toolpaths.

1. Material machinability: The machinability of a material decides how


easy

or difficult it is to cut. The material’s hardness is one factor that has a strong

influence on the machinability.

2. Cutting Tool Material: In metal-cutting, High Speed steel and Carbide


are

two major tool materials widely used.

3. Cutting speed: Cutting speed is the relative speed at which the tool passes

through the work material and removes metal. It is normally expressed in me-

ters per minute (or feet per inch in British units). It has to do with the speed

of rotation of the workpiece or the tool, as the case may be. The higher the

cutting speed, the better the productivity. For every work material and tool

material combo, there is always an ideal cutting speed available, and the tool

91
manufacturers generally give the guidelines for it.

4. Spindle speed: Spindle speed is expressed in RPM (revolutions per


minute).

It is derived based on the cutting speed and the work diameter cut (in case of

turning/ boring) or tool diameter (in case of drilling/ milling etc). If V is the

cutting speed and D is the diameter of cutting, then Spindle speed N = V /(Pi

x D)

5. Depth of cut: It indicates how much the tool digs into the component (in

mm) to remove material in the current pass.

6. Feed rate: The relative speed at which the tool is linearly traversed over
the

workpiece to remove the material. In case of rotating tools with multiple cut-

ting teeth (like a milling cutter), the feed rate is first reckoned in terms of

“feed per tooth,” expressed in millimeters (mm/tooth). At the next stage, it is

“feed per revolution” (mm/rev).

In case of lathe operations, it is feed per revolution that states how much a

tool advances in one revolution of workpiece. In case of milling, feed per

revolution is nothing but feed per tooth multiplied by the number of teeth in

the cutter.

To actually calculate the time taken for cutting a job, it is “feed per minute”

(in mm/min) that is useful. Feed per minute is nothing but feed per revolution

92
multiplied by RPM of the spindle.

7. Tool geometry: For the tool to effectively dig into the component to
remove

material most efficiently without rubbing, the cutting tool tip is normally

ground to different angles (known as rake angle, clearance angles, relief an-

gle, approach angle, etc). The role played by these angles in a tool geometry

is a vast subject in itself.

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8. Coolant: To take away the heat produced in cutting and also to act as a
lubri-

cant in cutting to reduce tool wear, coolants are used in metal-cutting. Cool-

ants can range from cutting oils, water-soluble oils, oil-water spray, and so

on.

9. Machine/ Spindle Power: In the metal-cutting machine, adequate power

should be available to provide the drives to the spindles and also to provide

feed movement to the tool to remove the material. The power required for

cutting is based on the metal removal rate – the rate of metal removed in a

given time, generally expressed in cubic centimeters per minute, which de-

pends on work material, tool material, the cutting speed, depth of cut, and

feed rate.

93
10. Rigidity of machine: The rigidity of the machine is based on the design
and

construction of the machine, the age and extent of usage of the machine, the

types of bearings used, the type of construction of slide ways, and the type of

drive provided to the slides. All play a role in the machining of components

and getting the desired accuracy, finish, and speed of production.

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1.9.1 Cutting Speed Formulas

Most machining operations are conducted on machine tools having a rotating


spin-

dle. Cutting speeds are usually given in feet or meters per minute and these
speeds

must be converted to spindle speeds, in revolutions per minute, to operate the


ma-

94
chine. Conversion is accomplished by use of the following formulas:

Where N is the spindle speed in revolutions per minute (rpm); V is the


cutting speed

in feet per minute (fpm) for U.S. units and meters per minute (m/min) for
metric

units. In turning, D is the diameter of the workpiece; in milling, drilling,


reaming,

and other operations that use a rotating tool, D is the cutter diameter in inches
for

U.S. units and in millimeters for metric units. π = 3.1417.

Example: The cutting speed for turning a 4-inch (102-mm) diameter bar has
been

found to be 575 fpm (175.3 m/min). Using both the inch and metric formulas,
calcu-

late the lathe spindle speed (N).

When the cutting tool or workpiece diameter and the spindle speed in rpm are

known, it is often necessary to calculate the cutting speed (CS) in feet or


meters per

minute. In this event, the following formulas are used.

Feed (F): In the CNC Lathe work the feedrate is not measured in terms of
time but,

as the actual distance the tool travels in one spindle revolution (rotation).
Two

standard abbreviations are used for feedrate per revolution:

95
· Inches per revolution

in/rev (IPR)

· Millimeters per revolution mm/rev (MMPR)

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More formulas for Milling:

Axial depth, ap:

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1.9.2 Milling Feed Calculating

Calculation Formula of the Feed speed of worktable (vf)

Vf = fz * z * n (mm/min)

fz = feed / tooth

z = number of teeth

n = rotation speed of spindle

For example:

Vf = 0.1 * 5 * 572

= 286 mm/min

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1.9.3 Surface roughness

The surface quality of the machined parts is one of the most important
product quali-

ty characteristics and one of the most frequent customer requirements. The


surface

roughness greatly affects the functional performance of mechanical parts


such as

wear resistance, fatigue strength, ability of distributing and holding a


lubricant, heat

generation and transmission, corrosion resistance, etc.

The perfect surface quality in turning would not be achieved even in the
absence of

irregularities and deficiencies of the cutting process, as well as environmental


ef-

fects. There are various parameters used to evaluate the surface roughness. In
the

present research, the average surface roughness ( Ra ) was selected as a


characteristic

of surface finish in turning operations. It is the most used standard parameter


of sur-

face roughness.

The surface roughness factors are previously described:

· Cutting speed

98
· Feed rate

· Depth of cut

· Nose Radius

Surface roughness is decreasing with decreasing of the feed rate. High nose
radius

produce better surface finish than small nose radius because of the maximum
uncut

chip thickness decreases with increase of nose radius.

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1.10 Camshaft Plate Cutting Parameters

When a high quality camshaft is required, engine builders and camshaft


manufactur-

ers choose to make the camshaft from steel billet. In this case the material of
the

camshaft is EN40B. It is a chromium-molybdenum nitriding steel and usually

99
sup-

plied in the hardened and tempered condition, which offers high wear
resistance to-

gether with good toughness and ductility. It is characterized by its suitability


for ni-

triding, which can give a hard wear resistant core in the range of 61-65Rc.
The rela-

tively low temperature of the nitriding process produces components with a


scale

free surface, and minimum distortion.

EN40B Related Specifications - 1.8515, 31CrMo12, 30CD12, 722M24

Tensile Strength Rm = 850/1000 N/mm2

Yield Stress Re

= 650 N/mm²

Hardness HB

= 248/302

Cutting speed (V) for High Speed Steel (HSS) tools is 60 foot per minute
(ft/min) =

18m/min.

Cutting speed (V) for Carbide tools is 300 foot per minute (ft/min) =
90m/min.

Note! Keep in mind previously mentioned the Basics about Metal


Cutting Pa-

100
rameters.

For example: The diameter of the face milling tool is 50mm and when using
carbide

inserts the cutting speed is 90m/min.

The spindle speed is 573 rev/min.

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CREO PARAMETRIC BASIC MILLING

2.1

Common procedure for creating a new manufacturing model

The first step in the manufacturing process is creating manufacturing models.


Manu-

facturing models contain all manufacturing information:

· Operation information

· Workcells

· Reference models

· Workpiece models

· Fixtures

· NC Machines

· NC Sequence information

When you create a new manufacturing model, the manufacturing model


assembly is

created. The filename format is”filename”.asm

If you check out the Use default template, you can select or browse the
Template

from the list. Template manufacturing models enables you to standardize on


the ini-

103
tial manufacturing model configuration. You can also make user-defined
template

manufacturing models. Using a template manufacturing model is


recommended.

The new manufacturing model is created by using template. You can see
three de-

fault datum planes and a default coordinate system.

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2.2

105
Reference model

You must assemble a reference model before creating NC sequences. The


reference

model represents the final machined component. Surfaces and edges and the
other

features are selected from the reference model and are used as references
when creat-

ing NC sequences.

Task 2.2: Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing


model.

Click New in the main toolbar. Select the Manufacturing and NC Assembly
op-

tions. Type CAMSHAFT_PLATE_NC in the Name text box. Clear the Use
default

template check box, and click OK.

Create a manufacturing model with metric units. Select mmns_mfg_nc and


click

OK.

Note! You can use your own template if available.

Observe the new manufacturing model is created with three datum planes and
a co-

ordinate system. Toggle all display filters on and show datum plane tags:

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Click Assemble Reference Model from the Components group. Select cam-

shaft_plate.prt, and click Open.

109
Enable only the following Datum Display type: Csys Display. Select
coordinate sys-

tem from the CAM_PLATE.prt > select assembly coordinate system.

Status is Fully Constrained. Click Complete Component in the dashboard.

You can also assemble component at default location:

Task 2.2 is ready. Save your work.

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2.3

Workpiece Model

Workpieces represent the unmachined stock material in a manufacturing


model.

They are optional components, but if used, you can simulate the material
removing

110
when creating and running NC Sequences. There are different methods how
to create

workpieces – for example default Automatic. This enables you to create


simple rec-

tangular or round workpiece. You can also create workpieces using the
Inherited

Features option. As well you can select the model as workpiece. Workpieces
can be

standard stock billets or they can represent castings. Using workpieces


provides you

with a number of capabilities:

· You can simulate the cutting tool machining the workpiece.

· After creating each toolpath, you can update the workpiece to display an as-

machined version of the workpiece.

· Unless you specify otherwise, there is no machining outside the workpiece

boundaries.

· The workpiece is displayed in green to help you visually distinguish


between

the workpiece and the reference model geometry. In addition, when the dis-

play style is set to shaded, the workpiece is displayed as semi-transparent.

This enables you to view the reference model geometry which would normal-

ly be obscured by the workpiece.

In the pictures below the reference model is inside the workpiece.

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112
You can assemble or create a workpiece in a manufacturing model. A number
of op-

tions are available:

· Create an automatic workpiece – This enables you to create a rectangular


or

round workpiece depending on your requirements. A dashboard interface en-

ables you to easily control the size and position of the workpiece relative to

the reference model.

· Assemble a workpiece using the Same Model option – This enables you to

assemble an existing part into the manufacturing model as the workpiece.

· Assemble a workpiece with features inherited from a selected part. The new

workpiece inherits geometry and feature information from the selected part.

At any time, you can specify the geometry and the feature data that you want

to modify on the workpiece without changing the original part. Inheritance

provides greater freedom to modify the workpiece without changing the orig-

inal part.

· Assemble a workpiece with features merged from a selected part. In this

case, a new workpiece part is created. The new workpiece contains an exter-

nal merge feature, and this feature contains all geometry and datum features

which have been copied from the originally selected part. All layer infor-

mation is also copied into the new workpiece.

113
· Create a manual workpiece – This enables you to create a new workpiece
in

the manufacturing model by manually creating features and geometry as re-

quired.

The first picture below is a reference model. The second picture is the
workpiece. In

the third picture is an assembly of the reference model and part model.

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Task 2.3: Create the Workpiece.

Click Automatic Workpiece from the Workpiece drop-down menu from the
Compo-

nents group.

In the dashboard, select the Placement tab. You change the default coordinate
system

if needed. > In the dashboard, select the Options tab. At first you can see the
Overall

Dimension of the model.

Type 2 in the +X text box, type 2 in the –X text box, type 2 in the +Y text
box, type 2 in the –Y text box. Type 4 in the +Z text box, and press ENTER.

Observe the workpiece preview geometry update, as shown. Click Complete


Fea-

116
ture in the dashboard.

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Observe the new workpiece displayed in green in the manufacturing model.

Task 2.3 is ready. Save your work.

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2.4

Configuring Workcell

The workcell specifies the type of machine used when creating NC


sequences, for

example, mill, lathe, or mill/turn. You must specify a workcell before you
can create

NC sequences.

Workcells consist of a number of different elements that describe the

118
capabilities of

the machine tool, including post-processor options, multiple axis output


options, site

parameter file options, and the ability to configure a PPRINT table.

Workcell Configuration:

· Name

· Type – Mill, Lathe, Mill/Turn,

or Wire EDM

· Number of Axes

· Post-Processor

· Probing Option

Machine Tool Elements:

· Output Tab Options

- Multiple Axis Output

- Parameters

- Properties

- CL Command Output

- Milling Capability

- Cutter Compensation

· Tools Tab

· Travel Tab

119
· Cycles Tab

· Assembly Tab

Workcell Configuration

You configure a workcell within the Machine Tool Setup dialog box. You
can speci-

fy many different options that describe the type of machine tool


configuration. You

must specify the workcell name and the workcell type. This can be Mill,
Lathe,

Mill/Turn, or Wire EDM. The number of axes you can specify is dependent
on the

workcell type.

For Mill – 3 axis (default), 4 axis, or 5 axis.

For Lathe – 1 turret (default) or 2 turrets.

For Mill/Turn – 2 axis, 3 axis, 4 axis, or 5 axis (default).

For Wire EDM – 2 axis (default) or 4 axis.

You can also specify a number of other items including the controller name.

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Machine Tool Elements

The Setup: Work Center dialog box has a number of tabs that enable you to
config-

120
ure different optional elements of a machine tool.

· The Output tab has a number of options including:

- Cutter location (CL) Command Output Options – You can specify how

the FROM, LOADTL, COOLNT/OFF, and SPINDL/OFF statements are

output in CL data files.

- Multiple Axis Output Options – These options are only accessible for a

mill type machine tool when you set the number of axes to 4 axis.

ü Use Rotation – When you select this option, the system outputs

the applicable TRANS and ROTABL commands to specify linear

and rotational transformations. If this option is not selected (de-

fault), all CL data is transformed and output in the coordinates of

the program zero coordinate system.

ü Rotation Output Mode – Only available when you select Use Ro-

tation. Controls output of ROTABL statements. The values are:

Incremental (default) and Absolute.

ü Rotation Direction – Only available when you select Use Rota-

tion. Enables you to specify the direction of rotation. You can al-

so specify the rotation to be about the A axis or B axis.

- Cutter Compensation – When you expand this field, the following output

cutter position options become available:

121
ü Tool Center – Cutter location (CL) data is output with respect to

the tool center.

ü Tool Edge – Cutter location (CL) data is output with respect to the

cutting edge of the tool.

· Parameters Tab – Specifies the maximum spindle speed, and the spindle

horsepower. As well as the rapid feed rate units and the rapid feed rate.

· Tools Tab – Specifies the time needed to change a tool, in seconds. You can

also access the Tool Setup dialog box to configure tools associated with the

machine tool.

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· Travel Tab – Specifies the travel limits and the stroke for the machine tool

along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. Note, values for the travel limits along the axes

should be the actual dimensions that indicate the extent of the machine tool

122
workspace relative to the Program Zero coordinate system. If you output CL

data that exceeds the defined limits, an information window appears, listing

the values of the limits that have been exceeded and their corresponding val-

ues.

· Properties Tab – Enables you to specify the location of the machine, and
type

comments associated with the machine tool in a text box.

· Cycles Tab – Enables you to configure custom cycles for holemaking.

· Machine Assembly Tab – Specifies the machine assembly to be used when

displaying tool motion on the machine tool.

The Output tab:

Cutter Location (CL) Command Output Options – You can specify how the
FROM,

LOADTL, COOLNT/OFF, and SPINDL/OFF statements are output in CL


data files.

– Cutter Compensation – When you expand this field, the following output
cutter

position options become available:

· Tool Center – CL data is output with respect to the tool center.

· Tool Edge – CL data is output with respect to the cutting edge of the tool.

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Tools tab:

Tool Change Time > Specifies the time needed to change a tool, in seconds.

Parameters tab specifies the maximum spindle speed, and the spindle
horsepower

and the rapid feed rate units and the rapid feed rate.

To output some model information to the CL files, you have to set up a


PPRINT ta-

ble for this model. This table contains all the items that can be output through

PPRINT. Whether an item will be output or not is determined by the flag


value. The

default flag value for all items is No. Change it to Yes if you want the item to
be

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

the Postprocessor chapter).

Assembly tab specifies the machine assembly to be used when displaying


tool mo-

tion on the machine tool. You need to give full path to the location in
config.pro.

Also you have to select Mach_Zero-Coordinate System from the fixture.


(See more

in the next chapter).

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Travel tab specifies the travel limits and the stroke for the machine tool
along the X-

, Y-, and Z-axes. Note, values for the travel limits along the axes should be
the actual

dimensions that indicate the extent of the machine tool workspace relative to
the

Program Zero coordinate system. If you output CL data that exceeds the

128
defined lim-

its, an information window appears, listing the values of the limits that have
been ex-

ceeded and their corresponding values.

