TopSolid'Cam Tutorial 7

Tutorial
TopSolid'Cam 7
TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
© 2016, Missler Software.

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This information is subject to change without warning.

No material may be reproduced or transmitted, regardless of the manner, electronic or mechanical means used or
purpose, without formal written consent from Missler Software.
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TopSolid® is a product name of Missler Software.
The information and the software contained within this document are subject to change without prior warning and
should not be construed as a commitment by Missler Software.
The software covered by this document is supplied under license, and may only be used and duplicated in
compliance with the terms of this license.
Version 7.10 Rev.01
Note: If you are experiencing problems using this tutorial, please feel free to send your feedback and comments at
edition@topsolid.com.
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Contents
Creation of a machining part ............................................................................................................................ 1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Working with the PDM ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Step 1 – Quick machining.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Step 2 – Inserting a part in a blank machining .......................................................................................................... 6
Step 3 – Quick machining with setup...................................................................................................................... 10
Step 4 – Machining with the chosen machine and inserting a part or setup ......................................................... 13
Step 5 – Assembled part and stock, setup, then machining ................................................................................... 15
Step 6 – Modifying a stock ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2D machining ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
Machining ............................................................................................................................................................... 21
Options .................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Step 1 – Machining the upper section of the part .................................................................................................. 22
Step 2 – Machining the left section of the part ...................................................................................................... 27
Step 3 – Machining the right section of the part .................................................................................................... 30
Step 4 – Machining the inclined planes .................................................................................................................. 32
Step 5 – Machining the center groove .................................................................................................................... 35
Step 6 – Machining the outer section ..................................................................................................................... 36
Step 7 – Machining the three steps ........................................................................................................................ 39
Step 8 – Performing the drillings ............................................................................................................................ 41
Step 9 – Performing the borings ............................................................................................................................. 44
Step 10 – Alternative machinings ........................................................................................................................... 46
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 49
3D machining ................................................................................................................................................. 50
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 50
Machining ............................................................................................................................................................... 51
Step 1 – Roughing ................................................................................................................................................... 52
Step 2 – Re-roughing ............................................................................................................................................... 57
Step 3 – Finishing .................................................................................................................................................... 60
Step 4 – Repeating 3D finishing .............................................................................................................................. 66
Turning .......................................................................................................................................................... 69
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 69
Step 1 – Parting the end of the part ....................................................................................................................... 71
Step 2 – Turning ...................................................................................................................................................... 74
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Step 3 – Groove roughing........................................................................................................................................76

Step 4 – Machining of the groove ...........................................................................................................................79
Step 5 – Finishing ....................................................................................................................................................82
Step 6 – Threading ..................................................................................................................................................84
Step 7 – Drilling .......................................................................................................................................................85
Creation of tools ............................................................................................................................................ 87

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................87
Step 1 – Tool library ................................................................................................................................................87
Step 2 – Restoring a milling tool .............................................................................................................................90
Step 3 – Creating a family .....................................................................................................................................101
Step 4 – Restoring a shank ....................................................................................................................................103
Step 5 – Assembling elements ..............................................................................................................................106
Step 6 – Turning tool .............................................................................................................................................114
Definition of cutting conditions .................................................................................................................... 120

Step 1 – Cutting conditions ...................................................................................................................................120
Step 2 – Cutting conditions 2 ................................................................................................................................124
Step 3 – Machining with cutting conditions..........................................................................................................128
Step 4 – Definition of cutting conditions in a machining document.....................................................................130
Creation of shop floor documents ................................................................................................................ 133

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................133
Step 1 – Creating an operation table ....................................................................................................................134
Step 2 – Creating the tool sheet............................................................................................................................164
Step 3 – Creating the mixed document.................................................................................................................184
Creation of drilling methods ........................................................................................................................ 194

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................194
Step 1 – Using the drilling methods ......................................................................................................................195
Step 2 – Creating a drilling method.......................................................................................................................202
Step 3 – Spot faced blind hole and formula ..........................................................................................................208
Step 4 – Flat blind or through hole with condition ...............................................................................................211
Step 5 – Tapped holes ...........................................................................................................................................216
Step 6 – Bore holes and additional parameters ....................................................................................................220
Step 7 – Holes with or without contouring ...........................................................................................................226
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Creation of milling and turning methods ....................................................................................................... 232

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 232
Step 1 – Creating a 2D milling method from a machining .................................................................................... 233
Step 2 – Creating a 2D milling method interactively ............................................................................................ 243
Step 3 – Creating a 3D milling method ................................................................................................................. 251
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TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Creation of a machining part
Creation of a machining part

Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to create a machining document which can be used to perform various machining
operations that can be accessed from the Cam section of TopSolid.
We will explain five different methods that will produce a similar result. Of course, each method will be detailed.
We will start with the easiest method (TopSolid will answer several questions without showing us), then go to the
most detailed method (where we must answer all of the questions).
Working with the PDM

As explained in the online help and Design support, the PDM essentially allows you to store and monitor changes
made to any files created in TopSolid 7.
Also, in order to isolate all tutorial files, we will create a new project containing all required files.
To create this new project, do the following:
x Left-click the TopSolid 7 menu icon .

x Open the File menu in the drop-down menu.
x Select New Project.
Note that you can also click the icon in the Home tab or use the Ctrl + Shift + N shortcut to create a new project.
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Creation of a machining part TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
The following window is displayed.
x Rename the project to Missler Software, select Blank Template and confirm with the green checkmark .
x From the Project tree, right-click on the project name and select Folder in the contextual menu.
By default, the last created folder will be named Folder.

x Rename it to Support.
Note: To rename a file, a document or a folder, press the F2 key or slowly

left-click the mouse button twice (such as for Microsoft Windows Explorer).
Examples of folder names are provided in order to be easily located when
creating the machining.
When changing the name of a file, it will be followed by an asterisk *
indicating that the document has been changed (or created). Saving the
document will remove the asterisk.
From the Support folder, you will now be able to create and machine a new part. Given that the purpose of this
chapter is not to geometrically define the part (see TopSolid'Design Tutorial), we will import a part. In this case,
since this part was not designed in TopSolid, we will lose all integrated solution benefits (interactive change, use of
machining information as H7 hole, etc.)
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x To import the part, right-click on the Support folder, and then select Import/Export > Import File with
Conversion.
x Open the file TopSolidCam_SupportOnlyFinishPart.x_t (during installation, this file is installed in the folder
"Programs Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples").
x In the window that appears, select the following options.
x Click to confirm the import.

x Using the F2 key, rename the imported file to Support (Part Only).
Note: Right-clicking on a folder allows you to create a new entity in it, import one or more documents to it, or
export, change, or copy it.
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Step 1 – Quick machining

In this section, we will explain how to quickly start machining the part that we just imported.
x From the Project tree, right-click on the part and select Machining in the contextual menu.
A predefined template can be selected. In our case, we will select Blank Template and confirm the dialog box by
clicking .
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The following window opens, prompting you to select some settings related to the machinable part.
x Select a prismatic-shaped stock (Block).
x Check Eliminate the weak portions of stock.
x Click to confirm the dialog box.

x Click to close the positioning dialog box.
The machining document is automatically created and placed in the same directory as the part.
x Save the document by clicking the icon (or use the Ctrl + S shortcut).
For clarity purposes and to help you become familiar with the Cam section of TopSolid, we will create a new folder.
By doing this for each of the five methods that we are explaining, we will be able to come back more quickly to any
of these methods.
x Right-click on the Support folder, select Folder in the contextual menu and rename the folder Step 1.
We will then move the machining document into the Step 1 folder and rename it.
x Hold down the left-mouse button and drag the machining document into the Step 1 folder.
x Rename this document Support Step 1.
x Save and close all open documents.

Note: You can see that the part is enclosed in a prismatic stock (block) and that its margins have been defined by
default. You will see later in the Step 6 – Modifying a stock section how to change this stock.
You can now start machining the part.
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Step 2 – Inserting a part in a blank machining
This step produces the same result as Step 1, but introduces another feature of the software. In fact, we will create
a blank machining document and insert the machinable part.
Calling this document will allow you to directly call a template with a machine and fixed tools.
x In the Support folder, create a new folder named Step 2.

x As before, right-click on this folder and select Machining in the contextual menu.
x Use a blank template and click to confirm.
x Rename the document Support Step 2.
A machining document is created. This document is blank for now (no machinable parts). We will now indicate to
TopSolid that we want to machine the imported part.
To do this, we will place it by dragging and dropping the part document. The drag-and-drop is easily done by simply
holding down the left mouse button while dragging the Support (Part Only) part document into the open machining
document.
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The following window opens, prompting you to select some settings related to the machinable part.
x Select the NC part creation option.
x Then select a prismatic-shaped stock (block).
x Check Eliminate the weak portions of stock.

x Click to close the positioning dialog box.
The part is ready to be machined but it is positioned where you released the mouse button. This position might not
be the one you require.
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Example:
x If you want to change the position of the part, right-click when the part is selected and use the Edit NC
Part Positioning command.
x In the positioning context, use the Frame on Frame command from the Assembly tab. For Source frame,
select Support (Part Only) in the drop-down list and for Destination frame select Absolute Frame.
x Confirm the positioning by clicking on .
The part is now positioned in the center of the table.
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Step 3 – Quick machining with setup
In this section, we will manually set the machining (created automatically in the previous sections).
There are two possible ways to create this machining setup, as seen in Step 1 (creating a setup document by clicking
an existing file) and Step 2 (creating an empty setup document and inserting the machinable part). Here, we will
explain how to achieve the machining by following the method in Step 2.
x In the Support folder, create a new folder and rename it Step 3.
x Right-click on this folder and select Document.
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x From the Advanced tab, select Machined Part Setup, choose Blank Template and then click .
x Rename the machining setup to Support 3 Setting.
A blank machining setup document is created. To insert the part to set, use the "drag-and-drop" feature explained
in Step 2.
Once the part is inserted into the machining setup document, you can see that it does not include a stock.
x To edit the machining setup, right-click in the

graphics area.
x Select Edit Part NC.
You must now define the part and its stock.
x Click the Finishes, stocks and environment icon
Note: The software automatically selects the finish and defines an enclosing stock that can be modified.
You can define unique margins (identical margins in all directions) or customize them. Modifications can be assessed
in real time in 3D view.
We will select 5mm margins in all directions of the absolute frame, with the exception of the Z- margin, which will
be 60mm.
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x Click to confirm.
The part and its set stock are now defined.
Your screen should now look like the following image:
x Save the document.
There are two possible ways to create this machining, as seen in Step 1 (creating a machining document by clicking
the existing setup) and Step 2 (creating an empty machining document and inserting the existing setup).
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Step 4 – Machining with the chosen machine and inserting a part or setup
This method is similar to the method in Step 2, with the exception that it includes a choice of machine. So we will
only recall how to include a CN machine.
x In this folder, create a new Machining document using a blank template, and then click .
x Rename this document to Support Step 4.
We now have a blank machining document where we will input a part.
x From the Equipment tab, display the drop-down menu by clicking the button .
x From the Machine Tool menu, run Select a machine.
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To make it easier to select the machine, it is possible to filter the machine list.
x Enter mi in the Name or manufacturer field.
A machine will appear only if the name or the manufacturer contains the text you entered (the search is not case
sensitive and you may type in upper or lower case).
x Select the MIKRON HSM 600U 5-axis machine and click .
Once the machine is selected, you can insert a part or machining setup. To do this, refer to Step 2 – Inserting a part
in a blank machining.
x Position the part so that it is in the middle of the machine table, as seen below.
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Step 5 – Assembled part and stock, setup, then machining
For this step, we will use a stock and a part that have already been assembled. This method is particularly useful if
the stock's geometry is variable or if the stock has already been machined. However, you must have mastered the
TopSolid'Design assembly tool.
We will first import the assembly in ParaSolid format.

x Right-click on this folder and select Import/Export > Import File with Conversion in the contextual menu.
x Choose the file TopSolidCam_Support.x_t (during installation, this file is installed in the folder "Programs
Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples").
x In the import window that appears, select the following options.

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x Change the name of the assembly document to Support.
Note: When importing an assembly document, TopSolid imports the assembly and each component of the assembly
separately, so you can use the finish or the stock only for modifications.
x Right-click on the stock in the graphics area and select Attributes in the contextual menu.
x Set the transparency to 70% and click to confirm the dialog box.
x Save the document
x From the Project tree, right-click on the assembly document Support.
x Create a new Machined part setup document using a blank template. The following window appears
asking you whether you want to disassemble the assembly.
x Click Yes. In the end, each solid of the assembly will be displayed independently in the Finish list.
x Click the Finishes, stocks and environment icon.
In the window that appears:

x Click the blue text Stock Type and select User stock.
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x The Finish list contains the two solids, with Support 1 being the part to be machined and Support 0 being the
stock. You need to move Support 0 to the Stock list. To do this, simply move the mouse over Support 0, hold
down the left mouse button and drag Support 0 to the Stock list.
Your screen should look like the next image:
x Click .
Note: You can see that the selection areas are enclosed in a certain color and when a shape is selected for example,
this shape will take on the color of the enclosure.
The machining setup document is complete. You can now save and close it, and then start machining.
There are two possible ways to create this machining, as seen in Step 1 (creating a machining document by clicking
an existing setup) and Step 2 (creating an empty machining document and inserting the machinable part).
Note: We will use this machining setup for the machining tutorial.
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Step 6 – Modifying a stock
When scrolling any Missler Software project directory structure, you will see that machining setup documents have
been automatically created in all machinings. This is so you can go back and modify the stock or original CN part,
for example.
There are two options for accessing the machining setup:
x Scroll down the directory structure and double-click on the machining setups automatically created.
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x Or you can also select a face of the part, right-click in the graphics area and select Show Machined Part
Setup Document.
x Once you have accessed the machining setup document, to modify it, right-click in the graphics area and
select Edit Part NC.
You will now access the machining setup menus shown in Step 3.
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2D machining TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
2D machining
Introduction
The purpose of this tutorial is to create a machining program for the part below.
As you can see, to be machined, the part must be positioned on different orientations. To avoid several
disassemblies, which can be detrimental to the desired manufacturing quality, we will use a 5-axis machine.
To help you become familiar with TopSolid 7, the machining of the part above is divided into several steps. For each
step, a machining document is available in which operations have been completed. You can refer to these
documents if you run into any difficulties. These machining documents are provided in a TopPkg file named
TopSolidCam_2DPartStepByStep.TopPkg installed in the folder "Program Files\Missler Software\TopSolid
7.10\Samples". In order to follow the tutorial, we recommend that you import this file into a new project.
Example: For Step 6, which consists of performing the machining outside the part, a machining document named
Support_Step_5 is available, in which Steps 1 to 5 are carried out.
The part was designed in TopSolid. The designer used the "features" technology, which allows major automation
of machinings.
The overall programming approach is as follows:
1. Defining the stock part
2. Positioning and defining the part (as per TopSolid'Cam) and its program origin
3. Defining the operations, with integrated stock management
4. Simulation
5. Editing the ISO file
Steps 1 and 2 are explained in the prerequisite tutorial (creating a machining preparation document and machining
document). We will start at Step 3, which consists of defining machining operations.
As you can see in this tutorial, several methods are available for creating a machining document. The machining
can therefore be started by selecting the method of your choice. (For this tutorial, the chosen method is Method 5,
which consists of machining an assembled stock and finish.)
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TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial 2D machining
Machining
We are now in the machining context. TopSolid 7 is simple to use and suggests two approaches for creating a
machining.
x Subject – Verb:
Select the entities to machine, and then select a machining function.
With this solution, you can select one or more faces with the mouse and indicate the machining on which to
apply the faces.
x Verb – Subject :
Select a machining function and indicate the entities on which to apply this function.
These two methods will be used in this tutorial.
Options
In general, it is possible to set machining options using the menu Tools > Options > CAM Options.
For example, in the menu Tools > Options > CAM Options > Dialog Configurations:
Checking or unchecking Simulate new machining after creation will allow you to launch or not the simulation once
the machining operation is validated (it may take time).
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Step 1 – Machining the upper section of the part
x Create a new project named 2D Machining using a blank template.

x Import the package TopSolidCam_2DPartStepByStep.TopPkg in your project.
x Open the machining document Support_Step_1.
We will first machine the upper face.
x Right-click one of the two upper planar faces and select an End Milling 2D machining.
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A label such as the one below displays. It is possible that some values (like the maximal axial depth which is equal
to zero because the tool hasn't been chosen yet) are different from the one below. They can be modified in the
Settings option.
Note: The icon indicates that a facing operation will be performed. If you wish to change it, double left-click
on it and select the appropriate operation (pocketing, open pocketing or expanded facing).
x Click the Tool icon. The blue asterisk indicates a mandatory field.
x Double-click on the Face Mill icon and select a 63mm-diameter and 10mm-cutting height mill to
face.
x Click to confirm the tool.
This facing's settings remain to be specified.
x To do this, click the Settings icon.

x Complete the following settings:
- Stock to leave on floor and Stock to Leave on wall: 0mm
- Maximal axial depth: 5mm
- Final axial depth pass: 0mm
- End milling strategy: Choose Sweeping
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- Sweeping strategy: Choose Zigzag cycle

- Check Minimum path number
- Sweeping over length: 2mm
The window should look like this:
Note: These settings are for guidance only and in no way belong to the methods department. They are simply for
verifying that the settings coincide with the obtained tool paths.
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With these settings and this tool, the tool path preview is as follows:
Note: TopSolid is set so it can avoid useless calculation to improve the calculation time. When modifying a
machining setting (for example a stock to leave), the machining area and the tool path preview are not graphically
updated (it may take time). An icon at the top right of the screen indicates whether or not the graphics area is
updated. This icon has 3 states:
- Manual update: The graphics area is currently updated.

