Edgecam Getting Started

User Guide Title Page Page 1 of 51
2019 R1
Edgecam User Guide
Copyright© 1988 - 2018
Vero Software Limited
All Rights Reserved
Getting Help
To assist you in your work,Edgecam features various prompts and help systems:
Tooltips and Feedback

Hover the cursor over a button to see descriptive text (usually enabled).
Also look at the status bar on the bottom left of the screen which gives a brief
explanation of the command (as well as other useful information and prompts
relevant to your current task).
Customer Support
Accessible to registered users via the Help menu.
Online User Guide Help

Complete reference information accessible via the Help menu. Help system includes indexing and a full text search facility.
Online Dialog Help

Help on the settings in a dialog, accessed through the dialog's Help button.
Tutorials
Step-by-step exercises using example parts, that quickly get you started with Edgecam.
Using Advanced Search Techniques

When using the full-text search feature in the online user guide, the following techniques can help you narrow your searches for more precise results.
You can search for words using wildcard expressions. For example, searching for the single word cut* will find all topics containing the terms "cut", "cuts"
"cutter" , and "cutting" and so on.
Searching for a phrase in quotation marks ("tool holder" ) will find all topics that contain the literal phrase "tool holder". Without the quotation marks, the
query is equivalent to specifying tool AND holder, which will find topics containing both of the individual words, instead of the phrase.
The Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT, and NEAR (within eight words) enable you to precisely define your search by creating a relationship between search
terms. If no operator is specified, AND is used. For example, the query tool holder graphicis equivalent to searching for all topics containing the terms tool
AND holder AND graphic.
Nested expressions allow you to create complex searches for information. For example, the search for milling AND ((cycle OR operation) NEAR surface)
finds topics containing the word "milling" along with the words "cycle" and "surface" close together, or containing "milling" along with the words "operation"
file:///C:/Users/Pete/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhCB8C.htm 26/07/2020
and "surface" close together.
About Edgecam
offers you a complete CAM solution, enabling you to quickly produce CNC code for imported or internally-generated part designs, and giving you control over
all the stages of the process.
You can:
Import part design geometry

Import designs from a wide variety of CAD packages including Part Modeler, Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, CATIA V5, Solid Edge, UGS NX, and
CreoTM Parametric (previous names Creo Elements/Pro, Pro/ENGINEER).
Import solid model designs in a wide variety of interface formats, including STEP, IGES, SAT, DWG, DXF, VDA.
Create machining
Base your milling and turning on wireframe, surface or solid geometry.
Quickly create toolpaths with many automated settings using operations. To fine tune the toolpaths, edit the cycles within the operations (or create cycles
directly).
Choose tools from a comprehensive tooling database

You use the 'ToolStore' supporting application.
Input your own tooling data or import from 3rd party suppliers.
Automate speed and feed selection using stored tooling and material data.
Create milling machining

Create a wide variety of machining such as roughing, profiling and facing, using strategies such as lace, flowline and waterline (z-level).
Create up to 5 axis machining - multi-index and simultaneous.
Create turn machining

Create a wide variety of machining including rough and finish turning, rough and finish grooving.
Create multi turret and multi-spindle machining.
Program twin turrets independently, with manual synchronisation, or use the 'balanced' cycles with automatic synchronisation.
Incorporate milling machining with a mill/turn machine.
Create 2 to 4 Axis Wire EDM

Create configurations supporting your machine tools
Use the 'Code Wizard' supporting application to configure your machine tool capabilities into a single 'Code Generator'(post-processor) file, for
quick selection.
Configure multi-axis (linear and rotary) milling machines and turning machines. Use the 'get you started' templates for many popular machines and
controllers including Fanuc, Okuma, Daewoo.
Include a graphical representation of your machine using the provided, or custom (solid model) graphics.
Simulate your machining

Watch your part being machined in a graphical representation of your machine, checking for collisions and so on.
Generate CNC code for your machining, tailored by your stored machine configuration
Quickly manipulate your machining
Automatically adapt your machining to external changes in the solid part file ('associativity').
Change the order of the machining.
Mirror and copy toolpaths
Edit parameters such as tool diameters, with instant toolpath regeneration.
Create automated tasks

Use 'PCI' macro language.
About Part Modeler

Part Modeler is a 3D modelling tool specifically designed for quick and simple construction and/or modification of solid models.
Easy-to-use and cost-effective solid modelling for parts and assemblies.
Features for many manufacturing-specific tasks, such as designing moulds and dies or generating electrodes.
Seamless integration with Edgecam Solid Machinist, providing a complete system for creating and machining true solids-based parts with Automatic
Feature Recognition and full part-to-tooplath associativity.
Importing of files from most CAD systems.
Loading of open files directly into Edgecam using the Launch Edgecam icon.
Additional Programs
Edgecam includes several supporting applications, most of which can be accessed through the Windows ► Start menu:
Code Wizard Configure the requirements of a CNC machine into a new code generator, which is then used to produce CNC code tailored for
that machine. (Not available in Homework Mode.)
Editor A dedicated CNC file editor with essential editing, comparison and formatting features.
Job Manager Manage 'jobs'. In general, a job is a collection of data related to producing a part. The data includes the material (such as steel
or tungsten), a reference to the part and NC files, and a selection of suitable tools.
Job Reports (Not strictly an application.) Opens the current job report .htm files into your Web browser.
Job reports provide a summary of settings in jobs (see 'Job Manager' above). Once enabled, job reports are automatically
generated/updated whenever job data changes. You can also manually generate them using 'Refresh' in Job Manager - see the
Job Manager online help for more details.
Technology Automatically calculate feeds and speeds for tools to be used in machining cycles.
Assistant
Toolkit Assistant Provides all the facilities for working with jobs, including adding and removing tools. This allows you to manage your
ToolStore database more effectively and streamline the process of preparing to write an NC file.
ToolStore Store, manage and retrieve details of your tools.
ToolStore Manage your tooling databases - switch active database, backup, restore, delete and so on.
Administrator
Simulate Full simulation of the machine tool and machining process for lathes and milling machines, helping you to avoid expensive
Machining collisions, optimise the cutting process and reduce cycle time.
Rapid Result A faster version of Simulator, moving directly to showing the final machined stock, so that you can compare this with the
component design intent.
Strategy Manager Automatically machine a feature based on an analysis of the feature by pre-written logical routines. Capture best practice
manufacturing methods and apply them to subsequent jobs, dramatically reducing programming and machine cycle time.
Utilities A range of tools for managing the Edgecam environment. You can select the language for your software (if different versions
are installed) or restore factory settings, for example.
The File Locations utility is used to set locations for various file types. Use this to change the network location, ToolStore and
Strategy Manager data location, and temporary folder location, for example.
The Edgecam Window

The illustration below shows a typical Edgecam window.
The Edgecam user interface offers the following features:
1 The title bar displays licensing information and information on the open part.
Windows are areas within the Edgecam user interface dedicated to a particular area of functionality. Windows can be hidden, moved and docked or
2/3
undocked.
You can have one or more views open in the graphics area. Each looks at the part from a particular viewpoint, hence the view names of 'Top',
4
'Isometric' and so on.
5 If you right-click in the graphics area you see the graphics area shortcut menu.
The Workplane marker shows the orientation of the current Workplane, as seen from the current view. The marker shows the X axis,Y axis and Z
6
axis of the Workplane.
The view caption gives the view orientation ('Top', 'Left' and so on), and the zoom magnification factor.
7
Click on the view caption to display shortcut menu options for working with the view; you can change its orientation and other properties for example.
8 The status bar at the bottom of the window shows a description of a button, as you rest the cursor on it and prompts for your next action.
The Status Bar

The status bar at the bottom of the Edgecam Window shows:
The description of a button, as you rest the cursor on it.

Prompts for your next action. For example when creating a cycle you might see the prompt 'Select Level for this command'. Also see User Input Prompts.
At the right side of the status bar:
Shown Means
mm millimetre units are active (click on 'mm' for information on setting units)
in inch units are active (click on 'in' for information on setting units)
XY XY is the current environment (click to replace with 'ZX' - see below)
ZX ZX is the current environment (click to replace with 'XY' - see above)
DIA Diametral input mode is currently active in the ZX environment (click to replace with 'RAD' - see below)
RAD Radial input mode is currently active in the ZX environment (click to replace with 'DIA' - see above)
GRID Click this when making a selection to snap to grid points. Only available when the grid is displayed (View menu ► Grid).
ENTITY Click this to make an ENTITY selection. (Not always available.)
FREE Click this to make a FREE selection. (Not always available.)
For more information on Entity and Free selection, see General Principles of Selecting Input.
Graphics Area Shortcut Menu

Shortcut menus are lists of commands that appear when you right-click. If you right-click in the graphics area you see the graphics area shortcut menu.
If you are performing an action; for example creating a line:
There is a short delay before the menu appears. If you release the mouse button before this, the action terminates.
The command you select typically affects your action. For example, you can switch between Free and Entity selections.
So that you can quickly repeat a command, there is a 'recently used' list of commands at the bottom of the graphics area shortcut menu.
You can customise the graphics area shortcut menu to:
Set the delay before the menu appears.

Set the maximum size of the recently used commands list.
View Caption
In the view caption there is an indication of the view orientation ('Top', 'Left' and so on), and of the zoom magnification factor.
Click on the view caption to display shortcut menu options for working with the view; you can change its orientation and other properties for example.
Views can be relative to world co-ordinates, machine co-ordinates or Workplane. Choose by clicking the appropriate button:
Relative to world co-ordinates

Relative to machine co-ordinates
Relative to Workplane
For optimised screen layout, you can move and dock the view caption menu (same behaviour as a standard window in Edgecam). See Moving, Docking and
Undocking Windows.
Windows
Windows are areas within the Edgecam user interface dedicated to a particular area of functionality.
Examples are:
The Features window, which you use to work with found features.
The Sequences window, which you use to work with your machining instructions.
You can:
Show and hide windows.

Auto-hide windows (this means the window collapses to a small marker at its docking point when you move the cursor out of the window; you expand the
window back to full size by moving the cursor over the marker).
Move, dock and undock windows.
Change the font. This is a Windows setting; refer to your Windows documentation for details.
The Features Window

The Features window is a central area for working with the loaded solids, and any features found in the solids. It is part of the overall user interface.
You can opt for a ' Tree' view of the features... ...or you can opt for a 'List' view.
The information below is common to both Tree and List views - for specific information on each view follow the links under the buttons below.
At the top of the window there is a row of buttons that you can use to:
Switch to Switch to Switch to Assign Apply Change the Change the Change the Show or hide
Tree View List Bin View Strategies All Sorting Order Manufacturing Order Manufacturing Order suppressed features
View Strategies
See features' Work with Undelete Automatically Set to current Use an automatic
features' features machine row order (for suggested order
parent solid machining the features machining (for machining
body and with strategies) with strategies)
Workplane.
Suppressing and Deleting Features
If you have many features in your part, you can use 'suppressing' to manage them. You can temporarily suppress the features that you are not
currently working on, for example
To suppress a feature use Suppressed in the shortcut menu (see below). To unsuppress, use the command again on the feature.
Suppressed features are as shown in the example on the left. Once suppressed, you can then use the 'Show/Hide Suppressed' button (above).
The suppressed state is specific to a machining sequence. This means that:
You need to check, and possibly re-set, the suppression on switching to a new sequence.
As an alternative, you can move features in and out of the 'recycle bin' - deleted features are initially placed in the Bin View of the Features
window see details. To delete features use Delete in the shortcut menu (see below). To undelete features, first switch to the Features Window,
Bin View.
Please note that you can delete features permanently (without initially placing them in the Bin View) by holding down the SHIFT key when
deleting the features. Use with caution. (If you make a mistake you can cancel the deletion by using the Undo command).
See more details on suppressed or deleted features and their machining instructions.
Other Facilities in the Window