Cycles tab enables you to configure custom cycles for holemaking.

Properties tab enables you to specify the location of the machine, and type
com-

ments associated with the machine tool in a text box:

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2.4.1 3-Axis Mill Machine Tool Simulation

Within Creo Parametric you can simulate the CNC machine running the
various NC

sequences you created. The mill machine assembly is selected within the
Assembly

tab of the Mill Work Center dialog box. This machine assembly can be edited
to rep-

131
resent your CNC machine. You must specify a reference coordinate system
for the

machine assembly. (MACH_ZERO) This reference coordinate system


should be the

same location as the machine zero coordinate system for the operation.

Once the machine has been properly defined, the simulation of the operation
with the

machine can be reviewed. The system displays the machine tool simulation in
a new

window. You can then use typical play commands from the Animate dialog
box.

Some commands include controlling the speed of the simulation, stopping the
simu-

lation, and capturing the simulation to an MPEG file. As the machine


simulation

plays you can zoom and rotate the machine to any desired view. When you
close the

machine tool simulation display, the system returns you to the manufacturing
model.

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Playing the Machine Simulation

You can play the following types of machine simulations:

· Entire Operation.

· Individual NC Sequences.

To play the machine simulation, select the desired operation or NC sequence


in the

model tree, right-click, and select Machine Play.

Location of Machine Assembly Files

You can select machine assembly files from the following locations:

· Current working directory.

· Can be retained in a directory controlled by the config.pro option

pro_mf_workcell_dir.

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2.4.2 Creating Workcell

Task 2.4.2: Configure and save a mill workcell.

136
In the ribbon, select the Manufacturing tab. In the Machine Tool Setup
group, click

the Work Center drop-down menu, and select Mill.

Configure the required options. Below is an example of the vertical


machining cen-

tre: Fadal 3016 HT.

Click Accept in the Milling Work Center dialog box. Select the Work Center
drop-

down menu from the Machine Tool Setup group > Click Save Work Center.

You can configure the other tabs later.

Task 2.4.2 is ready.

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2.5

Manufacturing Operations

Machining operations are a series of NC sequences that are performed by a


particular

workcell (machine tool) and reference a particular coordinate system. They


include

the following elements:

· Machine coordinate system – Also referred to as the machine zero


position.

This specifies the program zero position in X, Y, and Z on the machine tool.

137
· Retract plane – Also referred to as the retract surface. This specifies the

clearance level to which the tool retracts after completing an NC sequence.

· Fixtures – Are parts or assemblies that can be used to hold the component

being machined. For example, you can create vise assemblies and use them

as fixtures.

When these items have been specified, you can create NC sequences to
machine

components assembled into the manufacturing model. These NC sequences


reference

the machine tool and the machine zero position. You cannot create NC
sequences un-

til you configure the manufacturing operation and configure a machine tool.

Machine Coordinate System and Retract Plane

One of the most important configuring is the Machine Coordinate System


and Re-

tract Plane. The machine coordinate system, often referred to as the machine
zero position, acts as the origin position for CL data output.

· The machine coordinate system specifies the direction of the X-, Y-, and Z-

axes on the machine tool.

· You can configure the machine coordinate system by selecting or creating a

coordinate system in the manufacturing model.

- When configuring the machine coordinate system, you can reference ex-

138
isting datum features in the manufacturing model, or you can reference

fixture geometry, or use reference model or workpiece geometry.

The retract plane (or surface) specifies the level to which the tool retracts to
between

cutting motions.

· You can specify the retract plane at the operation level, and then modify its

position for specific NC sequences as required.

· Note, depending on your requirements, you can specify the retract position
to

be a plane, cylinder, sphere, or a custom-made surface.

· By default, the retract plane is configured along the Z-axis of the machine

coordinate system. You can select an alternative reference if required.

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The idea of the Retract Plane:

Coordinate Systems:

In the VMC, Vertical Machining Centre, the tool axis is Z.

The way of orienting the axes is following the left hand rule, placing the left
hand on

the plane with the thumb pointing up. When pointing the thumb away from
the origin

along an axis towards positive, the curvature of the fingers indicates a


positive rota-

tion along that axis.

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2.5.1 Creating Machine Coordinate System

Before creating Operations and NC Sequences, you need to specify the


locations of

the machine coordinate system. You need two coordinate systems, for the top
and

bottom of the model.

Task 2.5.1: Create Coordinate Systems.

Open the CAMSHAFT_PLATE.PRT from the model tree. Hide

PRT_CSYS_DEF-coordinate system. Enable the Plane Display.

Click Create a datum coordinate system from the Datum Group.

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Select the RIGHT Datum Plane and press CTRL and select the TOP Plane
and the

surface as shown below:

Select the Orientation tab. Click Flip to project Y. Select the Properties tab
and edit

the name of the coordinate system: PLATE_BOTTOM_NC. OK.

The coordinate system should be located as shown below:

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Do the same procedure to the top side of the model and name the coordinate
system

as PLATE_TOP_NC.

Save the model and close the window. Return to the manufacturing assembly.

Task 2.5.1 is ready.

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2.5.2 Creating Operations

Task 2.5.2: Create an operation.

OPERATION 1:

Click Operation from the Process group. Select datum coordinate system

PLATE_BOTTOM_NC on the manufacturing model.

Select the Clearance tab. Change Type to Plane from the drop-down menu.
Select

PLATE_BOTTOM_NC for the Reference. Type 5 in the Value text box.

Select the Options tab. Select EN40B from the drop down menu or Create
new if it

there is no material: EN40B > Enter > Accept.

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Select the Fixture Setup tab and select Add a fixture component.

Browse to the folder where the fixture locates and select: nc-vice-300.asm >
Open.

Now you should think the order of the machining, in this case, the flat surface
side of

the part will be machined first. Create the first assembly constraint. Select
surfaces

as shown above.

Flip constraint if needed, select Coincident constraint, right click > Flip
Constraint.

Rotate the assembly. Create the second assembly constraint. In the


dashboard, select

the Placement tab > Click New Constraint.

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Keep Automatic as the Constraint Type. Constrain the NC_VICE_BASE


front sur-

face coincident to the model front surface as shown below:

152
Create the third assembly constraint. In the dashboard, select the Placement
tab >

Click New Constraint.

Status is fully constrained. Click Complete Component in the dashboard.

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Select the Properties tab and edit the name of the operation:
PLATE_BOTTOM and

press ENTER.

Click Complete Operation. Now the first Operation is defined. You need to
define

the same procedure for the top side of the manufacturing model.

154
OPERATION 2:

Click Operation from the Process group. Rotate the model. Select datum
coordinate

system PLATE_TOP_NC on the manufacturing model.

Select the Clearance tab. Change Type to Plane from the drop-down menu.
Select

PLATE_TOP_NC for the Reference. Type 10 in the Value text box.

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Select the Options tab. Select EN40B from the drop down menu.

Select the Fixture Setup tab and select Add a fixture component.

Browse to the folder where the fixture locates and select: nc-vice-300.asm >
Open.

Now you need to remember, that the working allowance (2mm) is machined
in the

156
first Operation and fixing. Create the first assembly constraint. Select
surfaces as

shown below left. Create the second assembly constraint as shown below
right.

Create the second assembly constraint. In the dashboard, select the


Placement tab >

Click New Constraint. Select surfaces as shown below:

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Status is fully constrained. Click Complete Component in the dashboard.

Select the Properties tab and edit the name of the operation: PLATE_TOP
and press

ENTER.

Click Complete Operation. Now the second Operation is defined.

You can activate the operations from the model tree.

Task 2.5.2 is ready. Save your work. Now it is recommended that you use
Save a

158
Backup-function. It saves all objects to the current working directory. Do not
give a

new name, just click OK!

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2.6

161
Fixtures

Fixtures are parts or assemblies that can be used to hold the component being
ma-

chined. For example, you can create vice assemblies and use them as fixtures.
Fix-

tures are assembled into manufacturing models, and they can be easily
activated and

deactivated as required. Fixtures can be used as references, for example:

· To specify the location of the machine coordinate system.

· To locate the position of reference models in the manufacturing model.

· To locate the position of workpiece models in the manufacturing model.

In this case you need two fixing to the vice, because the model has top and
bottom

side to machine.

You can adjust the vice by selecting the component from the vice and Edit
defini-

tion. The length of the workpiece is 54mm.

Select the moving component from the vice, right click and edit definition.
Select

Distance and edit to 54.

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2.7

Cutting Tools

Tools are an essential step in the manufacturing process. You must configure
a tool

for each NC sequence you create. You can create tools when the workcell is
created

or you can configure them as needed for each NC Sequence. Once you
configure a

tool, you can store the information and use it again.

There are three different tool types: standard, solid, and sketched. Each type
of tool

is created in a different way and is designed for a specific purpose. It is


important to

understand the differences between each type of tool and when you should
use them.

Tool Types

· Standard

163
· Solid

· Sketched

Tool Tip Position

· Along centerline of tool.

· Specifies X-, Y-, and Z-positions for CL data.

· Tool position based on machined model geometry.

Tool Types

You can configure tools when creating workcells or you can configure them
as need-

ed when creating NC sequences. Once you configure a tool, you can store the
infor-

mation and use it again. There are three different milling tool types: standard,
solid,

and sketched. Each type of tool is created in a different way and is designed
for a

specific purpose.

· Standard tools – You can use standard tools when no special tool
representa-

tion is required. These tools are configured within the Tool Setup dialog box.

· Solid tools – You can use solid tools when you need to enhance the tool dis-

play and check for interference between the tool and workpiece when review-

ing toolpaths.

164
· Sketched tools – You typically use sketched tools when a non-standard tool

shape or an alternative tool control point is required, for example, during tra-

jectory milling. You can, for example, create a sketched tool for machining

slots.

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The difference between standard and solid tool:

Tool Tip Position

For standard milling tools, the tool tip position is defined along the centerline
of the

tool, and at the lowest point of the tool geometry (see examples).

You can use this tool tip position for calculating the tool position in X-, Y-,
and Z-

coordinates when creating CL (cutter location) data.

166
Creo Parametric calculates the resulting tool position based on the model
geometry

being machined, the tool geometry, and any manufacturing parameters that
may af-

fect the resulting tool tip position (for example, stock allowances).

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2.7.1 Standard Milling Tools

You configure standard milling tools by specifying tool parameters. It is


important to

specify the correct tool parameters to obtain the desired tool configuration.

Standard Tools

· Tools configured by specifying tool parameters.

168
· Available tool type control parameters:

- Milling or drilling

· Parameter values control resulting tool shapes in:

- Length

- Cutter_Diam

· Toolpath display based on parameter values.

When you start configure a tool, the default is standard tool:

Standard Tools

· You create standard tools by configuring tool parameters within the Tool

Setup dialog box.

· The type of tool, for example milling or drilling, determines the tool cross-

section and therefore which parameters are available for configuration.

· The tool parameter values control the tool shape, for example:

- Length

- Cutter_Diam

· Note, when playing a toolpath, the tool is displayed based on the parameter

values.

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Configuring Tools

169
· Tool Setup Dialog Box

· General Tab

- Tool Name

- Tool Type

- Tool Parameter Values

- Tool Holder Dimensions

· Settings Tab

- Tool Number

- Offset Number

- Gauge Lengths (X and Z)

· Tool Tables

- Display tool information.

- Output tool loading information to CL data files.

· Saving Tools

· Tool Libraries

You can create, delete, or edit tools using the Tool Setup dialog box. A
number of

tabs are available within the dialog box that enables you to configure
different types

of tool information.

· General – In the general tab, a graphic image of the tool appears during con-

170
figuration. You can configure the tool name and tool type. Many different

standard tool types are available for selection. The selected tool type deter-

mines the displayed tool shape.

- When the tool type has been specified, you can then configure the tool

geometry parameter values that specify the tool dimensions.

- When configuring the tool geometry, you can also configure tool holder

dimensions. This provides you with a visual representation of the tool

holder when you review a toolpath. Tool holder dimensions are also used

for automatic gouge avoidance in trajectory, straight cut surface milling,

isolines surface milling, roughing, re-roughing, finishing, and corner-

machining NC sequences.

· Settings – You can specify a number of items relating to the tool table, in-

cluding:

- Tool Number – This corresponds to the number field in a tool table,

which specifies the tool's pocket number.

- Offset Number – This corresponds to the offset field in a tool table, which

supplies a value for the gauge length register.

- Gauge X Length and Gauge Z Length – Optional parameters used to cre-

ate length qualifiers in the LOADTL or TURRET statements.

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· Tool Tables – Provide you with tool information which appears in the Tool

Setup dialog box.

- You can use tool tables to pass tool loading information into CL data

files. For example, you can output LOADTL and OSETNO commands

from a tool table.

- When you create or retrieve tools in a workcell, the tool_id (tool name) is

checked and if the tool does not already exist in the tool table then it is

appended at the end of the table.

- As tools are added to the tool table, the tool position (tool number) auto-

matically increments by one with respect to the last tool in the table. You

can manually edit the tool number to change its position in the tool table,

if required.

Saving Tools

· You can save tool parameter information as files and reuse the tools in
differ-

ent NC sequences and in different manufacturing models.

· Saving a tool creates an XML format file. For example, tool_name.xml.

· Note old format tool parameter files are also recognized. These are:

- .tpm for Pro/ENGINEER release 12 to Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2.0.

172
- .tprm for pre-Pro/ENGINEER release 12.

Tool Parameter Libraries

· You can create your own tool library, where all the tool parameter files are

stored.

- This enables you to access a standard set of tools for retrieval into manu-

facturing processes, for modifying, or for setting up new tools.

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2.7.2 Creating Standard Milling Tools

You can use standard tools when no special tool representation is required or
Solid

Tools are not available. These tools are configured within the Tool Setup
dialog box.

Task 2.7.2 Create standard tool, Face mill 50mm.

Click Cutting Tools from the Machine Tool Setup group, to open the Tool

175
Setup di-

alog box.

Create the Face Mill tool (you have to define End Mill type of tool for the
face mill-

ing). Click File > New in the Tool Setup dialog box. Select END MILL from
the

Type drop-down list.

Type TURBO_50_STD in the Name text box. Type CARBIDE in the


Material text

box. Type 5 in the Number of Flutes text box. Edit the geometry parameters,
as

shown above. Click the Apply button. Notice the tool is added to the tool
table.

Select the Settings tab. Notice that the tool number is already configured
automati-

cally as 1. Type 1 in the Offset Number text box. Click the Apply button to
update

the tool information. Click Yes to change the tool description.

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Save the tool:

In the Tool Setup dialog box, click Save Tool to save the tool. A file named
tur-

bo_50_std.xml is saved in the working directory.

In the Tool Setup dialog box, click Display Tool.

Click Close to close the tool display window. Click OK. To close Tools
Setup.

Task 2.7.2 is ready.

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2.7.3 Creating Tool Cutting Data

You can create cutting data for tools, enabling you to configure optimum feed
rates,

spindle speeds, and depth-of-cut. This data can then be passed into NC
sequences.

The cutting data is based on the material that you are machining, the specific
tool

you are using, and the application, which can be either roughing or finishing.

178
Creating and Storing Cutting Data

You can create cutting data by specifying different stock materials for
machining,

and by specifying feed, speed, and depth of cut data for each tool. Within
each tool

file, you need to specify different cutting data for each different stock
material.

You need to create two sets of data: an .xml file listing the workpiece
materials and a

series of .xml files – one for each different tool you want to use.

· Mfg_wp_material_list .xml – You store the list of workpiece (stock) materi-

als within this file. You can create this file from the Operation Setup dialog

box. You can then manually add more materials to the file, as required.

· Tool_name.xml – You configure feed, speed, and depth of cut data within

these files. You can specify cut data for more than one workpiece material.

You can configure the cut data information using the Tool Setup dialog box,

and save the cut data when you save the tool.

Using Cutting Data

· You can pass the feed, speed, and depth of cut data into manufacturing pa-

rameters of an NC sequence. You can achieve this using a number of meth-

ods:

- You can manually transfer parameter values using the Copy from Tool

179
option when configuring parameters in the parameter tree.

- You can automatically transfer parameter values through relations, either

in a parameter site file or as a parameter value in the parameter tree.

ü For example, you can specify the relation STEP_DEPTH =

TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH. This controls the value of the

STEP_DEPTH parameter in an NC sequence.