- Manual update: The graphics area is not currently updated. Clicking this icon will update it (it may take
time).
- Automatic update: Each time a setting is modified, the machined area and the tool path are recalculated
(it may take time).
x Click to confirm the machining operation.
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Machining simulation
This step shows how to resimulate the machining achieved.
Firstly, a very useful tool allows you to remove material during machining. Then, to simulate the machining of one
operation, simply click the icon that clarifies a facing operation for example.
Enable/Disable the
material removal during
simulation (it is disabled
by default)
Simulate the operation
To simulate one or more operations, you can right-click on the selected operations and select Simulate.
To simulate all operations, right-click on and select Simulate.
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Step 2 – Machining the left section of the part

Note: For this step, we will machine the outer section of the part with a radiused mill. The operation will be an open
pocketing operation. The technique is the same as in the previous step.
x As before, right-click on the face to machine (shown in blue above).

x Choose an End Milling 2D machining.
The following label is displayed.
The icon indicates that an open pocketing will be done.
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x In the Tool option, double-click on the Radiused Mill icon and select a radiused mill 32mm in
diameter, with a radius of 3mm and a total length of 150mm. Then, in the Tool Assembly tab, set the output
distance to 120mm.
x Click the Settings icon and complete the following settings:

- Stock to leave on floor: 0mm
- Stock to leave on wall: 0mm
- Sweeping strategy: Choose Zigzag cycle raw
- Sweeping contouring strategy: choose After sweeping
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x Click to confirm the operation.

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Step 3 – Machining the right section of the part

As you can see, the left and right sections clearly match. To repeat this machining, we will add a geometry to the
previous operation.
Note: You can select the two surfaces to machine first and perform the open pocketing operation.
x In the NC Operations tree, edit the end milling operation previously done.
x To add a geometry to an operation, go to Geometry.

x Then, simply add the right surface by clicking on it to repeat the machining with the same settings. This action
also allows you to remove a geometry from an operation.
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Note: Thus far, the tool path was ordered by pocket. We can see here the advantage of such a method in regards
to the time saved. The machine is going to machine the left layers first and then the right ones.
A strategy by altitude would have been judicious if the piece had thin walls.
In the end, the machining preview is as follows:
Note: Instead of adding the face in the first operation, you can also request to display the tool paths and copy
and paste this machining on the new face. Copy and paste by pressing the Ctrl key at the same time as the drag-
and-drop operation.
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Step 4 – Machining the inclined planes
Machining the small inclined planes

x Right-click one of the blue faces shown above and choose an End Milling 2D machining.
x In the Tool option, select the face mill that was used for the first machining (63mm-diameter) by
rechecking it.

- Stock to leave on floor and Stock to leave on wall: 0mm
- Final axial depth: 0mm
- Z path stock fitting strategy: Choose Stock
- Sweeping strategy: Choose Zigzag cycle raw
- Uncheck Automatic sweeping angle and set the sweeping angle to 0°
- Go to the Plunge tab and uncheck Start at same point
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Note: As you can see, once the tool is selected, it automatically orients itself.
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Machining the large inclined planes
To machine the large inclined planes, follow the same logic as previously or copy and paste in the graphics area the
first machining to the new face.
To reproduce the machining on the large inclined planes, do the following steps:
x In the NC Operations tree, left-click on the operation .

x Put the cursor over the tool path (the color turns red).
x Press the Ctrl key.
x While maintaining the Ctrl key pressed, left-click the tool path and drag it onto the new face.
The tool path is now on the new face and the operation is copied. It's then possible to modify some parameters.
x Edit the operation, click the Settings icon, and then complete the following setting:
- Link strategy for free place: Select the Work Line option.
The machining previews of the two inclined planes will be as follows:

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Step 5 – Machining the center groove

For this step, we will machine a center groove. We will use a method that consists of selecting the geometry as late
as possible.
x In the 2D/3D tab, select End Milling.
x In the Tool option, select a radiused mill 32mm in diameter with a 3mm radius from the toolbar.
x Go to Geometry and select the blue-colored plane shown above.

x Click the icon to update the graphics area.
You can see that TopSolid recognizes that the operation is an open pocketing.
x In the Settings option, define zero stock to leave and leave all other default settings.
Note: This operation can be integrated in Step 3. In fact, you can select this geometry during the first open
pocketing. You can also use the Copy/Paste method.
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Step 6 – Machining the outer section

We will machine the outer section of the part by using a contouring cycle.
x Right-click on the blue face shown above.

x Select Side Milling.
x In the Tool option, create a side mill 32mm in diameter with a total length of 120mm and an output
distance of 90mm.
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x In the Settings option, complete the following settings:

- Stock to leave on floor: -1mm
- Stock to leave on wall: 0mm
- Number of radial passes: 2
- Z path stock fitting strategy: Choose Stock
Note: You can select any face on the part's contour. The choice of face only determines the arrival and return points
of the tool.
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A negative stock to leave on floor is left in order to avoid having to redo the contour of a possible additional phase.
The machining preview is as follows:

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Step 7 – Machining the three steps
We will machine three steps by using a multiple end milling cycle. To complete this machining, we will hold down
the Ctrl key and select all three blue-colored faces.
x Select the three blue-colored faces shown above.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select End Milling.
x In the Tool option, create a radiused mill 22mm in diameter with a radius of 3mm, a total length of 120mm
and an output distance of 80mm.
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x In the Settings option, complete the following settings:

- Stock to leave on floor and Stock to leave on wall: 0mm
- External Clearance distance: 0mm
- A path stock fitting strategy: Choose Stock
- End milling strategy: Choose Successive contouring

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Step 8 – Performing the drillings

x Select the cylindrical face shown in blue below.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Drilling > Hole Machining.
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The label provides some information, including the hole diameter (10mm diameter in our case).
x Click on Geometry, then in the search options check Same diameter and uncheck Same depth, Same
altitude and Respect Through Hole.
x Click on to search for identical holes. We will then have 5 holes to drill.
x Do not include the partial cylinders in the analysis.
x Click the Tool icon.

x Double-click on the Twist Drill icon. By default, the tool diameter is the hole diameter. Set the total length
of the drill to 120mm and the output distance to 90mm.
x Click to confirm the tool, and then confirm the operation.
The drilling operation is achieved.
x Repeat these steps to drill the two holes shown in blue below.
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Now we will machine the counterbores.

x Select the blue-colored cylindrical face shown below.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Drilling > Hole Machining.
x Click on Geometry, then in the search options check Same diameter and uncheck Same depth, Same
altitude and Respect Through Hole.
x Click on to search for identical holes. We will then have 3 holes to drill.
x In the label, in the Kind of machining field, double-click on the icon and select Spot Facing.
x In the Tool option, double-click on the Spot Face Mill icon. By default, the tool diameter is the hole
diameter. Set the total length to 120mm and the output distance to 90mm.
x Click to confirm the tool, and then confirm the operation.
The spot facing operation is achieved.
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Step 9 – Performing the borings

We will create the borings colored in blue above. First, we will load the tools from the toolbar.
x From the Equipment tab, select Tool Manager.

x Double-click on the Twist Drill icon, choose a 39.2mm-diameter drill, set the total length to 120mm and the
output distance to 90mm, and then confirm with .
x Double-click on the Boring bar icon, choose a 40mm-diameter bar, set the total length to 120mm and the
output distance to 90mm, and then confirm with .
The tools are added to the toolbar.
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x Right-click one of the blue cylinders shown on the previous page.

x Select Drilling > Hole Machining.
x Choose the 39.2mm-diameter drill as the tool.
The orientation of the drilling can be modified by double-clicking on the yellow arrow (circled in red below) located
in the axis of the drilling in the graphics area.
We obtain:
The WCS solution is thus automatically changed.
The two faces can be drilled either in a single machining operation, or in two machining operations.
x Repeat the operation by selecting the boring bar as the tool and defining a Reaming type
drilling in the Kind of machining field of the label.
Note: If the tool does not appear in the toolbar when selecting the tool, just right-click and select Show all pockets.
As a standard, 98% of the nominal diameter should be bored.
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Step 10 – Alternative machinings
x Open the machining document Support_Step_1 again.
Previously, you saw the complete machining of a 2D part. Here, you will see a process that can reduce the amount
of finishing operations. This roughing can potentially save you time (if using the same mill!).
x To do this, open the machining in its initial state (no machining).
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Roughing.
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For this operation, we will machine the maximum material. The color planes display the machining bounds. You can
manually move them or define them exactly.
x Click the Geometry icon.

x Go to the Bounds tab.
x Leave the default bounds, except for the Z minimum, which will be 18mm. To enter the Z minimum, first click
the black triangle icon, then click on Value and enter 18mm.
x In the Tool option, choose a side mill 32mm in diameter, with a total length of 120mm and an output
distance of 90mm. Confirm the tool.
x From the label, set the stock to leave on floor to 1mm, the stock to leave on wall to 0mm and the computing
tolerance to 0.01mm.
x Click to confirm the roughing operation.
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From the top view, the machining tool paths must be as follows:
By default, the stock is not updated.
x In order for the operation to update the stock, edit the roughing operation, click the icon and enable
the Update stock option
Note: If you want to redo the machining by starting with a roughing, note that for facings, you must select multiple
geometries.
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Conclusion
At the end of the cycle, the part is practically machined and the following result is obtained.
The Verify tab allows you to check the machining and assess the tool paths of each tool. Each color corresponds to
a different tool.
Some stocks to leave may not be machined, which is why you can use the comparison tool to measure the
distance between the finish and the fictitious stock. If the part is green, this distance is assumed to be zero. If it is
closer to blue, not enough material was machined. Alternatively, if it is closer to red, too much material was
machined.
You can see here that only the boring chamfers are not created.
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce you to TopSolid 7's Cam module and present its range of 2D features.
By no means are the order of operations, choice of tools, or operation settings optimized or defined for industrial
use.
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3D machining
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to create a machining program for the part below.
This is a sinking electrode for a perfume bottle mold.

To help you become familiar with TopSolid 7, the machining of the part below is divided into several steps. For each
documents if you run into any difficulties. Machining steps are numbered from 1 to 4, so there will be 4 numbered
machining documents. These machining documents are provided in a TopPkg file named
TopSolidCam_3DPartStepByStep.TopPkg (this file is installed in the folder "Program Files\Missler Software\TopSolid
7.10\Samples".
This tutorial assumes that the operator is experienced with TopSolid'Design features and that they have already
become familiar with the 2D features It is therefore assumed that the user is familiar with the finish, stock, machine,
and tool part concepts.
1. Selecting the machine tool
4. Defining the WCS automatically (angular positions that must take the two machine tool plates)
6. Simulation
Given that this is a 3D tutorial, we will begin at Step 5. Therefore, the Cam part has been created and the toolbar is
loaded with the required tools.
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Machining
As you saw in the 2D tutorial, TopSolid proposes two machining approaches.
x Subject – Verb:
Select the entities to machine, and then select a machining function.
With this solution, you can select one or more faces with the mouse and indicate the machining on which to apply
the faces.
x Verb – Subject:
Select a machining function and indicate the entities on which to apply this function
For 3D machinings, these two methods are applicable. Given that the entire part is machined, selecting a face opens
the 3D machinings even though the entire part will be machined by default. You can also right-click in the graphic
window to avoid having to select a face.
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Step 1 – Roughing
x Create a new project named 3D Machining using a blank template.
x Import the package TopSolidCam_3DPartStepByStep.TopPkg in your project.
x Open the machining document Nounours_Step_1.
During this step, we will completely rough the model. This operation consists of removing the maximum amount of
material with a dimensioned roughing tool in order to remove the greatest amount of material with the least
amount of cutting effort.
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The color planes indicate the machining bounds. That is to say that the material will be machined within these
limits.
Note: It is possible to hide the color planes by disabling the Preview icon at the top right of the TopSolid
window.
- Preview enabled: The color planes are visible, as seen in the image above.
- Preview disabled: The color planes are invisible, as seen in the image below.
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x Click the Tool Choice icon. Select a side mill 20mm in diameter with a total length of 72mm and an output
distance of 50mm.
x Set the operation settings as follows.
x In the Settings tab:

- Computing tolerance: 0.05mm
- Minimal material left : 0.1mm
- Stock to leave on wall and Stock to leave on floor: 0.5mm
- External clearance distance: 2mm
- Step over: 10mm
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x In the Altitudes tab:

- Check Planar Area Machining
- Planar Area Step Over: 10mm
x In the Plunge and retract tab:
- Check Retraction if necessary
- Set the inside material plunge strategy to Ramping and define the slope angle to 3°
Note: It may take a while to update the stock, which is why it is not selected by default.
Roughing operations do not require an updated stock as the current stock is transparently calculated so that the
remaining material to machine is known. The roughing operation analyzes all the previous active machining
operations to know the actual shape of the stock at this point.
For 2D operations, if the stock is updated, the default start Z values will be correct; if not, they must be updated.
By default, the stock is not updated.
x In order for the operation to update the stock, click the icon and enable the Update stock option.
x Once all of these settings are defined, click to confirm the roughing operation.
The machining previews should match the previews shown below.
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The verification module quickly captures a realistic image of what will actually happen on the machine. It is
important to validate this step when the stock is not updated. You can view the state of the stock after this roughing.
x To use this module, simply select the operations to view from the NC Operations tree, right-click and
select Verify from the popup menu that displays.
x Click the icon to start the check in animation mode.
You can then modify the transparency by right-clicking on the part and moving the transparency cursor.
Note: This icon allows you to start the check in Turbo mode. With this mode, response times are much faster.
x Click the icon to quit the checking module.
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Step 2 – Re-roughing
The diameter of the previously used mill was relatively large with respect to the size of the part to machine. It
therefore left areas in which the remaining amount of material was too large to be removed only by the finishing
tool. We will create a re-roughing that consists of a new roughing created with a smaller diameter tool.
As you saw at the start of this document, a roughing takes into account the current state of the stock (even though
it is not up-to-date) in order to determine the areas to machine. The re-roughing feature is therefore the same as
the roughing feature!
It may be worthwhile to copy the roughing that has already been computed in order to only have to modify a few
settings (such as the tool used). This is easily done from the operations manager.
x Select the first roughing operation.
x Simultaneously hold down the Ctrl and C keys.
x Simultaneously hold down the Ctrl and V keys in the location where you want to copy (in this case, at the end).
We obtain the following result:
A new operation is then created.
x Double-click on it (operation 2) to edit it.
x Click the Tool Choice icon. Select a side mill 10mm in diameter with a total length of 72mm and an output
distance of 40mm.
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x Click the Settings icon and complete the following settings.

- Step over: 5mm
x In the Altitudes tab:
- Axial depth: 2mm
- Uncheck the Planar area machining option
Note: It is no longer necessary to machine the planar faces because this was already done for the first roughing.
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The machining previews should match the previews shown below.
As previously, the result can be controlled using the verification module.

You can see that the finishing tool (shown in green below) machined the affected areas.
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Step 3 – Finishing
For this step, we will finish the machining by milling the form with a hemispherical tool 12mm in diameter.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Finishing.
The following screen displays.
x Double-click on the icon, which indicates the type of 3D finishing, and then select a Constant
step-over finishing.
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The following window displays.
x In the Tool option, choose a 12mm-diameter ball nose mill with an output distance of 50mm.
x Click the Settings icon and select the following settings.
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- Computing tolerance and Scallop height: 0.01mm
- Start to end: End to start
- Max. dist. between points: 2mm
x In the Strategy tab:
- HSM spiral angle: 10°
- Enable HSM on path
x Click to confirm the finishing operation.
As previously, tool paths can be reviewed which, for this operation, are as follows.
We will now trim the finishing pass above the upper plane. You can use the Z minimum, but for this example, we
will see how to make a machining trim with a sketch.
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x Click the icon at the top left in the system bar in order to return to design mode (default shortcut: Ctrl +
W).
x Right-click on the blue plane shown on the previous page and select Sketch.
x Project the outer contour of the blue surface.
x Validate the sketch by clicking the button.

x Return to Cam mode by clicking the icon in the system bar or using the shortcut Ctrl + W.
x Edit the finishing operation.
x Click the Geometry icon.

x From the Bounds tab, select the following settings:
- Bounding Mode: Select On from the drop-down menu
- Check Bounding curves management
- Select the sketch that you just created as the bounding curve
x Click to confirm the finishing operation.
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The result should be the following:
Similarly, the check controls the removed material. You can therefore see that the ball nose mill machined a large
amount of material and thus finished the part in several areas (shown in blue below).
However, some material remains to be machined because the diameter of the finishing tool was not able to pass
over the entire part.
You can request that the check indicates the unmachined areas by comparing the current stock to the basic part to
machine. (This also indicates whether there was a problem!).
x While staying in the verification context, right-click and select Display comparison, or click the icon
at the top left of the screen.
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The result should be the following:
As you can see, the closer the color is to blue, the more the material remaining to be machined. In this case, it is
clear that there is a lot of material left to be machined. We will therefore proceed to a left material machining using
a smaller radius.
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Step 4 – Repeating 3D finishing

For this step, we will machine the areas that were not machined in the previous operation because the tool
diameter was too large. We will therefore repeat the finishing using the reference tool. The reference tool will be
used as a matter of course in the previous step.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Material left.
The label below displays.
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x Double-click on the icon, which indicates a repeat by level Z, and then select Radius machining.
x Go to Tool Choice and choose a 6mm-diameter ball nose mill.