As well as the options outlined above, you can:
Rest the cursor over a solid or feature to highlight that solid or feature in the Graphics Area.
Right-click on a solid or feature to display a shortcut menu of commands. For example there are commands for editing (including renaming), assigning
strategies and deleting and suppressing - see above). Note that you cannot delete a feature if its layer is not displayed (the layer is one of the feature's
properties).
For machines with both Main and Sub-spindles, features have 'Copy to other spindle' and 'Move to other spindle' commands. These can be used to correct
the spindle allocation made during the sequence setup (see details). As an alternative, change the feature's Spindle property.
Click on a feature to select it and display its properties in the Properties window.
Click on the '+' symbol next to a feature to show the feature's machining instructions, including relevant toolchanges.
Notes
The labels for the solids are taken from their original file name (plus the number if the file contained multiple bodies).
Features that cannot be machined are marked with a red cross ( ). These are features that the machine cannot align itself to because of rotary axis
limitations (so the indication only appears on first switching to Manufacture mode and specifying the machine's code generator). Strategies cannot be
applied or assigned to these features.
Please note that features are only checked for their machinability if the Show Accessibility option in the shortcut menu is enabled. You can globally
enable/disable this option for all features using Machine Parameters dialog ► General tab ► Show Feature Accessibility.
On a solid model reload, mis-matches between a feature and its underlying geometry in the solid may be detected. These are indicated with an added status
prefix to the feature name:
New the last automatic feature find has been repeated, finding new features in the solid.
Changed the feature properties have changed, perhaps the 'Depth' of a pocket.
Orphaned the link to the underlying geometry in the feature cannot be maintained - the geometry may have been deleted, or it may have undergone
too large a change.
Note if a boolean union has been performed, the 'tool' part of the union is effectively deleted as the underlying geometry of features.
Face features cannot be given the orphaned status.
Orphaned Edge Loop features are also shown with dotted lines.
Best Match a more tentative link between feature and solid geometry has been maintained. Some of the faces of a Face feature may have been
deleted for example, while still leaving enough faces to make a 'guess' that the link still exists.
Relocated indicates that a Hole Feature has moved position, but is geometrically the same. This means that any cycles applied to that feature are
still valid but fixtures may need to be adjusted. If the Hole Feature has changed then, geometrically, it is different and probably requires the cycles /
tooling to be edited.
To specify a further action, right-click on the feature and select from the shortcut menu that opens. The options available depend on the new status, and the
type of the feature. For example:
For 'Orphaned' features, select Delete, or select Edit and re-specify the underlying geometry.
For 'Changed' features you can select Accept. (Note that clicking Accept simply acknowledges that you have seen the indication. The machining
based on the features may still need to be updated (this can happen automatically on a reload, according to your Regenerate Current Sequence
preference setting).)
You can use Accept on multiple selected features, or on solids or Workplanes (accepts all their features).
If any modified features have not been accepted when you enter manufacture mode, a warning message will be displayed, and you will be prompted to
complete the review process.
Following a solid reload features may change, which can affect the cycle using the feature. Any cycles that use a changed feature are shown red in the
instruction list and flagged with a warning icon ( see illustration). To clear the warning message, you need to Accept the feature (see above).
Features are listed by their entity number, which equates to their order of creation.
A 'tapped hole' feature with a '?' against its name is not 'fully defined'; one or more or these parameters is not set: Thread Units, Tap Diameter, Drill Size,
Pitch/TPI, and Depth.
Features Window - List View
In the List View option of the Features window the features are presented in a table, with one row per feature, and columns for the some of the feature properties
(such as Type and Name).
To change the column widths, click on a column heading then drag the divider left or right with the new cursor style.
Strategies
One of the columns lists the 'Assigned Strategies'.
These strategies are shown with a left to right order corresponding to the listed order of the strategies in the Assign Strategies to a Feature dialog.
Machining Instructions
Click the button next to a feature to see the machining instructions applicable to the feature (Toolchange and Cycle only).
Hover over a cycle instruction to see its toolpath highlighted.
Click on an instruction to select it, and also select the instruction in the Sequence Window.
Note that one toolchange may appear under more than one feature.
Click the button to hide the machining instructions.
Sorting
You can drag the feature rows up and down in the list, until it is in the order you want.
Or you can have the rows ordered automatically, according to their column entries. For most of the columns this is an alpha-numeric sort, note however that for
the Feature Type column, the sort is based on a suggested order of machining - see more details.
The current sorting scheme is indicated by the priority numbers in the column headings, as shown in the table below. You control these settings using the Sort
Order Dialog, described below. To re-sort after dragging to a different order, click OK in the Sort Order dialog without changing any settings.
Priority - The list is first sorted according to the entries in this column.
(1)
column
Priority - If the (1) sort does not discriminate between several features (all the features in the same Workplane for example), then these features are
(2) sorted according to their (2) column entries.
column
Priority - If the (1) and (2) sorts do not discriminate between several features, then these features are sorted according to their (3) column entries.
(3)
column
. .
and so on and so on
Note that a column might not have a Priority number - it may have been left blank in the Sort Order dialog (see below).
▲ - Indicates an ascending sort for the column ('a' above 'b', '1' above '2'). Click on the column heading to switch to '▼'.
(Note how this does not necessarily invert the whole list - only the ordering of those features which need this column to determine their order.)
▼ - Indicates a descending sort for the column ('b' above 'a', '2' above '1'). Click on the column heading to switch to '▲'.
Sort Criteria
The sorting criteria varies between columns. For example:
For the Name column, there is an alpha-numeric sort, so 'Axle' is above 'Yoke', for example.
For the Workplane column, there is a sort on the Z value of the Workplane's origin. This is to place 'higher' Workplanes, that you would probably want to
machine first, above 'lower' ones.
Sort Order Dialog

To fully control the columns' Priority and Direction (Ascending/Descending) settings:
1. Click the button at the top of the Feature Window.

2. In the Feature Browser - Sort Order dialog that opens:
Click on the Priority or Direction column for a property to select it.
Click again and select from the list that appears.
Not all the columns need have a Priority number - columns left blank rank lower than any number.
If you assign the same Priority number to more than one column, the column furthest to the Left in the table has the highest ranking.
3. Click OK to close the dialog.
(Click OK without making any changes to re-sort the table to the current scheme, if you have dragged the rows to a different order.)
Features Window - Tree View

In the Tree View of the Features window, the features are grouped according to their parent solid and Workplane, arranged in a two-level hierarchy. The features
are identified by an icon and a type description, such as '2D Boss'.
A solid
A Workplane in which features have been found.
A face feature found in the Workplane
A pocket feature found in the Workplane
A hole feature found in the Workplane
....any other features....
...any other Workplanes....
....any other solids.....
A sheet/surface body
Click to close a branch; click to open a branch.
For a more detailed listing, including sorting options, use the List View .
Features Window - Bin View
The Bin View of the Features window contains features that you have deleted from the other views. (Please note that a SHIFT + Delete will permanently delete
features, without initially placing them in the Bin View).
The view is a replica of the Tree view, containing the same tree structure, but with only the deleted features in the tree, and a different background colour.
Right-click on a feature and from the shortcut menu choose:
Delete - The feature is permanently deleted. Use with caution.

Undelete - The feature is restored back into the other views.
Typically, a user will Feature Find and then delete duplicates or features that do not require machining in this particular session. When the model is updated due
to a small design change, the unwanted features are also updated, but remain in the bin and, therefore, do not have to be deleted again.
See these details on how any instructions for machining deleted features are indicated.
Sequence Window
The Sequence window (also referred to as the Instruction browser/list) shows sequences of machining instructions. It uses a 'tree' style similar to Windows
Explorer.
The instruction labels feature an instruction number and the type of the instruction (for example 'Pocket Operation'). Toolchange instructions may also feature a
Sort Priority number.
Instructions may be highlighted with different colour backgrounds in the Sequence window.
You can:
Right-click on an instruction to open a shortcut menu of commands to operate on that instruction, such as the Edit command.
Right-click on the window background to open a shortcut menu of commands relating to the instructions as a whole, such as Search, which searches all the
instructions for text.
Re-arrange, edit and delete instructions.
Arrange instructions into various groupings.
Create user groups.
Show or hide the layer showing a tool's toolpaths.
Show or hide the toolpath for a machining instruction.
Opt for an instruction's toolpath to be highlighted when you rest the cursor on the instruction; use the File menu ► Preferences ► Interface tab ►
Highlight Instructions. See illustration...
Instructions for Suppressed and Deleted Features

While a feature is deleted and in the recycle bin, or surpressed, any machining instructions of the feature will appear as shown on the left
(see more details on suppressing and deleting).
These instructions will produce no NC output. Once the feature is undeleted or unsupressed, the instructions will revert to normal.
Side-by-Side mode
In Side-by-Side mode there is a separate tab for each sequence.
You can right-click on the tab title to display a shortcut list of menu options; for example you can choose New to create a new sequence.
Click on a tab title to bring it to the front. Double-click on a tab title to select it as the active sequence (becomes marked with a '*'.
To switch to Side-by-Side mode right-click in the window and click to check Side by Side. Check the Single Scroll Bar option to scroll both window panes at
the same time.
Twin Turrets
In the turning environment you can use the 'Side by Side' option for viewing instructions for twin turrets. Each turret appears as a separately titled sequence in
one tab.
Click on a title to select it. Double-click to select the turret as the active turret (becomes marked with a '*').
The synchronisation commands are displayed in the window in both turrets.
On each turret, the Spindle column shows the currently active spindle (main or sub), with the green background indicating spindle priority.
A driven tool icon is displayed in the instruction list next to the toolchange icon. This helps you to differentiate between driven and fixed tool mode.
Grouping Instructions
To group instructions, right-click in the Sequence window and in the shortcut menu click the appropriate Group ► command, for example Group ► Group by
Tool.
You can also use Group by Index, Group by Sync Point and User's Groups. Only one grouping can apply at any one time, so for example using Group by
Tool will undo the Group by Index.
Closed Group Expanded Group
You work with groups in the same way as you work with individual instructions; for example you can delete a group, which deletes all the instructions within it.
In this respect groups are similar to Windows Explorer folders and their files. They are similar in many other respects; for example you can rename groups, open
and close them, and move and copy them.
The sequence and the instructions within a folder are not affected by being in the folder. For example you can insert into the folder's sequence in the normal way.
You can work with a group by right-clicking on it and selecting a command from the shortcut menu.
Limitations
The Group commands will not be available if the selected instructions do not satisfy the following requirements:
Nested instruction groups are not allowed.

A group may contain an operation but an operation may not contain a group. The operation must be completely within the group.
A group may not be created if any of the selected instructions are already in a group.
Notes
Do not confuse this way of grouping with the groupings you create with the Instructions menu ► Operation command.
The groupings group together instructions between events in the sequence, so 'Group by Tool' is more accurately described as 'Group by Toolchange' (the
toolchange instruction is always the first in the group).
Grouped instructions are displayed in the Time Line in the same way as operations.
See Also
Creating User Groups
Creating Groups
Custom groups of instructions can be created in the sequence browser to match, for example, Roughing and Finishing processes.
Creating a Group
To create a new Group:
1. Right-click on an instruction in the sequence browser and select Group ► Create Group.
2. Enter a name for the new Group.
3. A new Group will be created containing the instruction.
Removing a Group
To remove an existing Group:
1. Right-click on the group in the sequence browser and select Group ► Ungroup.
2. The group will be removed and the instruction.
See Also
Grouping Instructions
Showing and Hiding Toolchange Layers

You can show or hide the layer containing the toolpaths associated with a toolchange instruction.
1. In the Sequence Window right-click on the toolchange instruction.
If the instruction is in a 'group by tool' instruction group, you can right-click on the group (folder).
2. In the subsequent shortcut menu click Display Layer to show the layer, click Display Layer to hide the layer.
Note that the Layers window shows the effects of your change.
Showing and Hiding Toolpaths for Individual Instructions

It is possible to display toolpaths on a per instruction basis. Being able to hide individual toolpaths gives you a clearer view of the machining, for example when
the same tool is being used to machine several cycles and you only want to see one of them.
You can show/hide the toolpath for an operation without having to expand the operation in the browser.
Please note that the visibility settings apply to the current worksession only. When reloading the part, all toolpaths are shown on the graphics screen by default.
To hide the toolpath for an instruction

1. In the Sequence window, right-click on a (machining) instruction.
A tick next to the option indicates that the toolpath for the instruction is displayed.
2. Click the Visible option from the shortcut menu to hide the toolpath for that instruction. Hidden toolpaths are shown in pale grey in the instruction list (see
instruction 14 below).
To hide toolpaths for several instructions

1. In the Sequence window, select the instructions. You can select multiple instructions by holding down the CTRL or SHIFT key while selecting the
instructions with a left mouse click.
2. Open the shortcut menu with a right mouse click.
The state of the option (ticked or unticked) indicates the visibility setting for all selected instructions after the option has been selected.(This is
dependent on the current state of the first instruction in your selection).
3. Click Visible to show/hide the toolpaths for all selected instructions.
Checking for Deleted Geometry

Operations and cycles are checked for the deletion of their geometry.
If geometry has been deleted, this is indicated in red the Sequence window:
The checks are automatically triggered by various events. For example if a change to the loaded solid is detected (the change being made in an external CAD
package).
Note that if the automatic checks cause too much of a delay, you can suppress them by unchecking the preference File menu ► Preferences ► Interface tab ►
Check for Deleted Geometry. You would then only be warned of any problems when you generate CNC code.
Following a solid reload features may change, which can affect the cycle using the feature. Any cycles that use a changed feature are automatically shown red
in the instruction list and flagged with a warning icon.
Searching for Text in the Sequence Window

You can search for any text that appears in the Sequence window; in the names of tools, cycles and operations, for example:
1. Click anywhere in the Sequence window and press Ctrl-F. Alternatively right-click in the window and in the shortcut menu click Search.
2. Use the subsequent Find dialog to search for your text.
As a shortcut way to search, you can press F3. This either opens the Find dialog so you can specify your search text, or it finds the next instance of your text if it
is already specified.
If you use 'Mark' to highlight the found text, you can clear this as follows:
Click to select an instruction in the Sequence window and in the shortcut menu click Highlight ► Remove all or Highlight ► Remove selected.
Feedback Window
The Feedback window is a general messaging area. It displays information on, for example:
Various Verify commands (it opens automatically when a Verify command is used)
The Strategy Manager log file
Solid model tolerance
The results of a feature find or solid file reload (Can be disabled by unchecking File menu ► Preferences ► Solids tab ► Feature Find Summary.)
To make sure you always see feedback, even if the window is originally closed, check File menu ► Preferences ► Interface tab ► Auto Display Feedback.
Selected Error messages are also written to the Edgecam Log under Applications and Service Logs in the Windows Event Viewer.
Right-click in the Feedback window to display the shortcut menu commands:
Copy Highlight the required text to copy.

Clear Clears all text from the window.
Allow When checked the widow can be docked.
Docking
Hide Closes the window (same as clicking on the close button when undocked).
You can opt for feedback to be displayed in a dialog (as in pre-version 7.50 releases), rather than the Feedback window (the text from this cannot be copied):
Properties Window
The Properties window shows the properties of an item. The item can be, for example, the selected feature, the selected machine tool graphic, an instruction, or
the part file.
Some properties can be edited in the window, such as the colour of a feature. Other properties cannot be edited such as the properties of an instruction.
Click to cancel edit, Click to

once made (see '*') confirm edit
Can sort by
Property
category
or name
Properties Click to
choose from
drop-down menu
Property
category
* Click to
edit properties
(enables cancel
and confirm
buttons above)
Click to contract
category
(click + to expand it)
Information on
selected property
Notes
There may be other ways to edit properties that are not editable in the this window. To edit the Depth of a feature for example, right-click on the feature in
the Features window and from the shortcut menu select Edit.
Double-click on the Coord Input entry to highlight the selected cycle's geometry (rather than the selected cycle's toolpath). This only applies until the
cycle becomes de-selected.
There are more details on feature height properties.