- You can use the mfg_param_auto_copy_from_tool configuration option

to copy parameters from a tool into the parameter tree of an NC

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Task 2.7.3: Create cutting data for the tool. Edit the previously created tool.

Click Cutting Tools to open the Tools Setup dialog box. Select the Cut Data
tab.

Notice EN40B selected from the Stock Material drop-down list.

You can change the Speed value m/min ( Surface Speed) or rev/min (
Spindle rpm) These values are corresponding with:

Type 90 in the Speed text box (m/min). Type 0.1 in the Feed text box
(mm/tooth).

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Round and edit the other values as show below:

Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool.

In the Tool Setup dialog box, click Save Tool to save the tool.

Task 2.7.3 is ready.

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184
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2.7.4 Solid Milling Tools

You can create solid model tools as assemblies or parts. When playing
toolpaths, you

can view these solid tools. You can also use the solid tools to interactively
check for

interference between the tool and the component being machined. When you
use sol-

id model tools, you have the option to display the default section or the solid
model

186
tool.

You need to complete the following steps to use solid models as tools when
creating

NC sequences.

· Create a part or assembly with the tool's name.

· Create the desired tool geometry in the solid model.

· Create a coordinate system in the model, and name it TIP. For milling and

holemaking tools, the Z-axis of the coordinate system must point to the tool.
This

coordinate system represents the tool tip (often referred to as the control
point).

This point specifies the X-, Y-, and Z-positions for the tool in NC sequences.

· Associate solid model dimensions with tool parameters. You can do this by

changing dimension symbols to correspond to tool parameter names. For


exam-

ple, length, cutter_diam, and corner_radius.

· Configure solid model parameters to correspond to tool parameters. For


example,

tool_material and num_of_teeth. You can use the tool_material and

num_of_teeth parameters with a machinability database to determine cut feed

and spindle speed.

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Using Solid Model Milling Tools

You can use solid model tools in NC sequences by retrieving them in the
Tool Setup

dialog box. Model dimensions and parameter values are automatically


transferred in-

to the tool configuration parameters.

· During the tool configuration process, you have two options when
retrieving

solid model tools:

- By Reference – You can directly associate the solid model with the tool

configuration. You cannot directly modify the tool parameters using this

option. However, if you modify the stored solid model, then all the manu-

facturing data is updated when you regenerate the manufacturing model.

- By Copy – You can copy the tool information into the manufacturing

model. You can directly modify the tool parameters in the Tool Setup dia-

log box. Any changes to the stored solid model do not affect the manufac-

turing model.

You can find existing models from:

· Ptc.com

· Your supplier - Kennametal, Iscar, Seco, Sandvik..

188
· STEP, SAT, etc.

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2.7.5 Solid Tools coordinate systems

You have to create a coordinate system in the model, and name it TIP. For

milling and holemaking tools, the Z-axis of the coordinate system must point

to the tool. This coordinate system represents the tool tip (often referred to as

the control point). This point specifies the X-, Y-, and Z-positions for the tool

in NC sequences.

The other Coordinate Systems are TOOL_POINT and HOLDER.

· The HOLDER – coordinate system is for the assembly of the holder

191
and the tool.

· The TOOL_POINT – coordinate system is for the machine simula-

tion to assemble the solid tool model on the machine assembly.

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2.7.6 Solid Tool Parameters

You need to define a number of parameters for the tools. If an assembly is


used as a

tool model, the system will search the assembly first, and then all the
component

parts in the same order as they were assembled (that is, the first component
will be

searched first), for the tool parameters and origin data. Once a parameter is
set, all

values for the same parameter found later will be ignored. In other words, the
top-

level assembly parameters take precedence over component parameters, and

192
after

that the precedence is determined by the order of assembly.

If, after all components are searched, some of the tool parameters are
missing, an er-

ror message will appear and you will be asked to select another tool.

If you are using your own made tool or PTC standard solid tools, you can
find pa-

rameters from part level as below:

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2.8

Tools for Camshaft Plate

The camshaft Plate part needs different type of tools for bottom- and topside
.There

are numerous types of tools available for both. It is not so easy to find out
which are

the best ones. There are also numerous suppliers as well as different type of
ma-

chines and holders for them. You can ask from suppliers to help you and ask
if there

are 3D-models of the tools.

The 3D-model Tools what are used in this book can be found from the
author’s

website.

You can also use the Standard Tools.

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196
197
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2.8.1 Face Milling Tool

The face milling tool is 20mm diameter end mill or 50mm diameter Face
mill with 5

inserts.

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200
201
202
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2.8.2 End Mill

The End Mills are 20mm diameter end mill and 8mm diameter end mill.

Standard Tools:

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205
206
207
208
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2.8.3 Spot Drill

The Spot Drill:

Solid tool

Standard Tool General settings

Standard tool Play Path

2.8.4 Drilling Tool

The Basic Drill:

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211
212
213
214
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2.8.5 Tapping Tool

The Tapping Tool:

2.8.6 Chamfer Tool

The Chamfer Tool:

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2.9

Tool library

You can configure a tool library where all tool data is stored. This enables
quick and

easy retrieval of tools by all users.

You can create a tool library where all tool parameter files are stored. You
can divide

the library into folders for different types of tools, for example, milling tools,
drills,

and center drills.

· You can specify the location of a tool library using the configuration option

pro_mf_tprm_dir pathname.

- For example, pro_mf_tprm_dir d:\ptc\tool_lib.

- Creo Parametric then automatically starts searching in the specified

location whenever you retrieve a tool.

Task 2.9: Configuration Editor

218
Click File > Options. Select Configuration Editor.

Click Find…

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219
Type: pro_mf and click Find Now:

You can see all the options starting pro_mf. Select pro_mf_tprm_dir.

Click Browse.

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Select the folder where the tools are. OK.

Click Add/Change > Close

You should now see the new option on the list.

Click OK. Select Yes to Save the configuration file. The default folder is
active

working directory.

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If possible (writing rights), try save the config.pro to the installation directory
and to

the text folder:

If this is not possible, save the config.pro to your working directory.

Task 2.9 is ready.

Note! By default, Creo Parametric starts searching for tools in the


pro_mf_tprm_dir

folder, or the current working directory if no configuration option is


specified.

So you can copy all the tool files to your working directory, but this is not

222
recommended, because the libraries are better places for the tools and fixtures
and

the other components.

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2.10 Common about NC Sequences

NC sequence is a workpiece feature that represents a single tool path. When


you

create an NC sequence, a dialog box corresponding to the NC sequence type


is dis-

played. Each of these dialog boxes has the following options:

· Parameter - Open the parameter tree.

· Comment - Type comments regarding NC sequences

· Define - Specify the tool, parameters, and geometric references. You can
also

apply some low-level control depending on the NC sequence type.

· Info - Display parameter and NC sequence information.

· Preview - Display the tool path for the NC sequence prior to completion of

the NC sequence. Available after all elements have been defined.

· Done - Completes creation of the current NC sequence.

· Cancel - Terminates the creation of the current NC sequence after


confirma-

223
tion.

· Next - Completes the current NC sequence and starts creating another


Nibble

Edge NC sequence with the same tool and parameters.

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2.10.1 Milling Manufacturing Parameters

224
Manufacturing parameters enable you to control how an NC sequence is
generated.

You can specify and edit parameter values as needed. You can configure and
store

manufacturing parameters in global site files or in NC specific parameter


files. You

can retrieve these files, enabling you to quickly and easily set suitable
parameter val-

ues when creating NC sequences.

It is important to understand the different ways in which you can


configure

manufacturing parameters!

Parameter types are divided by six logical categories:

Required parameters must be configured (marked yellow color).

You create NC sequences by selecting or creating geometry to machine. You


then

determine how to generate the toolpath by modifying manufacturing


parameters. The

parameters available for configuration can vary depending on the type of NC


se-

quence that you are creating.

· Some parameters such as feed rate and spindle speed are present in all NC

sequence types.

· Some parameters are specific to certain types of sequences. When you

225
create

NC sequences, only the relevant parameters are available for configuration.

Required parameters – If a parameter is highlighted in a light yellow color


in the

Edit Parameters dialog box, then it is a required parameter. You must specify
a value

for this type of parameter to calculate a toolpath.

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Optional parameters – If a parameter has a default value of “-,” it is an


optional pa-

rameter. –You can leave this type of parameter unchanged if required. For
example,

APPROACH_FEED = -.

– This type of parameter is not used unless you specify a value.

Numeric assigned parameters – This type of parameter is assigned a


specific nu-

meric value by default. – For example, CUT_ANGLE = 0. – You can change


these

parameters to other specific values if desired.

Non-numeric assigned parameters – This type of parameter is assigned a


specific

non-numeric value by default. – For example, COOLANT_OPTION = OFF.

226
– You can change these parameters to other specific values if desired. You
can select

the available values from a drop-down list.

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2.10.2 Milling NC Sequences

To access Mill type NC sequences, you must be in a Mill or Mill/Turn


workcell. The

following NC Sequence types are available:

· Face - Facing down the workpiece.

· Volume Rough - 2.5-Axis slice-by-slice milling used to remove material

from a specified volume.

· Roughing - High-speed milling sequences used to remove all material


inside

a Mill Window boundary.

· Plunge Rough - 2.5-Axis rough milling of deep cavities by a series of over-

lapping plunges into the material, using a flat-bottom tool.

· Re-rough - Used to machine only the areas where a previous Roughing or

Reroughing sequence could not reach.

· Local Milling - Used to remove material left after a Volume, Profile, Con-

ventional or Contour Surface, or another Local milling NC sequence (usually

227
with a smaller tool). Can also be used to clean up material in specified cor-

ners.

· Surface Milling - 3- to 5-Axis milling of horizontal or slanted surfaces.


You

are given a choice of several methods for defining the cut.

· Profile Milling - 3- to 5-Axis milling of vertical or slanted surfaces.

· Finishing - Used to machine the detail of the reference part after Roughing

and Reroughing.

· Corner Finishing - 3-axis milling, to automatically machine corners and

valleys that cannot be reached by a previous ball end mill.

· Pocketing - 2.5-Axis milling of horizontal, vertical, or slanted surfaces. The

walls of the pocket will be milled as with Profiling, the bottom—as the bot-

tom surfaces in Volume milling.

· Swarf Milling - 5-Axis milling of a series horizontal or slanted surfaces by

cutting with the side of the tool.

· Trajectory - 3- to 5-Axis milling, with the tool moving along a specified


tra-

jectory.

· Custom Trajectory - Define the tool path for 3- to 5-axis Trajectory


milling

by interactively specifying the trajectory of the control point of the tool.

228
· Engraving - 3- to 5-Axis milling, with the tool moving along a Groove cos-

metic feature or a curve.

· Thread Milling - 3-Axis helical milling.

· Drilling - Drilling, boring, tapping.

· Auto Drilling - Auto drill selected holes using the selected coordinate
system

or retract plane.

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CAMSHAFT PLATE MILLING SEQUENCES

3.1

229
Face Milling

A Face Milling sequence enables you to face down the workpiece with a flat
or radi-

us end mill tool. This enables you to configure the top surface of the job and
a refer-

ence surface for other NC sequences. When creating face milling sequences,
it is im-

portant that you use the correct manufacturing parameters to ensure that the
toolpath

is efficiently generated. You can also create mill surfaces and use them as
alternate

references when model surfaces are inappropriate, for instance, when you
need to

machine multiple model surfaces as one surface.

· All machining movements are parallel to the retract plane.

· All inner contours in the configured reference geometry (holes, slots) are
au-

tomatically excluded from machining.

· If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, then you can remove

the machined volume from the workpiece by creating a material removal fea-

ture. You can do this after you complete the NC sequence.

Task 3.1: Create a Face Milling NC sequence and edit parameter values.

Disable all Datum Display types. Select the Mill tab.

230
Click Face from the Milling group. Select the drop-down arrow next to the
box

containing “No tool” and select Edit Tools…

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Now you can create the standard tool or select the Solid Tool from the
specified

folder. Return to the Chapter 1.4 if needed.

The following instructions are for the solid tools.

Select: end_long_sk40.asm and from the Instance window:

END_LONG_SK40_D20 > Open.

Select the Cut Data tab. Notice EN40B is selected from the Stock Material

drop-down list.

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Now, if you are using High Speed Steel (HSS), the Cutting speed (V) for

High Speed Steel (HSS) tools is 60 foot per minute (ft/min) = 18m/min.

Type 18 (m/min) in the Speed text box and type 0.2 (mm/tooth) in the Feed
text

box.

These values are equivalent for the Speed 286 (rev/min) and for the Feed
114.59

235
(mm/min). You can round the feed as 120 mm/min.

Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool. In the Tool

Setup dialog box, click Save to save the updated tool information. OK.

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Note, the saved end_long_sk40_d20.xml file now contains feed and speed
in-

formation, as shown. The xml-file locates in the tool-folder.

Select the Reference tab. Click in the Machining References box. Select the
top

surface of the model, as shown

Select the Parameters tab. Required Parameters are highlighted in a light


yellow

color in the Edit Parameters dialog box until they have been configured.

238
Edit CUT_FEED to 120.

Edit STEP_DEPTH to 2.

Edit STEP_OVER to 10.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 286.

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Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath > Click Play

Notice that the toolpath follows the outline of the selected model surface.
You

can change this by changing parameters. Click Close in the Play Path dialog

240
box

when finished.

Click Complete Feature.

Task 3.1 is ready. Save your work.

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3.1.1 Editing NC Sequence Parameters

Manufacturing parameters enable you to control how an NC sequence is


generat-

ed. It is important to understand the different ways in which you can


con-

figure manufacturing parameters.

For example the previous Face Milling NC Sequence is not good enough
with

the default parameters.

The tool approach straight over the workpiece and the toolpath is not good
either.

Task 3.1.1: Editing NC Sequence parameters.

Select the Face Milling 1 NC Sequence from the model tree and Edit Defini-

tion. Select the Parameters tab in the dashboard. Click Edit Machining Pa-

rameters.

243
Click the All button, and select All categories from the Categories drop-
down

list. Edit TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE to YES. Click OK in the Edit Parameters

dialog box.

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245
Click Display Toolpath > Click Play. Notice that the toolpath now follows
the

outline of the workpiece.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box when finished.

TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE Parameter:

· If TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is set to NO, then Creo Parametric machines

the selected surface without regard to the workpiece outline.

· If TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is set to YES, then the toolpath extends or

trims to the workpiece cross-section at the depth of the surface you are

machining.

Edit entry and exit parameter values in an existing NC step.

Select the Parameters tab in the dashboard. Click Edit Machining Parameters.
Click

the All button, and select Entry/Exit Motions from the Categories drop-
down list.

Edit APPROACH_DISTANCE to 1 and EXIT_DISTANCE to 1. OK.

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Click Display Toolpath > Click Play. Notice the tool now extends an extra
distance

on the first and last pass, as shown.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box when finished.

Entry and Exit Face Milling Parameters:

There are a number of parameters that control entry and exit motions when
creating

face milling sequences.

Entry and Exit Parameters:

· START_OVERTRAVEL and END_OVERTRAVEL

- The START_OVERTRAVEL parameter adds an offset to the beginning

of each pass in a slice. The END_OVERTRAVEL adds an offset to the

end of each pass in a slice.

247
· APPROACH_DISTANCE and EXIT_DISTANCE

- The APPROACH_DISTANCE parameter adds an extra approach dis-

tance to the first pass of each slice. The EXIT_DISTANCE parameter

adds an extra distance to the last pass of each slice.

· ENTRY_EDGE and CLEARANCE_EDGE

- You can edit the ENTRY_EDGE parameter to LEADING_EDGE (the

default), CENTER, or HEEL. This parameter controls which point of the

tool is used for measuring the approach and over travel motions when the

tool approaches the component being machined during each pass in a

slice.

- You can edit the CLEARANCE_EDGE parameter to HEEL (the default),

CENTER, or LEADING_EDGE. This parameter controls which point of

the tool is used for measuring the exit and over travel motions when the

tool leaves the material during each pass in a slice.

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Editing depth control parameter values in an existing NC step.

There are a number of parameters that control the depth of a cut when
creating face

milling sequences. Depth Control Parameters:

· STEP_DEPTH

· NUMBER_CUTS

- Smallest resulting depth of cut used.

250
· If NUMBER_CUTS = 0 or 1 and STEP_DEPTH is greater than depth to

be machined.

- One pass taken at full depth.

· BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW

- Stock remaining on machined surface.