- Change the computing tolerance and the scallop height to 0.01mm.
- The reference tool in the previous step was a 12mm-diameter ball nose mill: select a 6mm reference tool
corner radius and a 12mm reference tool diameter.
- Change the minimal slope to 75°.
- Change the vertical profile machining method to Climb mill.
x Click to confirm the machining operation. During calculation, information is displayed at the bottom left of
the TopSolid window.
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As in previous steps, we will check the machining and tool paths. The stock is updated in the machining operations
1 and 2, so we have to select the machining operations 3 and 4 before launching the check.
Check and comparison:
As you can see here, some material remains to be machined. You must therefore repeat the operation by reducing
the diameter of the mill. For the parting surface, in order to keep the angle sharp, you can use a side mill to contour
the shape (see 2D chapter).
The purpose of this chapter is to introduce you to TopSolid 7's Cam module and present its range of 3D features.
By no means are the order of operations, choice of tools or operation settings optimized or defined for industrial
use.
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TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Turning
Turning
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to create a machining program for the part below.
As you can see, to be machined, the part must be positioned on a turning machine.
Warning: If the default machine is not a turning machine, a right-click > Machining action on the design
document will not be suitable.
x In this case, go to the Tools tab and select Options.
x Unfold CAM Options, go to Machines and select the NC Machine Turning (XZ/C) machine.
To help you become familiar with TopSolid 7, the machining of the part above is divided into several steps. For each
documents if you run into any difficulties. Machining steps are numbered from 1 to 7, so there will be 7 numbered
machining documents. These machining documents are provided in a TopPkg file named TopSolidCam_
ArbreCourt.TopPkg installed in the folder "Program Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples". In order to
follow the tutorial, we recommend that you import this file into a new project.
x Create a new project named TopSolid'Cam_Turning using a blank template.

x Import the package TopSolidCam_ArbreCourt.TopPkg in your project.
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Turning TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
The part was designed in TopSolid. The designer used the 'features' technology, which allows major automation of
machinings.
4. Simulation
Steps 1 and 2 are explained in the prerequisite tutorial (Creating a Machining Preparation Document and Machining
Document). We will start at Step 3, which consists of defining machining operations.
As you can see in this tutorial, several methods are available for creating a machining document. The machining
can therefore be started by selecting the method of your choice. (For this tutorial, the chosen method is Method
5, which consists of machining an assembled stock and finish.)
In this chapter, we will learn and put in place different basic turning operations with, among them:
- Parting
- Turning
- Groove roughing
- Machining the grooves
- Threading
- Drilling
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Step 1 – Parting the end of the part

x In the Project tree, open the machining document Arbre_Court_1.
During this step, we will machine the right end of the part. We will machine with a tool oriented along the X axis.
x Select the extreme right face shown in blue below.

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x Click the Tool Choice icon.
A window similar to the one below appears:
x Click an empty pocket whose axis is X+. If you choose a Z+ pocket axis, the tool will not be oriented properly.
x Double-click on the C-Rhombic icon.

x In the Template(s) tab, double-click on C80-Rhombic L External Turn.
The default machining direction is based on the first face selected. The default value will be +90° or -90° or 0° or
180°.
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The pass depth is too big; its value has to be changed.
x In the label, change the concerned values by double-clicking on them:

- Stock to leave constant = 0.3mm
- Pass depth = 2mm
If you want to simulate the machining, go to the NC operations tree and simply click on the icon that clarifies the
operation , or right-click on the desired operation and select Simulate.
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Step 2 – Turning
For this step, we will execute the same type of roughing than before, but this time, the tool path will be Z-axis
oriented and not Y-axis.
x Click one of the blue colored faces shown below, and then while maintaining the Alt key pressed, click the
second one.
Note: Using the Alt key allows you to select all the faces located between the two selected faces (selected faces
included).
By default, the direction of machining is 180° and the previously chosen tool is still selected.
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x In the label, change the Stock to leave constant and Pass depth values like we did in the first step.
Once the machining is achieved, the part preview must be similar to the one below:
Tool path Machined part
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Step 3 – Groove roughing

In this step we are going to machine the cone-shaped part of the shaft with the groove roughing technique, i.e.
machine in the direction of the tool axis.
x While maintaining the Alt key pressed, select the two faces colored in blue like done below.

x In the label, double-click on the Kind of machining icon and choose Groove Roughing.
x Click the icon.

x Click an empty pocket whose axis is X+.
x Double-click on the External Groove icon.
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x In the Template(s) tab, double-click on L-Rectangular L External Groove.
x In the Component(s) tab, set the tool width to 3mm and the radius to 0mm.
x In the label, change the concerned values as follows:

- Stock to leave constant = 0.3mm
- Set Auto = Yes
- Adjust the radial pass depth to 2mm
- Number of program points = 2
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x Go to the Settings option. In the Leveling tab, choose a Total leveling method.
The result of the machining is similar to the one below:
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Step 4 – Machining of the groove

The purpose of this step is to learn how to machine a groove.
x Select the blue colored face like above, right-click in the graphics area and select Groove.
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A window similar to the one below appears. It means that the tool used for the groove roughing is selected by
default, but also that the tool is too wide to machine the groove. Therefore, we have to change the tool.
x Click on OK to continue.
x Click the icon.

x Double-click on the External Groove icon.

x In the Template(s) tab, double-click on L-Rectangular L External Groove.
x In the Component(s) tab, set the tool width to 2mm and the radius to 0mm.
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x Click the Settings icon, go to the Lead in tab and set the lead in over cut value to 1mm.

x Save the document
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Step 5 – Finishing
During this step, we will remove the remaining stocks to leave due to the different roughings.
x While pressing the Alt key, select the two blue colored faces shown below.
x Right-click in the graphics area and select Finishing.
x Click the icon.

x Click on an empty pocket whose axis is X+.
x Double-click on the V-Rhombic 35 icon.

x In the Template(s) tab, double-click on V35-Rhombic L External Turn.
x In the Component(s) tab, set the insert radius to 0.4mm and click to confirm the tool.
x In the label, set the pocket plunge to Yes.
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x Click the Settings icon, go to the Main tab and set the pockets minimum width value to 5mm.
x Click to confirm the operation, and then save the document.
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Step 6 – Threading
Now we will thread the blue colored face below.
x Right-click on the blue colored face shown above and select Threading.
x Click the icon.
x Double-click on the ISO icon.

x In the Template(s) tab, double-click on ISO-Metric L-166-KF L External Thread.
x In the Component(s) tab, check that the pitch is 1mm.

x Click to confirm the tool, and then the operation.
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Step 7 – Drilling
In turning, it could be interesting during some operations to view the inside of the part. Here, especially, it is
judicious to enable turning display.
x To enable turning display, click the Part Display icon in the Turning tab.
x Make sure to check Enable turning display and click to confirm the operation.
Now, let's drill the part.
x Select the cylindrical face colored in blue below and click the Hole machining icon in the 2D/3D tab.
x Click the icon.

x Click an empty pocket whose axis is Z+.
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x Create a Ø15mm twist drill.

x Set the flute length to 50mm, the total length to 200mm and the output distance to 160mm.
x In the label, set the geometry type to Through stock, and then set the rotating element to Part.

Once all the operations are completed, your screen should look like the next image.
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TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Creation of tools
Creation of tools
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to learn how to create all kinds of tools in TopSolid.
In previous chapters, tools were created "on the fly". Tool geometries were predefined, so it was not possible to
adapt to all tools in the toolbar.
To successfully complete this tutorial, you must master the CAD section of TopSolid, more specifically sketches,
assemblies, and settings. You should also know how to use the PDM.
To make it easier to become familiar with TopSolid 7, tools are provided in CAD documents. We will convert a simple
part into a machine-ready tool.
Step 1 – Tool library

In this section, we will import a library. This library will be the reference in which user-created tools will be stored
and managed.
x From the Home tab, select Import Project or use the default shortcut Ctrl + O.
x Open the file TopSolidCam_TurningToolsDefinition.TopPkg (during installation, this file is installed in the folder
"Program Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples").
This file contains a turning tool which will be used in the second section of this chapter (see Step 6 – Turning tool).

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Creation of tools TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
References have been created in the PDM of the last imported library. Consequently, we will use the MS Outils
library.
Note: When a library is created or imported, it will appear as reference in all subsequently created projects.
We will now create a new project in which the MS Outils library will appear.
x Create a new project named Tool Tutorial using a blank template.
The new project must reference the MS Outils library. The tabs for the project and reference are opened.
x Import the file TopSolidCam_MillingToolsDefinition.TopPkg in the library MS Outils (during installation, this file
is installed in the folder "Program Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples"). This file contains a set of
tool CAD planes.
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Note: When importing a .TopPkg file, the reference libraries contained in this file will also be imported.
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Step 2 – Restoring a milling tool

In this section, we will restore 3D part planes with no mechanical identity. We will assign them their main function,
which is as a tool. We will provide them with the necessary functions in order to use them in the machining context.
Let's first look at a mill to face and a twist drill display.
Face mill
The first part is found in the previous TopPkg document.
x In the Composants folder, open the assembly document Face Mill D63 L40 n4.
Before providing the functions, we will create the frame which will be used to position the tool in the machine
spindle.
x In the Construction tab's drop-down menu, select Construction > Frame by Point and 2 Directions.
Complete the fields as shown below.
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We obtain:
The Z axis of the frame must be oriented toward the machine spindle.
We must now provide functions to this part assembly. The functions allow you to associate the part with the
relevant tool and use it in the machining context. TopSolid provides several functions to satisfy all machining
requirements.
x In the Tools tab's drop-down menu, select Functions > Provide Function.
A set of mechanical functions are available from a drop-down menu.

x Choose Face Mill from the list and rename the occurrence to FM (for Face Mill).
The name of the occurrence is not important in TopSolid. The name FM is given as a guide and will ensure better
understanding throughout the tutorial.
The name of the occurrence must be unique in the file. Two functions cannot have the same occurrence name.
x Click to confirm the dialog box, and then confirm the next dialog box.
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We will now open the Entities tree by right-clicking on the top black banner of the library.
x Expand the Functions folder.

For now, only the Face Mill function was provided to this part.
We will now provide a certain number of functions by repeating the step above.
x Now that the Entities tree is open, right-click on the Functions folder to provide a new function.
x Add all functions related to this face mill, as indicated in the table below.
Function Occurrence name

Collision Analysis Revolution Shape CAS
Cutting Revolution Shape CRS
Tool Offset TO
Tooling Shank TS
Edition of the provided functions

The mechanical functions have been created for this face mill. They must now be edited.
x Right-click on the Face Mill function and select Edit.
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x Edit the main face mill settings as follows. These settings will be used for calculating tool paths, searching and
categorizing tools. They will also be used to generate the abacuses of cutting conditions.
- Cutting Diameter: 63mm
- Cutting Length: 7.783mm
- Cutting Angle: 74.9°
- Corner Radius: 0mm
- Cutting Tool Material Category: Choose Coated carbide
- Number of Tool Teeth: 4
- Maximum Ramp Angle: 0°
- Cutting Edge Origin: Choose Absolute Frame
Note: For a milling tool, the Y axis of the cutting edge origin represents the
rotation axis of the tool.
x Now edit the Tooling Shank function.

- The tooling system name is BO43 (for a 43mm-diameter boring, the entry type is provided as a guide).
- The tool system frame is a frame for which the Z axis is the tool axis and the XY plane corresponds to the
upper face of the tool.
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x Then edit the Tool Offset function.

- The respect and plunge directions must match the tool axis, oriented toward the spindle axis.
- The plane compensation is the absolute XZ plane oriented upwards.
- The point compensation is the absolute origin point.
- Offset 2d: 31.5mm (D/2)
x Next edit the Cutting Revolution Shape function. This function is required for machining or the stock will not
be affected by tool machinings.
- Select Sketch 1 as the revolution section. This sketch corresponds to the cutting section that will be rotated
around the Z axis of the spindle.
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x Repeat the operation for the Collision Analysis Revolution Shape function.
- Select Sketch 2 as the revolute section. This sketch corresponds to the contour of the tool body.
Note: Revolution sections must be simple. Otherwise, the fluidity of the software can be diminished when running
machining simulations.
The Entities tree should appear as follows:
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x In the Entities tree, open the Parameters > System Parameters folders and check that the Description
parameter is properly completed. In general, the Description has the same value as the Name. If the
Description parameter is empty, you cannot use this tool in TopSolid'Cam; it will not be visible in the list of
tools.
x Save all.
x Right-click on the upper tab of the document Face Mill D63 L40 n4 and close it.
x Put the tool file Face Mill D63 L40 n4 into the vault. To do this, in the MS Outils library, right-click on the
name of the assembly document Face Mill D63 L40 n4 and select Check In.
The tool now has a mechanical identity, so it can be used in a machining context.
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Twist drill
In this section, we will provide functions to a twist drill. The operations to perform are practically the same as for
the face mill. The major difference is that the dimensions of this drill are set. That is to say that you can modify the
settings for sizing the 3D model, and the associated tool will follow.
x In the MS Outils library, open the Twisted Drill D10 QC10 part document. The document is a representation of
a 10mm-diameter twist drill.
x As before, provide the tool with functions. The first function to provide is Twist Drill.
x Rename the function to TD.
x Open the Entities tree and repeat the procedure for the following functions:

Collision Analysis Revolution Shape CARS
Cutting Revolution Shape CRS
Tool Offset TO_1
Tool Offset TO_2
Cylindrical Tooling Shank CTS
Edition of the provided functions

We will now edit the last provided functions.
x Edit the Twist Drill function.
x Define the following settings by entering only the letter of the
setting:
- Cutting Diameter: D
- Depth Drilling: L
- Tip Angle: A
- Flute Length: L
- Cutting Tool Material Category: Choose Coated carbide
- Number of Tool Teeth: 2
- Cutting Edge Origin: Choose Absolute Frame
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x Then edit the Cylindrical Tooling Shank function.

The tool system frame must be in the middle of the shank of the tool. We must create an offset frame of
((OL+L)/2)), that is to say at 57.5mm from the origin. The Z axis of this frame must be the Z axis of the tool.
A rotation of -90° around the X axis must be applied.
x Click to confirm the created frame.
x Enter the following settings:

- Shank Diameter: SD
- Initial Distance: (OL+L)/2
- Minimal Distance: L
- Maximal Distance: OL
x Click to confirm.
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x Next edit the Tool Offset <TO_1> function.

- Respect Direction and Plunge Direction: Select the axis of the tool and define the up direction.
- Plane compensation: Absolute XZ plane, oriented upwards.
- Point compensation: Absolute origin point.
x Next edit the Tool Offset <TO_2> function.

- The respect and plunge directions remain the same.
- Offset 2d: D/2
- Plane Compensation: Absolute XZ plane, oriented upwards.
- Point Compensation: Center of the base of the cone.
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x Finally, edit the Cutting Revolution Shape and Collision Analysis Revolution Shape functions.
x Select the sketches as seen below.
Collision Analysis
Revolution Shape
Cutting
Revolution
Shape
x Save all and close the document.

x Check in the Twisted Drill D10 QC10 document.
100 Missler Software

Step 3 – Creating a family

A tool is often associated with a multitude of predefined dimensions. In this section, we will see how to associatively
create a family from a set tool. We will create a tool family from the twist drill previously created.
x Right-click on the Twisted Drill D10 QC10 part document and create a Family document.
x Select a blank template and confirm.

The following screen is displayed.
x Right-click in the spreadsheet and select Import Catalog.

x Open the file TopSolidCam_TwistDrill.TopCat (during installation, this file is installed in the folder "Program
Missler Software 101

The table contains a complete list of twist drill dimensions
x To display a tool, right-click to the left of the corresponding row and select View Instance.
x Save and close the document.

x Check in the Twisted Drill D10 QC10 family document.

Step 4 – Restoring a shank

In this section, we will provide functions to a tool holder. This operation is required to display the tool holder in the
machining simulation and avoid collisions during machining.
x Open the HSK63 D48 L100 part document.
Before providing the functions, we will create two frames; one will support the tool and the other will serve to
position the tool in the machine spindle.
x In the Tools tab's drop-down menu, select Frames > Frame by Point and 2 Directions. Pin the dialog box
by clicking on . Complete the fields as shown below, and then confirm the created frame.
Thus we obtain the frame which will used to position the tool in the machine spindle.
x Create a new frame by point and 2 directions again. Complete the fields as shown below and confirm the
created frame.
Thus we obtain the frame which will support the tool.

x As before, provide a set of functions.

Tooling Shank TS_TH1
Cylindrical Tooling Holder CTH
Collision Analysis Revolution Shape CARS_TH1
x Edit the Tooling Shank function.

- The tooling system name is HSK63.
- The tool system frame is Frame 1.
x Next edit the Cylindrical Tooling Holder function.

- The tooling system name is Frame 2.
- Shank Maximal Diameter = 40mm

x Finally, edit the Collision Analysis Revolution Shape function.

- Revolute section = Sketch 1.

x Check in the HSK63 D48 L100 part document.

Step 5 – Assembling elements

In this section, we will assemble a tool and its shank. We will assemble some mechanical elements. This assembly
can be used in the machining context.
x Create a new Assembly document.
x From the Project tree, drag the HSK63 D48 L100 part document into this assembly document's graphics area.
x Right-click on the part and from the Publishings menu select Show Cylindrical Tooling Holder <CTH>.
x Include the family document Twisted Drill D10 QC10 into the assembly document. Select Inclusion from
the Assembly tab if the dialog box does not appear automatically. The family document MUST be open.
x Click to confirm.
x For the positioning, use the Frame on Frame constraint.