You can use the left and right arrow keys to step through the properties.
Where a property has drop-down setting options, you can use the space bar to step through them.
You can make multiple edits then confirm or cancel them all with a single click of the confirm or cancel button.
Time Line Window

The Time Line window shows your machining instructions positioned in time, so that you can validate and optimise them. You can use it to help visualise the
interaction between turrets and spindles, and ensure synchronisation positions are correctly placed, for example.
Notes
You can see the ScreenTip for an instruction by resting the cursor over it (see 'Rough Turning' above). The ScreenTip includes the total toolpath length.
You can choose an option for an instruction, such as 'Edit' or 'Simulate', by right-clicking on the instruction.
You can control spindle docking ( ) and un-docking ( ) icons by right-clicking on the white background and clicking Show Status Icons ► Off, Show
Status Icons ► Full Size or Show Status Icons ► Compact.
You can opt to show or hide the time scale by right-clicking on the white background and clicking Show Ruler.
You can change the time scale using the mouse wheel.
You can drag the window to you preferred position, or dock it in a number of positions.
Colours differentiate between milling and turning instructions.
You can fit the length of the line to the available window width by double-clicking on the white background.
Spindle inactivity is displayed as grey space.
The time line display is based on Edgecam cycle times and this limitation should be considered when viewing the time line window.
Tracking Window
Displays the current position of the cursor in the co-ordinates of
the currently selected co-ordinate system.
You can switch between Workplane (Construction Plane), World

and Machine co-ordinate systems using their buttons.
You only see live Workplane co-ordinates when you are making
a selection (specifying the start point of a line for example).
PCI Variables Window

You use PCIs to automate Edgecam tasks. The PCI Variables window shows the currently defined PCI variables and their values.
PCI variables can be created from:
Within PCIs themselves (using the directives (%CALC, %ASK, %ASKBOX, %OPTION or %ASKDIG).
Within this window, see details.
Variable names can be up to 28 characters long and are case insensitive.
Each PCI variable has a type.
You can type variable names into dialog boxes. For example when creating an arc, for the Radius value you could type '[myRadius]', having previously created
'myRadius'. You can switch to viewing the value of the variable by simultaneously pressing the 'Ctrl' and '=' keys, with the cursor in the value box. The value is
only displayed while you are holding down the keys.
The variables continue to exist, even after closing Edgecam until you delete them. To delete variables you can:
Use the %DELETE directive. This deletes a specific variable. Variables remain available in the current PCI run, but not thereafter.
Use the %DELETE ALL VARS directive. This deletes all variables. The variables remain available in the current PCI run, but not thereafter.
Use File menu ► Preferences ► General tab ► (Modality) Reset Defaults.
In this window, right-click on the variable to open the shortcut menu. Click Delete (user variables only)
Read-only Variables
Read-only variables store constant values, and help you create more 'readable' macros.
For example, instead of referring to the line entity type explicitly by number (which is '1'), you could return this number using the code '[#ETYPE_LINE]'. This
saves you having to remember the type numbers.
There is a standard set of read-only variables, and you can create your own using %CALC (prefix your variable name with '#').
The names of the standard read-only variables are fairly self explanatory, for example:
#TRUE (set to 1), #FALSE (set to 0).

Construction digitise types include #CMD_MIDPOINT and #CMD_BISECT.
Digitise buffer element types include #DIG_ENTNODIG and #DIG_ENTNAME_DIG.
Verb and noun types include #VerbIndex, #VerbMove and #NounPallet.
About Edgecam Views

You can have one or more views open in the graphics area. Each looks at the part from a particular viewpoint, hence the view names of 'Top', 'Isometric' and so
on ( see examples...)
A view appears like this:
Status Bar
The status bar at the bottom left (also referred to as the View Caption) shows the name of the view ('Top' in this case) and the zoom magnification factor ('1.20'
in this case). Click on the view caption to display shortcut menu options for working with the view; you can change its orientation and other properties for
example.
Workplane Markers
Just above the status bar is a Workplane marker showing the orientation of the current Workplane, as seen from the current view. The marker shows the X axis,
Y axis and Z axis of the Workplane.
In the centre of the illustration is the additional (Workplane) Datum, which is at the origin of the current Workplane (optionally display this using the View
Configure dialog).
Turn Workplane Marker

In Turning mode the Workplane marker has a ring which is divided top (upper turret) and bottom lLower turret) and left (main spindle) and right (sub-spindle).
The yellow quadrant shows which spindle the selected turret is working on, whilst the grey quadrant shows which spindle the non-selected turret is working on.
Here the lower turret is selected and is working on the main spindle, whilst the grey quadrant shows the upper turret is also working on the main spindle:
See Also
Creating New Views by Splitting
Tabbed Views
Switching Views
Configuring Views
Relationship Between Views and the Workplane
Relationship Between Views and the Workplane

Each view is usually associated with a construction plane (Workplane). When a Workplane is selected, the outline of its associated view port is highlighted. In
the example above, view 1, is highlighted because Workplane TOP is the current Workplane.
The diagram below shows the relationship between all the Edgecam standard views and their associated Workplanes for the XY environment:
The following parameters on the General tab of the View Properties dialog control the alignment of the view port in relation to a Workplane.
Track When checked the view port will automatically align itself with the current Workplane.
Workplane
Align to The view port is aligned to the selected Workplane. The Rotate function is disabled until this option is turned off.
Workplane
Switching Views
To change views right-click on the View Caption and select the new view from the shortcut menu.
For a quick method of changing between alternate view properties within a single view you can create tabbed views.
Configuring Views
Overview General Grid Wrap Tool Clipping Analysis Layers
Click the View Caption (in the bottom left corner of the graphics screen) and click Properties.
This dialog allows you to configure the view, create user defined tabs for tabbed views, control the layer options for a view and restrict the display of entities to a
specified level by clipping views.
The status bar at the bottom left of a view shows the view's name and a number representing the zoom magnification factor.
Just above this is a marker showing the orientation of the current Workplane, as seen from the current view. The marker shows the X axis, Y axis and the Z axis.
You can also display an additional Workplane marker (check Datum in the General tab), with the same orientation, which is at the Workplane's origin.
A part model can be viewed from several directions at the same time by displaying multiple views.
Configure View dialog - General tab

Name This box contains a list of all tabs present in the view.
Display Specifies how the part model will be displayed. Choose between Wireframe, Rendered and Hidden line.
As a quicker alternative use the equivalent options in the Display toolbar ► Rendering button (menu).
Workplane Toggles the display of the Workplane marker in the view.
Axes Tick this box to draw lines in red, green and blue to denote the X, Y and Z axes respectively.
Datum Toggles the display of the datum marker in the view.
Machine Datum Toggles the display of the machine datum in the view.
Translucent Stock Toggles the display of translucent stock in the view.
Display Swept Check this box to display swept entities.
Entities
View Change the view by selecting from the list. <None> will mean no change in the view.
Align to The view port is aligned to the selected Workplane. The Rotate function is disabled until this option is turned off.
Workplane
Track Workplane When checked the view port will automatically align itself with the current Workplane.
Configure View dialog - Grid tab

Show Grid Check this box to display the grid.

Select Origin Check to select a new origin point for the grid.
Horizontal Grid Specifies the grid spacing in the X axis, in part units.
Space
Vertical Grid Specifies the grid spacing in the Y axis, in part units.
Space
Configure View dialog - Wrap tab

Display Wrapped Check to display wrapped geometry.

Geometry
Display Unwrap Check to display unwrapped envelope.
Envelope
Configure View dialog - Tool tab

Display Specify how (or whether) you want the tool to be displayed, choose from: Hide, Wireframe, Solid or Translucent.
Alternatively use the View and Render Buttons toolbar ► Tool Display button (see details).
Display Tool Check this to show the tool's shank and holder; uncheck this to hide them.
Holder
Alternatively use the View and Render Buttons toolbar ► Tool Display button.
Show all Toolpath Check this to show feed moves on the screen, as well as any other types of move you set to be shown by checking the boxes below.
Uncheck this to hide the complete toolpath.

Lead Moves Check box to show lead moves on screen.
Rapid Moves Check the to show rapid moves on screen.
High Feedrate Check box to show high feedrate moves on screen.
Moves
Override Global Check this to override the shown/hidden status set using File menu ► Colours ('None' is one of the toolpath styles you can select, along
Toolpath Display with 'Solid', 'Dotted' and so on).
Configure View dialog - Clipping tab

Clipping allows you to restrict the display of entities to a specified level. This is particularly useful when working with complex 3D wireframe models and in a
multiplane milling environment.
When multiple views are displayed, it is possible to apply different clipping parameters to each view.
X/Y/Z Specifies the plane(s) to cut through. Choose between the following options:
Level
None No clipping.
Pick You will be prompted to pick the level for the cut plane.
Value Type in an absolute value at which the cutting plane will be generated.
You can choose which section of the display to remove by checking the appropriate button.
Positive Removes the display in the positive direction along the selected axis, from the cutting plane, relative to the current Workplane.
Negative Removes the display in the negative direction along the selected axis, from the cutting plane, relative to the current Workplane.
Clipping and Track Workplane

It is possible to have the display configured to automatically track the current Workplane by checking the Track Workplane option on the General tab of the
View Properties dialog. This is generally used when working in a multiplane milling environment.
If Track Workplane is enabled, the clipping follows the Workplane, so if you index to a new Workplane, the current Workplane changes, and so does the
clipping.
Configure View dialog - Analysis tab

Analysis Model is superseded functionality - see details.
Analysis Lists the entity name (or number if no name is specified) of the analysis models in the part.
Model
Configure View dialog - Layers tab

The Layers tab contains a duplicate of the layer list in the Layer Browser although the visibility status of layers may differ. By default, the Layer Browser takes
precedence over the view properties. Check the Override box to override the settings in the Layer Browser.
Select to hide This option allows you to select an entity on the layer you wish to hide. Check the Select to hide option and press OK. You will then be prompted
to select entities on the layer to exclude.
Name Contains a list of all layers currently available in the Layer Browser. You can use this to assign different layer options to tabbed views by making
only the appropriate layers visible.
Tabbed Views
This functionality provides a quick method of changing between alternate view properties within a single view by creating a tabbed view, with each tab
representing a user defined set of view properties.
See Also
Creating a New Tab
Editing and Deleting Tabs
Layer Control and Tabbed Views
Creating a New View (Tab)

A mouse click while the cursor is over the view caption will activate this menu:
Select New View to call up the dialog. Type in a name for the new tab and modify the view properties according to your requirements.
Clickt OK.
A new, unique tab will be created.
As soon as the first user defined tab is created another tab labelled ‘Default’ will be created. This stores the initial view configuration so you can easily switch
from the user defined tab to the default tab.
As new user defined tabs are created their names are added to the Name field on the dialog.
If you select a name from the list a duplicate tab will be created. If you then modify some of the properties the original tab remains unchanged.
If a new view is created by splitting the current view it will inherit an identical set of tabs. Once split, the tabs of the two views can be changed independently.
Editing and Deleting Tabs

A mouse click while the cursor is over the view caption will activate the caption menu which includes the menu entries Update from View and Delete.
Select these options to update the tab’s properties from the current configuration or remove the tab respectively.
The Properties option allows you to edit the view by making selections in the dialog.
Layer Control and Tabbed Views

The Layers tab of the Properties dialog contains a duplicate of the layer list in the Layers Window although the visibility status of layers may differ.
By default, the Layers Window takes precedence over the view properties. Check the Override box to override the settings in the Layers Window.
You can use this to assign different layer options to each of the tabs. See Assigning Different Layer Options to Tabbed Views.
The Select to hide option allows you to select an entity on the layer you wish to hide. Check the Select to hide box and click OK. You will then be prompted to
select entities on the layer to exclude.
Assigning Different Layer Options to Tabbed Views

The following example shows how you can use the Layers Window in conjunction with tabbed views.
1. Create several layers containing different types of entities, i.e. geometry, stock and roughing cycle.
2. Then create a tabbed view, assigning different layer options to each tab.
You will now be able to switch between different views (each containing different layer options by simply selecting the appropriate tab).
Standard Views
There are two sets of standard views in Edgecam; one for each environment. They are shown in the following table:
XY Environment ZX Environment
Isometric* Isometric*
Back Front Turn
Bottom Vertical Turn
Left Axial
Right Radial
Front Inverse Turn
Top Turn
Unwrap
Wrap
* There are four ISO views to choose from: Front-Right, Front-Left, Back-Left and Back-Right.
Creating New Views by Splitting

To split the screen using icons
At the bottom right side of a view you can find a set of icons which allow you to split the screen horizontally or vertically and set up each of the views as you
wish. The cross allows you to undo the split.
To split the screen using the shortcut menu

Right-click in a view to display the shortcut menu.
Note the two options Horizontal Split and Vertical Split. Selecting either of these splits the original window into two new windows with the same properties.
You can then set up each of the views as you wish.
To move the split line, drag the line to its new position with the mouse.
See Also
Switching Views
Configuring Views
Tabbed Views
Zooming Views
The zoom level is indicated in the View Caption, at the bottom of the graphics area - the larger the number the more zoomed in you are.
The default behaviour is to zoom relative to the cursor position.
There are various methods for zooming in and out:
Zoom In button.
Click this to zoom in. This is not present in the standard user interface - you need to add this to a toolbar or menu, from the View category.
Zoom Out button.
Click this to zoom out. This is not present in the standard user interface - you need to add this to a toolbar or menu, from the View category.
Mouse Zoom in or out by rolling the mouse wheel. There is a preference for setting the sensitivity and the direction - see details.
Wheel
Ctrl + Simultaneously hold down the Ctrl key and right mouse button while you move the cursor upwards (zoom in) or downwards (zoom out).
Right
Mouse You first need to enable this by checking File menu ► Preferences ► Interface tab ► Ctrl + Right Button Zoom. Do not enable this if you
Button need the key combination to force an entity selection (Ctrl key) while rotating (right mouse button).
Zoom Window button (Display toolbar)
Click this button then click-and-drag out a box.
On releasing the mouse button the view zooms in so the box defines the new view boundaries.
Zoom Extents button (Display toolbar)
Click this button to fit all the part geometry into the view.
As an alternative, double-click the mouse wheel. (To disable this, create a new PCI Variable !checkMDoubleClick=0 and restart.)
Clipping Views
Clipping allows you to restrict the display of entities to a specified level. This is particularly useful when working with complex 3D wireframe models, in a
multiplane milling environment and in solid turning.
Clipping planes will be generated relative to the current Workplane.