- Default is zero.

Select the Parameters tab in the dashboard. Click Edit Machining Parameters.
Click

the All button, and select Cut Depth and Allowances from the Categories
drop-

down list.

Edit STEP_DEPTH to 1. Edit START_OVERTRAVEL and

END_OVERTRAVEL to 1. Edit NUMBER_CUTS to 2. OK.

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Click Display Toolpath > Click Play. Notice that the tool now makes two
passes,

one at a depth of 1 and one at full depth, as shown.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box when finished.

Click Complete Feature.

Task 3.1.1 is ready. Save your work.

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3.1.2 Lateral Control Face Milling Parameters

Lateral control parameters are a group of parameters that control the lateral

movement of the tool in face milling steps. Lateral movement is also affected
by

the trim_to_workpiece parameter.

The following is a summary of the key parameters that control the lateral
move-

ment of the tool in face milling steps.

· SCAN_TYPE

- TYPE_1 – Moves the tool back and forth across the surface.

- TYPE_3 – If there are separate zones, then each zone is machined

252
separately. Otherwise the same as TYPE_1.

- TYPE_ONE_DIR – Machines in one direction and retracts between

passes.

- TYPE_SPIRAL – Creates a spiral toolpath.

· CUT_ANGLE – Is the angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of

the NC Step coordinate system.

· STEP_OVER – Three parameters control the step-over distance. The fi-

nal toolpath uses the parameter that produces the smallest calculated step-

over:

- STEP_OVER – Controls the step-over within a slice.

- Or NUMBER_PASSES – Explicitly sets the number of passes to take

in each slice.

- Or TOOL_OVERLAP – An alternative method to control the step-

over based on the tool overlap.

· If NUMBER_PASSES is equal to 1, however, step-over is ignored and

one pass is created at the center of the machined surface for each slice.

· STEP_OVER_ADJUST – Adjusts the passes in the slice to start and fin-

ish near the edges of the surface that you are machining. It only reduces

the step-over distance, and adds an extra pass if needed.

· ONE_PASS_OFFSET – Controls the distance away from the centerline

253
when NUMBER_PASSES is equal to 1, and a single pass is made.

· INITIAL_EDGE_OFFSET – Enables you to offset the first pass in rela-

tion to the edge of the surface being milled.

· FINAL_EDGE_OFFSET – Enables you to offset the last pass in relation

to the edge of the surface being milled.

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Below are a few examples of the lateral control parameters:

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If the tool diameter is greater than the face to mill, you can use the parameter

NUMBER_PASSES = 1, One pass made at center.

As you can notice, the manufacturing parameters affects to toolpath


substantial-

ly!

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3.1.3 Material Removal Feature

When you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, then you can
remove

the machined volume from the workpiece by creating a material removal

258
fea-

ture. You can do this after you complete the NC sequence.

Task 3.1.3: Create a material removal feature to cut away the machined
volume

from the workpiece for the face milling sequence

Select Material Removal Cut from the Manufacturing Geometry Group


drop-

down menu.

Click Face Milling 1 from the menu manager. Click Automatic > Done.
Click

the Auto Add button to select the workpiece to intersect. Click OK to


complete

the feature.

Task 3.1.3 is ready.

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259
3.2

Profile Milling

Profile milling sequences enable you to rough and finish mill both vertical
and slant-

ed surfaces. This is useful for machining the sidewalls of pockets and for
machining

outside profiles of components. When creating profile milling sequences, you


can

create mill surfaces and use them as alternate references when model surfaces
are in-

appropriate, for instance, when the model surface being machined has a
variable

depth. Another important skill with profile milling is the ability to refine the
entry

and exit motions of the toolpath to enable proper application of cutter


compensation

and to eliminate witness lines from the machined surfaces.

· Surfaces selected for machining must enable a continuous toolpath.

· The depth of the surfaces selected for machining determines the final cut

depth.

· You can configure tool approach and exit motions (customizing).

· If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, you can remove the

machined volume from the workpiece by creating a material removal feature.

260
You can do this after you complete the NC sequence.

Customizing the Toolpath

· By default, toolpaths are generated based on the selected reference


geometry

and the manufacturing parameters.

· It is possible to modify these default cut motions by adding alternative ap-

proach and exit moves.

· You can use two tools to do this:

- Approach/Exit – This option enables you to add or remove slices or cut-

ting passes, and specify approach and exit paths.

- Tool Motions – This option enables you to modify default cut motions.

This includes removing default cut motions and adding your own cut mo-

tions including approach and exit tool motions.

- Both tools provide essentially the same functionality, but use different in-

terfaces.

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Task 3.2: Create a profile milling sequence and edit parameter values.

Disable all Datum Display types. In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Click
Profile

Milling from the Milling group.

Click Tool Manager in the Profile Milling dashboard. Ensure that the

END_LONG_SK40_D20 tool is selected, and then right-click and select


Select tool

and return.

Select the Reference tab in the dashboard, and click Details below the
Machining

References collector. In the Surface Sets dialog box, click Add. Notice the
default

rule selection is Loop surfaces. Cursor over the model, right-click, and select
the

bottom surface of the reference model, as shown.

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Select outer edge of the reference model for the loop edge, as shown. Notice
that the

selected loop of surfaces highlight.

Click OK.

Select the Parameters tab in the dashboard. Edit CUT_FEED to 120. Edit

STEP_DEPTH to 5. Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5. Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 286.

Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath in the dashboard.


Click

Play. Notice that the toolpath make a straight pass to the profile, because
there is no

265
lead in or lead out motions configured for the toolpath. Click Close in the
Play Path

dialog box when finished.

Click Complete Feature. Save your work.

Task 3.2 is ready.

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3.2.1 Lead In and Lead Out

When you create profile milling sequences, you can use a number of
parameters to

control lead in and lead out motions.

Lead In and Lead Out Motion Parameters:

· CUTCOM - Turns cutter compensation on or off in the CL data file. When

configuring a workcell, you can specify whether the cutter compensation is

toward the tool center (default) or tool edge.

· CUT_ENTRY_EXT / CUT_EXIT_EXT - Set to LEAD_IN/LEAD_OUT,

tool enters and exits the workpiece along a tangent arc.

· LEAD_RADIUS - Radius value of the tangent circle move for lead in or

lead out.

· TANGENT_LEAD_STEP - Linear distance of the tangent section of a


lead

in or lead out motion.

· NORMAL_LEAD_STEP - Linear distance of the normal section of a lead

in or lead out motion.

· OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE - For profile milling. The distance the tool

travels past the start of a profile pass.

267
· APPROACH/EXIT - For profile milling, this is an optional element. It
ena-

bles creation of approach and exit moves. You can use these as an alternative

to lead in and lead out motions.

- APPROACH_DISTANCE - You can use this parameter when creating cut

motions or using the approach/exit option. The distance of an approach

move for a tangent or normal approach.

- EXIT_DISTANCE - You can use this parameter when creating cut mo-

tions or using build cut. The distance of an exit move for a tangent or

normal exit.

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Task 3.2.1: Edit the lead in and lead out parameters in a profile milling
sequence.

270
Select the Profile Milling 1 NC sequence in the model tree. Right-click and
select

Edit Definition.

Select the Parameters tab. Click Edit Machining Parameters. Click the All
button,

and select Entry/Exit Motions from the Categories drop-down list. Select

LEAD_IN from the CUT_ENTRY_EXT drop-down menu. Select


LEAD_OUT

from the CUT_EXIT_EXT drop-down menu. Edit LEAD_RADIUS to 10.


Click

OK.

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Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath. Click Play. Notice
that lead

in and lead out motions are now created, as shown left.

Adjust the entry and exit moves. Select the Parameters tab. Click Edit
Machining

Parameters. Edit TANGENT_LEAD_STEP to 10. Edit

OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE to 5. Click OK. Review the resulting toolpath.


Click

Display Toolpath in the Profile Milling dashboard. Click Play. Notice the
over

travel distance removes any witness lines from the machined surfaces.

Task 3.2.1 is ready.

Click Complete Feature. Save your work.

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3.2.2 Depth and Lateral Control Parameters

When you create profile milling sequences, you can use a number of
parameters to

control the depth of cut and lateral movement.

Depth Control Parameters:

· STEP_DEPTH - The incremental depth of each cut for each profile pass.

· AXIS_SHIFT – Moves the CL data up or down along the tool axis. If set to
a

positive value, all CL data is shifted down along the tool axis. If set to a neg-

274
ative value, all CL data is shifted up along the tool axis. The default is 0.

Lateral Control Parameters:

· PROF_INCREMENT - The horizontal distance between passes.

· NUM_PROF_PASSES - The number of profile passes at each depth.

· PROF_STOCK_ALLOW - The remaining stock material left on profile

milled surfaces.

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Task 3.2.2: Edit depth control parameter values in a profile milling sequence.

Select the Profile Milling 1 NC sequence in the model tree. Right-click and
select

276
Edit Definition.

Click Step Parameters. Click the All button and select Cut Depth and
Allowances

Category from the Categories drop-down list. Edit the following parameters:

Edit STEP_DEPTH to 3.

Edit NUM_PROF_PASSES to 2.

Edit PROF_INCREMENT to 1.

Edit AXIS_SHIFT to 0.2

Click OK.

Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath > Click Play. Notice
that the

toolpath now makes two passes at each step as shown above right.

Click Complete Feature. Select Material Removal Cut from the


Manufacturing

Geometry Group drop-down menu.

Task 3.2.2 is ready. Save your work.

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3.2.3 Cutter Compensation

Generally the CAM software used to generate a tool path also generates the
tool off-

set to account for the diameter of the tooling. CAM systems allow the user to

277
pro-

gram as if with a zero-diameter cutter.

Why Cutter Diameter Compensation?

· When machining finished surfaces with the side of a milling cutter


(generally

called profiling), the accuracy of the finished surface depends on the cutter

accuracy and how closely the cutter diameter matches the programmed size.

· Cutters wear causing size changes in profiled surfaces.

· Reground endmills are always smaller than nominal size.

Cutter radius compensation can be one of the more difficult


programming fea-

tures to fully master. There are many rules, and when something goes
wrong, it

can be difficult to diagnose and correct the problem.

Cutter Compensation is mostly used in manual CNC programming but can be


used

with different CAM systems also.

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3.2.3.1

Cutter Compensation in Creo

When configuring a workcell, you can specify whether the cutter


compensation is

toward the tool center (default) or tool edge. (This is not a Task!)

Parameters used for Cutter Compensation:

For example. T1, H1 and D1, where D is Register number.

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The Register number is automatically the number of the tool if this is chosen
in the

postprocessor: Output tool number as the diameter offset number when


not

specified:

In addition you have to define the TANGENT_LEAD_STEP parameter –


Linear

281
distance of the tangent section of a lead in or lead out motion.

Cutter compensation is enabled on the first linear move and the output
switches from

the center to the edge of the tool.

Cutter compensation must be turned on or off with a line move, never an arc.
Com-

manding G40/G41/G42 with an arc move will cause a diameter compensation


error

that will stop the program.

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Below is an example how the cutter compensation works. Positioning:

CUTCOM LEFT:

The tool edge is on the left side of the profile edge:

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CUTCOM OFF:

NC code:

N1 T1 M6

N2 S286 M3

N3 G0 X15. Y-45.

N4 G43 Z5. H1 M7

N5 Z4.3

N6 G1 Z-3.7 F120.

N7 G41 X25. Y-35. D1

(G41= Compensation Left)

N8 G3 X5. Y-15. I-20. J0.

N9 G1 X-20.

N50 G2 X20. Y-15. I-5. J0.

N51 G1 X-5.

N52 G3 X-25. Y-35. I0. J-20.

N53 G1 G40 X-15. Y-45.

(Compensation Off)

N54 Z5.

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N55 M5

N56 M30

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3.3

285
Volume Milling
When machining, it is important that you be able to remove large amounts of

workpiece material. You typically use volume milling sequences for this
purpose.

Examples include machining mold cavities, machining pockets and slots, and
facing

down a workpiece. The volume milling process involves specifying the


volume of

material to be removed. You achieve this by creating either mill windows or


mill

volumes. You can modify volume milling sequences using build cut and
customized

functionality. This enables you to edit and remove the default cut motions
and add

new cut motions as required.

You can use the following features to describe volume milling NC sequences:

· Volume milling sequences remove the material inside a specified volume

slice-by-slice.

· All slices are parallel to the retract plane.

· You can create both roughing and profiling passes within a volume milling

sequence.

· You use manufacturing geometry to configure the volume of material to

286
ma-

chine.

- You can use a mill volume or mill window to represent the volume of

material to be removed.

· By default, the tool does not machine outside the specified volume.

- However, the tool can break through surfaces of a volume if they are spe-

cifically selected as approach walls.

· Top surfaces are surfaces of a mill volume that the tool can also penetrate

when creating the toolpath.

- You only have to use this option if some of the top surfaces of the volume

are not parallel to the retract plane. If you use a mill window, this option

is not available. You can use the window start plane as the top surface.

· You can modify the default cut motions by using the build cut or customize

functionality.

· If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, you can remove the

machined volume from the workpiece by creating a material removal feature.

You can do this after you complete the NC sequence.

Mill Volume Configuration Tools

The following tools enable simple mill volume configuration:

· Add solid features – You can sketch an outline and create an extruded mill

287
volume. If required, you can also create more complex shapes using tools

such as revolve, sweep, and blend.

· Trim – You can automatically subtract the reference model material from an

existing mill volume. You usually apply this to sketched volumes.

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Gathering Mill Volumes

The gathering technique enables you to create complex mill volume shapes
by refer-

encing model geometry including surfaces and edges.

288
The gathering process involves several steps and the selection of various
options:

· Select Surfaces – You select the surfaces to machine. There are several

methods available. With each method, the selected surfaces are sewn together

to form a single quilt which is by default extruded up to the retract plane to

form a volume. Alternatively, you can extrude the quilt to a user-defined

plane if required. There are four options for selecting surfaces.

- Surf and Bound – You select one of the surfaces for machining (the seed

surface) and then select bounding surfaces. The seed surface and all

neighboring surfaces up to the boundary surfaces are sewn together into a

single quilt. You can also configure boundary loops to add outer loops of

edges to the boundary.

- Surfaces – You select continuous surfaces to machine.

- Features – You select features to be machined. All the surfaces of selected

features are included.

- Mill Surfaces – You select pre-configured mill surfaces.

· Exclude – This option is available only if you gather using an option other

than Surf and Bound (for example, Surfaces). There are two exclude options.

- Surfaces – Exclude some of the selected surfaces by selecting each of

them individually. This is especially convenient when gathering using the

Features or Mill Surf options.

289
- Loops – Exclude outer loops. Use this option to delete unwanted portions

of surfaces selected for gathering.

· Fill – When you fill an inner loop of edges on a surface selected for gather-

ing, it is equivalent to "patching" the base quilt of the mill volume. The vol-

ume is built as if there was a smooth surface with no perforations. Two fill

options are available.

- All – Fill all loops on a selected surface. Select a surface. All inner loops

on this surface are filled, whether they belong to bounding surfaces or

not.

- Loops – Select loops to be filled. For each loop to be filled, you must se-

lect only one edge. If you gather using Surf and Bound, the edges must lie

on the bounding surfaces. Select additional bounding surfaces if neces-

sary.

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· Close – This enables you to specify the mill volume capping plane.

- The mill volume is generated by extruding the boundaries of the selected

surface quilt vertically up to the specified plane or surface.

- If you create a mill volume during the creation of a volume milling se-

quence, then by default Creo Parametric closes the mill volume automati-

cally. This is done by extruding the boundaries of the surface quilt verti-

cally up to the retract plane. Note in this case, you can still specify an al-

ternative capping plane if required.

Trimming Mill Volumes

292
You can also create a volume milling sequence using the trimmed mill
volume.

You can subtract the reference model from the mill volume geometry using
the trim

functionality.

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Task 3.3: Create a volume milling sequence using an extrude feature and
trim func-

tionality.

In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Select Volume Rough from the Roughing
drop-

down menu in the Milling group.

Notice that in the SEQ SETUP menu, the Tool, Parameters, and Window
check box-

295
es are automatically selected. Select the Volume check box. You must
configure

these items to generate a toolpath. In addition, select the Name box and Click
Done.

Edit the name for the NC Sequence. Click New in the Tool Setup dialog box.

Retrieve tool By Copy (or create standard tool).

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Select Instance: END_LONG_SK40_D8.