We have included an instance of the family. Now the goal is to include a parameter corresponding to an instance
of the family. Thus we will create a family for this assembly.
x In the Construction tab's drop-down menu, select Parameters > Other Parameters > Code Parameter.
x In the Name field, enter Drill MS.
x In the Family field, select Twisted Drill D10 QC10 from the list.
x In the Code field, select the code you want.
x Click to confirm.
x Select a face of the drill in the graphics area, right-click, and then select Edit in the Inclusion 2 section.

x For the code, select the Drill MS code parameter at the very beginning of the list.
x Click to confirm.
We imported the parts that make up the assembled tool, so now we must associate the functions to inherit.
x Right-click on the tool holder and select Others > Inherit Functions.
The functions to inherit for the shank are as follows:
The functions to inherit for the twist drill are as follows:
The tool is assembled to the shank, so now we will define a mechanism consisting of two prismatic rigid groups.

x Go to the Mechanism tab and select Mechanism.
x In the opened dialog box, keep the default parameters.
x Still from the Mechanism tab, select Rigid Group.

- Rename the rigid group Tool.
- Select the twist drill in the graphics area to add it to the entities.
- In the Entities list, in the functions concerned by the drill, click the geometry information that must follow
the tool (each text is highlighted in yellow below).

We obtain:
x Click .
x In the Entities tree, open the Mechanism > Groups folders, and then edit the ground group.
x In the Entities list, in the functions concerned by the tool holder, click the geometry information that must
follow the tool holder (each text is highlighted in yellow below).
x Click .
We can now define the prismatic joint between the two rigid groups created above.

x Still in the Mechanism tab, select Prismatic.

x Define the following options:
- First rigid group: Choose Ground Group.
- Second rigid group: Select the Tool group.
- Translation direction: The surface that defines the tool axis oriented toward the tool tip.
- Initial Distance: select Real Relay Parameter.
- Set the parameter type to Internal.

- In the Document field, click the drill in the graphics area.
- In the Parameter field, select InitialDistance.
x Click to confirm the created parameter.

x In the Prismatic dialog box, check Limits.
x Repeat the procedure for Minimum distance and Maximum distance.
Some parameters of this document should now be defined.
x Click the TopSolid menu icon , and then select File > Virtual Document.
x In the opened dialog, check Virtual document. You must use this menu if you want to create a family for this
document.
x Click .
The Boolean parameter Virtual is then created in the Parameters > System Parameters folder of the Entities tree
and is equal to True.
Now we will make the document name parametric, as well as all the family instances we will create in the next step.
x In the Entities tree, open the Parameters > System Parameters folders, right-click on Name and select
Others > Parameterized.
x In the Value field, enter Twist Drill MS - [$Code] - HSK63.

[$Code]: The document name will depend on the value of each family instance.
x Set the same parameter for Description.

x Check in the Twist Drill MS - - HSK63 assembly document.
x As we did for the family of drills, create a family from the Twist Drill MS - - HSK63 assembly document.
x In the Entities tree, from the Generics folder, drag the variable Drill MS into the family table to add it as a
column.
x Then create the following instances.

x Check in the Twist Drill MS - - HSK63 family document.
You can now use these drills.

Step 6 – Turning tool

In this chapter, we will create a specific turning tool. We will use the file imported at the start of this tutorial.
x In the folder CAO Outils Tournage of the Project tree, open the part document C3-DTFNR-22040-16. This is a
turning tool CAPTO C3 on the right, with a triangular insert T.
Setting the radius

We have imported this file from a tool supplier. We will make the insert radius configurable. We will create a tool
family depending on the insert radius.
x In the Surface tab, select Removing.

x Select the Faces type.
x Choose Extend as the heal type.
x Select the insert radius as the face to remove.
x Click .
x In the Shape tab, select Fillet.

x In the Value field, enter r=0,8mm. Thus, the r parameter will be automatically created.
x Select the edge of the insert.
x Click .
Creating the two frames

The first frame will be used to position the tool in the spindle.
x In the Construction tab's drop-down menu, select Frames > Frame by Point and 2 Directions. Complete
the fields as shown below and click to confirm the created frame.
The Z+ axis is oriented toward the machine spindle. The X+ axis is oriented to the left when we hold the tool in
our hand and the insert is oriented toward us.
The second frame will be used to define the tool origin and the tool offset. It must be located in the middle of the
insert radius at Y=0 in the frame created previously, which currently is not the case.
x In the Construction tab's drop-down menu, select Points > Projected Point. Complete the fields as shown
below and click to confirm the created point.
When we hold the tool in our hand and the insert is oriented toward us, the X+ axis is directed to the right and the
Y+ is directed upwards.

x Select Frame by Point and 2 Directions again, complete the fields as seen below and click to confirm
the created frame.
Providing functions
x Provide the following functions:

Cutting Shape CS
Collision Analysis Shape CAS
Tool Offset TO
External Turn ET
Tooling Shank TS
Once the functions are provided, we will edit them.

x Edit the Cutting Shape function.
x In the Entities tree, right-click on the provided function Cutting Shape and select Hide.

x Then edit the Collision Analysis Shape function.
x In the Entities tree, hide the provided function Collision Analysis Shape <CAS>.
x Edit the Tool Offset function.

x Next edit the External Turn function.
x Finally, edit the Tooling Shank function.
Some parameters of this document should now be defined.

x Click the TopSolid menu icon and select File > Virtual Document.
x Check Virtual document. You must use this menu if you want to create a family for this document.
x Click .
The Boolean parameter Virtual is then created and set to True.
Now we will make the document name parametric, as well as all the family instances we will create in the next step.
x In the Entities tree, open the Parameters > System Parameters folders, right-click on Name and select
Others > Parameterized.
x In the Value field, enter C3-DTFNR-22040-16-TNMG 16 04 r=[r].
[r]: The document name will depend on the value of the insert radius.
x Set the same parameter for Description.
x Check in the C3-DTFNR-22040-16-TNMG 16 04 r=0,8 part document.
Creating a family
x Create a family from the part document C3-DTFNR-22040-16-TNMG 16 04 r=0,8.
x Import the file TopSolidCam_TNMGInsert.TopCat (during installation, this file is installed in the folder "Program
Here is the result:

x Check in the C3-DTFNR-22040-16-TNMG 16 04 r=0,8 family document.
The turning tool is now ready to be used.

Definition of cutting conditions TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
Definition of cutting conditions

Step 1 – Cutting conditions
Concepts addressed:
- Creating a cutting conditions document
- Material definition
- Machine definition
- Abacus creation
Creating a cutting conditions document

x Create a new project named Cutting Conditions using a blank template, and then create a new document.
x In the Special tab, choose Cutting Conditions as the type of document.
x Use a blank template and click on to confirm the window.
x In the Project tree, rename this new document Cutting Conditions 1.
Material definition
To get started with our cutting conditions, we must first define the material we want to machine.
x To do this, in the 1-Part material section, click the icon and select the following category and material.
x Click .
Note: It is possible to select several part materials for the same document.

TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Definition of cutting conditions
Machine definition
We will define which machine we will use for the machining. By default, if we don't choose any machine, the cutting
conditions will be applied for all machines. To select one machine, click the icon, and choose one in the drop-
down menu.
x Select HSM 600U from the drop-down menu.
x Click .
Note: It is possible to select several machines for the same document.
Abacus creation
It is in the abacus that we define the operations and the tools. We also define the tool material, the cutting speed
as well as the feed rate. These are general cutting conditions.
The abacuses are as follows:

x To add an abacus, click the icon. A new window appears.
x In the operation definition window, select the different parameters in the drop-down menus. Then insert values
in the white table to get the result below (to insert values, click in the box of the table and enter the desired
value).
Note: It is important that the values are in ascending order of diameter.

x Click to confirm the window.
We have just defined our first abacus. By selecting an abacus in the list, you can:
- Copy the abacus by clicking on

- Edit the abacus by clicking on
- Delete the abacus by clicking on
- Sort alphabetically the abacuses by clicking on
- Sort by operation type the abacuses by clicking on
- Sort by tool type the abacuses by clicking on
- Sort by cutting material the abacuses by clicking on
Note: The diagram only illustrates the whiteboard. You can double-click on the diagram to open it in a bigger
window.

Step 2 – Cutting conditions 2

Concepts addressed:
- Creating specific cutting conditions
- Sorting the abacuses
Creating a cutting conditions document

x Create a new Cutting conditions document using a blank template, and then click on to confirm.
x Rename this new document Cutting Conditions 2.
Material and machine definition

x As before, define the material and the machine to get the result below. For this exercise, we will use all the
machines.
Abacus creation
In this exercise, we will define several abacuses.
x Add an abacus by clicking the icon. Next select the following parameters in the drop-down menus.
Note the existence of two tables, Cutting Speed and Tooth Feed Rate, which depend on two parameters, Ap and
Ae.

Note: Each operation has different parameters. To view them, go to the Annex tab.
x Fill in the Cutting Speed table with the following values by first completing the first line, then the first column,
and then the rest of the table.
x Click the Tooth Feed Rate tab. We can directly fill this table because it was defined previously.
x Click .

x Create a new abacus as below.
Specific cutting conditions

The goal is to define cutting conditions for a specific tool.
x Click the Specific tab.

x Select the tool to be used.
x Click the icon to add the tool to the list of modified tools.

We obtain:
x Enter the desired values in the white boxes.

Note: Only the values entered in the white boxes of the table can be changed.
You can modify all the existing tools of this project's referenced libraries. The list of tools concerned appears as
follows:

Step 3 – Machining with cutting conditions

Concepts addressed:
- Reading cutting conditions in a machining document
Creating a part document

x Create a new Part document using a blank template.
x Make a cube of 100mm x 100mm x 100mm with fillets 20mm in radius. The holes are 40mm deep and the hole
radius is 10mm.
x Define the part material (the one defined in the cutting conditions). To do this, go to the Tools tab and select
Material and Coating.
x Complete the dialog box as below, and then click to confirm.

Creating a machining document

x In the Project tree, right-click on the part document that you just created and select Machining. Use a
blank template and click to confirm the window.
x Change the machine using the Equipment > Machine Tool > Select a Machine command, and then select
the HSM 600U machine in the list.
x Right-click one of the circles and select Drilling > Hole Machining.
x Click on from the available options on the screen.
x Double-click the Twist Drill tool to make the drilling, then define a tool 20mm in diameter and a
cutting length of 53mm, and then click to confirm the window.
x Click on Cutting Conditions.
Here we are searching for the cutting conditions that we defined previously. TopSolid automatically generates a list
of conditions that respect the material and tool defined.
x Select the Cutting Conditions 1 document.
x To refresh the document, click the Apply selected Abacus button.

The conditions will be displayed in the corresponding boxes.


Step 4 – Definition of cutting conditions in a machining document

Concepts addressed:
- Definition of cutting conditions in a machine document
Creating a part document

x Create a new Part document.
x Make a cylinder of R25 and 50mm in height. Add R2 and R5 fillets. The holes are 25mm deep and the radius is
10mm.
x Select Material and Coating and define the part material as follows.


Creating a machining document

x In the Project tree, create a Machining document from the part document that you just created. Use a blank
template and click to confirm the window.
x Right-click on the contour shown in blue below and select Side Milling.
x Click the icon. Double-click on the Radiused Mill tool to make the contour, and then
click to confirm the window.
x Next click the Cutting Conditions icon.
We will now define the cutting parameters.

x In the Spindle rate tool (n) field, set the value to 3000tr/min.
x In the Tool feed rate (fz x Z) field, set the value to 1,5mm/tr.
Note that the other fields are automatically completed, as these parameters are related.
You should then get the following result:

We can now save the cutting conditions for this machining document.
x In the Cutting conditions documents drop-down list, select a cutting conditions document.
x Click on Save Conditions For: … .
A new dialog box is displayed. You can save the cutting conditions either in the existing document, or in a new
document.
The conditions are saved in the Cutting Conditions 2 document for this tool. They can be found in the Specific tab.

Note: Steps 3 and 4 show us that we can define the cutting conditions in a cutting conditions document and retrieve
them in a machining document by using Apply selected Abacus. Or the conditions can be defined directly in the
machining document and then we recover them in a cutting conditions document by using Save Conditions For.
Reread
Cutting CAM
Conditions Machining
Save

TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Creation of shop floor documents
Creation of shop floor documents

Introduction
The aim of this chapter is to create shop floor documents, generally in paper form for machining stations, about
the manufacturing information of a part.
Prerequisite: Tutorial TopSolid'Design Basics and drafts.
The same way we can create different types of draft for parts from a part or assembly file, it is possible to create
shop floor documents from a machining file. These documents can be made using two types of creation that we
will see: tables and sheets.
To facilitate and accelerate learning of that functionality of TopSolid'Cam 7, a machining file is at your disposal in
order to test later the documents we created. Therefore, before beginning, it is necessary to import these files into
a project.
x Create a new project named Shop floor documents using a blank template.
x In the Project tree, right-click on the project name and select Import/Export > Import Package.
x From the folder "Programs Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples", open the file
TopSolidCam_MillingBrakeLever.TopPkg, and then click to confirm the import.

Creation of shop floor documents TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
Step 1 – Creating an operation table

In this first exercise, as the picture below can imply, we are going to create a shop floor document that takes the
shape of a table. This kind of document is a draft document.
Creating the draft

Obviously, it is possible to create a draft by different ways. Here, the objective of such document is to be used and
completed itself automatically from any machining file, the shop floor document we want to create shouldn't be
ordered anywhere in the project tree. Indeed, so that it can be usable, this document has to be created in the
Templates folder or in a library.
x Right-click on the Templates folder and select Draft.
x Choose Blank Template and click .

x In the Project tree, rename the document Operation table.
We will now modify the border.
x To do this, move the mouse cursor onto the border to highlight it, then double-click (or right-click the
border and select Edit) to open the editing.

The editing parameters of the border are shown below:
x Modify the given format to A4 ISO Portrait and uncheck the options as below.

Creating the title block

The title block is the page background as with any draft document. It is designed in a sketch and allows you to add
texts and pictures which will be fixed elements.
x In the Sketch tab, create a title block by clicking on .
Note: Each time you click the icon , a new title block is created. If you want only one title block, to add or modify
elements of it, you can either right-click on a title block element in the draft and select Edit, or go to the
Entities tree, open the Title blocks folder, right-click on Title block 1 and select Edit.
The previously inactive icons of the tab are now on. In this sketch, let's start by inserting an image, the logo for
instance.
x Click the Image icon.

x Insert any image or a company logo by clicking on . In our example, we
select the file TopSolidCam_LogoTopSolid.png located in the folder "Program
Files\Missler Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples".
To insert an image, TopSolid ask for its width and its height. In our case, the ratio "Width/Height" is 4.039 (1862*461
pixels).
x Modify the width to 48,468mm and the height to 12mm.
x Place the image in the top left corner, click the left mouse button, and then click to confirm the window.
We are now going to draw in this title block with the sketch icons we already know.
x Draw a rectangle at the top right of the drawing and add the dimensional constraints as below.
x Draw a 50mm diameter circle (uncheck

Given center) and put it onto the 2
points of the left-hand edge of the
rectangle. Then add the dimensional
constraint as opposite.
x Delete the useless segments: the circle
arc and the vertical left-hand segment
of the rectangle using the Trim icon.

x Draw two lines, one vertical and the other horizontal, then add the dimensional constraints as below.
Next, we will create a kind of table by dividing the right highlighted rectangle.
x Select Divide Cell.

x Click the following blue-highlighted rectangle and enter the same values to divide the cell as below.

Once the graphical support is designed, we will add the texts. There are two main types of texts: the simple texts
and the parameter texts whose value vary depending on the machining file. These parameters use the notion of
"Set"; however, for the moment, no "sets" are in our document. To have a "set", it is necessary to incorporate a
machining into the draft.
x Validate the title block editing by clicking on .


x From the Project tree, drag the machining document Brake lever directly into the draft's graphics area.
By dragging the file, a main view is automatically proposed by TopSolid. We will take this opportunity to add an
isometric view of the Brake lever part to the draft.
x Choose an Isometric view and set the render mode to Shading. For the scale factor, double-click on the label
and enter 1 : 5.
x Click to confirm the dialog box, and then close it in order not to create auxiliary views.
We have just incorporated a main view but not only. If we now take a
look in the Entities tree (for recall if the Entities tree is not opened,
right-click at the top of the project tree window and select Entities),
we can notice a new folder called Sets has been added.

x Check which source document is taken. To do this, right-click on the main set in the Entities tree and
select Edit.
x Enable the Representation mode and select Detailed Representation.
Now we have a set we are able, besides the view of the part, to add parameter texts which wouldn't be eventually
only in a specific machining file (we will see later how to add a parameter to a machining).
x Go back to the Title Block 1 editing. To do this, right-click on a title block element and edit it.

First we will add simple texts.
x Click the Text icon.

x Check that the pin icon of the dialog box is vertical, which means the window remains opened even after its
validation (click the pin if it is not the case).
x Keep the General text type, and enter Creation date: in the Text field.
x Move the text with the mouse and left-click to position it in the draft.
x Keep the Normal style.
Note: You can create text styles so that each time you want to use the text creation you can write with the style
with the one you defined (which is not memorized automatically).
Since we are going to use several times the same style, we are going to create a new text style.
x Click on to open the text style creation.
x Click the Format icon.

x Change the font by checking Font and clicking the font name button.
x Select the font Calibri, and then confirm the window.
x Confirm the text style creation window, and then the text creation window.

After this validation, the window should normally remain opened without the possibility to be validated again
before the text is placed and modified if needed.
x Place the second text under the first one.
It is then possible to modify and validate the text.
x Replace the text by Modification date: .
The text style remains the same as the previous one, as long as we don't close the text creation window.

x Keep completing the title block by adding the simple texts (Part number, Phase and Author) and respecting the
positioning as follows.
Now we must constrain the texts using the following functions:
- Annotation Alignment: Used to constrain a text relative to another entity, with a constraint of distance
and position.
- Annotation Centering: Used to place a text between two entities
x In the Sketch bar on the right, use the Annotation Alignment function.
We will start by constraining the text Creation date.

x In the window that just opened, click the text as the annotation to align.
x Click the Left vertical line icon, which means that the text will be located to the right of the second
element selected.

x Click the segment on the left of the text as seen below.
x Enter a distance of 5mm.