When multiple views are displayed, it is possible to apply different clipping parameters to each view.
To clip a view
1. A mouse click while the cursor is over the view caption at the bottom of the screen will activate a drop-down menu:
2. Select the Properties... option to open the Configure View dialog.

3. Go to the Clipping tab.
4. Specify the level at which the clipping is done.
X/Y/Z Level - Specifies the plane(s) to cut through. Choose between the following options:
None - No clipping.
Pick - You will be prompted to pick the level for the cut plane.
Value - Type in an absolute value at which the cutting plane will be generated.
5. Specify which section of the display is clipped away by checking the appropriate button.
Positive - Removes the display in the positive direction along the selected axis, from the cutting plane, relative to the current Workplane.
Negative - Removes the display in the negative direction along the selected axis, from the cutting plane, relative to the current Workplane.
Clipping and Track Workplane

It is possible to have the display configured to automatically track the current Workplane by checking the Track Workplane option on the General Tab of the
View Properties dialog. This is generally used when working in a multiplane milling environment.
If Track Workplane is enabled, the clipping follows the Workplane, so if you index to a new Workplane, the current Workplane changes, and so does the
clipping.
Setting Preferences
What's New Overview General Surfaces Toolpaths Toolstore Selection Solids Interface
File menu ► Preferences
There are a large number of Edgecam features that can be configured.
Some of these features are user-specific preferences that can be set in this dialog.
Preferences dialog - General tab

Specifies general system preferences.
Part Units The units of the part; inches or millimetres.
Note that changing the units does not scale the open part geometry. To switch from working in inches to millimetres for example, you
will need to use Edit menu ► Transform ► Scale to scale up your geometry (approximately by 25).
In many areas, you can work simultaneously with different unit types. For example, the part units could be metric but toolpaths created
with an inch tool.
Environment Choose the environment (XY or ZX) you want Edgecam to be set to. (You can also change the environment using the XY or ZX
button at the bottom of the Edgecam window.
Note that this setting only affects the current part session. To change the default environment use Options menu ► Select Defaults
and specify the appropriate defaults file.
Autosave Specifies the number of commands after which an automatic save (Autosave) occurs. Zero disables the Autosave functionality. To load
the automatically saved part, select the Open Autosave (File menu) command.
Network File Copy Check this if you are experiencing difficulties saving parts to a network drive.
A more reliable method is then used, that involves firstly saving a local copy of the file (to a temporary folder), then copying this to the
network folder.
There is no other effect of the setting - you continue to work as normal.
We recommend you only check this setting if necessary, as it introduces a slight increase to the save times (even for locally saved
parts).
Read only open prompt Check this to see a warning dialog when you open a read-only part. The dialog offers OK (open anyway) and Cancel options.
Tolerances
System Specifies a tolerance value used to store and save Edgecam entity data.
Display Specifies a tolerance value to which objects are drawn on the screen. For example at a tolerance of 0.1, arcs may look faceted into
straight line sections when you zoom in.
Note that this also affects the accuracy of custom tool holder models, as output from Edgecam for importing into ToolStore. Set low
values for more accuracy (and higher .meg file sizes).
Import
New IGES Import Check to use the new IGES Import when loading an IGES file into Edgecam. Two alternative IGES import systems are supported. If
you have an IGES file that does not load using the current IGES translator we recommend that you try loading it using the new
translator.
New IGES Export Check to use the new IGES Export when saving Edgecam part files as IGES files. Note that two alternative IGES export systems are
supported. IGES gives better support of 2D annotation (dimensioning) while the New IGES Export may offer better results with
certain types of surface models.
New DWG/DXF Check to use the 'new loader', that you need to open the 2004 format AutoCAD files.
Import
There are different levels of support for AutoCAD entities and attributes between the old and new loaders, see Loading AutoCAD
Files.
New DWG/DXF - Check this for AutoCAD blocks to be exploded into their constituent entities on loading. Note that the option applies to blocks
Explode Blocks containing only lines, arc or point entities. Blocks containing any other entities are always exploded. If not exploded, AutoCAD blocks
become Edgecam groups.
New DWG/DXF - Load Check this for AutoCAD Paper Space settings to be loaded allowing title blocks and notes to be displayed and page layouts to be
Paper Space specified.
Strategies
Output Debug Info Check this for debugging type information to be generated as strategies are applied to features, for example the feature property
values or filtered tool list. The information appears in the Feedback Window. See example...
Collision Check Tool The maximum number of tools to be collision checked. Set this to avoid lengthy checks if no collision free tool is found. (Note:
Limit Collision checking stops as soon as a collision free tool is found even if limit has not been reached.)
For further information on tool filtering and collision checking, please refer to the Strategy Manager help.
Auto Sort Planning Check this to use Strategy Ordering on the Planning Board. If this is unchecked, you can press the Sort button in the Planning Board
Board to sort the strategies by priority order.
Modality
Reset Defaults Resets the modality to factory defaults. Note that this will delete all Modal and User PCI Variables.
Customise Mode Check this to allow you to set the modifier modality for Edgecam commands.
Preferences dialog - Surfaces tab

Use this tab to set your preferences when working with surfaces.
Fast Display Check this box to display all surfaces with only one patch line in the U and V direction. This reduces the amount of rendering required in the
view resulting in a performance improvement when manipulating the views of the model. Please note that this option only affects the wireframe
and not the rendered display.
UV Marker
Length Specifies the parametric length (from 0 to 1) of the longer U axis side of the marker. The default value is 0.1, or 10% of the U axis length.
Display Check to show the UV Marker on each surface.
Normal
Use these settings to check the fairness of a surface (if for example, you imported the surface from a third-party CAD system). The surface normals appear at the
intersection points of the patch lines on a surface.
Length The length of the surface normal indication lines.

Display Check this for each surface to feature lines representing the surface normals, at various points. Alternatively you can temporarily display lines for
selected surfaces using Verify menu ► Surface Normals. Note that there is also a Toolpath Normal Display option in the Toolpath tab, that
shows the tool alignment along the toolpath.
Intersections
Auto Grid Specifies the number of times to automatically double the Search Grid Density when using a command that relies on searching for intersections.
Double Only use a value of 5 or more with a powerful computer.
STL
Smoothing Specifies the minimum angle between normals, below which edges will not be drawn. The lower the specified value the more detailed the visual
Angle representation. A higher value will speed rendering by drawing only 'creases' in the model.
Display Check this to render vertices as a point cloud in wireframe.
Points
Preferences dialog - Toolpaths tab

Use this tab to specify toolpath preferences.
Display
Extents Select the limits of a Zoom Extents (View menu) command, which can be to only include the Model, the Toolpaths or out to the entire Machine
Extents.
In Choose between Current to only display the toolpaths that are in the current Workplane and All.
Workplane
Store Check this to enable different parts of the graphics to be turned on and off before being saved.
Toolpath
Graphics A user may create too much toolpath or believe that a toolpath is not important and, therefore, wish to remove it.
Data
Normals
Length The length of the toolpath normal indication lines (see below).
Display 5 Axis Check this for the tool axis vector (alignment of the tool) to be indicated by lines at various points along the toolpath (the lines are
Cycles 'Normal' to the end face of the tool).
3D Displays the contact normal when 3D Normal Offset Output is enabled.
Surface
Cycles
There is also a button for quickly setting this option in the Display toolbar.
Note that there is also a Surface Normals Display option in the Surfaces tab of the Preferences Dialog. The tool axis does not necessarily have to line
up with the surface normal.
Check Linear Limits
Enable Edgecam reports when a cycle has exceeded the limits of the machine tool and indicates axis and direction. This allows you to take corrective action
immediately and offers improved machine checking and reduced prove out time.
To use linear axis limit checking, enable this option.
(The 'Check Axis Limits' option in the shortcut menu of the sequence browser allows you to check the selected instructions).
Background processing
Background processing is the ability to process more than one cycle at a time. Background processing does not change the cycle creation time; its advantage lies
in the fact that several cycles can be processed at the same time. This allows you to create and edit instructions in the foreground while other toolpaths are still
calculating in the background, significantly improving productivity. Background processing works on any hardware but offers the greatest benefits on multi-core
machines.
Please note that background processing is currently only supported in the milling environment.
You use the options below to set the maximum number of processes and the process priority.
Maximum The maximum number of instructions that can be simultaneously processed. When that number is reached the subsequent cycles will not start
Number of processing until one of the existing processes has finished.
Processses
Please note that this option also controls the number of threads executed simultaneously when multi-threading.
Process When running more than one process at the same time, there is a need for the computer to decide what tasks should get attention and be processed.
Priority
You effectively use Process Priority to 'rank' the importance of background tasks. Choose between:
Normal - Background and foreground tasks have the same precedence.
Below Normal - The foreground task has precedence over background tasks. Background tasks will still run, but with a drop in performance.
Safe Retract
Force Automatically adds a Move to Home instruction at the end of the sequence, on generating CNC code for the sequence. The move is only added if
Rapid to the tool is not already at the Home position.
Home
For the move, the modality settings of the Move To Home dialog are obeyed (so the last made settings are used if Modal is set).
Force Automatically inserts a Move to Toolchange instruction before any toolchange instruction you create, but only if the tool is not already at the
Rapid to Toolchange height (Z value).
Toolchange
Note that the XY position is not checked, so the tool will not return to the Toolchange position if it is already at the Toolchange height.
For the move, the modality settings of the Move To Toolchange dialog are obeyed (so the last made settings are used if Modal is set).
Cache
Cache files store processed cycle information, to be re-used when the cycle is regenerated after an edit, so saving time (not all information is necessarily affected
by the edit).
By default, cache files are written to the temporary folder location,
e.g. C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Temp\Vero Software\<version no>\Edgecam\cache
Note that you might want to delete the cache to force a complete regeneration, or to free up disc space (see 'Maximum Size' below). To do this use Options
menu ► Delete Cache.
Maximum Specifies the maximum size of the cache folder. If the specified limit is reached the oldest files will be deleted first.
Size (Mb)
Undo/Redo Cache
Enable Check this to reduce the amount of memory consumed by the Undo/Redo cache, so keeping more memory free for processing, helping maintain
processing speed. This is done by saving toolpaths larger than 1 Mbyte out to disk for Undo/Redo, rather than keeping them in RAM (though this
may slow down the Undo/Redo function).
NC Output
When generating CNC code, you specify the name for the CNC file on the Generate Code (File menu) dialog. If required, you can set the following defaults.
Default NC Specifies the default file extension of the CNC file. This is only used if you do not specify an extension when generating the file.
File
Extension
Force Check this box to save CNC file names in upper case.
Upper
Case
Use File Check this box for the generated CNC code to open in the editor specified within Windows (when you generate code with 'Open Editor' checked in
Association the Generate CNC dialog).
for Editor
The editor used is the one associated with the extension of the NC code file ('.NC' for example) - see your Windows help for details.
Use this option (rather than 'NC File Editor' below), for all the generated NC code files (Upper and Lower turret for example) to open in the same
editor instance (if supported by the editor).
NC File Leave this blank for the generated CNC code to open in the Editor (when you generate code with 'Open Editor' checked in the Generate CNC
Editor dialog).
To use your own specified editor, type in the path and filename of the executable (such as 'notepad.exe'), or click the 'NC File Editor' button and
use the navigation dialog.
Using this option, multiple generated files will each open in a separate instance of the editor (unlike the 'Use File Association For Editor' option
above).
Hide Post When generating CNC code, the Code Generator is called up. Use this option to specify whether the Code Generator window is displayed during
Processor code generation.
If checked (default setting), the Code Generator window is minimised to the taskbar during code generation.
If unchecked, the Code Generator window is displayed, showing the block numbers.
Preferences dialog - Tool Libraries tab

Database The active database used by the ToolStore suite (ToolStore, Technology Manager and so on). To change this, click the Modify
button, and in the dialog that opens follow the instructions for changing the active database.
Note: The file location for the ToolStore Support Folder (used to store tooling graphics and referenced by the ToolStore
database) is set in the File Locations dialog.
Round Speed Check this to automatically round speed values when loading the tool into Edgecam.
Round Feed Check this to automatically round feed values when loading tool into Edgecam.
Decimal Places Specifies how speed and feed values are rounded (for example -2 will round to the nearest 100, -1 to the nearest 10, 0 to an
integer, 1 to the nearest 0.1 and 2 to the nearest 0.01 etc).
Display Toolchange If you want to see a tool open in the ToolChange dialog, on selecting it from ToolStore, then check this option.
Check Hand of Tool In Edgecam Version 11.75 or earlier it was possible that 'Hand of Tool' for a ToolStore tool was not set. Check this option for
such tools to be corrected, with 'Hand of Tool' being set to 'Right'.
The correction is made when the tool is selected, and the Feedback window shows the message 'Warning - Hand of Tool for
'thisTool'' is not set. Defaulting to Right and CLW.' Note that this is a permanent change to the ToolStore properties.
For new tools the default setting for 'Hand of Tool' is 'Right'.
Dynamic Associativity Check Check this to be notified when an associative tool has changed.
When you open an existing part that has associative tools in the sequence (tools that have the 'Associative' option checked in the
toolchange dialog) and the tool has been changed in ToolStore, you are prompted to reload the tool and optionally regenerate the
machining sequence.
Full Associativity Link When an associative tool (tools that have the 'Associative' option checked in the toolchange dialog) is loaded directly from the
Toolstore, the Toolkit and Mount modifiers can be edited. The Mount modifiers will be locked (greyed out) when the tool is
saved to the Toolkit.
Check this to prevent modification of Toolkit and Mount modifiers in an associative tool.
Uncheck this to allow the modifiers to be changed.