Cut Data:

Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool. In the Tool
Setup

dialog box, click Save to save the updated tool information. OK.

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Edit the required parameters for the NC sequence:

· Edit CUT_FEED to 287.

· Edit STEP_DEPTH to 2.

· Edit STEP_OVER to 4.

301
· Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

· Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 716.

· Click OK.

Click Mill Volume from the Manufacturing Geometry group. Click Extrude
from

the Shapes group. Right-click and select Define Internal Sketch.

Select the top surface of the reference model, as shown. Click Sketch.

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303
Orient the sketching plane parallel to the screen. Click References from the
Setup

group.

Select the left and top edges of the reference model as references, as shown.

Click Close in the References dialog box. Click Project. Select the Loop
option.

Right click to query on the model and select the top surface of the reference
model,

as shown.

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Click next until the loop is highlighted as shown below. Accept to select the
loop of

edges.

Click Close.

Click OK in the Sketch dashboard. Click Change Depth Direction in the


Extrude

dashboard. Edit the depth to selected and select the surface as shown below:

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308
Click Complete Feature in the Extrude dashboard. Click Trim from the
Volume

Features group.

Select the reference model, as shown below. Click OK from the Controls
group.

Click Done Seq. Select the NC sequence from the model tree and Play Path.

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Notice the tool path, the scanning parameter is now TYPE_3.

Click close.

Task 3.3 is ready. Save your work.

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3.3.1 Scanning Volume Milling Parameters

Scanning parameters are a group of parameters that control how the tool
machines

309
each slice in volume milling sequences. The following is a summary of the
key pa-

rameters that control how the tool scans each slice in volume milling
sequences.

Scanning Parameters:

· ROUGH_OPTION - Controls whether a profiling and/or roughing pass is

created during volume milling.

- ROUGH_ONLY - No profiling.

- ROUGH_&_PROF - Rough then profile.

- PROF_&_ROUGH - Profile then rough.

- PROF_ONLY - Only profiling.

- ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP - Cleans up the walls of the volume without

creating a profiling pass.

- POCKETING - Profiles the walls of the volume and finish mills all the

planar surfaces inside the volume that are parallel to the retract plane (is-

land tops and bottom of the volume).

- FACES_ONLY - Finish mills only the planar surfaces inside the volume

that are parallel to the retract plane (island tops and bottom of the vol-

ume).

· CUT_ANGLE - The angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of the

NC Sequence coordinate system.

310
· SCAN_TYPE - For volume milling. Refers to the way a milling tool scans

the horizontal cross-section of a milling volume and avoids islands.

- TYPE_1 - Continuously machines the volume. Retracts upon encounter-

ing islands.

- TYPE_2 - Continuously machines the volume without retracting, while

moving around the islands.

- TYPE_3 - Removes material from continuous zones defined by the island

geometry, machining them in turn and moving around the islands.

- TYPE_SPIRAL - Generates a spiral cutter path.

- TYPE_ONE_DIR - The tool only cuts in one direction.

- POCKETING - Profiles the walls of the volume and finish mills all the

planar surfaces, inside the volume, that are parallel to the retract plane (is-

land tops and bottom of the volume).

- FACES_ONLY - Finish mills only the planar surfaces, inside the volume,

that are parallel to the retract plane (island tops and bottom of the vol-

ume).

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SCAN_TYPE examples: TYPE_3

TYPE_SPIRAL:

314
TYP_ONE_DIR:

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315
High speed machining options:

· CONSTANT_LOAD - Performs high speed roughing (with

ROUGH_OPTION set to ROUGH_ONLY) or profiling (with

ROUGH_OPTION set to PROF_ONLY).

· SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE - Generates a spiral cutter path with re-

verse arc connections between cuts. This is a high speed machining option,

which minimizes retracts.

· SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION - Generates a spiral cutter path


with

S-shape connections between cuts. This is a high speed machining option,

which minimizes retracts.

· FOLLOW_HARDWALLS - The shape of each cut follows the shape of the

walls of the volume, maintaining fixed offset between the respective points of

two successive cuts. If the cuts are closed, there are S-shape connections be-

tween the cuts.

CONSTANT_LOAD:

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Task 3.3.1: Edit parameters relating to scanning and depth in the previously
VOL-

UME MILLING NC sequence.

Select the BOT_POCKET NC sequence in the model tree. Right-click and


select

Edit Step Parameters. Click the All button, and select Cutting Motions from
the

Categories drop-down list. Select SCAN_TYPE parameter and change to

318
SPIRAL

and click OK.

Play the Path:

Entry and Exit Motions for the volume milling:

Select the BOT_POCKET NC sequence in the model tree. Right-click and


select

Edit Step Parameters. Click the All button, and select Entry/Exit Motions
from the

Categories drop-down list. Select RAMP_ANGLE parameter and edit to 15.


Click

OK.

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Play the Path. Notice the angle that tool enter to the workpiece.

320
Select the BOT_POCKET NC sequence in the model tree. Right-click and
select

Edit Step Parameters. Click the All button, and select Entry/Exit Motions
from the

Categories drop-down list. Select RAMP_ANGLE parameter and edit to 3.


Select

HELICAL_DIAMETER parameter and edit to 10. Click OK.

Play the Path. You can hide the volume before the Play Path.

Task 3.3.1 is ready.

Create the Material Removal Cut for the volume from the Manufacturing
Geometry

Group drop-down menu.

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3.4

Pocket Milling

Pocketing can be used to finish mill after a rough Volume operation, or for
direct fin-

323
ishing. The surfaces selected must allow for a continuous tool path. The
pocket may

include horizontal, vertical, or slanted surfaces. The walls of the pocket will
be

milled as with Profiling, the bottom - as the bottom surfaces in Volume


milling.

Now the machined part looks as below:

Task 3.4: Pocket Milling.

Select Pocketing from the Milling drop-down menu. Select the Name check
box. Pa-

rameters and Surfaces check boxes are automatically selected. The tool is the
same

as in the previous NC Sequence.

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Type the name for the NC Sequence:

Edit the following parameters for the NC sequence.

Edit CUT_FEED to 100.

Edit STEP_DEPTH to 2.

Edit STEP_OVER to 2.

Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_SPIRAL

Edit RAMP_ANGLE to 5.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 2.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 716

325
Click OK.

From the menu manager > SURF PICK > accept the default Model – Done.

Press CTRL and Select the two surfaces within the pocket as shown. >

Done/Return.

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From the menu manager, click Play Path > Screen Play.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box when finished. Click Done Seq.

Create the Material Removal Cut for the Circular Pocket from the
Manufacturing

Geometry Group drop-down menu. Select Automatic. If you get the message
FEAT

FAILED > Quit and create it again.

Select Construct. > Done. Select Solid > Cut > Extrude > Solid > Done.

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Right-click and select Define Internal Sketch.

Select the placement surfaces as shown above. In the Sketcher, select Project
and se-

lect the two edges as shown below. Click Save the section and exit.

330
Select the depth as shown below. Click complete feature. Click
Done/Return.

Task 3.4 is ready. Save your work.

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3.5

Holemaking

Holemaking sequences enable you to create many different types of drilling


cycles

for machining. During the holemaking process, you need to select the
appropriate

cycle type. These include standard drilling, boring, tapping, reaming, and
countersink

drill cycles. It is important to understand when you should use each type of

331
drill cy-

cle. Another important stage in the holemaking process is creating hole sets
that de-

fine the holes to be drilled. If you need to perform a series of holemaking


sequences

on the same set of holes, you can configure a drill group that simplifies the
selection

process.

Holemaking Process:

· Select the drill cycle type, for example, deep drilling or reaming.

· Select an appropriate holemaking tool

· Configure holemaking parameters.

· Configure the set of holes to be machined by selecting the holes and


specify-

ing depth options.

· Customize hole connections (optional)

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Cycle Types:

Depending on the cycle type you select, a different CYCLE/XXXX statement


is out-

put in the CL data file. You can configure a number of different cycle types.

· Drill - Drill a hole. Depending on the additional option you select, the
follow-

ing statement is output to the CL file.

- Standard (default) – CYCLE/DRILL.

- Deep – CYCLE/DEEP.

- BreakChip – CYCLE/BRKCHP.

333
- Web – CYCLE/THRU (for multiple plates).

- Back – GOTO and SPINDLE statements for back spotting.

· Face - Drill a hole with an optional dwell at final depth to help ensure a
clean

surface at the bottom of the hole. The CYCLE/FACE statement is output to

the CL file.

· Bore - Bore a hole to create a finish hole diameter with high precision. The

CYCLE/BORE statement is output to the CL file

· Countersink - Drill a chamfer for a countersunk screw. The CYCLE/CSINK

statement is output to the CL file. If you select the Back option together with

Countersink option, the system performs back countersinking.

· Tap - Drill a threaded hole. Pro/NC supports ISO standard thread output.
The

CYCLE/TAP statement is output to the CL file. Two additional options are

available.

- Fixed - The feed rate is determined by the combination of thread pitch

and spindle speed.

- Floating - Enables you to modify the feed rate using the parameter

FLOAT_TAP_FACTOR.

· Ream - Create a precision finish hole. The CYCLE/REAM statement is out-

put to the CL file.

334
· Custom - Create and use your own customized cycles for the current
machine

tool.

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3.5.1 Basic Drilling

When creating drilling sequences, you need to configure the hole sets for
drilling.

This involves specifying a number of options.

· Selecting holes – You can select the holes to drill using any combination of

the following methods:

- Axes – Specify holes by selecting individual hole axes.

- Points – Specify drill locations by selecting datum points or reading in a

file with datum point coordinates.

- Diameters – Specify holes by selecting diameter value(s).

- Surfaces – Specify holes by selecting surfaces of the reference part or

workpiece.

- Parameters – Select holes with a certain parameter value.

- Groups – Select predefined drill groups. You can define groups of holes

at setup time for later use in Holemaking NC sequences. This simplifies

later hole selection.

335
· Depth options – You need to configure depth options as part of the hole set

configuration process. You can configure many different depth options:

- Blind – Drill from the start surface (or Z-height) to specified depth. Spec-

ify the start and end surfaces (by either selecting a surface or typing a Z-

depth).

- Auto – Depth of drilling is determined automatically, by referencing hole

geometry.

- Thru All – Drill a through hole from the retract surface all the way

through the workpiece(s) or reference part(s) that the hole intersects.

- The Tool Depth option buttons, Shoulder and Tip, available for blind and

auto drilling, determine whether the drilling depth references the shoulder

or the tip of the tool.

· Countersink Drilling – A number of specific options enable you to


configure

countersink drilling cycles:

- The depth for countersink drilling is defined by the start surface and the

countersink diameter value, specified at the time of configuring the hole

set.

- The countersink diameter is the final diameter of the hole after drilling.

This diameter is measured on the start surface.

- Auto Chamfer – Instead of typing a countersink diameter, you can specify

336
that Creo Parametric automatically finds all the applicable chamfers and

makes the necessary calculations.

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3.5.2 Countersink Drilling Cycle

Drill a chamfer for a countersunk screw. This cycle is also useful if you want
to cre-

ate a tapped hole or need only chamfers for the holes. The CYCLE/CSINK
statement

is output to the CL file.

Task 3.5.2: Create a countersink drilling sequence.

In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Select Countersink from the Countersink
drop-

down menu in the Holemaking Cycles group. Click Tool Manager in the
Counter-

339
sinking dashboard.

Click File > Open Tool Library > By Copy. Select


nc_spot_drill_weldon.asm.

Select the Cut Data tab. Edit the values as shown.

Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool. In the Tool
Setup

dialog box, click Save to save the updated tool information. OK.

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Select the References tab. Select the Auto Chamfer check box. Notice four

341
axes

and the holes highlight on the model, as shown. (Countersink Diameter: 7).

Select the Parameters tab.

Edit CUT_FEED to 150.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 2.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 500

Click Display Toolpath in the Countersinking dashboard. Click the CL data


bar to

make the CL data visible. Click Play. Notice that the four holes are drilled
and a

CYCLE/CSINK statement is output in the CL data. Click Close in the Play


Path dia-

log box when finished.

Click Complete Feature in the Countersinking dashboard.

Task 3.5.2 is ready.

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3.5.3 Standard Drilling Cycle

The Standard drilling cycle can be used for the short holes.

Task 3.5.3: Create a standard drilling sequence.

Click Standard in the Holemaking Cycles group. Click Tool Manager in the
Drill-

ing dashboard. Click New.

Click File > Open Tool Library > By Copy. Select drill_chuck_sk40.asm.
Select the

Instance:

Select the Cut Data tab. Edit the values as shown.

345
Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool. In the Tool
Setup

dialog box, click Save to save the updated tool information. OK.

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Select the References tab.

349
Select the Details button. Select the 5 diameter in the available list and click
Add.

Select the Depth tab in the Holes dialog box. Notice in the Depth tab that the
Auto

and By Shoulder depth options are configured by default, as shown.

Click Done in the Holes dialog box. Select the Parameters tab.

· Edit CUT_FEED to 57.

· Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

· Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 1145.

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Click Display Toolpath in the Drilling dashboard. Click Play. Notice that
the four

holes are drilled and a CYCLE/DRILL statement is output in the CL data.

Select Position Cutting Tool button and click the end point of the red
coloured

351
toolpath:

You can see that there is a collison to the support plate. Click Close in the
Play Path

dialog box when finished.

Select the References tab again. You can change the Depth End to Machine
to se-

lected reference. Select surface as shown below:

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Click Display Toolpath in the Drilling dashboard. Click Play. Now there is
no colli-

sion. The other and better option is to move the support plates.

Click Complete Feature in the Drilling dashboard.

Create the Material Removal Cut for the Countersinking and Drilling NC
Sequenc-

es from the Manufacturing Geometry Group drop-down menu. Select


Automatic.

Task 3.5.3 is ready. Save your work.

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3.5.4 Tapping Cycle

The Tapping Cycle can be used for the thread holes.

Task 3.5.4: Create a Tapping sequence.

Click Tapping in the Holemaking Cycles group. Click Tool Manager in the
Tap-

ping dashboard. Click File > Open Tool Library > By Copy. Select

tap_m3_m24_sk40.asm. Select the Instance:

Select the Cut Data tab. Edit the values as shown.

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Select the References tab.

Select the Details button. Select the 6 diameter in the available list and click
Add.

Select the Depth tab in the Holes dialog box. Notice in the Depth tab that the
Auto

and By Shoulder depth options are configured by default, as shown. Select


Machine

to selected reference and select the surface as shown below:

Click Done in the Holes dialog box. Select the Parameters tab.

· Edit THREAD_FEED to 1.

· Edit THREAD_FEED_UNITS to MMPR.

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· Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

· Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 150.

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Click Display Toolpath in the Tapping dashboard. Click Play. Notice that
the four

holes are drilled and a CYCLE/TAP statement is output in the CL data.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box when finished.

Click Complete Feature in the Tapping dashboard.

Create the Material Removal Cut for the Tapping NC Sequence from the
Manufac-

turing Geometry Group drop-down menu. Select Automatic.

360
Task 3.5.4 is ready.

Note! There is a collision with M6 tap, because the drilled 5 diameter


hole is too

shallow. You will make the corrections later.

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3.6

Trajectory Milling

Trajectory milling enables you to sweep a tool along any user-defined


trajectory.

During the trajectory milling process, you must configure the trajectory for
the tool

to follow. You can use trajectory milling sequences for milling slots where
the shape

of the tool corresponds to that of the slot. You can also use them to chamfer
edges.

You can either use an edited tool or you can sketch your own tool for the
sequence.

This enables you to specify the tool control point anywhere on the tool.

There are two types of trajectory milling sequences:

· 2-Axis Trajectory Milling:

- To configure the toolpath for 2-axis trajectory milling, you sketch or se-

lect a curve that represents the final trajectory of the control point of the

361
tool.

- The curve must lie in the plane normal to the Z-axis of the NC sequence

coordinate system.

- In the simplest case, the tool makes just the one cutting pass along this

trajectory, with or without tool offset.

- This type of trajectory milling sequence also benefits from automatic ma-

terial removal.

· 3- to 5-Axis Trajectory Milling

- To configure the toolpath for 3- to 5-axis trajectory milling, you must in-

teractively specify the trajectory of the control point of the tool by creat-

ing cut motions using the customize functionality.

Sketched or Edited Tools

· You can use either edited tools or sketch your own tool for the NC
sequence.

· If you sketch a tool, you can create a user-defined control point for the tool.