The text is constrained horizontally, we must constrain it vertically.

x If the function is pinned, re-click in the Annotation to align box, and then select the text. Otherwise, select the
Annotation Alignment function again, and then click the text.
x Click the Top horizontal line icon, which means that the text twill be located at the bottom of the second
element selected.
x Click the segment on top of the text as seen below.

Here is the result:

x Align the text Modification date in the same way.
x Click on the text.

x Click the icon.
x Select the segment on the left of the text.
Now we will add the vertical constraint, always using the same function.
x Click the icon.
x Select the segment on the bottom of the text.
Here is the result:
Now we will place correctly the other texts. We begin with the text Part number using the Annotation
Centering function.
x In the Annotation field, click the text to center, here Part number.
x Select the two horizontal lines of the box as the first and second geometries.

Here is the result:
Now we will add a horizontally constraint for the text using the Annotation Alignment function.
x Click the icon.
x Select the segment on the left of the text.
The text is now fully constrained.
x Repeat the procedure made on the text Part Number to the other texts Phase and Author.
Once constrained, we are going to add the parameter texts associated to what we wrote.

x Go back to Title Block 1 by editing it again if it is closed.

x Click the Text icon.
x Click on at the right of the Text field and select Parameter
from Set.
The Parameter from Set window opens with the creation date selected
by default

x Position the text next to its title, left-click, and then confirm the window.
The same way we are going to search for the other parameters.
x Open the Parameter from Set window again.
x In the Parameter field, select Modification date in the drop-down
menu.
x Place the text as below and confirm the window.
x Still keeping the current window opened, repeat the procedure for the
next text Part number.
x In the Parameter field, select Part Number in the drop-down menu.
x Confirm the parameter window, and then the text creation window.

x Still keeping the window opened, place the next text Author.
x In the Parameter field, select Author in the drop-down menu.
x Confirm the parameter window, and then the text creation
window.
However, we can notice that no parameter Phase does exist. Indeed, to find a parameter in the list, it has to be part
of the Set parameters, which means in the machining file in our case. Therefore, we are going to move to the
machining file we are using as basic set for the creation of this operation table.
x Validate the title block editing.
x In the Project tree, open the machining document Brake Lever.
x In the Entities tree, right-click on the Parameters folder and select Cad > Text Parameter.
x Complete the fields as shown opposite.

The Phase parameter is now created in the machining.
x Save and close the machining document.

x Go back to the draft, and then edit the Title Block 1.

x Select Text.
x Open the Parameter from Set window.
x In the Parameter field, select Phase in the drop-down menu.
x Confirm the window.
x Place the text next to its title.
x Confirm the text creation window.
Here is the result:
Now we will constrain these texts. Reminder: It is necessary to define two constraints, one horizontal and one
vertical. We will constrain the parameter texts in relation to the simple texts.
x Select Annotation Alignment.

x Click the text to be aligned (here, 12/07/2013).
x Click the Center horizontal line icon.
x Select the simple text (here, Creation date).
x Click the Center horizontal line icon again.
x Set the distance to 0mm.
The text is constrained vertically.

Now we will place the text horizontally.

x Use Annotation Alignment again.

x Click the text to be aligned (here, 12/07/2013).
x Click the Left vertical line icon.

x Select the simple text (here, Creation date).
x Click the Right vertical line icon.

Here is the result:
x Repeat the procedure for the parameter text Modification date.
Now we will constrain the other texts vertically.

x Select Annotation Centering.
x In the Annotation field, click the text to center, here the parameter text, result of Part number, and then select
the two horizontals lines of the box as first and second geometries.

Now we will constrain it horizontally in relation to the part number.
x Use Annotation Alignment.

x Click the text to be aligned (here, 24MVP2009).

x Select the simple text (here, Part number).
x Click the Right vertical line icon.

The text is now constrained.
x Repeat the procedure for the other texts.

Finally, we are going to finish this title block by adding two texts on the left part of the page. But, on this side no
segments or points can help to align the texts we want to add.
Thus, we are going to sketch some segments which will be used for alignments.
x Build a construction rectangle and apply the dimensional

constraints as shown opposite.
Warning: Select the Construction command to turn to
construction mode so that we don't see the lines outside the
sketch.
With this rectangle, we are able to add the texts. First, we will add the simple texts Project and Part.
x Open the text creation by clicking the Text

icon.
x In the Text field, enter Project: .
x Position the text as shown opposite.
x Click on Format, and then change the font to

Calibri, Height 3,5mm and Bold.
x Enable the Framing option and frame the text by a
flag by clicking the corresponding icon .
x Keep the same text style as above, and then enter and place the second text Part: as follows.

Finally, we will add the parameter texts which answer to the two previous texts. For the name of the project, as
implied, it means that the answer is a parameter related to the project.
x In the text creation window, click on and select Parameter from

Project as shown opposite.
x In the new window, in the Parameter field, select Name in the drop-
down menu.
Before validating the text, we are going to modify a little the current style.
x Remove the framing.

x Enable the Color option, click the color button, and then change the color to red.
x Position the text next to Project as below.
x Keep the same text style as above, click on and select Parameters from Set.

x In the new window, in the Parameter field, select Name in the drop-down menu.
x Place the second text Part as follows.
We will constrain our texts again, starting by Project. Reminder:
x Select Annotation Alignment.

x Click the text to be aligned.
x Click the Center horizontal line icon.
x Select the segment on top of the construction
rectangle.
x Use Annotation Alignment again.

x Click the text to be aligned.

x Select the left-hand segment of the
construction rectangle.
x Repeat the procedure for the text Part.

Now we will constrain the parameter texts.
x Use Annotation Alignment to constrain vertically the text on the construction segment of the rectangle by
selecting the Center horizontal line icon.
x Constrain the parameter text in relation to the simple text as shown below.
x Repeat the procedure for the second parameter text.
To finish, we will add a title.

x Select Text.
x Enter Operation table.
x Change the font height to 5mm. Enable the Framing option and choose the Underlined mode. Change the
color to blue.
x Place the text approximately at the middle of the page, just under the rest of the title block.
x Confirm the window, and then close it by clicking on .

x Center the text using the Annotation Centering command.
x Validate the title block editing.
We finished preparing the title block. Next, we are going to create the table.
Creating a table
To create a table, we have to open a book which implies that what we are going to add will be able to be in several
pages and without repetition.
x In the Sketch tab, click the drop-down arrow next to the icon and select Book.
Two icons become active: Paragraph Model, which will be used in a second exercise, and Property Table.
x Create a table by clicking the drop-down arrow next to the icon and selecting Property Table.

x In the List field, select List of Machinings in the drop-down menu.

x In the Source document, select <unspecified>.
x Keep the spacing values to 0mm (before and after the table).
x Click in the First point or segment box to activate it, click on and select Offset Point.
x The reference point is the upper left corner of the border, the direction is the vertical segment and the distance
is set to 80mm.
x Repeat the procedure for the second point which will be on the right side of the border.
We obtain:

x Keep the rest of the parameters as they are and click to confirm the window.
We are directly in an editing mode of the property table. Here, we want to have 6 columns: Tool number, Tool
description, Operation, Spindle rate, Feed rate and Machining time.
x Click one cell to be allowed to insert columns.
x Then click the left-hand icon Insert left column.
x Repeat the procedure until you get 6 columns.
Before filling the property cells that interest us, we are going to modify the graphical aspect of the table.
x Select the cells of the first line. To do this, click the left cell, keep the Shift key pressed and click the last cell on
the right.
The Background Color icon is not grayed any more.
x Click on this icon, and then select the yellow color for example.

Here is the result:

Like in an Excel table, we are going to modify the edges.

x Select the whole table by clicking on the little square at top left circled in red.
x Open the border edition by clicking the Border Types icon.

x Modify the size of the lines as shown below
x Change the color to blue as below.
x In the Presets field, create the external borders by clicking the icon below.
x Then create the internal borders. Reduce the size to the minimum, and then click the icon below.

The graphical part of the creation of the table is now finished.
x Validate the property table editing by clicking on .

Before adding the text to the table, it is necessary that the construction points of the table don't appear in the draft.
x In the Entities tree, right-click on the Points folder and select Hide.
Now we can edit the property texts of the 6 columns (knowing that this
type of text is only on the first line and the following lines below are
filled automatically according to the property).
x Right-click on the dash of the first yellow cell and select Edit
in the Property Text section.
The Property Text window opens where we are going to choose the property and modify the style as we could do
for any text.
Let's start by the first property, the number of tool pocket.
x Click on as shown below.
The Property window opens. We will search the property that

interests us.
x Develop the Machining category by clicking the icon.
x Then expand the Tool category.
x Select PocketDescription.

The PocketDescription is added to the list of properties.
x In the Text box, rename the property Tool number.
Note: By clicking the same icon , we can add several properties and deal the order
of importance with the up and down arrows. Adding several properties finds its
interest in the case where, among the machining operations, some properties do not
exist for one but for the others.
The Edit icon is used to modify an added property.

To delete a property, simply select the property and press the Del key on your
keyboard.
x Take the previous style (Calibri, height 2.5mm, black color) by clicking the Style menu and selecting Text style
1.
Let's repeat the procedure for the 5 other properties.
x Right-click on the dash of the second yellow cell and select Edit.
x Open the list of properties by clicking on .
x Develop the Machining category.
x Develop the Tool category.
x Select Description to add the tool type to the second column.
x Confirm the Property window.
x Rename the property Tool description.
x Select Text style 1 in the drop-down menu.
x Confirm the Property Text window.
x Right-click on the dash of the third yellow cell and select Edit.
x Develop the Operations category
x Select Description.
x Rename the property Operation.

x Right-click on the dash of the fourth yellow cell and select Edit.
x Develop the Operations category.
x Select SpindleRateTool.
x Set the number of decimals to 2.
x Set the unit to tr/min.

x Rename the property N (rpm).
x Right-click on the dash of the fifth yellow cell and select Edit.
x Select ToolFeedrate.
x Set the unit to mm/min.

x Rename the property F (mm/min).
x Right-click on the dash of the sixth yellow cell and select Edit.
x Select GlobalTime.
x Set the unit to s.


x Rename the property Time (s)
Once the table is completed, you should obtain the following result:
As we previously included a set for the purpose of the draft design, we may think that the table is filled in
automatically. But since the set has been included before the creation of the table, the table is not automatically
updated.
We are going to remove the current machining file from the set. Then, any file machining can use this draft.
x Right-click on the picture and select Edit Set as seen below.
x In the set edition window, in the Source document field, select <unspecified> in the drop-down menu.
The image of the view disappears because it was attached to the machining file we want to draft.
Finally we are going to modify one last time the table so that the size of the cells adapt to the text.
x Insert a machining set by dragging the machining document Brake lever from the Project tree into the
draft.
We can notice that the sizes of the table cells are not adapted. Therefore we are going to modify them as
consequence.
x Double-click on the table to open the graphical editing.

x Like for an Excel document, adjust the cells to the information they contain.

x Remove the set again. Reminder: Go to the set edition by right-clicking on the view and change the Source
document to <unspecified>.
As we can see, the modification of the set has not affected the table. Indeed, the table is not dependent on the set.
To make the table information blank, we have to modify, as we did for the set, its source document.
x Right-click on the table and select Edit.
x In the Source Document field, select <unspecified>.

Our template of shop floor document Operation table is now ready.
Before starting the next exercise, let's test our work.
x In the Project tree, right-click on the machining document Brake lever and select Draft.
x Select the draft template we created.

The shop floor document is created and filled automatically.
Note: By default, this document takes the same name as the one from which it is built, but it is quite possible to
modify the name at will.
x Save and close the draft.

Step 2 – Creating the tool sheet
In this second exercise, as the picture above confirms, we are going to create a shop floor document that takes the
appearance of a sheet.
Creating the draft

x The same way we did in the first exercise, create a new
Draft document in the Templates folder. Use a blank
template and confirm the window.
x Rename the draft Tool sheet in the Project tree.
Now we will modify the border.
x To open the edition of the border, right-click on the border and select Edit.

x Change the format to A4 ISO Portrait, set all margins to 5mm and uncheck the options as seen below.


Before starting with the title block, we are going to insert a main view which, as we saw, allows us to create a main
set useful, in addition to have a view of the part, to obtain some specific parameters of a machining file and make
the document useable at will).
x In the Project tree, drag the machining document Brake lever into the draft.
x Complete the parameters as seen above and confirm the window. Do not create auxiliary views.
x Create a title block by clicking the Title Block icon in the Sketch tab.
x Insert an image in the title block. Select the file
TopSolidCam_LogoTopSolid.png from the folder "Program Files\Missler
Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples".
To insert an image, TopSolid asks its width and its height. In our case, the rate Width/Height is 4.039 (1862*461
pixels).
x Place the image in the top left corner, left-click, and then confirm the window.

As for the first exercise, we draw the rest of the page background.
x At the top right of the screen, check that the Construction icon is not highlighted, so that the following
drawn geometries are in drawing mode and not in construction.
x Draw the following sketch and constrain it. Start by drawing a rectangle of 100 mm in height and of the width
of the frame, then create another 60x50mm rectangle inside the first one, on the right. Finally, draw a free
circle which cuts the first rectangle.
x Remove the useless segments using the Trim command and add the missing constraints.
x Divide in three the little rectangle using the Divide Cell command. Set the number of rows to 3 and the
number of columns to 1.

x Draw the construction lines that we will use to align our texts and constrain them like in the following image.
Click on the top right icon Construction so that the lines are in construction mode.
Once the support is drawn, we can start to insert the texts.
x Use the Text command to insert the title.

x In the Text box, enter Tool sheet.
x Choose a font Calibri, height 6.5mm, bold and framed.
x Place the text as the following image.
Let's now insert the simple texts.

x In the Text field, change the previous text to Creation date: .
x In the Style field, click on to create a text style. Choose a font Calibri, height 2.5mm, black and not framed,
and then confirm the window. The style will be kept in the document to be used later.

x Position the text at top right as seen below.
x Keeping the text creation window opened after each validation, insert the rest of the simple texts, with the
same style Text Style 1 we created.
Now we will constrain these texts, starting with the two dates.
x For the text Creation date, do the following.

x For the text Modification date, add the same horizontal constraint at 5mm and for the vertical constraint use
the segment at the bottom to constrain it to 2mm.
x For the remaining texts (Part number, Phase, Author), use the Annotation Centering command to position
the text at the middle of the box, and then align it with the left segment of 5mm.
Now we will place the title Tool sheet correctly.

x Center the text vertically in relation to the left and right borders of the frame and place it horizontally on the
level of this segment.

Let's include the parameter texts.

x Open the text creation window again if it is closed.
Reminder: The parameter texts are found in the list of parameters by

clicking on beside the text box and selecting the corresponding
category.
It is possible to enter a text instead of the default dash which would help
to indicate the parameter at this position when the draft is in state of
blank template.
x Insert the parameters respecting the alignments as below (still with the style Text Style 1) and confirm the
window without closing it after each insertion. To insert the parameters, search in Parameter from Set,
select the desired parameter in the Parameter field and confirm the window. The parameters are the same
as in the first exercise.

x Constrain these texts the same way as below.

Let's finish the title block with the four last texts on the left.
The two simple texts are in the format Calibri, height 3mm, green and flagged.
x Insert the simple texts with the following positioning.
The two parameter texts are in the format Calibri, height 3mm, red and not framed.
The name of the project is in Parameter from Project (as in the first exercise).
The name of the part is in Parameter from Set (as in the first exercise).
x Insert the parameter texts with the following positioning.
x Align the simple texts as follows.

x Align the parameter texts as follows.
Here is the final result:
x Validate the title block by clicking on .

Creating the paragraph model

The paragraph model is where we include several types of elements: texts, parameters, images, views, mostly like
in the title block.
During the creation of the shop floor document from the machining document, the paragraph will be duplicated
and filled as many times as necessary.
x The same way we did for the table, create a book by clicking the icon to enable it.
x Then click the drop-down arrow next to the book, and click the Paragraph Model icon.
A sketch opens to draw the paragraph.
x Create the frame with two rectangles and constrain them as below. Then add another rectangle inside the
second one and constrain it as follows.
x Add the 3 remaining lines, one of them being a construction line, and then add the following constraints.

Let's complete the paragraph with the texts.
x Open the text creation window by selecting Text.
First, we will add the simple texts.

x Insert the following texts using the style Text Style 1 and position them as seen below.
x Then insert the text Tool with this time a format Calibri, 2.5mm, green and
flagged.
We will constrain our simple texts.

x Place the texts Tooth number and Machining time centered vertically in relation to the segments indicated by
the red arrows below.

x Place the other texts at 3mm from the top and the bottom. Then place the texts at 5mm from each side of
segments. Use the position for texts on the right.
x Then constrain the text Tool as seen previously. Put 5mm distance in relation to the left vertical line.
Finally, we will add the parameters relevant to those texts.

x Still in the text creation window, in the Type field, activate the Property option.
The window modifies the same way to look like the property adding window in a table.
x Click on to open the list of properties.
x Develop Machining, then Tool and select Description.
x In the Text field, leave the default name.
x Keep the style Text style 1, but change the color to red.
x Place the text beside Tool by centering it vertically.

x Close the window.

x Open the text creation window by selecting Text.

x In the Type field, enable the Property option.
x Click to open the window for adding properties.
x Develop Machining, then Tool and select ToolTopDiameter.
x Change the number of decimals to 2.
x Click and add the variable ToolBottomDiameter.
x In the Text field, enter Ø by holding down the Alt key and typing 157.
x Keep the style Text Style 1.
x Place the text at the top and next to Diameter.
x Finish inserting the properties with a number of decimals of 2 (when asked) and respect the positioning below.
Change the name of the property in the Text box as in the image below. Keep the style Text Style 1.
The number of teeth (NumberOfToolTeeth) can be found in Machining > Tool > Reamers > Constant Reamer.
The corner radius (CornerRadius), the tool number (PocketDescription) and the chuck distance (ChuckDistance)
can be found in Machining > Tool.
The machining time (GlobalTime) can be found in Machining > Tool.

x Place the texts as seen before to obtain the following result. Put 5mm in horizontal offset and 0mm between
the text and the line construction.
The sketch is now over.
x Validate the sketch by clicking on .
However, the paragraph model is not totally finished yet. Indeed, so that the Sheet type of document finds its
interest, we are going to insert the views. In this case, we will insert tool views that will be generated automatically
when a machining file uses our draft template and the tool listing builds up.
x Still in the Sketch tab, click the Model View icon.
The Model view window opens and a view frame is automatically created and we have to place it on our sheet.
x In the Source field, click on and select Root > Machining > Tool > Tool drawing.
x In the Camera field, select Right in the drop-down menu.
x Set the height to 37mm and the width to 50mm.
x Click on and change the render mode to Shading.

x Place the view within the rectangle planned for this use.