Display turn tool clearance Check this to display a ghosted image of the insert shape which will be used to generate the turn cycle offset including tool
clearance angles.
The shadow over the tool indicates the tool geometry that is sent to the turning cycle to determine the tool path offset. This is
not always obvious, especially if you are using solid tool graphics. This includes side and end clearance angles and F Distance.
If no F Distance is specified, the offset calculation considers the angles to be of infinite length but the insert shadow is drawn 5
* insert length.
Rotate gauge with Check this to enable gauge value adjustment. The preference is off, by default.
orientation changes
Used in turning to automatically adjust the gauge values according to the gauge point setting on the Edgecam toolchange:
For ATC turrets, the gauge values are calculated to a load angle of B0, as expected by Edgecam. Works in conjunction
with the Holder Origin and Gauge Datum setting (see Tooling Utilities help).
For keyed turrets, the tools can be mounted at different locations on the turret; selecting the Rotate Gauge preference
(see Tooling Utilities help) will automatically adjust the gauge values corresponding to the selected mount position and
orientation.
Additionally, the user may need to change the set point, for example, from orthogonal to centre primary. In this case, the XZ
gauge values will be recalculated in order to ensure the tool graphic remains fixed in its holder. In previous versions, they
could become separated.
Automatically Create Toolkit Check this to automatically create a new Toolkit, by default, when creating a Sequence.
If this option is unchecked, when the post is selected, Edgecam will not create a new Toolkit by default when creating a
Sequence (see Select Machine Window).
Warning for Tools With No Check this to output a warning when selecting tools without an associated technology.
Technology
The user needs to be informed when the selected tool does not have an associated technology so that they can manually set the
speed, feed and depth of cut values for such tools:
With Warning for Tools With No Technology selected, a check is made and a warning popup is displayed when loading
the tool.
The warning is also written to the feedback window irrespective of whether the option is selected.
If the user edits the setup and changes the part material, some tools in the sequence may no longer have an associated
technology; therefore, upon sequence regeneration, warnings are written to the feedback window to inform the user of
these tools. Users are then expected to manually update any affected cycles with appropriate speed, feed and depth of cut
values.
Note: During regeneration, the warning is only written for tools which have associative checked.
Job/Toolkit Updates
These preferences enable the user to control the behavior when updating a Job/Toolkit from Edgecam.
The default behavior is to prompt each time tools are added or removed from the Job/Toolkit, but the user can control this behavior using following options.
Add Non Select from the drop-down list:

Job/Toolkit
Tools Never.
Always.
Prompt.
Remove Select from the drop-down list:
Unused Tools
Never.
Always.
Prompt.
Warning For Check this to warn if position offsets are duplicated.
Duplicate
Position Offsets
Display Check this to display feedback in the feedback window.
Feedback
Preferences dialog - Selection tab

Specifies your entity selection preferences.
Entity Tooltips Check this for information on an entity to be displayed at the cursor position, as you pause the cursor over the entity.
Note that you also need Intellisnap enabled to see the tooltip.
The tooltip font size is controlled by the Windows Display Properties ► Appearance tab ► Advanced settings ► (Item) Menu ►
(font) Size setting.
Show Help on Check this for the user input prompts to be shown at the cursor position (the prompt might be 'Select end point of move', for example).
Tooltip
The prompts are always shown in the status bar at the bottom of the Edgecam window and in the 'picking banner'
Default to Select Check this to set the default entity selection to 'Select Only'. If unchecked, the setting is 'Toggle' which means that successive hits on an
Only entity will alternately select and deselect it.
Filter Datums When enabled, commands that list Datums for selection, such as sequence setup and indexing, will filter for the appropriate Workplane
type. Workplane type can be defined when creating the Workplane as one of the following:
Default - no specific type.

Datum - used for indexing.
Location - used for mating.
If a Datum is not being shown for a command, disabling this option will remove the filtering and list all Datums.
Intellisnap
These parameters enable you to control the entity selection options:
Endpoints When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near the end of an entity, a square is displayed in the highlight colour to indicate
that the next selection would snap to that endpoint. The default for this option is ON.
Midpoint When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near the midpoint of an entity, a cross is displayed in the highlight colour to
indicate that the next selection would snap to that midpoint. The default for this option is ON.
Arc Centre When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near the centre of an arc, a circle is displayed in the highlight colour to indicate
that the next selection would snap to that arc centre. The default for this option is ON.
Arc Quadrant When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near a quadrant position (0, 90, 180, 360 degrees), a quadrant symbol is
displayed in the highlight colour to indicate that the next selection would snap to that position. The default for this option is OFF.
Vertex (This option is only available for solids) When a command is active and the cursor is placed on or near a vertex on a solid, the vertex will
be displayed in the highlight colour. The default for this option is OFF.
Cylinder As the cursor is placed on or near the centre of a cylinder, a circle in the 'flyover' colour will appear. If the left mouse button is selected
when the circle is displayed, an entity selection will be made at that point. This option is used when working with solids for setting a
datum by creating a Workplane on the end of a cylinder. The default setting for this option is ON.
Tool on Cursor
Tool on Cursor Check this for a graphic of the current tool to follow the cursor when selecting cycle geometry (cycle geometry only - does not apply for
operations).
Free Picks Only Check this for the tool to be shown on the cursor only for free selections (so preventing the tool obscuring the geometry for entity
selections). This always applies - when only entity selections are possible, or when both free and entity selections are possible but you are
using the Ctrl key (for example) to force an entity selection.
Preferences dialog - Solids tab

Some of the options in this tab may be unavailable, depending on your licence.
The options on this tab specify preferences when loading or reloading a solid model.
Separate Layers When loading solid assemblies or solid models containing multiple bodies you can specify whether all bodies are placed on the
same layer or each body is placed on an individual layer using this option. The default for this option is ON.
When checked, each body is placed on a separate layer where the layer name is the name of the assembly file followed by the
body number, i.e. filename - 001, filename - 002 etc. That is unless the part contains configurations, when the configuration
names are used.
If the option is unchecked, all parts will be placed onto the current layer.
Active Configuration When launching a SOLIDWORKS file with configurations, you can restrict this to only loading the active configuration
instead of all configurations by checking this option. When loading a .sldprt file, the configuration that was active when the
part was saved will be loaded.
Please note that each configuration (including the default) needs to be saved in SOLIDWORKS, if it is to be loaded into
Edgecam.
Zoom Extents Effectively carries out a Zoom Extents command (which is in the View menu), on loading the solid. This means that the solid
will fill its display window, which is useful in overcoming the problem of 'Inches' solids initially appearing too small, for
example.
Load Sheet Bodies Check this for sheet bodies to be loaded on opening solids, uncheck this for sheet bodies to be ignored (sheet bodies can be
problematical to machine).
This option must also be checked if you want to load surface bodies from Autodesk Inventor or SOLIDWORKS.
Note - In the ‘tree’ view of the Feature Browser different icons are displayed for the sheet and solid body elements in the
model, making it easier to identify each type.
A ‘filled’ icon denotes a solid body

A icon denotes a sheet/surface body
IGES/STEP Healing Options These are specifically for the loading of IGES and STEP models:
None - Load model directly.

Heal - Load model and perform healing on the part to remove small errors on edges, faces, etc that may be present.
Simplify and Heal - Load model, perform healing on the part and simplify geometry (make prismatic), as appropriate.
Auto Turn Stock Envelope Check this for a solid stock turn envelope to be created, when the solid stock is created from a Part Modeler file. This is
equivalent to using Geometry menu ► Stock/Fixture with 'Create Turn Envelope' checked, and selecting a solid (see details).
Note:
In Part Modeler, the stock 'Component' (solid body) needs to have its 'Stock' property set to 'Yes', so that stock is
automatically created from the body. The stock will be created on opening or inserting the file. (You will probably want
to create a separate part for the stock, and insert this over the main part.)
Then for the envelope to be also created, the part needs to open into the Turn (ZX) environment:
Select this environment before inserting the part.
Or make sure the part will open into this environment by selecting the appropriate defaults file.
Before the stock and envelope are created, an 'Auto align for turn' is attempted on the part (see above), whether the option
above is actually checked or not. (The align will fail if there are no cylindrical faces in the part.)
Model Tolerance Notification To ensure that Granite models are machined to the required accuracy in Edgecam you should ensure that the model is created
in the CAD system to at least the desired machining tolerance. Whenever a solid with internal tolerance is loaded or
transformed in Edgecam a message reporting the internal tolerance is displayed. Uncheck this box if you do not want to
display this message.
Auto Stock from Model Check this to automatically create stock from the solid models when there is no stock defined. Typically, this would be used
when there is no real stock requirement or when you only want to check if the machining itself runs correctly on simulation.
When this is enabled, if you attempt to simulate a Mill or Turn part and no stock has been defined, Edgecam will make a copy
of the models (solids present on the part) and convert them into stock. Simulator will then have a component and a stock
representation.
Note that this will have no effect if there is no solid model present on the part or when stock already exists.
Fast Render for Inventor By default, Edgecam will load the model using the Inventor facets tolerance which speeds up the loading.
Uncheck to load the Inventor model using Edgecam’s display tolerance; the model may take longer to load depending upon the
display tolerance setting used.
Granite Model Tolerance If necessary, Granite solid models are converted to this tolerance as they are loaded (and also on automatic re-loads). If the
(inch/mm) conversion fails you are warned and the model loads with its original tolerance. The inch or mm version is available depending
on the 'Part Units' set (in the General tab).
The Granite tolerance will be set only when you open the PRT file or reload it. The tolerance will not change on simply
opening an Edgecam part file (.ppf) containing a Granite model. To change the solid body tolerance, you need to set the new
value and reload the model.
Store Graphics Data Check this to store the solid model triangles which enable a solid model to be loaded much faster the next time that the PPF is
opened.
Import Points Check this to load and display the geometry points present on a model. The points can be used for inspection positions or other
CAM functions.
Preserve Solid Stock In the Turn environment, the solid stock may become invisible after moving the part.
When this option is selected, a copy of the initial stock and its features will always be visible.
Workflow
Some of the options in this section may be unavailable, depending on your licence.
The options in this section specify preferences when loading and/or aligning solid models.
CAD Link Data
The 'CAD Link Data' from solid modelling packages includes Workplane information, as controlled by the settings below, and threading information.
ForPart Modeler, this information is stored within the solid model file itself. However for other solid modelling packages, such as Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge
and SOLIDWORKS, the data is stored in a .XML file external to the solid model file, from which Edgecam reads in the information. The information is read in
when you use the 'launch Edgecam' function in the modelling package, for example.
Prefix Workplane Names Prefix the generated Workplane names with type identifiers (this will group Workplane names in lists for easy
identification):
WP_is for work planes and standard system planes
CS_is for co-ordinate systems and co-ordinate system planes
SP_is for sketch planes