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3.6.1 2-Axis Trajectory Milling

2-Axis Trajectory Milling Configuration:

· In 2-Axis trajectory milling, you specify the tool trajectory by sketching or

selecting a curve that represents the final trajectory of the tool.

362
· You can adjust the depth of the final pass and specify multiple cutting
passes

with a vertical offset. You can also create multiple trajectory milling slices

that are horizontally offset from the final tool trajectory.

· You can specify a number of options when you configure a 2-axis trajectory

milling sequence.

- Datum Curve – You need to select or create a datum curve that lies in a

plane normal to the Z-axis of the NC sequence coordinate system. You

can create the datum curve before or during the creation of the trajectory

milling sequence.

- Start Height – Select the height from which you want the tool tip to start.

- Height – Adjust the depth of the final pass of the tool by selecting a

plane. By default, Creo Parametric uses the datum curve plane.

- Direction – You can specify the direction of trajectory.

- Offset – Specify the direction in which the cut motion is offset (none, left,

or right). The offset distance is half of the cutter diameter.

§ The direction of the offset corresponds to the direction of trajectory.

When you select an offset option, the arrow shows the offset direc-

tion.

- Material Side – If the offset direction is none, then you can specify the

material side to be left or right.

363
Parameter Configuration:

You can configure many parameters to control the toolpath; however, a


number of

important parameters control lead in and lead out motions and the application
of cut-

ter compensation.

· Lead In and Lead Out

- LEAD_IN/LEAD_OUT – If configured to YES, then the tool makes lead

in and lead out motions.

- TANGENT_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the tangent section of a

lead in or lead out motion.

- NORMAL_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the normal section of a

lead in or lead out motion.

- LEAD_RADIUS – Radius value of the tangent circle move for lead-in or

lead-out.

· Cutter Compensation

- CUTCOM – Turns cutter compensation on or off in the CL data file.

§ You can configure the workcell to specify whether the cutter compen-

sation is toward the tool center (default) or the tool edge.

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Task 3.6.1: Create a 2-axis trajectory milling sequence for the chamfer and
config-

ure sequence options. In this case the chamfer tool is 10 diameter V-CUT end
mill.

The tool tip is 2mm below the edge of the chamfer as shown below

At first, you specify the tool trajectory by sketching a curve on that represents
the fi-

nal trajectory of the tool. You need to define a new Datum Plane for the
sketch.

The model tree insertion indicator, shown in the model tree as Insert
Indicator, in-

dicates where features are inserted upon creation. By default, its position
always suc-

ceeds all items listed in the model tree. You may drag it higher or lower in
the model

tree to insert features between other features in the tree.

In addition to dragging the Insert Indicator up into the model tree, you can
specify an

insert location in the tree. To do this, select a feature, right-click, and select
Insert

Here. The insert indicator is then placed directly below the selected item.

The plane for the trajectory has to locate after the last Material Removal
Feature in

the model tree > you can select the feature and right click > Insert Here.

Click Plane from the Datum group. Select the top surface for the reference as

367
shown.

Create the new plane 2mm below the selected surface.

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When the plane is activated from the model, select the Sketch Tool from the
ribbon.

370
Select Offset from the Sketching Group. Select Single and select the edge as
shown:

Notice the direction of the arrow and edit the negative or positive value to
1.5.

Continue selecting edges and values until the loop is ready:

Click Save the Section and Exit.

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In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Select 2 Axis Trajectory from the
Trajectory Mill-

ing drop-down menu in the Milling group. Click Tool Manager in the Curve
Trajec-

tory dashboard. Click New.

Click File > Open Tool Library > By Copy. Select


v_cut_10_weldon_sk40.asm:

Select the Cut Data tab. Edit the values as shown.

Click the Apply button. Click Yes to save the changes to the tool. In the Tool
Setup

373
dialog box, click Save to save the updated tool information. OK.

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Select the References tab. Click in the Machining Reference collector to


select the

datum curve.

Select the sketched line as shown below. Click Material to Remove to

375
change the

direction. Click the red arrow on the sketch to change the direction as shown
below.

Click the Details tab. Press CTRL and select all sketched lines and arcs.
Change the

direction of the arrow by clicking it. OK.

You can move the start point by dragging the handle or click the value and
edit to

0.5.

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Select the Parameters tab.

Edit CUT_FEED to 286.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

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Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 2864.

Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath in the Curve


Trajectory dash-

board. Click Play.

Click Resume Feature. Select the Parameters tab and Edit Machining
Parameters.

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379
Click the All button and select Entry/Exit Motions from the categories drop-
down

list.

Edit the values as shown. Click OK. Review the resulting toolpath. Click
Display

Toolpath in the Curve Trajectory dashboard. Click Play.

Click Close. Click Complete Feature.

You cannot create the automatic material removal for the trajectory milling.

Task 3.6.1 is ready. Save your work.

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Now there are 8 NC Sequences for the first operation. The machined stock
looks like

below. (plus chamfer)

Drag the Insert Indicator to the bottom of the model tree.

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3.7

Operation 2.

When the first side and Operation (here PLATE_BOTTOM_NC) is ready


enough

you can rotate the part and create more NC Sequences to make the part
finished.

Task 3.7: Activate Operation 2. top side of the part.

Select the operation from the model tree (here: PLATE_TOP) and right click
> Acti-

vate:

Rotate the assembly and save the work view.

You can use the saved views later.

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Now you can see the rest of the unmachined material. You can also adjust the
fixture.

Select the NC_VICE_SLIDER. prt and Edit definition. Edit distance to 50.

Task 3.7 is ready.

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3.8

385
Mill Surfaces and Mill Windows for Face Milling

When creating face milling sequences, you can use mill geometry such as
mill sur-

faces and mill windows as alternative machining references when model


surfaces are

not appropriate, for example, when you face mill multiple model surfaces.
You can

create mill surfaces and mill windows before creating an NC sequence or


during the

creation of an NC sequence.

· Mill Surfaces:

- Mill surfaces are surface features and are often referred to as mill geome-

try.

- When referencing surfaces for face milling:

§ By default, the toolpath completely machines the selected surfaces.

§ The selected surfaces can be model surfaces, mill surfaces, surfaces

from mill volumes, or workpiece surfaces.

- The most common mill surface types are:

§ Fill – Use the fill tool to create a flat surface by sketching an outline

on a sketching plane.

§ Extrude – Create an extruded surface by sketching an outline on a

sketching plane.

386
§ Copy – Copy existing model surfaces to form a new mill surface.

· Mill Windows:

- Mill windows are manufacturing geometry features that you can use when

creating face milling sequences. They consist of a closed outline that de-

fines the area to be machined. You can create them before or during the

creation of an NC sequence.

- When referencing mill windows for face milling, the depth of the mill

window and the depth of the machined reference geometry are considered

in the following way:

§ If the highest Z-depth of the reference geometry is lower than the mill

window depth, then the final machined depth is defined by the mill

window plane.

§ If the highest Z-depth of the reference geometry is higher than the

mill window depth, then the final machined depth is defined by the

highest Z-depth of the reference geometry.

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388
Task 3.8: Use a mill window as a machining reference for the NC sequence.

Click Mill Window from the Manufacturing Geometry drop-down list. In the

Placement tab, Select the top surface from the workpiece as Window Plane.
Clear

the Keep Inside Loops checking box.

Select the Depth tab. Check the Specify the depth and select To Selected
from the

Depth Options drop down menu. Select the surface as shown.

Select the Options tab. Check the Offset window uniformly check box and
edit the

value to 6.

Click Complete Feature.

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You can see the Mill Window in the model and the model tree:

Task 3.8 is ready.

3.9

Mill Window Face Milling

You can use the Mill Window for the Face Milling.

Task 3.9: Create a face milling sequence using Mill Window.

Select the Mill tab. Click Face from the Milling group. Select the drop-down
arrow

next to the box containing “No tool” and select the END_LONG_SK40_D20.

390
Select

the Reference tab. Select the drop-down arrow under Type and select Mill
Window.

Select the MILL WINDOW_1 from the model.

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Select the Parameters tab. Edit CUT_FEED to 60. Edit STEP_DEPTH to 5.


Edit

STEP_OVER to 10. Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_SPIRAL. Edit


CLEAR_DIST to 5.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 286.

Click Display Toolpath in the Face Milling dashboard. Click Play.

Click Close. Click Complete Feature.

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Create the Material Removal Cut for the Face Milling 2. NC Sequence from
the

Manufacturing Geometry Group drop-down menu. Select Automatic.

Task 3.9 is ready. Save your work.

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3.10 2-Axis Trajectory Milling

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In 2-Axis trajectory milling, you specify the tool trajectory by sketching or
selecting

a curve that represents the final trajectory of the tool.

In the next case you can select the curves from the model.

Task 3.10: Create a 2-axis trajectory milling sequence using model edges.

Select 2 Axis Trajectory from the Trajectory Milling drop-down menu in the
Mill-

ing group. Click Tool Manager in the Curve Trajectory dashboard. Ensure
that the

END_LONG_SK40_D20 tool is selected, and then right-click and select


Select tool

and return.

Select the References tab. Click in the Machining Reference collector to


select the

datum curve. Select the surface loop with shift as shown.

Select the Offset Cut check box. Change Material to Remove as shown.

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Select the Start Point button and select the edge as shown. Edit the ratio to
0.5 >

Accept.

Edit the required parameters for the NC sequence. Select the Parameters tab.
Edit

CUT_FEED to 100. Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5. Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 477.

Click Edit Machining Parameters.

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Click the All button and select Entry/Exit Motions from the categories drop-
down

list. Edit the parameters as shown.

Click OK. Review the resulting toolpath. Click Display Toolpath in the
Curve Tra-

jectory dashboard. Click Play.

Click Close. Click Complete Feature.

Create the Material Removal Cut for the Curve Trajectory 2. NC Sequence
from

the Manufacturing Geometry Group drop-down menu. Select Automatic.

Task 3.10 is ready. Save your work.

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3.11 Chamfer and Round Milling Steps

Chamfer Milling

Chamfer milling consists of milling chamfer-like surfaces. You can chamfer-


mill a

single chamfered edge, a single chain of chamfered edges (open on both


ends), or a

single closed loop of chamfered edges. For example, on top of a Pocket


feature. You

must use a tool of the type Chamfering, Drilling, or Countersink, with the
Point

Angle parameter of the tool corresponding to the chamfer angle. For


example, if you

have a 45 degree chamfer, use the tool with the Point Angle of 90 degree.

The parameters used for machining are CUTTING_DIAMETER, NUM-

BER_FIRST_FINCUTS, NUMBER_LAST_FINCUTS,
FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET,

LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET,CORNER_FINISH_TYPE,
INTER_RET_HEIGHT,

PERCENT_LENGTH, SIDE_CLEARANCE, and TOOL_OVERLAP. Here


the

CUTTING_DIAMETER defines the point on the tapered tool which follows


the

402
basic contact point on the chamfer.

Round Milling

Round Milling consists of milling round surfaces such as surfaces of


cylinders, fil-

lets, and so on. You can machine a single rounded edge, a single chain of
rounded

edges (open on both ends), or a single closed loop of rounded edges. For
example, on

top of a Pocket feature. You must use either a tool of the type Corner
Rounding with

the Radius parameter of the tool equal to the radius of the Top Round, or a
sketched

tool.

The parameters used for machining are NUMBER_FIRST_FINCUTS,


NUM-

BER_LAST_CUTS, FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET,

LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET,CORNER_FINISH_TYPE,
INTER_RET_HEIGHT,

SIDE_CLEARANCE, and TOOL_OVERLAP.

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Task 3.11: Create a Chamfer step.

Click the Mill tab and select Chamfer. Select the previously defined
NC_SPOT

DRILL.

Click in the Machining References box. Select the edge as shown below:

Click in the Start Point box and drag the point as shown below. Flip the
direction by

clicking the arrow.

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Select the Parameters tab. Edit the values as shown. Play the Path.

The tool tip depth is automatically in the middle of the cutting length. Select
the Pa-

407
rameters tab and Edit Machining Parameters and create the LEAD IN and
LEAD

OUT parameters.

Edit values as shown below. OK. Play the Path.

Click Close. Click Complete Feature.

Task 3.11 is ready. Save your work.

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All NC Sequences are ready and all material removals are completed. Now
the ma-

chined part looks like below (Expect the latest hole chamfer). At first there
was the

workpiece and after two operations the model is ready.

Notice! The machined part looks now ok. But you have to make several
simulations

and checking before running the final NC code.

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3.12 Toolpath Simulation

A machine crash can be very expensive, potentially ruin the machine, and
delay your

entire manufacturing schedule and can hurt you or someone in the workshop.
So it is

very important to detect errors, potential collisions, or areas of inefficiency.

In Creo Parametric you can simulate the toolpath in many ways and even NC
Ma-

chine Tool Simulation can be done.

Collision detected!

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3.12.1 Play Path

You can display tool path for an operation or a step. The step has to be
completely

defined. When you display tool path for an operation, only steps that are
completely

defined are included.

Operation Play Path, the picture below left.

You can also display the toolpath during the creation of the NC Sequence as
shown

in the picture above right.

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3.12.2 Material Removal Simulation

Material Removal simulation is a dynamic simulation of material removal


on the

computer screen. It allows you to view a step-by-step simulation of material


removal

as the tool is cutting the workpiece (See the Vericut Simulation Chapter).

Do not confuse the automatic material removal feature with the Material
Removal

simulation process.

Material Removal:

· Permanently removes material from the workpiece; creates a new feature.

· Is based on a set of assumptions and may produce simplified representation

of material removal, depending on the NC sequence type.

Material Removal simulation:

· Simulates material removal for display purposes only; does not create
geome-

try.

· Always takes into account the actual tool path and shape.

Operation Material Removal Simulation, above and below left. You can also
display

414
the cutting tool removing material during the creation of the NC Sequence as
shown

in the picture above and below right.

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3.12.3 Machine Play

You can display tool path and machine simulation for completely defined
steps or

operations. For operations, the simulation is played only for the steps that are
com-

pletely defined.

You should have defined the machine assembly in the Machine Assembly tab
of the

415
Machine Tool Setup dialog box.

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3.13 Camshaft Plate Toolpath Simulation

Task 3.12: Toolpath simulations

Activate the first operation:

In the model tree, select operation PLATE_BOTTOM_NC. Right-click and


select

417
Play Path. If necessary, click the CL data bar to make the CL data visible.
Click

Play. Observe the toolpath and corresponding CL data file, as shown.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box.

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You can display tool path for a single step or select steps from the model tree:

Task 3.12: is ready.

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3.13.1 Vericut Simulation

Since 1988 CGTech’s product, VERICUT software, has become the industry
stand-

ard for simulating CNC machining in order to detect errors, potential


collisions, or

areas of inefficiency. It is used by companies of all sizes, universities/trade


schools,

and government agencies in more than 55 countries. VERICUT enables you


to elim-

inate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. It reduces scrap loss


and

rework. The program also optimizes NC programs in order to both save time
and

420
produce higher quality surface finish. VERICUT simulates all types of CNC
ma-

chine tools, including those from leading manufacturers such as Mazak,


Makino,

DMG / Mori Seiki, Okuma, etc. VERICUT runs standalone, but can also be
integrat-

ed with all leading CAM systems.

Task 3.12.1: Vericut Toolpath simulations.

In the model tree, select operation PLATE_BOTTOM_NC. Right-click and


select

Material Removal Simulation. The Vericut simulation software opens.

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When the Vericut is open you can see the workpiece and the fixture:

The Vericut-software inside Creo Parametric is not fully version, but there is
enough

functions for simulating. If you try something what is in the fully version you
get the

message.

You can manipulate the model on the Vericut screen almost in the same way
than in

Creo Parametric.

422
· Rotating (LMB)

· Zooming (MMB)

· Moving (RMB)

Under the case menu (RMB) founds the mostly needed functions:

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You can select the models from the model tree and change the colors and
adjust the

other functions.

You can select different types of windows to show simulating:

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After definitions, start simulating:

From start to end: Single Step:

Stop: Rewind:

Reset:

Adjust Animation Speed of the Machining:

Green lights show the situation:

You can play with Solid-tools if defined. If there is a collision, you get the

message and see the red color in the model.

When simulating is ready, close the Vericut.

Task 3.12.1 is ready.

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3.13.2 Machine Play Configuration

You can display tool path and machine simulation for completely defined
steps or

operations. For operations, the simulation is played only for the steps that are
com-

pletely defined.