The window remains active as long as we do not close it.
x Insert the second view in the same way, but the border is a bit different with height of 37
mm and width of 40 mm

Once validated, we can finish the creation of this shop floor document with the particularity due to the paragraph
model which is that we have to create a "chapter".
x Still in the Sketch tab, click the Chapter icon.
x In the List field, select Used tool list in the drop-down menu.
x In the Source Document field, select <unspecified>.
x In the Model field, check that Paragraph Model 1 is selected.
x Set the after position to 2mm.
As in the previous exercise, we are going to remove the current machining file from the main set so that any
machining file can use the draft.
x Right-click anywhere on the empty part of the sheet and select Main set.
x In the set edition window, in the Source document field, select <unspecified>
in the drop-down menu.

Let's test our shop floor document.
x In the Project tree, right-click on the machining document Brake lever and select Draft.
x Select the template Tool sheet we just created and confirm the window.
TopSolid generates automatically the tool sheet.
However, although the Draft document can extend on several pages, we can notice, by clicking on Page 2 at the
bottom, that the title block is repeated on every page and overwrites the paragraphs.
To remedy the matter, we have to indicate in our model that the title block is valid only on the first page.
x Close without saving the shop floor document.
x Open the Tool sheet template.
x Right-click on an element of the title block and select Attributes in the Title Block 1 section.
x In the opened window, check First page.


If we test it again, we notice that the Title block 1 is now only on page 1.

Step 3 – Creating the mixed document
In this last exercise, like the image above confirms, we are going to create a mixed shop floor document with a table
followed by paragraphs.
Creating the draft

In the same way we did in the previous exercises, let's create the draft document.
x In the Project tree, create a new Draft document in the Templates folder. Use a blank template and
confirm the window. Rename the draft document Mixed document.
x Edit the border.

x Change the format to A4 ISO Portrait, set all margins to 5mm and uncheck the options as seen below.


x From the Project tree, drag the machining document Brake lever into the draft.
x Complete the parameters as seen above and confirm the window. Do not create auxiliary views.
x Create a title block by clicking the Title Block icon in the Sketch tab.
x Insert an image in the title block. Select the file
TopSolidCam_LogoTopSolid.png from the folder "Program Files\Missler
Software\TopSolid 7.10\Samples".
To insert an image, TopSolid asks its width and its height. In our case, the rate Width/Height is 4.039 (1862*461
pixels).
x Center the image at the top of the document, left-click, and then confirm the window.

x Draw the construction lines and the two construction points that will be used to create the table, as shown in
the image below.
x Open the text creation window by clicking on and insert the title Operation table and tool sheet (format:
Calibri, height 5mm, italic, framed and blue) and position it like on the picture below.
x Insert the text Part as well (format: Calibri, height 5mm, underlined and green) and position it like on the
picture below.
x Constrain these two texts by aligning them at 0mm from construction elements.

x Still in the text creation window, click on and insert the parameter Name of the part in Parameter from
Set in Calibri, height 4mm.
x Constrain the parameter text at 5mm from the simple text.
x Finally, select a segment of the title block, right-click and select Attributes, then indicate the title block
is valid only on the first page. If the Attributes menu does not show up, go to the Entities tree, open the Title
Blocks folder, select Title Block 1, right-click and select Attributes.
Creating the operation table
x In the Sketch tab, click the Book icon to activate it.

x Create a table by clicking on Property Table.

x In the List field, select List of Machinings in the drop-down menu.

x Enter an after spacing of 20mm.
x For First point and Second point, click on , select Point, and then select
the point of the title block in the graphics area.
x In the edition of the property table, select the cells of the first line and modify the background color to yellow.
x Add a fourth column to the table.

x Make internal the points of the title block we used to create the title block.
x In the Entities tree, right-click on the Points folder and select Hide.
x Edit the 4 property texts of each cell by keeping the default style: Description of the operations, Description of
the tool, SpindleRateTool and ToolFeedrate. Do not forget to set the number of decimals to 0 for the spindle
rate and 2 for the feed rate. Besides, do not forget the units and modify the texts if needed.
Once the table is created, we can add after it a paragraph model.

Creating the paragraph model
x In the Sketch tab, click on Paragraph Model.
x Draw a 37x200mm border and add the texts by respecting the positionings in the following picture.
Simple texts:
Tool name: and T: are in format Calibri, height 2.5mm and red.
Chuck distance: is in format Calibri, height 2.5mm and blue.
Property texts:
The property Description that we'll name Tool description and the one PocketDescription that we'll name Tool
pocket are in format Calibri, height 2.5mm and red.
The property ChuckDistance we'll name Chuck distance is in format Calibri, height 2.5mm and blue.
x Align the texts as shown below with horizontal and vertical constraints of 5mm.
x Validate the sketch by clicking on .

x Still in the Sketch tab, click on Model View.
The same way we did in the previous exercise, add two views (see the image below for the positioning).
x In the Source field, click on , then in Root > Machining > Tool select Tool Drawing.
x In the Camera field, choose Isometric Perspective 1 in the drop-down menu for the first view and Right for the
second view.
x Set the height to 37mm and the width to 37mm.
x Click on and change the render mode to Shading.

Once the model is created, we have to include it in a chapter.
x Still in the Sketch tab, click on Chapter.

x In the List field, select Used tool list in the drop-down menu.
x In the Model field, check that Paragraph Model 1 is selected.
x Set the after position to 2mm.
Page numbering
Eventually, let's see quickly how to number the pages. In fact, we have to create a numbering text in another title
block that is valid on all pages this time.
x Create a title block by clicking on in the Sketch tab.

x Open the text creation window by click on .
x Select the Page type.
x In the Text field, insert the variable CurrentPage by clicking the corresponding button .
x Type the symbol /.
x Then insert the variable PageCount by clicking the corresponding button .

x Apply a format Calibri, height 3.5mm, bold and red.

x Place the numbering at the bottom right of the page, and then confirm the window.
Finally, we are going to remove the current machining file from the main set so that any machining file can use the
draft.
x Right-click anywhere on the empty part of the sheet and select Main set.
x In the set edition window, in the Source document field, select <unspecified> in the drop-down menu.

Let's test our shop floor document.

Creation of drilling methods TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
Creation of drilling methods

Introduction
The aim of this chapter is to create drilling methods in order to drill several parts.
Prerequisite: TopSolid'Cam Tutorials Creation of a machining part and 2D machining.
As we saw in the previous workshop, in milling it is possible to carry out drilling operations interactively (operation
by operation by choosing at each time tools, parameters...) or almost automatically by using the Analysis of
drillings and cylinders function that launches the analysis of cylindrical shapes, searches for drilling methods, and
displays the relevant ones in the Sorted Drillings dialog box.
To facilitate and accelerate learning of that functionality of TopSolid'Cam, the parts for the exercises are pre-
prepared. For each following exercise, a machining file will be provided.
Therefore, before beginning, it is necessary to import these files into a project.
x Create a new project and name it TopSolid'Cam_Drilling_Methods for example.
x Import the package TopSolidCam_Drilling_Methods.TopPkg from the folder "Program Files/Missler
Software/TopSolid 7.10/Samples".

TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Creation of drilling methods
Step 1 – Using the drilling methods
x In the subfolder EX01 Drilling Method Uses of the Training_TopSolidCam_Drilling_Methods folder, open the
machining document EX01 Support.
In this first exercise, we are going to drill all the holes, including the boring, using the customizable process of drilling
methods associated to part features (pattern recognition).
Hence we shall see in detail this semi-automatic method of machining holes, the usefulness of the drilling methods
by choosing them among those already present in the default TopSolid 7 library before going on with the creation
of our own method documents.
Important: First it is necessary to note that, when we are using a drilling method, TopSolid selects itself a suitable
tool in the library of the project (default library, one you created (see tutorial on Creation of tools) or tools created
in the tool manager of the current machining file which it will take in priority to others in fact). If no tool suits to a
given drilling, TopSolid'Cam will open the operation creation dialog box and at that moment we will create the tool.
It may be necessary to create the needed tools in the Tool Manager under the Equipment tab before
machining.
Analysis and selection of drilling methods
x In the 2D/3D tab, select Analysis of drillings and cylinders.

x Click on Yes.

The Sorted Drillings window opens. Before checking the drillings to be machined, let's take a look in detail to this
window.
- : Corresponds to holes with only one matching method.

- : Corresponds to holes with multiple matching methods and one has to be chosen.
- : Corresponds to holes with no matching method.
- : Corresponds to holes with one method the user has just chosen among those proposed by the
software.
The main icons circled in red above are used to:
- : Performs the analysis of drillings and cylinders again, in the case new holes are added or we want to
restart the search to cancel our previous methods choices.
- : Displays the complete cylinders.
- : Displays the partial cylinders.
- : Displays the partially machined holes.
- : Displays the fully machined holes.

- : Filter holes depending on whether the method associated to the feature is unique, chosen,
to be chosen or nonexistent.
- : Merges the selected cylinders when possible.

- : Allows you to automatically choose the first method in the list of the ones found by the software.
- : Gives access to the Cylinder analysis settings dialog box.

- : Gives access to the Hole wizard panel window.
- : Executes the method step by step.
Now we know about that window, we can start machining the two Ø5mm holes. Several methods can machine
these two holes. We will validate the first method in the list.
x Select the line (2 Holes) Ø=5mm.
x Click on to validate the first method in the list.
We obtain:
x Check the box of the line (2 Holes) Ø=5mm. By doing this, we indicate the holes we want to machine.
x Confirm the window to create the drilling operations.

TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the selected drillings.
Selection of drilling methods

Let's now have a look at the second category of drillings, the ones with multiple corresponding methods.

x Select the two Ø10mm holes as shown below.

x Click the icon to open the Hole wizard panel.
By default, the library of machining methods supplied with the software offers three choices of methods adapted
to these drillings (preceded by a yellow star icon ), and other matching methods if needed.
Note: In the next exercise, we shall see how to remove the TopSolid library from our project to have only our own
library or the created methods in the current project.
x Observe the difference between the proposed methods, and select the Spotting+Drill Through method.
We can notice that the three point-to-point operations that make up this method can be checked or not, depending
on whether we want to keep every stages or only some (for any method, even those we will create, it is possible to
check or uncheck the operations).
x Here, the hole diameter is small, so uncheck First Drilling.
As we can see, if we select another method and then go back to the first one, the previous choice of not checking
the operation is kept.

Now, let's take an attentive look to that window. As shown below, two display modes are available:
The four red circled icons are used to:
- : Show or hide the tool path.

- : Move to the display as shown on the window at the right, where we have a look at the shape of the
drilling as it will be made in TopSolid'Cam.
- : Go back to the initial display.
- : Center on the drilling schema.
x Click to confirm the hole wizard panel.
The drillings for which we have just chosen the corresponding method ( ) can now be checked.
x Check these drillings.
Note: Before launching the machining of these two other

drillings, don't forget to uncheck the drillings already machined
(which can be filtered by clicking on the icon ), otherwise
they will be drilled a second time uselessly.
If by mistake you forgot to uncheck them, it is still possible to
delete the extra operations in the NC Operations tree.
x Click to confirm the Sorted Drillings window.
TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the selected drillings.

Cutting a drilling
Finally, we are going to see the last notion of the drilling method use with the last two drillings for which
TopSolid'Cam did not find any method.

x Select the two remaining borings.
When no method is found, it means that none of the available methods in the current project corresponds to the
drilling geometry. Here, the two chamfers matter.
In the Hole Viewer lower window, we are going to use an interesting tool, the scissors . As the name imply,
it allows us to cut the geometry of the hole in order to be able to mill, at least portions of the drill, with a machining
method.
x Click the icon and remove the chamfer by moving the mouse cursor and left-clicking as shown below.

x Click on Yes for both questions.
x Similarly, separate the second chamfer at the bottom. Select drilling number 2 and 4, of 9 mm depth.
We notice the drilling has been separated in 6 portions and among these portions the two 40 mm diameter drillings
can be executed by several machining methods whereas the chamfers will remain to be made manually.
x For the 40mm diameter drillings, select the cycle Centering/Pointing-First Drilling-Drilling in the hole
wizard panel with the method Spotting+Drill Through.
x Confirm and check the drillings.
We can now launch the automatic machining.
x Confirm the Sorted Drillings window. Don't forget to uncheck the machined holes.
TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the drillings.
Note: When using the analysis of drillings and cylinders to mill the drillings automatically, it is necessary as far as
possible to validate all the drillings of one part once at a time or to be very careful to uncheck every holes already
machined (by using the appropriate filters), otherwise they will be machined the number of time(s) you validate in
the Sorted Drillings window.
x Observe, save and close the document.
Note: The 40mm diameter drillings should be done with a method including a reaming operation. However since it
does not exist in the default TopSolid'Cam library, we used a simple drilling method so we take easily control of the
commands we saw. But, later we will see how to create a drilling method with reaming.

Step 2 – Creating a drilling method
Since we master the drilling method use, we will be able to create our own method.
First, not to accumulate an infinity of drilling methods we are going to see how to delete the TopSolid Machining
Methods library from the current project. Obviously, it is possible to keep it for your own drilling method use
outside this tutorial.
x In the Project tree, open the References node by

clicking the icon.
x Select the TopSolid Machining Methods library, right-
click and select Remove.

On the contrary, we can insert the TopSolid library or one you would have created.
x In the Project tree, right-click on References and select Reference Library.
x Select the same library or one you had created.
x Close the window because we don't need the

drilling method library anymore.
Creating a machining method document

x In the folder Training_TopSolidCam_Drilling_Methods > EX02 Drilling Method Creation, create a new
Document.
x In the window that opens, click the Advanced tab and select Milling/Turning Method.
x Choose Blank Template and click to confirm.
x A window appears with the following question. Select Hole Wizard and validate.

The milling/turning method document opens.
x Rename this method to Centering-Drilling-Spot Facing.

x To open the window of the method again, go to the Cam methods tab, click the drop-down arrow and select
Hole Wizard Editor.
On the left we can find a similar window to the one we met in the hole wizard panel with almost the same functions.

Inserting machining operations

We are going to create our first drilling method by keeping the automatic parameters.
x Click the icon at the top right of the window, and then add a Centering/Pointing operation.
x Similarly, add a Drilling operation, then a Spot facing operation.
The three operations have been added successively under three tabs which we can click on to navigate from one
operation to another.
As we move from one tab to another, we can observe that the shape related to the selected operation is highlighted
like the drilling below.
It is possible to modify the name of each operation we select by double-clicking on its tab.
x Double-click on the Centering/Pointing tab, modify the name to Centering and confirm with .
x In the Drilling tab, in the Cylinder to machine field, select 2 in the drop-down menu.
x In the Spot Facing tab, in the same field, select 1 in the drop-down menu.
Note: We can modify the shape of a selected cylinder for each operation by holding down the left mouse button
and dragging one of their green line but we cannot control the result so we will prefer not to touch it for that kind
of drilling.
Using the icons / you can switch from a Creation mode to a Preview mode where we can apply important
modifications of the drilling type.

x If the cylinder 2 is through, click the icon to obtain a blind cylinder .
The method we just created is for a spot faced blind hole.
x Confirm the window and save the method.
Deleting machining operations

x Go back to the Hole wizard editor using the Cam method tab.
x Select the tab of the operation to be deleted, the spot facing for example.
x Delete the selected operation by clicking on .
x Confirm the deletion by clicking on Yes.

The tab and the associated operation disappear.
x Since we want to keep the spot facing, don't validate the window by clicking on .
x Exit the method without saving changes by clicking on Yes.

Step 3 – Spot faced blind hole and formula
In this exercise, we are going to check that the method we have just created previously works and we shall develop
it to fix a constant diameter centering.
Before checking the created method, we are going to modify it in order to introduce a new notion, the "Formula"
type answer.
Drilling parameters: "Formula" type answer

x In the Project tree, open the method document Centering-Drilling-Spot Facing again by double-clicking on it. If
the hole wizard editor does not show up directly, proceed as we saw using the Cam methods tab.
x Explore, operation by operation, the first two drop-down menus of parameters under the Geometry section
and, by clicking on them, notify the choice proposed between the current option Automatic or Formula.
By selecting Formula in the drop-down menu, it is possible to choose the altitude of the drilling operation start
(positive or negative value, before or after), i.e. the starting Z and the depth.
For the particular case of centering that we are going to see, if depth has no real interest, on the contrary the print
diameter can be modified.

x In the Centering tab, go to Print Diameter and

select Formula in the drop-down menu.
x Click the button to the right of the field to
modify the formula.
The window below appears.
Note: The order of numbers of the cylinders that represent each operation is along z, from the top to the bottom,
so by default Me.C001HoleDiameter is the diameter of the first cylinder of the drilling. Just like in text document,
we are able to erase and write whatever words as far as it respects certain syntax logic (if the sentence does not
mean anything, you will not be allowed to validate the window anyway). To prevent such disappointment, the usual
variables are already listed.
We can simply begin by telling the print diameter must be equal to the cylinder 2 diameter divided by 2 by adding
/2.
x Right-click in the window and select Hole geometry > Geometry 2 > Hole Diameter to add the variable
Me.C002HoleDiameter.
x After the variable write the signs: /2.