Co-ordinate System Planes Automatically generate Workplanes from retrieved co-ordinate system information.
Work Planes Automatically generate Workplanes from the retrieved work plane information.
Sketch Planes Automatically generate Workplanes from the retrieved sketch plane information (sketch places are defined from
2D sketch geometry).
Generate CAD Link Data Check box to extract manufacturing data from Granite, UGS NX, Catia V5 and VISI CAD models (Tapped thread
data and, where available, face colours, body colours, sketch planes, work planes, etc).
Reload
A reload is needed when the open solid model has changed, to bring Edgecam up to date with the changes.
Note:
On a reload, the automatic feature find is repeated. New features may be found. Also, the reload may detect mis-matches between features and their
underlying solid geometry - you can review and take action on these.
A reload might not refresh Edgecam with all the changes made. The launch Edgecam from CAD option within the solid modelling package can import
more information from the solid, and you need to re-use the this option, with Edgecam still open, for all the information and the features to be refreshed.
Following a solid reload features may change, which can affect the cycle using the feature. Any cycles that use a changed feature are shown red in the
instruction list and flagged with a warning icon ( see illustration). To clear the warning message, you need to accept the feature (right-click the feature in
the Feature Browser and select Accept from the shortcut menu). Note that at present this can be done in Design mode only.
Change Notification When checked you are prompted to reload if a later version of the open solid's file is detected (after a re-save from the solid
modelling package for example) - the reload refreshes Edgecam with updates to the solid. Before the reload you are prompted
to save the part, as a 'safety backup' (you cannot undo the reload).
You can manually reload at any time using Solids menu ► Reload (use this if the automatic reload will not operate, due to the
solid being saved to a different file name, for example). You are prompted to select the solid to replace if you have more than
one open.
Reload Multiple Instances This is useful when multiple instances of the same solid exist within one Edgecam part file. Check this box for all instances of
the solid to be reloaded automatically without prompting.
Regenerate Current Sequence Check this box to automatically regenerate the machining sequence following the reload of the solid.
Geometric Match Features are linked to entity IDs (for faces, edges etc) within the solid model. This maintains the link to the model, so that
features can be updated with changes in the model. With this 'Geometric Match' option checked, links are sought to be
maintained by matching the shapes of the features and the solid geometry.
Speed Features
Delete Orphaned Features Check this for a feature whose geometry has been deleted in the reloaded model to also be deleted to the Feature Bin (if
unchecked these features are given a status of 'Orphaned'). Note that any existing machining instructions related to an
orphaned feature will need to be deleted or re-specified.
Feature Find Summary When the Feature Finder command or any manual feature identification command is re-run after reloading a solid a summary
of the features found on each Workplane and on each solid is displayed. Ensure that this box is unchecked if you do not want
to display the summary. Note that the status of features since the last reload is listed in the feature browser. Manual features
other than surface features behave like automatic features on a reload, their status is updated and they are added to the report
message.
Ignore CAD Link Info for Check this for 'CAD Link information' to be ignored when grouping holes (so that holes can be placed in the same group even
Grouping if this information differs, so long as all their other properties are identical.
The 'CAD Link' information includes threading data and any defined custom properties.
Superseded Feature Find Check this for the Feature Finder dialog to include options for finding superseded Hole features and superseded pocket and
boss features (see the Superseded Functionality Guide).
Nest Pockets into Bosses Check this for pockets to be nested into bosses when using automatic feature finding (you also need Nesting in the Feature
Finder dialog Mill tab set to 'Nested' or 'Both'; see 'Nesting' in the Feature Finder Help for more information). Uncheck this for
pockets never to be nested into bosses
Delete Duplicate Features Check this for duplicates of features to be automatically deleted. 'Duplicates' are when multiple features occur at the same
location in the solid. If a duplicate feature contains a slot, this will be deleted also. The deleted features are placed in the Bin
view of the Features Window, so you can 'Undelete' them if necessary.
Duplicate features can happen, for example:
When you are feature finding and multiple parallel Workplanes are selected. Features will be duplicated in each
Workplane. (To select the multiple Workplanes, you might have checked 'From CAD', to select all the Workplanes
imported from the solid body part.)
In this case the features in the first Workplane listed in the Features window (Tree view) are kept, the other copies are
deleted.
When you are feature finding both vertical and radial holes. This is because where there is a radial hole, a vertical hole
can always be found at the same location. In this example there is a vertical hole in the Top Workplane coinciding
with a radial hole in the same Workplane, that has an 'Axis' property of 'Y (or X).
In this case the radial hole is kept, and the vertical hole is deleted.
When feature finding Open Mill features, as these could also been found as Flat Face, Boss or 2D Pocket features. If you
check this option, the other feature is sent to the Feature Bin when the Open Mill feature is created.
Note that:
Feature deletion still occurs even if you find the features in separate feature finds.
Features are not deleted from groups. This has precedence over the rules above in determining which feature is deleted,
so if one of the duplicated holes is in a group and one not, the group hole is always left in place and the non-group hole
deleted. If both duplicated holes are in a group, there is no deletion.
The 'Feature Find Summary' (see above) reports the number of deleted duplicates.
Face Colour
These options are for quickly identifying geometry characteristics of faces in solid models, using colour coding.>
Render by Geometry Type Check this for the geometry type of a solid face to be indicated by the colour of the face (the view must be 'rendered' not
'wireframe').
Flat plane faces in the solid are shown white, for example, while cylindrical faces are yellow. See illustration...
Full list of colours...
You can also quickly set this using Display toolbar ► Rendering button (menu) ► Render by Type.
Render by Slope Check this for the slope of a solid face to be indicated by the colour of the face (the view must be 'rendered' not 'wireframe').
Slope is measured relative to the current Workplane. Vertical faces are yellow, horizontal faces are white, 'positive' slopes are
shades of green, 'negative' slopes are shades of blue. The lightness of the colour indicates the amount of slope. For curved
faces the colour shows the average slope. See illustration...
This is useful for near-vertical faces for example, when the colour (blue) will indicate 'negative sloping' (overhanging) faces
that will need undercutting. See illustration...
Faces that are from cones, cylinders and planes are coloured as accurately as possible, other faces use a resolution of
approximately one degree. This is due to limitations of the rendering data from the solid kernels.
You can also quickly set this using Display toolbar ► Rendering button (menu) ► Render by Slope.
Render by Spin (not a dialog This option indicates the 'turnability' of a face by the colour of the face. For example cylindrical faces co-axial with the Z
option - additional axis are shown in green. See illustration...
information)
Full list of colours...
You set this using Display toolbar ► Rendering button (menu) ► Render by Spin.
Ignore Model Values When exporting parasolid files (*.x_t, *.x_b) colour attributes for hole features will be passed from the CAD system to
Edgecam. The Automatic Feature Finder will detect these colours and group hole features according to their colour , as well
as their geometry. Strategy Manager decisions can be based on the colour attribute of the feature(s). The colour of the solid
cannot be modified in Edgecam, and stock/fixtures do not show the user defined colours when rendered. If preferred, the
colour attributes can be suppressed by checking this option.
Please note that Autodesk Inventor 4 and above and CreoTM Parametric (previous names Creo Elements/Pro,
Pro/ENGINEER) pass the model colour (body colour of the entire solid, not just the hole feature) through to Edgecam. This
can be suppressed by checking the Ignore Model Values option.
Also see Specifying Colour Preferences for Solid Models.
Solid Assembly
Granite Assembly Level Check this to load as an assembly. Assembly Feature cuts are supported. Note that individual parts cannot be deleted or
Features moved.
Uncheck this to load as individual parts. Assembly Feature cuts are not supported. Note that individual parts can be deleted or
moved.
Preferences dialog - Interface tab

This tab contains user interface preference settings.
Display
Display Full Path in Displays the full path and filename of the open part in the Edgecam title bar. This is in addition to the part's filename, which is always
Title Bar displayed.
Full Screen Anti- Pixels are inserted to reduce the 'staircase' effect on sloping lines, for example. If anti-aliasing is set as a property of your graphics
Aliasing card, affecting all applications, or if anti-aliasing is not supported by the card, this setting will have no effect.
Thicker Lines Controls the line thickness. Uncheck this box for 1 pixel; check for 2 pixels.
Sequence Browser
Highlight Instructions By default, as you move the mouse over an instruction in the browser window, the relevant toolpath is automatically highlighted in
the graphics area. Uncheck this box if you want to disable this functionality.
Check for Deleted Check this for checks to be made that highlight operations and cycles whose geometry has been deleted (which would lead to errors
Geometry on generating CNC code). The highlighting is in the form of red text for the operation or cycle in the Sequence window. The checks
are made on switching between Design and Manufacture modes, for example.
Uncheck this option if the automatic checks introduce too much of a delay - if your part contains many surfaces for example. You
would then only see warnings on generating CNC code.
Feedback Browser
The Feedback window shows the result of a Measure Distance command, and a Feature Find, for example.
Auto Display Feedback Check this to make sure the Feedback window is always visible when there is feedback to be displayed (such as 'Verify' information).
The Feedback window might need automatically opening, or placing in front of other windows. If the Feedback window is 'auto-
hidden' (see details), it will briefly be shown, then hidden again.
Uncheck this for no action to be taken - if closed, the Feedback window will remain closed. This means you might miss feedback, so
only uncheck the option to prevent interference when running PCIs, for example.
Display Feedback Dialog When checked, feedback is displayed in a dedicated dialog, rather than the Feedback window.
When unchecked, feedback is displayed in the Feedback window.

Display Error Dialog When checked, error messages are displayed in a dedicated dialog, rather than the Feedback window.
When unchecked, error messages are displayed in the Feedback window.
Mouse
Mouse Wheel Sensitivity The magnification factor for each 'click' of the mouse wheel. The default is 1.2.
For each click rolling the top of wheel away from you, view size = view size x factor
For each click rolling the top of wheel towards you, view size = view size/factor
Note how you can reverse the wheel direction by specifying 1/factor instead of factor.
Ctrl+Right Button When checked, you can zoom by holding down the Ctrl key and right mouse button while you move the cursor upwards (zoom in)
Zoom or downwards (zoom out).
Uncheck if you need the Ctrl key pressed to force an entity selection, with the right mouse button also pressed to rotate.
Use Vero Mouse Check this to use the mouse controls which are shared with other Vero products. The differences for Edgecam users are highlighted in
Controls the following list:
Mouse controls
Pan Hold Left & Right mouse buttons and hover.
Zoom in Scroll wheel forward (on cursor position).
Zoom out Scroll wheel backward (on cursor position).
Zoom Double-click scroll wheel.
extend
Orbit Hold Right mouse button and hover (screen centre).
(rotate)
Orbit CTRL + Right mouse button and hover (defined point).
(rotate on
point)
Graphical aids
Fast zoom Spacebar (release space bar returns to original magnification).
in
Retain fast ALT + spacebar.
zoom in
Selection (picking) methods

SHIFT + Allows the colour of the selected element to be set as a filter to pick all the other elements of the same colour.
Left mouse
button on a
element
ALT + Left Allows the system to chain all of the tangent elements in a single selection.
mouse
button on a
element
CTRL + Allows an entity to be added or removed from a group selection.
Left mouse
button on
an element
Window Selects all of the elements fully included in the drawn box.
selection
left to right
Window Selects all of the elements fully included in the drawn box and intersected by the box edges.
selection
right to left
Setting File Locations
Settings menu ► File Locations
Use this dialog to set the paths for various categories of Edgecam related files. postprocessors, ToolStore data, strategy files, job reports etc are read from and
written to these locations. You can set multiple locations for a category, including Network Location and <USER>.
By writing files to the user area instead of Program Files, users without administrator rights can write data (such as postprocessors and ToolStore data) to that
location. Each user has his own folder/file set making it more difficult to accidentally overwrite another user's data.
The default settings closely follow Microsoft recommendations for file and folder settings. By default, all user created files are written to the user area,
replicating the installation folder structure. See example
A number of categories are greyed out. These are preset by the installation program. Companies wishing to set up more customised network solutions should
contact their reseller for further information on changing these settings.
To set the network and temporary location

1. Click the Browse button to the right of the Network Location/Temporary Location field.
2. Navigate to the required location and click OK.
If used as tokens in the file paths (see below), the new location is now used for the <NETWORKLOCATION> and <TEMPLOCATION> token.
Note: If the Network Location is left blank, this is set to <ECINSTALLDIR> by default. This is useful when you want to set the network location back to the
installed folder, without having to type in the complete path.
To set the paths for user data

Note: Greyed out categories are preset by the installation program and cannot be changed by the user.
1. Click the category you wish to change.

2. Click Browse to open the Edit Path dialog.
3. Click New to add another path. Note: You can set multiple locations for a category; these need to be separated by the ; character.
4. Click the button to browse for the required location.
Alternatively, right-click in the field to insert a token from the shortcut menu.
5. Click OK.
6. Back in the File Locations dialog, click OK.
You can also use the Edit Path dialog to delete or move paths in the list.
To delete a path, click Delete .

If you have multiple paths, you can use the and buttons to move the item up or down the list to change the order they appear (and are searched) in the
list of paths.
To view the location for a token

You may want to know the precise location/path for a token.
1. Click the button to open a menu listing the tokens.

2. From the menu, select the required token.
The folder location is opened in Windows Explorer.
Note
The File Locations dialog can also be accessed via the File Locations button in the Utilities program (via the Edgecam program group). See illustration...
Defining Colours
You can define the highlight and background colours to be used in Edgecam. These colours will be saved as part of your personal defaults and also with the
current part.
Select the Colours (File menu) command to display the colour configuration dialog:
Background, Select the colours for the graphics area background and highlighting colours.
Highlight
Graduation Check to activate graduation of background colour to colour specified here. To use a single colour uncheck the graduated option and
only the background colour selected will be used.
Using a graduated background may affect the entity colours. This is due to the graduation using up the entire available palette of the
selected colour. It is more likely to happen when using 16bit or 24bit (Display Properties, Settings), when the Desktop colour (Display
Properties, Appearance) or the selected background image is using colours within the graduation range. If this effect occurs on your PC
you should change one or more of the settings mentioned.
Flyover As the cursor moves over the graphics area when the Intellisnap option is activated, entities will be highlighted in the flyover colour as
they come into picking range and revert back to their original colour as the cursor leaves them.
Port Border,
Surface, Rapids &
Normals, High Feed Select the appropriate colours for these parameters.
and Leads
Windows Check to use the same colour scheme as your other Windows applications.
background
Open with part Check to ensure that all part files are to be loaded using the colour configuration saved with those parts.
colour configuration
Clicking on either of the Define buttons displays the standard Windows colour definition dialog:
Configuration File Notes

Permissions
If non-administrators are to use the Edgecam software, we recommend that:
After installation, the administrator does not start Edgecam until a non-adminstrator has used it.
Or that the user.config files are deleted before the administrator logs off.
This is because if user.config files are created under an administrator account, they are locked out to non-adminstrators, so configuration changes would not
automatically be saved.
(User.config files are not installed; they are created by copying from default.config whenever Edgecam starts and finds them not present.)
Licensing
If you frequently change licences we recommend that you save a configuration file for each licence, and restore this with the licence.
This is because the user interface facilities lost when you remove a licence are remembered in the 'user.config' files, so they are not automatically restored when
you restore the licence.
Multiple users
When the same installation is to be used by multiple users, we recommend that:
All the users have the same permissions.