Before the Machine Play, you should have defined the machine assembly in
the Ma-

chine Assembly tab of the Machine Tool Setup dialog box.

When creating a machine assembly to be used for machine simulation, you


must fol-

low the rules below:

· Use the configuration option pro_mf_workcell_dir to specify the default di-

rectory for the machine assembly files. NC Manufacturing locates the ma-

427
chine assembly files in the following order:

- Default directory, if set

- All first level sub directories of the default directory, if default directory

is set

- Current directory

· To enable motion kinematics, the components of the machine assembly

should be connected to each other only using sliders and pins. That is, the rel-

ative motions between the components should be defined. Optionally, you

can specify the limits for the slider and pin motions.

· You must define the absolute origin of the machine assembly using a
coordi-

nate system named MACH_ZERO. This coordinate system is used to assem-

ble the manufacturing model or fixture. You must define this coordinate sys-

tem at the assembly level and not within a component of the assembly.

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· Define the spindle loading position of the machine assembly using a coordi-

nate system named TOOL_POINT.

· Any solid tool model present in the machine assembly should contain a
coor-

dinate system named TOOL_POINT. This coordinate system is used to as-

semble the solid tool model.

Task 3.12.2: Workcell directory

Click File > Options. Select Configuration Editor.

Click Find…

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432
Type: pro_mf and click Find Now:

You can see all the options starting pro_mf. Select pro_mf_workcell_dir.

Click Browse. Select the folder where the workcell files are. OK.

Click Add/Change > Close

You should now see the new option on the list.

Click OK.

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Select Yes to Save the configuration file. The default folder is active working

directory.

If possible (writing rights), try save the config.pro to the installation directory
and to

the text folder:

If this is not possible, save the config.pro to your working directory.

Task 3.12.2 is ready.

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3.13.3 Machine Play Simulation

Before the Machine Play, you should have defined the machine assembly in
the Ma-

chine Assembly tab of the Machine Tool Setup dialog box.

Task 3.12.3: Define the machine assembly.

Select the workcenter (here FADAL) and Edit Definition.

Select the Assembly tab. Select Open machine center assembly model.

Now, if you have defined the pro_mf_workcell_dir path to config.pro, the


folder

opens and you can select the assembly. Select the machine and Open. Click
Preview.

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Next you need to select the coordinate system. This coordinate system have
to be

named as MACH_ZERO. In this case the MACH_ZERO coordinate system

439
is in the

NC_VICE fixture assembly. You can not select the coordinate system,
because the

fixture is defined after the workcenter.

Click Apply. Select the fixture assembly and move it before the workcenter.

Click OK.

Now the fixture locate before the workcenter. Select the workcenter and Edit

Definition.

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Select the Assembly tab. Click the Coordinate System box and select the

MACH_ZERO from the fixture.

Click Apply.Selct the operation or single step from the model tree. Right
click and

you should see the Machine Play option.

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Click Machine Play. NC_Analysis starts.

Click Play. You can zoom, move and rotate the assembly during the
animation.

Close when ready.

Task 3.12.3 is ready.

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POSTPROCESSING

4.1

What is a Postprocessor

A postprocessor is an application that is designed to process the toolpath data

443
(CL or

Cutter Location) file produced by a CAD or APT (Automatically


Programmed Tool)

system. The toolpath data file contains the machining instructions specified
by the

user for the production of a part from an engineering drawing. The


postprocessor

converts the machining instructions from the toolpath data file into code
understood

by a specific NC/CNC machine tool by producing a machine control data file.


The

figure below shows how you get from a blueprint or a CAD system to a
punch file

(.PU1) using Austin N.C. Inc.'s generalized postprocessor (G-Post):

The machine control data (MCD) file is the file produced that ultimately is
taken to

the machine controller to produce the part being programmed. Historically


this file

has also been referred to as the tape image file (. TAP) and/or the punch file
(. PU1).

You can change the extension (.TAP, .PU1) if needed for example: (.CNC or
.EIA or

whatever you want to use.

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444
An option file is a file created by the user via the Option File Generator. The
file is

read at postprocessor execution time. Upon reading the option file, the
postprocessor

assumes characteristics specified by the user for a specific machine


tool/control

combination. The characteristics include machine configuration, machine


control

register requirements (such as address assignments and format), preparatory


code re-

quirements to invoke specific functions, feedrate control functions and so


forth.

The Option File Generator creates an option file, which is read by the
postprocessor

at execution time in order to obtain its 'personality' (or behavior). The file
naming

convention for this file is:

· Lathes: uncl01.pnn

· Mills: uncx01.pnn

While using the Option File Generator, the user has the option to create a FIL
file via

the built in FIL editor. When the user exits or saves the option file they have
been

creating, the Option File Generator automatically saves any work the user
may have

445
done in the FIL editor. The file naming convention for the FIL file is:

· For Lathes: uncl01.fnn

· For Mills: uncx01.fnn

FIL (Factory Interface Language) is a macro language that dramatically


extends the

capabilities of the postprocessor and Option File Generator. No generalized


postpro-

cessor will ever have the ability to accommodate the many features available
on to-

day's controls, not to mention the new features being added to controls every
day!

Through our customer's experience we have implemented new features in


every re-

lease of the G-POST since it was released many years ago. It is not possible
to ad-

dress the many special features available; thus, this was the primary driving
force in

creation of FIL.

FIL allows the user to go beyond any postprocessor's capabilities through the
ability

to intercept records read by the postprocessor and manipulate them in ways


limited

only by the user's imagination. The FIL macro language allows users to:

· Add, delete or modify CL file data

446
· Alter postprocessor output

· Add or modify APT vocabulary words

· Read or write data into/from up to two files

· Call other applications

In addition, the FIL macro language has many features for logic control:

· Case statements

· If / then /else logic

· Do loops

· Jumpto labels

There are many text string manipulation functions and many other tools
available as

well.

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For example, if you want to use canned cycles with CAM you may need the
FIL-file:

CIMFIL/ON,CYCLE

$$ ****************************************************

$$ * Turning Cycle

$$

$$ *

447
CYCLE/TURN,DEPTH,Depth,XAXIS,xval,ZAXIS,Zval,FEED,feed_rough

$$ * ...

$$ * roughing motions

$$ * ...

$$ * CYCLE/TURN,NOMORE,FEED,feed_finish

$$ * ...

$$ * finish motions

$$ * ...

$$ * CYCLE/TURN,OFF

$$ *

$$ *

$$ * Will generate G70 / G71 turning cycles :

$$ * N... Ffeed_rough

$$ * N... G70 Pstart_seq Qend_seq Uxval Wzval Ddepth

$$ * Nstart_seq ...

$$ * ...

$$ * Nend_seq ...

$$ * G71 Pstart_seq Qend_seq Ffeed_finish

$$ ****************************************************

CYCTYP=POSTF(7,4)

448
IF (CYCTYP.EQ.ICODEF(TURN)) THEN

DVAL=POSTF(7,6)

UVAL=POSTF(7,8)

WVAL=POSTF(7,10)

FVAL=POSTF(7,12)

$$ Activate macro on motion

XX=POSTF(26,5,5,1)

ELSE

XX=POSTF(13)

ENDIF

CIMFIL/OFF

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4.2

CL Data

Post-processing is the final stage in the manufacturing process. When


toolpaths have

been completed, you can create ASCII format Cutter Location (CL) data files
for

operations or selected NC steps. You can then post-process CL data files into
specif-

452
ic Machine Control Data (MCD) files using a post-processor. It is important
to un-

derstand that changing NC steps requires you to recreate the CL data file for
the op-

eration and post-process this file again to produce an updated MCD file.

You can create the CL Data file from the operation. You can also create a set
of NC

Sequences and save them to CL Data file:

You can select the sequences and save the CL File.

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Post-Processing Method

The following steps describe the method of post-processing data to control


machine

tools.

453
· Complete NC Sequences – You first need to complete the operation by
creat-

ing all necessary NC sequences.

· Create CL Data Files – When the operation is complete, you can create CL

data files.

- You can create CL data files of one or more selected NC sequences, or a

whole operation.

- The files are ASCII format files.

- The default filename format is filename.ncl.

· Post-Process CL Data Files – You can then post-process CL data files into

specific machine control data (MCD) files.

- You have the option of creating the CL and MCD files simultaneously.

- The default filename format is filename.tap.

Note! Any subsequent changes made to NC sequences means you must


recreate the

CL data files and MCD files.

Configuration Options

A number of configuration options control the post-processing method.

· Each Pro/NC module includes a standard set of NC post-processors that you

can use directly or modify using an optional module.

· ncpost_type – You can control which post-processing module to use by set-

454
ting the configuration option ncpost_type. The values are:

- gpost (default) – Use the G-Post™ post-processors provided by Intercim

Corporation.

- ncpost – Use the NC manufacturing post-processors.

· You can also use other post-processors capable of reading APT


(automatical-

ly programmed tools).

· gpostpp-_dir – Specifies the directory for gpost post-processors.

· pro_mf_cl_dir – Specifies the location to store CL data files.

In the earlier N/C systems, the most commonly used program storage
medium was

paper tape. A paper tape is one inch wide.

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4.3

CL Data for the Camshaft Plate Bottom side

458
Task 4.3: Create a CL data file and MCD file for the CAMSHAFT PLATE
opera-

tions.

Activate the first operation:

Create a CL data file for a set of sequences. Select Save CL File for a Set
from the

Save a CL File Type drop-down menu and select Create.

Type PLATE_BOT_SIDE for the name, and press ENTER.

You can select the operation or single steps. Select PLATE_BOTTOM_NC


check

box (operation name). Click Done Sel. Click PLATE_BOT_SIDE.

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Click File. Select the MCD File check box, and click Done. Accept the name
for the

CL File and click OK. Click Done for the PP OPTIONS.

From the menu manager, move the cursor on the list to see the available post-

processors. See the Status bar: The name of the selected machine
postprocessor is

shown

Click UNCX01.P14 to select the post-processor. Click Close in the


information

window.

Click Close in the information window. Click Done Output.

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Notice the message: Post processed file plate_bottom_nc.tap was created


successful-

ly. View the contents of the browser. Click the Web Browser from the Status

toolbar:

Select Folder Browser, and Working Directory:

Among other things, notice that the listing for the working directory contains

plate_bottom_nc.ncl and plate_bottom_nc.tap. The tap extension means

464
tape and it

is the NC-code file. You can open it for example in the Notepad or another
text edi-

tor.

Click Close to close the browser.

Task 4.3 is ready.

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4.3.1 CL Data for the Camshaft Plate Top side

The other way to make CL Data for the operation is Play Path.

Task 4.3.1: Create a CL data file and MCD file for Top side, operation 2.

466
In the model tree, select the second operation, (here PLATE_TOP). Right-
click and

select Play Path. (Activate first if needed).

Click the CL data bar to make the CL data visible. Click Play.

Observe the toolpath and corresponding CL data file, as shown.

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In the Play Path dialog box, click File > Save As MCD. Select the Save CL
File Al-

so check box. Select the Verbose and Trace check boxes. Click Output.

Click OK to create a CL data file named plate_top.ncl.

From the menu manager, move the cursor on the list to see the available post-

processors. See the Status bar: The name of the selected machine
postprocessor is

shown

Click UNCX01.P14 to select the post-processor. Click Close in the


information

window. Click Close in the Play Path dialog box.

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Click the Web Browser from the Status toolbar.

470
Select Folder Browser, and Working Directory:

Notice that the listing for the working directory contains plate_top.ncl and

plate_top.tap. The tap extension means tape and it is the NC-code file. You
can

open it for example in the Notepad or another text editor.

Task 4.3.1 is ready.

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4.3.2 Manipulating CL Data for the Camshaft Plate

When the CL Data has been created, you can use it in many ways. You can
create

the Material Removal Simulation: Select CL File > Select from the folder >
Done.

You can Post a CL File:

Select the PP OPTIONS and the postprocessor:

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CNC LANGUAGE AND STRUCTURE

5.1

NC or CNC

In a Numerical Control (NC) machine, the program is fed to the machine


through

magnetic tapes or other such media. The original NC machines were


essentially

basic machine tools which were modified to have motors for movement along
the

474
axes.

In a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine, the machines are


interfaced

with computers. This makes them more versatile in the sense that, suppose a
change

in dimension of a part is required. In a NC machine, you would have had to


change

the program in the tape and then feed it to the machine again. But in a CNC
machine,

you just change a variable in the computer and your modification is done.

In order to understand where CNC Machining first appeared, it is important


to note

that the said machine’s advent can be traced back to the invention of the NC
(numer-

ical controlled) machine made by John T. Parsons during the 1940s-1950s.


The NC

was a breakthrough invention that led the way towards modern automated
machines.

The CNC machine first appeared when John Runyon managed to produce
punch

tapes under computer control. This showed dramatic results in terms of time,
reduc-

ing the normal production duration of 8 hours to 15 minutes. In June 1956,


the Air

Force accepted the proposal to produce a generalized “programming”


language for

475
NC.

Today you can see that the both terms are used. For example, there can be job
adver-

tisement for the CNC Programmer or NC Programmer.

In this book the language is based on G-code which is the common name for
the

most widely used programming language. In the world, the standard ISO
6983 is of-

ten used, although in varied states of Europe sometimes used other standards,
exam-

ple DIN 66025

There are also the other languages as Heidenhain, Siemens, Mazak and more.
Many

of the other languages can be translated to G-code if needed.

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5.2

Structure of an NC program

An NC program is a text that is normally stored as a sequence of ASCII


codes in a

file on the hard disk. It consists of a sequence of NC blocks separated by line


breaks.

Usually it is executed by being interpreted and worked through, character by


charac-

476
ter and line by line.

The NC program can be divided by three parts:

· Program start (optional)

· A number of blocks (NC words)

· Program end

Program start

At the beginning of an NC program the character '%' can represent the start of
the

program. The name of the program is then found following this character.

O1234 (program start)

N10 G0 X100 Y100 Z0

M30 (program end)

NC block:

· Each NC blocks consists of one or several NC words, or even of none (an

empty line), separated by spaces or tab characters. It is therefore not possible

to use a space within a word.

N10 G0 X100 Y100 Z0

NC word:

· The first character of an NC word specifies its meaning. It is either a letter


or

477
a special character. The optional following characters specify the meaning

more precisely, or supply parameters for the execution. In G-code we refer to

the letters as "words" because each is a "word" telling the controller some-

thing to do

G0 = Move in a straight line at rapids speed.

Program end:

The end of the program is indicated by an M-function. Either M2 or M30 is


used for

this.

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Between the start and end of the program are NC Blocks as mentioned above.
NC

block can have a certain number – usually N-word.

N10 G0 X100 Y100 Z0

N20

N30

Mostly used G-code words are G and M (for General and Miscellaneous).

O1702

N10 G50 X100. Z50. S2800

478
N20 G00 T0202 M41

N30 G96 S120 M04

Modal or Non-Modal codes:

· Many G codes and M codes cause the machine to change from one mode to

another, and the mode stays active until some other command changes it im-

plicitly or explicitly . Such commands are called "modal".

· Non-modal" codes effect only the lines on which they occur. For example,

G4 (dwell) is non-modal.

You can find a lot of G-code lists from the internet for example. The G-codes
can be

varying depending if you are programming lathes or milling machines. Even


every

machine could have own codes. So you should know the machine functions
and con-

trol before making CNC programs!

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5.3

Common G- and M-Codes

Not all codes are available on all controls, and some controls have other
codes. See

your machine manual for detailed explanations.