In conclusion what we wrote: Me.C002HoleDiameter / 2.

Thus, we have modified the print diameter as follows:

Verifying the functioning of the created method

x In the folder Training_TopSolid'Cam_Drilling_Methods > EX03 Centering-Drilling-Spot Facing, open the
machining document EX03 Table.
x In the 2D/3D tab, launch the analysis of drillings and cylinders by clicking on .
The four similar drillings have only one corresponding method (we previously deleted any method library out of the
current project, so it's normal) with the icon .
x Open the Hole wizard panel and verify it is the Centering-Drilling-Spot Facing method, then close the
window.
x Check all the drillings. (Tip: Check the Feature(s) box to select all drillings in one go).
TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the drillings. If TopSolid'Cam cannot find any appropriate tool, you
will be asked to create one during the method execution.

Step 4 – Flat blind or through hole with condition
In this exercise we will create a method to realize through and flat blind holes, then we shall apply a conditional
answer to one parameter and finally we shall try it on the machining file of a simplified gear box casing
x In the Project tree, in the subfolder EX04 Flat_Blind or Through hole, open the machining document EX04 Gear
box casing.
x By using rotary picking, spot the through holes and the flat blind ones.
Because since the exercise 2 we removed the TopSolid Machining Methods library, no drilling methods will be found
by TopSolid'Cam if we launch the analysis of drillings and cylinders.
Keeping aside this machining file, we are going to create both methods that will suit the milling of these drillings.
Creating a method for through holes

x In the subfolder EX04 Flat_Blind or Through hole, create a Milling/Turning Method document. Reminder:
Right-click on the subfolder, select Document, go to the Advanced tab and select Milling/Turning
Method.
x Select Hole Wizard and validate the window.

x Rename the file to EX04 Centering-Drilling Through hole.
x Display the Hole wizard editor using the Cam methods tab.

x Add one centering/pointing operation followed by a drilling one using the icon .
Note that on the left side of the window, the current status is Creation mode. We are going to switch to the other
display, the Preview mode, by clicking on the icon to see the real geometry.
x Click the icon .

By default, the addition of a drilling operation makes a flat blind hole.
x To modify it, click on to obtain a conical bottom hole.
As we can see below, the change of display is done with a modification of the icons.
These new icons are used respectively to:
- Change the hole geometry to through or blind

- Remove the intermediate cones
- Change the hole bottom to conical or flat
- Go back to the initial display
x For our through hole, click the icon.

x Confirm the window and save the document.
Creating a method for flat blind holes

The same way as above, we are going to create the method for flat blind holes.
x Create a new Milling/Turning Method document in the same folder EX04 Flat_Blind or Through hole and
rename it EX04 Centering-Drilling Flat hole. Select Hole Wizard.
x In the Hole wizard editor, add one operation of centering/pointing and one of drilling.
x As with the previous method, click the icon .

x This time, let the hole blind and click the third icon in order to get the following result.
The conical bottom icon is crossed out by a red cross again.
Before closing this method, we are going to bring a small additional modification in order to get into the notion of
"conditional" answer to drilling parameters and then we will test the milling using our two new methods.
Drilling parameters: Conditional answer "If"

The through holes of the casing machining file have small diameters and are numerous. In this case, the centering
operation is unnecessary. If holes are large, the centering operation is necessary. The goal is to include this
constraint in the method EX04 Centering-Drilling Through hole.
To do this, we are going to add a condition to the activation of the Centering/Pointing operation in the through
hole method we created a moment ago.
x Open the method document EX04 Centering-Drilling Through hole. If the Hole wizard editor does not appear
automatically, open it via the Cam methods tab.
x In the Centering/Pointing operation, in the Operation section, at the level of the Active parameter, select If…
in the drop-down menu.
x To describe the condition, click the button to the right of the field.

Just like the case seen in the previous exercise (the "Formula" type answers), a window opens. This time it is not a
text document but rather a table.
The icons circled in red above are used to:
- Insert a line
- Delete a line
- Copy a line
- Paste a line
Below this, five columns are available:

- One for selection.
- Three drop-down menus (where multiple choices are proposed depending whether it is a variable for
drilling, a Boolean condition or a logical connector).
- One box of value to fill.
We will go back to VB.NET later which is used as supplement to the criteria proposed if they are not enough.
After that brief presentation of the window, we can set our condition for the activation of the centering pointing
operation when the hole diameter is greater than 10mm.
x In the Variable column, click the arrow of the drop-down menu,
and then select Cylinder 1 > Hole Diameter, as shown here.
x Similarly, in the Condition column, select Greater than.
x In the Value field, enter 10mm.

x In the Next Operator column, keep the End parameter that TopSolid'Cam has automatically added.
Note: To add more conditions on the next lines, it is necessary to change End to Or, And, Not or, Not and depending
on the condition you want on the next sentence.
x Confirm the current window, then the next window, and then save the document.
x Close the method documents.

x In the EX04 Gear box casing machining document, run the analysis of drillings and cylinders.
x For the 3 holes of Ø30mm, select the method EX04 Centering-Drilling Flat hole.
x For the 15 holes of Ø8mm, select the method EX04 Centering-Drilling Through hole.
x Select all the drillings by checking the Feature(s) box.
TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the drillings. We can observe that the condition for through holes
not to activate the Centering/Pointing operation when the hole diameter is smaller than 10 mm is respected since
we can see they are directly drilled.

Step 5 – Tapped holes
In this exercise we are going to create the method to make the tapped drillings of that hood.
Creating a method for tapped holes

To drill the part above, the exercise consists in the first place to create a drilling method with tapping.
Here, both little tapped holes are blind but the method is not more difficult to do than for through holes by acting
like we did in the exercise 4.
x In the Project tree, in the subfolder EX05 Tapping, open the machining document EX05 Hood.
After taking a look to the tapped holes, we can create the drilling method.
x In the same subfolder, create a Milling/Turning Method document.

x Select Hole Wizard, and then validate.
x Rename the document EX05 Centering-Drilling-Tapping blind hole.

x Open the Hole wizard editor via the Cam methods.
x Add one operation of centering, followed by one of drilling and finally one of tapping using the icon .
Once the three operations are created, if we take a look directly at the preview of the shape, for which the method
we just created, by clicking on the icon , we notice the representative cylinder of the tapping is larger than the
drilling one. This is logical in the reality since the pitch of the tapping is made through the drilling wall. However, in
the software, the thread is not really modeled so that the file is light, only paint illustrates the tapping, and therefore
the cylinder of this operation will be considered as the drilling diameter. The diameter of the tap will depend on
the hole diameter and the pitch, so it will be greater than the cylinder diameter.
It is necessary to modify the cylinder of the tapping operation so it overlays the one of drilling.

x In the Tapping tab, in the creation mode on the left, hold down the left mouse button and select the vertical
green line of the cylinder, and then move it to the inside until it overlays with the drilling cylinder.
Here is the result:
There is another part to modify: the tapping representative cylinder base. Indeed, for practical reasons, tap tools
are standardized so that the thread does not go to the hole bottom. So we are going to modify the cylinder shape
of the taping operation so that the final geometry of the method suits with the drilling we want to execute.
x The same way we did in the previous manipulation, hold down the left mouse button and select the green
horizontal line of the cylinder, and then move it to the inside.

Here is the result:
Cylinder to be machined:
1 for tapping
2 for drilling
x Click the icon to validate the resulting shape. You should get the following result.
x In the Tapping operation, the cylinder to machine is 1.

x In the Drilling operation, the cylinder to machine is 2.
The method we have just created can be now detected as solution to the blind tapped holes.
x Click to confirm the window and save the document.


x In the machining document EX05 Hood, launch the analysis of drillings and cylinders.
x Include the partial cylinders in the analysis.
x Check all the drillings as below.
x Click to confirm the window. TopSolid'Cam calculates the drillings, and then simulates them.

Step 6 – Bore holes and additional parameters
In this exercise, we are going to create a method to make bore holes of this simplified cylinder bloc and see the last
notion of drilling method parameters which will be identified as additional parameters.
Creating a method for bore hole

x In the Project tree, in the subfolder EX06 Bore, open the machining document EX06 Cylinder bloc.
x In the same subfolder, create a Milling/Turning Method document named EX06 Centering-Drilling-Bore.
Select Hole Wizard.
x Open the Hole wizard editor and add the three following operations: Centering, Drilling and Reaming.

We can notice that the reaming does not overlay by default the drilling. It is logical however this method won't
work on parts with reaming stage; TopSolid'Cam will not identify the geometry as matching this method.
So, as for the taping case, we have to overlay the cylinders of drilling and reaming.
x In the Reaming tab, hold down the left mouse button and select the green vertical line of the larger cylinder,
and then move it to the inside until it overlays the drilling cylinder.
Here is the result:
Now, let's make this drilling a through one.
x Click the icon to switch to the Preview mode.

x Next click the icon to make the drilling through.

Now we have created a drilling method with a reaming operation but generally the drilling diameter is smaller than
the reaming one which is not the case in our method. One solution is to use a tool filter on the drilling operation.
x In the Hole wizard editor of the method EX06 Centering-Drilling-Bore, go to the Drilling tab, and then in the
Operation section, in the Tool Selection field, select Filter… in the drop-down menu.
x Edit the filter to apply by clicking on to the right of the field.
We choose to apply a filter that tells TopSolid'Cam that the drill to use has a diameter equal to the hole diameter
minus 4mm. But in the window below, we note that we cannot give this type of formula.
x Open the VB.NET Syntax Rule Definition menu at the bottom of the window.

A subsection is displayed in the window.
Now, to enter the tool filter of diameter equal to hole diameter minus 4mm, we need to complete the condition as
follows:
If (Me.ToolTopDiameter = Me.C001HoleDiameter - 4) Then
Return True
Else
Return False
End If
x To obtain the variables Me.ToolTopDiameter and Me.C001HoleDiameter, right-click and select the desired
menus.
Note: Another example of filter could suit the method for example by telling that the tool diameter is smaller than
the hole one but be careful, in that case we need to create the corresponding tool otherwise TopSolid'Cam will take
the first tool the nearest of hole diameter.

x In the machining document EX06 Cylinder Bloc, launch the analysis of drillings and cylinders.
For the bores:
x Select the bore method EX06 Centering-Drilling-Bore previously created.
x Check the bores.
TopSolid'Cam calculates the drillings and simulates the machining operations
In the following exercise, we will introduce the additional parameters.

Adding additional parameters

x Go back to the bore machining method.
x Go to the Drilling tab and click on Other parameters.
The following window opens.
We note that the same options as when we make drillings manually are available.
For example, we will say that the drilling operation of this method must be performed at the shortest path, with
pecking, with a safety distance of 3mm and always rise up between points.
x Open the Geometry category, then Optimization. Double-click on Optimization Method (Setting:
StandardOptimizationMethod@Optimization) and replace 0 by 1 to mean Shortest path. Confirm the
window.
x Open the Settings category, then Pecking. Double-click on First depth pass and replace the current value
by: Me.HoleDepth / 3. Confirm the window.
x Open the Settings category, then Geometry. Double-click on Safety Distance and replace the current value
by 3mm. Confirm the window.
x Open the Settings category, then Global. Double-click on Picoting/Pecking and replace the current value
by 1 or True.
x Open the Settings category, then Z. Double-click on Always rise up… and replace the current value by 1 or
True.

The modifications are as follows:
x Confirm all windows, and then save and close the method document.

Step 7 – Holes with or without contouring
In this last exercise, we will create a method for through holes with or without contouring (drilling with a mill). Thus,
we will see again how to add a condition "If…" for activation and "Tool filter" so that the finishing drilling is with or
without contouring. At last, we will test the method on a machining file.
Creating a method for through holes with or without contouring

x In the Project tree, in the subfolder EX07 Contouring, open the machining document EX07 Triple tree.
x In the same subfolder, create a Milling/Turning Method document named EX07 Centering-Drilling-
Contouring. Select Hole Wizard.
x Open the Hole wizard editor and add the three following operations: centering and two drillings.
x Once the three operations are created, rename the operations as follows by double-clicking on their respective
tabs.

The method must be detected for through holes.
x In the display on the left, switch to the Preview mode by clicking the icon .
x Click the first icon to change the blind hole into through hole as below.
When you added the drilling operations, the geometries (cylinders) of the operations overlaid. If not, simply click
on the cylinder of one of the operations in the creation mode, and then drag the green line so as to couple it with
the other one. When the two operations overlay, we notice at the level of the Cylinder to machine field that the
number is 1 for the drilling and contouring operations.
Now we created these three operations, we are going to modify them to meet the objective of activating the
contouring only when the hole diameter reaches a certain value (here between 24 and 35mm). Several solutions
are possible but the one selected below allows us to develop the use of the conditional answer "If".
Let's start with the shortest conditions, the ones of the contouring.
- Activate the contouring operation if the hole diameter is greater than 24mm.
- Set the tool 18-mm diameter Side Mill.
- Drilling by contouring.
x Go to the Contouring tab, and then in the Operation section, in the Active field, select If… in the drop-down
menu.
x Click the button to the right of the field to open the condition editor.

x Complete the table as below, and then confirm the window.
x From the Geometry section, in the Drilling by contouring field, select Yes in the drop-down menu.
x In the Operation section, in the Tool Selection field, select Filter... in the drop-down menu.
x Click on the button to the right of the field to open the condition editor.
x Open the VB.NET Syntax Rule Definition menu to enter the tool condition. Here is the result:
If ((Me.ToolTopDiameter = 18) AND (Me.ToolFunction = "SideMill")) Then
Return True
Else
Return False
End If
x To obtain the variable Me.ToolTopDiameter, right-click and select the following command.

x To obtain the variable Me.ToolFunction, right-click and select the following command.
x To obtain the variable "SideMill", right-click and select the following command.
Note: When TopSolid'Cam is searching for a tool, in order for the tools to be filtered, it is necessary for a given filter
to have the answer "True" or "False".
Then, let's go for the most interesting condition.

The drilling operation has to always happen but under the following condition: when the hole diameter is smaller
or equal to 24mm, the drill diameter is equal to the hole diameter, whereas when it is greater than 24mm, the drill
diameter must remain 24mm whatever the hole diameter.

x Go to the Drilling tab, and then in the Operation section, in the Tool Selection field, select Filter... in the drop-
down menu.
x Click the button to the right of the field to open the condition editor.
x Open the VB.NET Syntax Rule Definition menu and enter the following condition.
The condition will be: If the hole diameter is smaller than or equal to 24mm, then if (in the tool library) the diameter
of the drill (selected by TopSolid'Cam) equals the hole diameter, the tool selection is correct (answer True)
otherwise it is False.
Else (in other case when hole diameter is greater than 24mm), if the diameter of the drill (selected by TopSolid'Cam)
equals 24mm, then the tool is correct (answer True) otherwise it is False and TopSolid'Cam continues to search tool
and start again the test, or asks the user to create the tool.
The solution is as follows:
x Click to confirm the windows.



x In the machining document EX07 Triple tree, run the analysis of drillings and cylinders.
x Via the Hole wizard panel, select the method we have just created, and then check all the drillings like below.

TopSolid'Cam takes few seconds and simulates the drillings.
x Save and close the machining document.

Creation of milling and turning methods TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial
Creation of milling and turning methods

Introduction
The aim of this chapter is to create milling and turning methods that will be stored, in order to apply them to one
or more geometries.
The sequence of operations and the strategy to respect during machinings are defined by the method.
Prerequisite: Tutorial TopSolid'Design Basics, Tutorials TopSolid'Cam Creation of a machining part, 2D machining,
3D machining, Turning.
You can create milling/turning methods in two different ways:

- Directly from machining operations.
- Interactively by adding one by one the operations.
To facilitate and accelerate learning of that functionality of TopSolid'Cam, the parts for the exercises are prepared.
For each following exercise, a machining file will be provided to create or apply milling/turning methods.
Therefore, before beginning, it is necessary to import these files into a project.
x Create a new project and rename it Milling-Turning Methods for example. Use a blank template and confirm
with .
x Import the package TopSolidCam_Milling_Turning_Methods.TopPkg from the folder "Program Files/Missler
Software/TopSolid 7.10/Samples".

TopSolid'Cam 7 Tutorial Creation of milling and turning methods
Step 1 – Creating a 2D milling method from a machining
In this first exercise, to create our method, we will start with a part with machinings already performed, as shown
in the picture above.
Our first method will be a 2D milling method.
Creation of the method with performed machinings

x In the imported package, open the folder Milling-Turning-Methods, then the subfolder EX 1 Milling 2D, and
then open the machining document EX 1 Milling 2D.
x Under the Project tree, open the NC Operations tab. In the NC Operations tab, you can see the different
machining operations.
x Select the second operation Open Pocketing, and the third operation Side Milling (Contouring).
Note: To select several operations, click either on the tool name, or on the WCS, or on the machining name that
you want, and then while holding down the Ctrl key, click the other operation, either on the tool name, or on the
WCS, or on the machining name.

x Right-click one of the two operations and select Methods > Creates a method.
The following message appears on the screen.
x Click on Yes.
A new method has been created in the same directory as the machining document.
Analysis and explanation of the method creation window

After clicking on Yes, the following window is displayed.