All users save their configuration under a unique name. Each user can then restore and work within their own independent configuration.
Creating New Defaults
File menu ► Create Template
Two sets of defaults are delivered with Edgecam – one for inch measurements, the other for metric. However, these default sets include a lot more information
than the units to be used, such as the port setup and display and system tolerances.
Use this command to create a new defaults file by saving the active settings.
The dialog has one option:
Name Type in the name for the new defaults file.
Please note that default files (.dft) are always saved to the \Users\UserName\Documents\Vero Software\<version no>\Edgecam\cam\support folder.
You can use the Settings menu ► Startup options command to select an existing defaults file.
Showing and Hiding Windows

If you cannot see a window:
The window may be auto-hidden; find the window's labelled marker at an edge of the Edgecam window and rest the cursor on it. The window will appear.
If you cannot see a marker or the window, you need to open the window:
1. Right-click on the title bar at the top of any window or any toolbar to open the shortcut menu.
2. Rest the cursor on Windows ► to show the list of windows.
3. Click on an un-checked window to open and show it, click on a checked window to hide it.
Note that in this list of windows there is a shortcut key combination displayed against each window. You can use the shortcut keys to quickly switch the window
on or off, without needing the above procedure.
Auto-hiding Windows
When a window is auto-hidden it collapses to a small marker at its docking point when you move the cursor out of the window. It expands to full size when you move the cursor over the marker.
To enable auto-hide
1. Make sure the window is docked (you can only auto-hide docked windows).
2. Click the 'pin' symbol ( ) at the top-right of the window.
To disable auto-hide
1. Expand the window to full size.
2. Click the 'pin' symbol ( ) at the top-right of the window.
Moving, Docking and Undocking Windows

To move, dock or undock a window
1. Make sure that the window is not auto-hidden.
2. Start to drag the window around the Edgecam window:
For non-tabbed windows drag the window by its title area at the top.
For tabbed windows drag by the title area at the top to move all the windows at once. Alternatively drag individual windows by their tab title, at the
bottom.
3. As soon as you start to drag, some handles appear. Each handle docks at either the top, bottom, left or right edge of the overall Edgecam window (or inside
another window - see below). To dock, hover over one of these handles and drop.
To give you a preview, an overlaid colour shows you the position the window will occupy, as you hover over each handle.
4. To move or undock the window, simply re-position it without using the handles.
When dragging a window, there are 'outer' handles right at the edges of the Edgecam window, and 'inner' handles.
The outer handles move or re-size existing windows as necessary to make room for the new window position.
The inner handles fit the window into any available empty space along the edge, or split existing window space to make room
for the window, as necessary.
As you hover over an existing window, a central handle appears that docks the window at the same place,
producing tabs to switch between them.
Feedback in a Dialog
You can display information in a dialog rather than the Feedback window.
To do this, check File menu ► Preferences ► Interface tab ► Display Feedback Dialog.
This would be useful if, for example, you were verifying several entities in one operation. In a dialog you would see information on one entity, clicking the OK
button moves on to the next entity.
Dialog Window
The Dialog window shows the currently configured properties associated with a process.
Some properties can be edited in the window, such as the colour of a feature.
Other properties cannot be edited either because they are not applicable to the current configuration or will be automatically completed depending on the selected
configuration:
Not Applicable to the current configuration (Destruct Rough Cut not selected) indicated by greyed out Title and Content:
When the configuration changes (Destruct Rough Cut selected):
Automatically completed depending on the selected configuration indicated by greyed out Content:
Docking Dialog Windows

The Dialog windows for cycles can be docked at the left or right side of the viewing area and, optionally, hidden to keep the viewing area uncluttered.
To Dock Dialog Windows

The Dialog Windows can be docked:
1. Click the Options ( ) button in the Title bar of any dialog and select Enable Docking For Cycle Dialogs:
2. When moving a Cycle Dialog, a positional marker will be displayed:
3. Move the cursor over the right or left direction indicator which will then be highlighted and a grid will be displayed in the anticipated docking position at
the left or right of the screen:
4. Release the mouse button and the dialog will be docked where specified.
To Auto Hide Dialog Windows

The Dialog Windows can be auto hidden:
1. Click the Auto Hide button in the Title bar of any docked dialog:
2. The Auto Hide button will be change to the docked position.
3. The dialog will be hidden until the cursor is moved over the indicator on the right or left side of the window.
Remembering Settings
The 'modality' functionality speeds up your work by remembering settings.
When you open a dialog, the 'Modal' options are initially as you last set them, while the 'Non-Modal' options are always at a default setting (such as blank for
numbers).
If you change the value of a modal option when editing an instruction the value will only apply to that instruction. All other instructions that use the option will
still use the original value.
To change the modal settings for a command

1. Click File menu ► Preferences ► General tab ► Customise Mode.
2. Select a command to open its dialog.
Use the menus rather than toolbar buttons, as buttons do not always open a dialog.
3. Click OK to open a second version of the dialog, with Modal/Non Modal options (some options may also include a PCI variable name).
4. Make the Modal or Non-Modal settings as required and click OK.
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for all commands that you want to alter.
6. Repeat step 1 to uncheck Customise Mode.
To reset the modal settings to the installed defaults

Check File menu ► Preferences ► General tab ► Reset Defaults.
Hot Key Assignments

The following table lists the Edgecam hot key (shortcut key) assignments that cannot be re-assigned. All assignments are applicable to Edgecam and Tool Store
unless otherwise stated.
Also see Using Keyboard Controls in the Browser and Assigning Shortcut Keys (for keys that can be re-assigned).
Function Action Hot Key
Display sum of values in Hold down CTRL key and press '='key CTRL+ '='
modifier box (this only applies
where you see [~Level] in pre-
Version 9.0 style operations).
Activate Free Selection mode Hold down SHIFT key while selecting SHIFT+ left mouse
the left mouse button button
Activate Entity Selection mode Hold down the CTRL key while CTRL+ left mouse
selecting the left mouse button button
Activate Grid Selection mode Hold down the CTRL and SHIFT keys SHIFT+CTRL+ left
while selecting the left mouse button mouse button
Select all valid, visible entities Hold down CTRL key and press ‘A’ CTRL+’A’
in current view key
Deselect entities and if in a Select the ESC key ESC

command return to dialog
Zoom In Roll top of mouse wheel away from

you.
Zoom Out Roll top of mouse wheel towards you
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘S’
Simulation toolbar press ‘S’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘L’
Layers window press ‘L’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘A’
Features window press ‘A’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘K’
Feedback window press ‘K’ key.
Layers window press ‘L’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘P’
Properties window press ‘P’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘B’
Sequence window press ‘B’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and Shift keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘I’
Timeline window press ‘I’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘C’
Tracking window press ‘C’ key.
Simulation window press ‘S’ key.
Toggle the display of the Hold down CTRL and SHIFT keys and SHIFT + CTRL + ‘T’
Status window press ‘T’ key.
Rotate model up in active view Hold down CTRL key and select Up CTRL + Up arrow
arrow key. Or right-click and drag.
Rotate model down in active Hold down CTRL key and select Down CTRL+ Down arrow
view arrow key. Or right-click and drag.
Rotate model left in active Hold down CTRL key and select Left CTRL+ Left arrow
view arrow key
Rotate model right in active Hold down CTRL key and select Right CTRL+ Right arrow
view arrow key
Pan model in active view Click and drag using mouse wheel.
Toggle between selected Toggle between entities in Intellisnap TAB key (forward)
entities selection area SHIFT+ TAB key
(Not available in ToolStore) (backward)
Turn on Intellisnap Hold down the S key S

temporarily
Freeze the Intellisnap points Hold down the F key F
Rotate locking X axis Select the X key and rotate X
Rotate locking Y axis Select the Y key and rotate Y
Rotate locking Z axis Select the Z key and rotate Z
To copy an instruction using Select the instruction(s), hold down the CTRL+ hold down
the browser Ctrl key and drag to a new location in left mouse button
the sequence.
Using the Mouse in Edgecam

You might want to change the mouse wheel sensitivity.
The functions of the mouse in Edgecam are:
Function Action Mouse

button
Make a view active Single click in the view. When multiple views are shown, Left
the caption for the active view is displayed in the default
colour for the active window. The other views are
displayed in the default colour of the inactive window.
To select an entity When a command prompts for the selection of an entity, Left
move the cursor over the entity and select the left mouse
button.
To select an entity to Double-click when the pointer is over an entity. The dialog Left
edit for the entity will be displayed, allowing you to view
and/or edit the entity properties.
Notes
1. The entity is highlighted momentarily.
2. Double-clicking an entity when a command is active will

chain all linked entities.
To rotate the model There are two ways of rotating the model using the mouse: Left or
Right
1. Click the appropriate icon from the Display toolbar, hold
down the left mouse button and move it to rotate the
model.
2. Hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse
to rotate the model.
The rotation will occur about the centre of the model.
To rotate the model about a point, position the cursor on

the desired spot on the model and select this point as centre
of rotation with a right mouse click while holding down the
Ctrl key. The selected point is moved to the screen centre.
You can then use either method described above to rotate
the model about the selected point.
The Zoom Extents command will reset the centre back to

the middle of the model.
To spin the model Click the appropriate icon from the Display toolbar, hold Left
down the left mouse button, move it and release to spin the
model.
To stop the model Single click in the view where the model is spinning. Left
spinning
To select an icon Click the left mouse button to finish a command. Left
To move a toolbar Select the double bar at the left end of a toolbar, and Left
holding down the button move the toolbar.
To resize a toolbar Select a corner of the toolbar and move the mouse. Left
To change the active Hold mouse button down over the view caption and select Left or
view's properties a new view orientation or ‘Properties’ from the list. Right
To finish a command Click the right mouse button to finish a command. Right
To finish a command Double-click the right mouse button to finish a command Right
with default for all accepting default options.
options
To display the shortcut Hold right button down in any view and select an option Right
menu from the list.
To zoom in and out Move the wheel forward to Zoom In and backward to Intellimouse
Zoom Out in the active view, at the centre of the screen. Wheel*
To zoom relative to the current cursor position, pick a point

on the model and move the wheel while holding down the
Ctrl key. The cursor position will be moved to the centre of
the screen and zooming will occur at that point.
To zoom extents Double-click the mouse wheel to display the complete Intellimouse
model within the active view. Wheel
To disable this functionality, create a new PCI

Variable !checkMDoubleClick=0 and restart Edgecam.
To pan Hold down the wheel and move the mouse to pan. Intellimouse
Wheel
Using Undo and Redo

Use Edit menu ► Undo to step back from your last action.
For example:
If you drew a line, the line will be deleted.

If you changed a Depth value in a cycle, the value will revert back to the previous setting, along with the cycle's toolpath (the toolpath is
retrieved from the Undo/Redo cache, so it does not need to be regenerated with the previous value).
You can make repeated Undos to step back through several actions.
You can then use Redo to step forwards again through your actions.
Once you make a new action however, you will not be able to make any more steps forward from there - only steps backward.
Note that you cannot use Undo while in Instructions Insert mode in Manufacture.
General Principles of Selecting Input in Edgecam

Free selections Entity selections
Your input is the point on which you clicked, for example as the start point of Your input is based on the geometry on which you clicked, for example on
a line. the line for a Profile cycle.
Cursor shape
The cursor shape shows you how your next selection will be interpreted:
Interpreted as a Free selection. There may be a switch between these two. For example by Intellisnap as
your cursor nears the mid point of a line.
Interpreted as an entity selection (there will be an 'entity not found'
message if you do not select an entity). Or as you click to select or in the status bar ('other' option
greys - , ).
As an entity selection. Only an entity selection is valid - for example when selecting the line for a
Profiling cycle.
As an alternative to clicking the button, hold down the CTRL key as you make your selection. (See details on rotating while you force an entity
selection.)
As an alternative to clicking the button, hold down the SHIFT key as you make your selection.
Pre-selecting
You can click to select geometry without a command active, and some commands can then operate on these selections.
For example you could:
1. Select some geometry.

2. Click Edit menu ► Delete.
3. Right-click to terminate the command with no further selections.
User Input Prompts

When working with Edgecam, you will regularly see prompts relevant to your current task. For example when creating a cycle you may be prompted to select
the geometry you want to machine.
By default, the prompt is show in the status bar (at the bottom of the Edgecam window) and displayed as a 'banner' at the top of the graphics screen, for increased
visibility and more integrated feedback, which is especially useful for new users.
The banner offers the following buttons
Undo Undo the last action.
Finish Finish a command.
(Note you can also opt for these prompts to be shown at the cursor position by checking the File menu ► Preferences ► Selection tab ► Show Help on
Tooltip option .)
Using Intellisnap
When you make a selection, Intellisnap automatically offers you points on existing geometry - such as mid points - for you to pick.
As your cursor nears these points they become highlighted, and your click selects these points exactly.
The 'highlighting' includes:
A colour change for the point to the Flyover

colour (set using File menu ► Colours.)
A display of Verify type information (with
Entity Tooltips checked in the Selection tab -
see below).
A change in cursor shape.
Where more than one entity is selectable in a given

position (where two lines meet for example) you
see the symbol, and you can use the TAB key to
step through the selections.
When selecting a face, the Intellisnap points include

the centre of area.
To control the Intellisnap, use File menu ►

Preferences ► Selection tab. You can disable the
snapping to mid-points for example, if you want to
make a free selection near a mid-point.
Selecting Multiple Entities

You can sometimes operate on multiple selections - when deleting for example.
Some operations actually require multiple selections - when you are creating a continuous for example.
Changing Selection Mode

Click on the appropriate button in the Picking Options ►Settings ►Window Mode toolbar to select it:
Clicks can swap items between selected/de-selected, or you can choose for clicks to only select items or only deselect items.
'Clicks' also includes the 'Window' selection method below.
You can change the mode in the middle of making your selections.
The selected button changes back to the default 'Toggle Selection' when you next use a command.
Window Selection
Select a number of items by using click and drag to enclose them in a window.
Drag from:
Left to right to select all entities that are wholly within the window.
Right to left to select all entities that are wholly or partially within the window.
De-selecting 'Free Selections'

If you are making Free point selections - for a spline curve for example - press the Delete key (←) to undo selections.
See Also
Selecting Adjoining Entities by Chaining
Selecting Adjoining Entities by Chaining

Chaining is a selection mode where the selection automatically spreads from a selected entity to the adjoining entities.
(Adjoining entities are when the start point of an entity is created at the end point of another entity - which you can do using Intellisnap.)
The chaining only moves in one direction; that is from where you click on the entity to make the first selection, towards the middle of that entity.
The chaining buttons below are only made available as appropriate - when you are deleting entities for example or prompted to select edges when feature
finding. You click on a button to activate it, and so activate or modify the chaining mode.
You use the first four options when working with wireframe entities.
Chain - When active, you select the entities that you want to be at either end of a chain. Note the 'chain direction' above to make sure the
directions are correct.
Click on to expand and show the rest of the buttons below.
Chain All - When active, you select the entity at the beginning of the chain.
Alternatively, double-click an entity to start chaining.
Toggle Deselect - When active you can click on an entity to switch it between selected and deselected - mostly after using 'Chain All'.
Toggle Branch - When active, controls which path the chain is to follow when it could branch along one or more alternative paths.When not
active one of the branches is automatically chosen.
2D Chain - Changes between 2D (button is active) and 3D chaining.
3D chaining is frequently used when selecting edges on solids but can also be useful when working with wireframe entities and you want to
include entities in the chain that are rotated out of the current Workplane for example.
Tangent - (Chaining of solid edges only) Toggles chaining of edges with smooth tangency at ends.
When active, Edgecam will automatically chain until it comes to an entity that is greater than the tangency value (preset by Edgecam). You will
then be prompted to select the preferred route for the chain. Click the element to select it or click the button in the banner at the top of the
graphics screen to accept the automatic pick.
Click here for more information on Chaining of Solid Edges.
Filtering Entity Types