479
G00 - Positioning at rapid speed; Mill and Lathe

G01 - Linear interpolation (machining a straight line); Mill and Lathe

G02 - Circular interpolation clockwise (machining arcs); Mill and Lathe

G03 - Circular interpolation, counter clockwise; Mill and Lathe

G04 - Mill and Lathe, Dwell

G09 - Mill and Lathe, Exact stop

G10 - Setting offsets in the program; Mill and Lathe

G12 - Circular pocket milling, clockwise; Mill

G13 - Circular pocket milling, counterclockwise; Mill

G17 - X-Y plane for arc machining; Mill and Lathe with live tooling

G18 - Z-X plane for arc machining; Mill and Lathe with live tooling

G19 - Z-Y plane for arc machining; Mill and Lathe with live tooling

G20 - Inch units; Mill and Lathe

G21 - Metric units; Mill and Lathe

G27 - Reference return check; Mill and Lathe

G28 - Automatic return through reference point; Mill and Lathe

G29 - Move to location through reference point; Mill and Lathe (slightly
different

for each machine)

G31 - Skip function; Mill and Lathe

G32 - Thread cutting; Lathe

480
G33 - Thread cutting; Mill

G40 - Cancel diameter offset; Mill. Cancel tool nose offset; Lathe

G41 - Cutter compensation left; Mill. Tool nose radius compensation left;
Lathe

G42 - Cutter compensation right; Mill. Tool nose radius compensation right;
Lathe

G43 - Tool length compensation; Mill

G44 - Tool length compensation cancel; Mill (sometimes G49)

G50 - Set coordinate system and maximum RPM; Lathe

G52 - Local coordinate system setting; Mill and Lathe

G53 - Machine coordinate system setting; Mill and Lathe

G54~G59 - Workpiece coordinate system settings #1 t0 #6; Mill and Lathe

G61 - Exact stop check; Mill and Lathe

G65 - Custom macro call; Mill and Lathe

G70 - Finish cycle; Lathe

G71 - Rough turning cycle; Lathe

G72 - Rough facing cycle; Lathe

G73 - Irregular rough turning cycle; Lathe

G73 - Chip break drilling cycle; Mill

G74 - Left hand tapping; Mill

G74 - Face grooving or chip break drilling; Lathe

481
G75 - OD groove pecking; Lathe

G76 - Fine boring cycle; Mill

G76 - Threading cycle; Lathe

G80 - Cancel cycles; Mill and Lathe

G81 - Drill cycle; Mill and Lathe

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G82 - Drill cycle with dwell; Mill

G83 - Peck drilling cycle; Mill

G84 - Tapping cycle; Mill and Lathe

G85 - Bore in, bore out; Mill and Lathe

G86 - Bore in, rapid out; Mill and Lathe

G87 - Back boring cycle; Mill

G90 - Absolute programming

G91 - Incremental programming

G92 - Reposition origin point; Mill

G92 - Thread cutting cycle; Lathe

G94 - Per minute feed; Mill

G95 - Per revolution feed; Mill

G96 - Constant surface speed control; Lathe

482
G97 - Constant surface speed cancel

G98 - Per minute feed; Lathe

G99 - Per revolution feed; Lathe

G98 - Return to initial Z plane after canned cycle; Mill

G99 - Return to initial R plane after canned cycle; Mill

M00 - Program stop; Mill and Lathe

M01 - Optional program stop; Lathe and Mill

M02 - Program end; Lathe and Mill

M03 - Spindle on clockwise; Lathe and Mill

M04 - Spindle on counterclockwise; Lathe and Mill

M05 - Spindle off; Lathe and Mill

M06 - Toolchange; Mill

M08 - Coolant on; Lathe and Mill

M09 - Coolant off; Lathe and Mill

M10 - Chuck or rotary table clamp; Lathe and Mill

M11 - Chuck or rotary table clamp off; Lathe and Mill

M19 - Orient spindle; Lathe and Mill

M30 - Program end, return to start; Lathe and Mill

M97 - Local sub-routine call; Lathe and Mill

M98 - Sub-program call; Lathe and Mill

483
M99 - End of sub program; Lathe and Mill

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5.3.1 G-Code Canned Cycles

What is the definition of "canned cycle"? A sequence of machine operations


initiated

by a single G-code. Canned cycles act as shortcuts that simplify the program.

A powerful and common option available on most CNC machines is the


ability to

perform canned cycles. Canned cycles give the programmer the option to do
some

routine functions with a simple G-code instead of writing many lines of


information.

Below are a few examples of canned cycles for milling:

484
· G73 - Chip break drilling cycle

· G80 - Cancel cycles

· G81 - Drill cycle

· G82 - Drill cycle with dwell

· G83 - Peck drilling cycle

· G84 - Tapping cycle

· G85 - Bore in, bore out

· G86 - Bore in, rapid out

· G87 - Back boring cycle

NOTE: A canned cycle stays in effect until cancelled by a G80.

G98 - Return to initial Z plane after canned cycle; Mill

G99 - Return to initial R plane after canned cycle; Mill

Most CAM systems will take advantage of CNC-based canned cycles. If you
want to

use canned cycles with CAM, you need to set up the postprocessor less or
more. In

addition you need to specify more parameters in NC Sequence.

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5.4

Camshaft Plate NC Code

When the NC Code is ready, you can open it.

Task 5.4: Open and edit NC Code.

Open the working directory and find the file with extension .tap. Open the
file for

example to the Notepad.

N1 T1 M6

N2 S286 M3

N3 G0 X37.904 Y-21.017

N4 Z10. M7

N5 Z7.

N6 G1 Z0. F60.

N7 X-37.903

N8 G0 X-40.999

N9 Y21.009

N10 X-37.883

N11 G1 X37.886 F60.

N40 G2 X18. Y13.5 I0. J-10.

486
N41 X18. Y-13.5 I-18. J-13.5

N42 X10. Y-17.5 I-8. J6.

N43 G1 X0.

N44 G3 X-10. Y-27.5 I0. J-10.

N45 G1 Y-37.5

N46 Z10.

N47 M5

N48 M30

Task 5.4 is ready.

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5.5

Customizing NC Code Output

Whenever you output CL data to a file, the system checks the PPRINT table.
If any

flag is set to YES and the appropriate information is available, the


corresponding

PPRINT command outputs to the CL file.

Task 5.5: Configure a PPRINT table.

488
Select the work center and edit definition. Click the PPRINT button. Click
Create

from the menu manager.

Edit the following items to Yes.

Click OK to close the PPRINT window.

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In the menu manager, click Save. Type "FADAL_OPTIONS“ and press


ENTER to

save the PPRINT table.

Click Done/Return.

Click Accept in the Milling Work Center dialog box.

Test the created PPRINT by creating the new NC Code for the TOP-side
operation.

Note! Note, any subsequent changes made to NC sequences means you

489
must

recreate the CL data files and MCD files.

N1 ( / PART NAME : CAMSHAFT_PLATE_NC)

N2 ( / DATE TIME : 03-OCT-13 15:19:47)

N3 ( / NC SEQUENCE NAME : FACE_MILLING_2)

N4 T1 M6

N5 S286 M3

N6 G0 X37.904 Y-21.017

N7 Z10. M7

N8 Z7.

N9 G1 Z0. F60.

N10 X-37.903

N11 G0 X-40.999

N12 Y21.009

N13 X-37.883

Task 5.5 is ready.

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3 AXIS MACHINING

492
6.1

2.5 versus 3 Axis

An axis is a direction of motion controlled by the CNC machine control. It


can be

linear (motion along a straight line) or circular (a rotary motion). The number
of axes

a machine has determines it's machining capabilities. A 2.5 axis machine


really has

three moving axes, but only two axes can move together (most machines sold
today

are full three axis machines). For machining centers, a three axis machine
will have

three linear axes. A four or five axis machine will have three linear axes as
well as

one or two rotary axes.

Note that 2.5 versus 3 axis has yet another context. 2.5 axis machining
requires that

the machine have three axes, but only two axes must be moving
simultaneously at

any one time. (Simple operations, like drilling and most milling, fall into this
catego-

ry). On the other hand 3-axis machining requires that all three axes be
moving at the

same time (More complex operations, like the machining of sculptured


surfaces re-

493
quired in molds and airfoils, fall into this category.)

Below are two examples from the various types of machining centers.

4 axis rotary table

5 axis (3+2) tilt/rotary

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6.2

3 Axis Surface Machining

As mentioned before, the 3 axis machining is needed for example to the


machining

of sculptured surfaces.

Straight cut surface milling sequences enable you to mill contoured and
horizontal

surfaces with a series of straight cuts. You can use straight cut surface milling
to cre-

ate semi-finish sequences for contoured surfaces of components, or mold


cavities.

495
When you create surface milling sequences, you can use mill surfaces as
alternate

references when model surfaces are inappropriate, for example, when the
model be-

ing machined is made up of many surfaces, or if you need to extend the


toolpath be-

yond the model.

You use surface milling to mill horizontal or contoured surfaces. There are
four types

of surface milling sequences that you can configure. It is important to


understand the

benefits of each type of surface milling sequence.

Surface Milling:

· Machine horizontal or contoured surfaces.

· Continuous toolpath required.

· Cut types:

- Straight Cut

- From Surface Isolines

- Cut Line

- Projected Cuts

· Surface Milling Options

· Cut Type

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· Geometry Selection

- Model

- Mill Volume

- Mill Surface

- Mill Window

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6.2.1 Straight Cut Surface Milling

You can use the following features to describe straight cut surface milling.

· You mill the selected surfaces by a series of straight cuts.

· The machining direction is controlled by the cut angle parameter.

· You completely machine the selected surface(s).

- If a surface is not bound by walls on the outside, the tool "straddles" or

overruns the surface boundary by half the tool diameter.

· Any inner protrusions, as well as the outer walls extending up from the sur-

face, are automatically avoided. The stock allowance, if any, applies to the

side walls as well.

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· If you select a surface from the model, any slots or holes on the surface are

"patched." By default, the toolpaths are generated as if they were not there.

Task 6.2.1: Create a straight cut surface milling sequence and edit parameter
values.

Download the Gator.prt and NC-Vice-300.asm

1. Create a new manufacturing model using a template manufacturing model.


(See

chapter 2.2 if needed).

2. Reference model, coordinate systems are ready in the model

3. Workpiece

4. Workcell

5. Operation

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The result should be as shown below:

In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Click Surface Milling from the Milling
group.

Notice that in the SEQ SETUP menu, the Tool, Parameters, Surfaces, and
Define

Cut check boxes are automatically selected. You must configure these items
to gen-

erate a toolpath. Select also the Name check box.Click Done.

Edit the name for the sequence:

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Define the tool, 10 diameter ball mill.

Edit the parameters for the NC sequence.

Edit CUT_FEED to 500.

Edit ROUGH_STEP_DEPTH to 2.

Edit STEP_OVER to 5.

Edit PROF_STOCK_ALLOW to 1.

Select TYPE_3 from the SCAN_TYPE drop-down menu.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 4774.

Click OK.

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Configure the surface for machining.

Click Model > Done. Press CTRL and select the all surfaces on the top of the
refer-

ence model, as shown above. Click OK. Click Done/Return.

Configure the Cut Definition. Notice that the Cut Type option is configured
as

Straight Cut by default. Select Preview.

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Change Cut Angle to 45. Click OK.

Click OK. Review the resulting toolpath. From the menu manager, click Play
Path

-> Screen Play. Click Play.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box.

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Click Done Seq. Select the surf roughing NC Sequence from the model tree
and se-

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lect Material Removal Simulation.

Play the Vericut. Notice the affect of the STEP_OVER parameter (5) and

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW (1).

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Roughing is ready. You can adjust the final result by changing parameters.

Task 6.2.1 is ready.

The next step is finishing the surface. You can create many different types of
finish-

ing NC Sequence. You can use the same NC Sequence as roughing, but
change the

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smaller ball mill and change also a few parameters.

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6.2.2 Mill Window Surface Milling

The simplest way to define geometry for a Volume or a 3-Axis Conventional


Surface

milling NC sequence is by using a Mill Window, that is, by projecting the


silhouette

of the reference part on the Mill Window start plane, by sketching or by


selecting a

closed contour. All surfaces visible within the contour are milled.

Task 6.2.2: Mill Window Surface Milling

In the ribbon, select the Mill tab. Click Surface Milling from the Milling
group.

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Notice that in the SEQ SETUP menu, the Tool, Parameters, Surfaces, and
Define

Cut check boxes are automatically selected. You must configure these items
to gen-

erate a toolpath. Change the Surfaces check box to Window. Select also the
Name

check box. Click Done.

Edit the name for the sequence:

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Define the tool, 3 diameter ball mill.

Edit the parameters for the NC sequence.

Edit CUT_FEED to 400.

Edit ROUGH_STEP_DEPTH to -.

Edit STEP_OVER to 0.5.

Edit PROF_STOCK_ALLOW to 0.

Select TYPE_3 from the SCAN_TYPE drop-down menu.

Edit CLEAR_DIST to 5.

Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 8000.

Click OK.

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Configure the surface for machining. Select Mill Window from the ribbon.
Select

the top surface of the workpiece as the window placement plane.

Select the Depth tab and To Selected and select the surface as shown below:

Click Complete Feature. Edit the Cut Angle to 45. Click Preview. Click
OK.

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Review the resulting toolpath. From the menu manager, click Play Path ->
Screen

Play. Click Play.

Click Close in the Play Path dialog box. Click Done Seq.

Create the CL Data file from the two NC Sequences and create the material
removal

simulation.

Notice the STEP_OVER parameter 0.5 and working allowance 1mm after
roughing.

You can also notice that the mill window could be a little bigger. You change
the

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size of the mill window.

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Select Mill Window from the model tree and edit definition. Select the
Options tab

and select the Offset window contour box. Edit 3 for the offset value.

Click Complete Feature.

Note, any subsequent changes made to NC sequences means you must


recreate the

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CL data files.

Update the changes by selecting the previously created CL Data file.

Notice the updated CL File extension .ncl.2

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Create the material removal simulation again.

Task 6.2.2 is ready.

This completes the procedure.

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APPENDIX

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7.1

Creo Parametric Quick Reference Card

File Menu:

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UI Customization

Command Locator

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Selection and Mouse Control

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Keyboard Shortcuts

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Common Dashboard Controls

Orienting the Model

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Model Appearance

Advanced Selection: Chain & Surface Set Construction (1/2)

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Advanced Selection: Chain & Surface Set Construction (2/2)

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INDEX

APT....................................................... 200, 201, 204

Layers ............................................................... 22, 23

ASCII ................................................. 7, 203, 204, 213

530
Austin N.C. Inc

...................................................... 200

Machine Assembly . 7, 56, 57, 59, 60, 86, 185, 192, 193,

196

Basic Drilling........................................................... 149

Machine Simulation .................. 7, 59, 60, 86, 185, 192

Boring Cycle .......................................... 215, 216, 217

MCD ....................7, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, 220

MCD file ............................................................... 200

M-Codes ................................................................ 215

CAM ........................................................................ 5

Milling Manufacturing ............................................... 6

Canned Cycle ................................................. 216, 217

Modal.................................................................... 214

CL Data ..... 7, 55, 56, 58, 62, 74, 77, 78, 118, 121, 148,

151, 154, 158, 160, 186, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209,

531
219, 220, 234

NC block ....................................................... 213, 214

Clearance Level .......................................................62

NC program ........................................................... 213

CNC ......6, 7, 42, 59, 123, 188, 200, 212, 214, 217, 221

NC steps ............................................................ 7, 203

Cutter Compensation .............54, 55, 56, 123, 124, 160

NC word ................................................................ 213

Non-Modal............................................................ 214

Datum Features

........................................................31

DIN 66025 ............................................................. 212

Operation .................................................................67

Output Tab ...............................................................54

EN40B

............................................ 46, 67, 71, 82, 102

532
Entry/Exit Motions ......... 107, 119, 141, 142, 166, 177

Postprocessor ........... 125, 200, 201, 206, 209, 211, 217

Profile Milling ....................................................... 115

Face Milling

........................................................... 101

Feed rate ........................................................... 40, 45

Quick Reference Card ............................................ 236

Fixture ........................................................... 6, 68, 71

Rapid Feed ...............................................................55

G-code............................................ 212, 213, 214, 217

Reference Model .... 7, 28, 48, 50, 51, 62, 116, 117, 128,

Groove ................................................................... 100

130, 133, 134, 136, 226

Retract plane ..........................................................62

RPM ................................................................ 40, 215

533
Hardness HB ............................................................46

Holemaking ........................................................... 147

Solid Tools...................................... 11, 74, 84, 87, 102

ISO 6983 ............................................................... 212

Standard Tools ........................................... 76, 88, 90

STEP-format

........................................................ 5, 28

Surface Milling ........................................ 77, 222, 223

Job ........................................................... 40, 101, 212

Tensile Strength .......................................................46

Keyboard Shortcuts ............................................. 238

Tool Parameters ...................................... 76, 84, 85, 87

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534
X

Units ........................................................................35

X-axis ...................................................... 18, 111, 138

V,W

Vericut .................................... 184, 188, 189, 191, 228

Y-axis ......................................................................18

Work Center .......................................................... 219

Yield Stress ..............................................................46

Workcell .12, 54, 60, 61, 62, 74, 78, 100, 118, 124, 160,

192, 194, 196

Workpiece ...............................................................50

Z-axis ..................................... 18, 62, 84, 86, 159, 160

535

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