When picking, you can filter the displayed entity types.
Click the Picking Options ►Settings ►Filter toolbar to display the Entity Types dialog:
All of the displayed entity types will be checked. To filter the entities available for picking:
1. Check or uncheck the entity types as required:

Click None to uncheck all entity types.
Click All to check all entity types.
2. To select a specific colour for an entity type, for example, to select all the blue arc entities:
1. Click None.
2. Change the colour to blue.
3. Check the Arcs geometry type.
3. Drag a window over the whole area to select all of the appropriate entity types.
Saving Parts
The commands in the File menu that save Edgecam part are:
Save Use this command when you are saving a drawing for the first time, or if you want to save modifications to a drawing under the
same name.
Save As Use this command only if you want to give the drawing a different name and keep the last saved version under the old name.
When using the Save or Save As command, enter a text string in the Comment field, if required, that is saved with the file. Show Version History can be used to
display the history of a file including any comments.
Drawings are saved as .ppf (Edgecam Part Files). See File Extensions Used in Edgecam for a list of other common file types. Both commands open the standard
Windows dialog box for saving files. Saving a drawing also saves the dimensions, units and so on with the drawing.
See Also
Autosave
Saving Notes for a Part
Show Version History
Autosave
Edgecam provides an automatic save capability.
Set File menu ► Preferences ► General tab ► Autosave to the number of commands after which an automatic save will take place.
The default is 5. To disable Autosave, set a value of zero.
Only commands that affect the model are counted – display commands are not taken into account. Each Autosave overwrites the previous save.
Autosave is part of your defaults – whether Autosave is on or off, and the number of commands between Autosaves is stored.
To load the Autosaved part, click File menu ► Open Autosave.
Exporting Data
Parts can be saved in a number of formats for use in other CAD systems. The following file types are supported:
.ppf (Edgecam default file type)

.dxf (AutoCAD)
.igs (IGES format ASCII file)
Select the correct file extension when using the Save (File menu) or Save As (File menu) commands. For more information about importing and exporting
data, please refer to the topics in 'CAD Interface File Formats'.
File Extensions used in Edgecam

$$$ – Temporary files.
2XT CXT 4XT MXT WXT – Code Generator text files.
BMP – Bitmap produced by the Render command in Edgecam.
CLC – Compiled task file.
DFT – Default settings for Edgecam.
DOC – Document file produced when a Code Generator is compiled.
EXE – Executable file, for example a PDI file.
FNT – Text font definition files.
ICP – Compiled Code Generator file.
IXP – Code Generator text (source) file.
LAN – Compiled language files.
LC – Task file.
LOG – Manreadable report file.
MAC – Code Generator appended text file.
MCP – Compiled Code Generator file.
MDV – Machine communications definition file.
MNU – Menu files for Code Generators & main system.
NC – Text file containing NC code.
PCI – Command Macro file produced by an Edgecam command save.
PLT – Plot control files.
PPF – Edgecam Part File. Contains all design and manufacture information on an Edgecam part.
SYS – Edgecam model record file.
TCP – Compiled Code Generator file.
WCP – Compiled Code Generator file.
Opening Parts
In the File menu, click Open
Use the standard Open dialog to navigate to your part file and open it.
For Edgecam part files ), and certain other file types, you see a thumbnail preview of the selected part in the list. For large numbers of files this can cause a
delay, so you can click Show Preview do disable the preview. (These are the same thumbnails you see when viewing thumbnails in Windows Explorer).
To limit the list to certain file types, click in the Files of type box and select the type from the list.
Notes
For a warning dialog on opening read-only parts, check File menu ► Preferences ► General tab ► Read only open prompt The dialog offers OK
(open anyway) and Cancel options.
The .ppf file type thumbnail is generated from the Edgecamview active when you save the part. Any windows overlaying the part, such as the Simulator
window, may cause the image to be captured from that window.
Pre-version 7.50 Edgecam parts must be re-saved for the thumbnail image to be created.
You can also insert a part into another drawing.
You can also open Autosaved parts.
More information is available on opening solid model files.
Inserting Geometry from Files

There are various commands for inserting geometry from external files. Choose the command appropriate to the type of file:
File menu ► Insert ► Insert Part
For inserting geometry from a Edgecam part file. If you want to insert a sequence from another part, as well as the geometry, use File menu ►
Insert ► Insert Component.
File menu ► Insert ► Insert Solid
File menu ► Insert ► Insert STL
All the command dialogs have similar settings:
Automatic A message will be displayed indicating whether or not the solid will be automatically aligned.
Alignment
To manually set the location and orientation of the solid, click Change Alignment Options (See Alignment Options for further information).
Note: This will disable automatic alignment.

Origin Check this to be prompted to select a position at which to place the origin of the inserted file.
If not checked, this position defaults to the origin of the top Workplane.
Name Type in the path and filename of the file to be opened. Alternatively click Browse and use the browser to navigate to the file and open it.
Scale The scale at which the file is to be inserted.
X, Y, Z
Rotation Rotational translations of the part before insertion.
Layer The layer for the inserted file.

Colour The colour for the inserted file.
The availability of this option is licence dependent.

File menu ► Insert ► Insert Component.
You can use File menu ► Insert ► Insert Part if you only want to insert the geometry from another part (this command has more scaling and rotation
options).
Also see Combining Components and Sequences.
Inserts the geometry, and optionally the sequences, from another Edgecam part into the currently open part.
Segregate Check this for the layers from the insert part to be kept separate. Where necessary the insert part layers are given a distinct name comprising
Layers the part name, the original layer name and a number representing the instance of insertion of that part (1,2,3 etc.). If not checked, layers with
the same names are merged
Insert Check this to insert the machining sequences from the insert part. If this box is not checked only geometry is inserted. Sequences are only
Sequences inserted if the insert part has the same units (MM or IN) as the open part. Note that Undo is not supported if this option is checked.
Sequence This is unavailable until 'Insert Sequences' is checked.

Source List
In the list, either import all sequences (<All>) or a separate sequence, identified by its name.
Name Enter or Browse for the name of the .ppf part file to be inserted.
Workplane Nominate the Workplane in the named part. This determines how the geometry is to be inserted into the current part. Select from:
Source
Named As the component is inserted, you select from its list of Workplanes.
List
Pick As the component is inserted, you click on one of its Workplane markers.
Name Into the Workplane Source Name box, enter the name of one of the Workplanes in the component to be inserted. The insert
fails if this Workplane does not exist. This option is useful if you are using the command in a PCI, as you do not have to re-
specify the Workplane every time you run the PCI.
List Select from the list of Workplanes in 'Workplane Source List '.
Workplane This is unavailable until 'Workplane Source' is set to 'Name' - see above.
Source Name
Workplane This is unavailable until 'Workplane Source' is set to 'List' - see above.
Source List
In the list, choose from the list of available Workplanes in the PPF.
Note: This command will filter for Datum type if the Filter Datums option is enabled on the Preferences ► Selection tab. If a Datum is not
shown on the list, the preference can be disabled to display the full list.
Workplane Nominate the Workplane onto which to insert the component. Select from <Pick> or a list of available Workplanes in the current
Target environment. If you choose <Pick>, you are prompted to select the appropriate Workplane marker.
Name Prefix Allows you to specify a prefix to be used to identify Workplanes, Layers and Sequences coming from a particular inserted file. If used, the
name prefix precedes the existing layer, Workplane or sequence name. Duplicates will continue to be distinguished by the addition of '.1', '.2'
etc.
Rotation Enter any required rotation about the Z axis of the target Workplane. Centre of rotation will be that of the target part not that of the source
part(s).
Toolchange and Home positions are defined relative to the sequence Initial Datum.
Creating Job Images

Job images are screenshots of the current view of the part.
These images appear in job reports.
To create job images

1. Make sure there is a job linked to a sequence in the part (see how to do this).
2. Click File menu ► Job Image.
3. In the dialog that opens, specify the Image Name and click OK.
4. Now a Job Manager dialog opens, so that you can control the formatting of the image within the report (add a caption, change the ordering of the images,
for example). For more details click the Help button in the dialog, which opens the relevant topic in the Job Manager help.
Please note you need at least 24-bit colour. If you experience problems please check the Display settings of your PC. Depending on your graphics card, the valid
options may include 24-bit, 32-bit, 16 million colours or True Colour.
Sending Files
Overview General Output
File menu ► Send...
Use this command to collect all selected files into a zip file. Using the options on the Output tab you can email the file and/or save it to a specified location.
This provides an easy way to send information to other departments or subcontractors, for example. The command can also be used to send files to the support
team, if necessary. Please note that this is not intended to replace the usual support channels, and files should only be mailed if requested by the support
engineer.
Send File dialog - General tab

Use this tab to specify which files to include in the zip file.
Part File Check this to include the part file (.ppf).

ToolStore Check this to include the ToolStore database (.tbd).
Tool and Holder Check this to include tool and holder graphics (.csv, .meg or.stl).
Graphics
Code Generator Check this to include code generator files (.tcp,. mcp or .wcp).
Strategies Check this to include strategy files (.rbm).
Note: This will only zip up files from the master strategy folder, as set in Utilities > File Locations. Sub-strategy files will only be
included if they are located in the master folder.
Registry Check this to include registry information (.reg files). Contains non-Edgecaminformation and can be useful when trying to diagnose
support problems.
System Info Check this to include system information (.nfo file). Contains non-Edgecaminformation and can be useful when trying to diagnose
support problems.
Other Allows you to include other file types. Click Browse.. to open a separate dialog.
In the top right corner of the dialog, click New (Insert) to add a new entry to the file list. Click to open the standard File Open
dialog, which allows you to select the file you want to include. Repeat the steps above to include multiple files.
Send File dialog - Output tab

Use this tab to specify whether to email the zip file and/or save it to a specified location.
E-mail Check this to send the file per email.

Address Type in the email address to send the zip file to.
Subject Type in the subject header for the email.
File Check this to save the file to a specified location (see below).
Location Type in or browse for the location to save the zip file to.
Screen Capture
Overview General
The Screen Capture command can be accessed using one of the following methods:
Type 'Screen Capture' in the Quick Search box in the toolbar.

Add 'Screen Capture' to the ribbon. See Customising the Workflow Ribbon Toolbar for more information.
PCI-JS code.
Screen Capture dialog - General tab

Overview General
The screen capture will be taken in the centre of the visible graphics area.
Name Specify a name for the capture file.
Click Browse.. to specify a location for the capture file which will be saved in JPG format.
Width Specify the width of the screen capture in pixels.
Height Specify the height of the screen capture in pixels.
Note: If the Width and Height modifiers are unset, or set to zero, the size of the visible graphics area will be used.
Example PCI-JS code:

// Initialising command:- Save JPG
cmd1 = InitCommand(50, 713);
ClearMods(cmd1);
// Setting modifier 'Filename'
SetModifier(cmd1, 56, "c:\\temp
saved.jpg");
// Setting modifier 'Width'
SetModifier(cmd1, 172, "800");
// Setting modifier 'Height'
SetModifier(cmd1, 56, "600");
cmdret = ExecCommand(cmd1, -1);
Printing
File menu ► Print
Selecting the File menu ► Print command opens the print dialog. This gives you enhanced control of the positioning and sizing of the image, including scaling
and zooming functions and colour and background colour selection.

Edgecam Getting Started

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Edgecam Getting Started

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User Guide Title Page Page 1 of 51

Vero Software Limited

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Tooltips and Feedback

Online User Guide Help

Online Dialog Help

Using Advanced Search Techniques

and "surface" close together.

Import part design geometry

Choose tools from a comprehensive tooling database

Create milling machining

Create up to 5 axis machining - multi-index and simultaneous.

Create turn machining

Create multi turret and multi-spindle machining.

Incorporate milling machining with a mill/turn machine.

Create 2 to 4 Axis Wire EDM

Simulate your machining

Change the order of the machining.

Mirror and copy toolpaths

Edit parameters such as tool diameters, with instant toolpath regeneration.

Create automated tasks

About Part Modeler

Easy-to-use and cost-effective solid modelling for parts and assemblies.

Importing of files from most CAD systems.

ToolStore Store, manage and retrieve details of your tools.

The Edgecam Window

The Edgecam user interface offers the following features:

The Status Bar

The description of a button, as you rest the cursor on it.

Graphics Area Shortcut Menu

If you are performing an action; for example creating a line:

You can customise the graphics area shortcut menu to:

Set the delay before the menu appears.

Relative to world co-ordinates

Show and hide windows.

The Features Window

The suppressed state is specific to a machining sequence. This means that:

Other Facilities in the Window

Face features cannot be given the orphaned status.

Features Window - List View

One of the columns lists the 'Assigned Strategies'.

Click the button to hide the machining instructions.

Sort Order Dialog

1. Click the button at the top of the Feature Window.

3. Click OK to close the dialog.

Features Window - Tree View

A Workplane in which features have been found.

A face feature found in the Workplane

A pocket feature found in the Workplane

A hole feature found in the Workplane

....any other features....

...any other Workplanes....

....any other solids.....

Click to close a branch; click to open a branch.

Features Window - Bin View

Right-click on a feature and from the shortcut menu choose:

Delete - The feature is permanently deleted. Use with caution.

Instructions for Suppressed and Deleted Features

The synchronisation commands are displayed in the window in both turrets.

Closed Group Expanded Group

Nested instruction groups are not allowed.

Showing and Hiding Toolchange Layers

1. In the Sequence Window right-click on the toolchange instruction.