The following icons are used respectively to:
- Confirm the creation/modification of the method.

- Delete the creation/cancel the modification.
- Open the online help of TopSolid 7.
- Add a step in the method. A step can be a selection function or a machining function.
- Delete a step in the method.
- Invert the steps and move them up in the list of operations.
- Invert the steps and move them down in the list of operations.
- Duplicate a step of the method.
Note that TopSolid renames the new method New Method by default.
x Confirm the creation of the method.
x In the Project tree, rename the method EX 1 Milling Method 2D by clicking on it, then pressing the F2 key.
x Save the method.
x Go back to the method modification window. To do this, go to the Cam methods tab and select
Create/modify methods.
The creation/modification window of the method opens with its new name.
Reminder: We selected two operations: Open Pocketing and Side Milling (Contouring). We find these two
operations in the method in the right order of machining and decomposed in steps.
"Picking face" functions for the machining operations.
The operation steps are already defined; the tools and the
parameters are also defined.

x Select the Picking face Side Milling function for example.
In the Main tab, four parameters are available:

- Active: Defines whether the function should be executed or not. In the drop-down menu we have three
conditions.
- Question: It is the question which will be displayed to the user when executing the function.
- Multiple: Allows you to choose one or more faces during the selection. We have the same drop-down menu
as previously.
- Use neutral selection: Allows the neutral mode for the selection of faces.
Note: It is possible to modify the detailed picture of the step in the gray zone, which users will see during the
execution of the step. To modify or change it, left-click on the gray zone or the existing picture, then select the
picture that you want to associate to the operation.

x Now click the Open Pocketing operation to analyze its parameters.
In the Main tab, the parameters are separated in two: the parameters for the operation and the parameters specific
to the geometry.
Main tab
In the Operation section:
- Active: Defines whether the function should be executed or not. In the drop-down menu we have three
conditions.
- Tool: By default, the software proposes the same tool as in the machining file. Allows you to define the
selection mode of the tool. In the drop-down menu we have four solutions.

- Split Multiple Geometry: If more than one geometry is selected, this option lets you decide whether the
result will be a single operation or as many operations as geometries.
- Comment: Allows you to specify a comment for the operation.
In the Geometry section:

- Part: Allows you to select the part to be machined.
- WCS: Allows you to define the WCS (Work Coordinate System) for the operation.
You can also choose the number of concerned axes in the Multi axis type section:
- None: 3-axis milling: X,Y,Z.
- Four axis axial: 4-axis continuous milling (X,Y,Z,C) with the tool axis collinear with the Z axis of the WCS.
- Four axis radial: 4-axis continuous milling (X,Y,Z,C) with the tool axis perpendicular to the Z axis of the WCS.
The Other parameters button is used to define all machining parameters.
Geometry tab
- Machining type: Allows you to choose the machining mode.

- Machined: Allows you to associate the machining with the selected face.
- Island: Allows you to associate a geometry with an island.
- First machined: Allows you to define the entry point.
Now we are going to modify the method, and then execute it.
Modification/viewing of the method

x Still from the creation/modification window of the method, click the first step Picking face Open pocketing,
then in the Question field erase the current text and enter Selecting a face for machining of the pocket.
Note: Via the icon , TopSolid notifies us that the Question field must be filled in, otherwise the method won't be
validated.
x For the Multiple parameter, select the Never condition in the drop-down menu.

Here is what we get after changing the first step:
x Click the second step Picking face Side Milling, change the question to Selecting a face for side milling and set
the condition to Always in the Multiple field.
x Select the third step Open pocketing.
x In the Tool field, select Manual selection in the drop-down menu.
x Leave the rest of the parameters as they are.
The Automatic part (extracted from machined geometry) parameter means that the machined part is determined
by analyzing the machined geometry.
The Automatic WCS (extracted from machined geometry) means that the WCS is determined by analyzing the
machined geometry.
We obtain:
x Click the Side Milling step.

x In the Tool field, select Manual selection in the drop-down menu.
x In the Geometry section, change the Part parameter to Open pocketing element in the drop-down menu.
Thereby the machined part = the machined part of the previous operation.
x Change the WCS parameter to Open pocketing element in the drop-down menu. Having selected Open
pocketing element means that for this machining we start with the same WCS as for the Open pocketing
operation.
We obtain:


x Save the method.
Now we will execute our method. To do this we will apply our method to the part of exercise 1.
x Go back to the machining document EX 1 Milling 2D.
x Go to the NC Operations tree by clicking the NC Operations tab.
x Select all the machinings of the part using Ctrl + A.
x Press Delete on your keyboard to delete all the machining operations.
The following warning message is displayed.
x Click on Yes to confirm the deletion.
We no longer have any machining for this part. Let's execute the method now.
x To execute a method, go to the Operation tab.
x Then select the Method Execution function.
The Method Selection Dialog window opens and asks us to choose a method.
x Click the EX 1 Milling Method 2D method.
Note: We can still choose if we want or not a machining. We could deselect Open pocketing for example.
x For our example, uncheck or leave unchecked the Keep associativity between method and generated
operations and Manual execution options.
x Execute the method by clicking on .

We are at the first step of the method: Picking faces. We find the question that we stated in the conditions. We
also indicated in the condition that we can select a single face for machining. Check this condition by trying to select
multiple faces.
x Ultimately, select the face shown in blue below.
x Click on for the next step.

We find the question that we stated in the conditions. As we left the condition Always for the Multiple parameter
we can select multiple faces for the machining.
x Select the blue colored face as shown below.
The two remaining steps are the machining steps.

The window opens and tells us that TopSolid hasn't found a tool for machining. We specified to select a tool
manually.
x Click the icon to open the tool choice window (if it is not already open), and then select a tool.
The machining window of the side milling opens and TopSolid tells us immediately that it did not find any tool for
machining. We specified to select the tool manually.
x Click on to open the tool choice window, and then select a tool.
Here is what we get after running our method. The machinings which are present are the open pocketing and the
side milling.

Step 2 – Creating a 2D milling method interactively
In this second exercise, we will create a machining method interactively, unlike the previous exercise in which the
steps were created automatically.
Creation of the method

x Still in the same project, create a new document.
x In the Advanced tab, select Milling/Turning Method. Use a blank template, then click on to confirm.
x Select General Purpose Method and confirm the window.


x Rename the method to EX 2 Milling 2D Method Triangle.
x Using the "drag-and-drop" technique, move the method into the folder EX 2 Milling 2D.
x In the Cam methods tab, select Create/modify methods.
The creation/modification window of the method opens. We will now add the steps to perform the drilling and the
pocket. Before adding machining steps, we must add picking steps. We will add a picking step for the drilling and
for the pocket.
x Click the EX 2 Milling 2D Method Triangle method, and then click the icon to add steps.
x Select the Functions > Picking faces command.
The function is created in the method.
x Display the function by clicking on it.

The icon means that the function is incomplete, because the question is empty.
x In the Question field, enter Select a cylinder for drilling.
x Modify the Multiple parameter to Never in order to select only one face.
x Rename the step to Selection cylinder for drilling by clicking on it, and then pressing the F2 key.
x Click on EX 2 Milling 2D Method Triangle, and then the icon to add a new step.
x Select Functions > Picking faces.

x In the Question field, enter Select faces for the pocket.
x Rename the step to Selection faces for pocketing by clicking on it, and then pressing F2.

Note: There are other picking functions such as:

- Picking point(s): Allows you to select points.
- Picking elements: Allows you to select the following elements: point, curve, surface, shape, frame, part,
WCS.
Now we will create the machining steps.
x Click on EX 2 Milling 2D Method Triangle, and then click the icon to add a new step.
x Select Milling Module > Hole Machining.
x In the Kind of machining field, click on Drilling.

In the Geometry section, we must indicate which surface we will machine. The surfaces that we will machine are
from a selection made beforehand. In our case, for the drilling, the result of the selection must be Selection cylinder
for drilling.
x In the comments area, enter Drilling.
x Add a new step to the method.

x Select Milling Module > End Milling.

x Rename the function to Machining of the pocket.

We will set the Geometry parameters in the Main tab. We want to machine the hole, and then the pocket.
x Set the Part and WCS parameters so that they are derived from the hole operation.
x In the comments area, enter Pocket.

We will modify the other parameters.
x Click the Other Parameters button.
A window opens with all other parameters of this step. There are two ways to search for parameters, either with
the selection criteria or with the search bar.
Validate the search

Text to search
Display the modified settings
Reset the variable to the
standard value
x In the search bar, enter Stock to leave and click on .
x Modify the Stock to leave on top island parameter by clicking on it, then replacing the current value with 0mm.
x Repeat the procedure for the four remaining stocks to leave by setting them to 0.

Now we must set the Geometry tab.
x Select Pocketing as the machining type.

The Machined parameter is to set, with the surfaces that we shall be machining. These surfaces are the result of
Selection faces for pocketing.
Note: To execute this step properly, the Machined parameter must be filled in.
x Click on EX 2 Milling 2D Method Triangle, and then add a new step.
x Rename this function to Selection faces for facing.
x In the Question field, enter Select a face for the facing.
x Add a new step to the method.

x Select Milling Module > End Milling.
x Rename this function to Facing.
x Adjust the parameters as follows.
x Click the Other Parameters button and set the stocks to leave using the search bar. Enter Stock to leave and
adjust as below.
x In the Geometry tab, select Facing as the machining type.

x For the Machined parameter, select Result of Selection faces for facing in the drop-down menu.

Our operations are now defined. You should end up with the following result:

x Save the method and close the document.
Execution of the method

Now we will apply our method to a part.
x Open the machining document EX 2 Milling 2D in the folder EX 2 Milling 2D.
x Go to the Operation tab and select Method Execution.
The Method Selection Dialog opens prompting us to select a method.

x Choose the Ex 2 Milling Method 2D Triangle method.
x Execute the method by clicking on .

The first step Select a cylinder for drilling appears.

x Select the blue colored face as below.
The second step Select faces for the pocket automatically appears.
x Select the face shown in blue below.
x Click on to go to next step.
TopSolid automatically performs the two machining operations.

The fifth step Select a face for the facing automatically appears.
The sixth step is the Facing step. TopSolid automatically performs the facing.

Step 3 – Creating a 3D milling method
In this last exercise, we are going to discover how to create a method for 3D milling and the Dialog boxes step that
will be detailed later.
Creation of the method

We will create a 3D milling method in which we will machine the upper part of the piece by adding steps. We will
also see how to add more features to the method such as dialog boxes, and impose the condition "If".
x In the folder EX 3 Milling 3D, create a new document.
x Choose Milling/Turning Method using a blank template, and then click on to confirm.
x Select General Purpose Method and confirm the window.

x Rename the method to EX 3 Milling Method 3D.
x In the Cam methods tab, click on Create/modify methods.
x Click on EX 3 Milling Method 3D, and then click on to add steps.
x Rename the step to Additional surfaces.
x In the Question field, enter Select the additional surfaces.
x Set the Multiple parameter to Always.

x Click on EX 3 Milling Method 3D and add a new step.

x Select Functions > Picking elements.
x Rename the step to Selection finishing curve.
x In the Question field, enter Select limitation curve for finishing.
We have to select a curve to limit the finishing.
x For the Element type parameter, select Curve.
x Click on EX 3 Milling Method 3D, and then add a new step.

x Select 3D Module > Roughing.
x In the Tool field, select Manual Selection in the drop-down menu.

x In the Misc Geometry tab, in the Additional Surfaces field, select Result of Additional surfaces in the drop-
down menu.

x Select 3D Module > Finishing.

x In the Kind of machining field, choose Raster passes.

x Impose a manual selection to select the tool.
x In the Geometry section, set the Part and WCS parameters using the drop-down menu in order to have a part
and a WCS deducted from the previous operation.
x Click the Other parameters button and modify the scallop height to 0,01mm using the search bar.
x Open the Misc Geometry tab.

x In the Bounding curves field, select Result of Selection finishing curve in the drop-down menu.
x In the Additional Surfaces field, select Result of Additional surfaces in the drop-down menu.
Our machinings are ready. We are going to see the Dialog Box function and the condition "If".
x Confirm the method window.
x Save the method.
Adding steps (dialog box)

In this chapter we will see how to add a dialog box, use it and use a condition which is the "If" condition.
x Open the creation/modification window of our method again.
x Select Functions > Dialog Box.

For a dialog box, you can assign several sub-steps which will be included in the same dialog box.
x Click on Dialog Box, then click on to add a new step.
x Add a sub-step Check Box.
The sub-step is created in the dialog box that has been selected.
x Display the sub-step by clicking on it.

x Uncheck Default Value to obtain False.
x In the Question field, enter Check the box if you wish to do a roughing.
x Write C1 as the result name or prefix.
This is what we get:
x Create a second sub-step Multiple Choice by repeating the procedure seen before for Check Box.
x In the Kind of control field, click on Radio buttons.

x To indicate the choices, enter YES for the first choice, press Ctrl + Enter to move to the next line, then enter NO
for the second choice.
x In the Default Value field, select YES in the drop-down menu.
x In the Question field, enter Do you want a finishing?.
x Change the result name or prefix to CM1.

This is the result expected:
x Using the icons order the steps to get the following result.
Note: We must correctly place the steps in the method, in order to find the variables when creating conditions.
Creation of the "If" Condition

Now we will condition our machinings.
x Display the Additional surfaces step by clicking on it.
x In the Active field, select If… in the drop-down menu, then click on the button .
x Click the VB. NET Rules Definition menu at the bottom of the window.
x In the definition window, insert two brackets between If and Then, as shown below.

x Then after the two brackets, right-click and select Method > C1: Result of Check Box.
x Write after: = True) or (.

x Right-click and select Method > CM1: Result of Multiple Choice.
x Write after: = 0 )).

We have just specified that the Additional surfaces operation is active if the result of the check box is TRUE or if
the result of the multiple choice equals 0.
x Display the Selection finishing curve step by clicking on it.
x In the Active field, select the If… condition in the drop-down menu.
x Click on to the right of the field to open the condition editor.
x Go to the VB. NET Rules Definition menu.
x Click between If and Then, then right-click and select Method > CM1: Result of Multiple Choice.
x Write after: =0 .

We indicated that if the Selection finishing curve step is active, the result of the multiple choice has to be 0.
Here are the indirect results from the answers.
x Apply the same condition to the Finishing step.
x Next display the Roughing step, and then in the Active field apply the following condition.
We've just set a condition for the roughing step. When the result of the check box is True, the operation runs.
x Confirm the method window.

x Save the method.
Execution of the method

Now we will apply our method to a part.
x Open the machining document EX 3 Milling 3D in the folder EX 3 Milling 3D.
x In the Operation tab, to execute the EX 3 Milling Method 3D method.

x Click on to execute the method.
The first dialog box opens and contains Check Box and Multiple Choice.
x Enable Check the box if you wish to do a roughing, and then confirm.
x The first step Additional surfaces appears. Select the blue colored faces as below.
x The second step Selection finishing curve opens. Select the profile shown in blue below.

x The third step Roughing opens. TopSolid asks us to choose the tool.
x In Tool Choice, create a tool, for example a Ø 20mm side mill.

TopSolid takes a few moments and performs the roughing automatically.
x The fourth step Finishing opens. TopSolid asks us to choose the tool.
x In Tool Choice, create a tool, for example a Ø 8mm ball nose mill.
TopSolid takes a few moments and performs the finishing automatically.

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Tutorial

© 2016, Missler Software.

This information is subject to change without warning.

TopSolid® is a registered trademark of Missler Software.

TopSolid® is a product name of Missler Software.

Version 7.10 Rev.01

Step 3 – Groove roughing........................................................................................................................................76

Creation of tools ............................................................................................................................................ 87

Definition of cutting conditions .................................................................................................................... 120

Creation of shop floor documents ................................................................................................................ 133

Creation of drilling methods ........................................................................................................................ 194

Creation of milling and turning methods ....................................................................................................... 232

Creation of a machining part

Working with the PDM

x Left-click the TopSolid 7 menu icon .

The following window is displayed.

By default, the last created folder will be named Folder.

Note: To rename a file, a document or a folder, press the F2 key or slowly

x Click to confirm the import.

Step 1 – Quick machining

The following window is displayed.

x Click to confirm the dialog box.

x Save and close all open documents.

Step 2 – Inserting a part in a blank machining

x In the Support folder, create a new folder named Step 2.

x Click to confirm the dialog box.

x Confirm the positioning by clicking on .

The part is now positioned in the center of the table.

x Save and close all open documents.

You can now start machining the part.

Step 3 – Quick machining with setup

x Right-click on this folder and select Document.

x Rename the machining setup to Support 3 Setting.

x To edit the machining setup, right-click in the

You must now define the part and its stock.

x Click the Finishes, stocks and environment icon

x Save the document.

x Save and close all open documents.

You can now start machining the part.

We now have a blank machining document where we will input a part.

x Select the MIKRON HSM 600U 5-axis machine and click .

x Save and close all open documents.

You can now start machining the part.

Step 5 – Assembled part and stock, setup, then machining

We will first import the assembly in ParaSolid format.

x Click to confirm the import.

x Change the name of the assembly document to Support.

x Click the Finishes, stocks and environment icon.

In the window that appears:

You can now start machining the part.

Step 6 – Modifying a stock

These two methods will be used in this tutorial.

Step 1 – Machining the upper section of the part

x Create a new project named 2D Machining using a blank template.

x Click to confirm the tool.

This facing's settings remain to be specified.

x To do this, click the Settings icon.

- Sweeping strategy: Choose Zigzag cycle

- Manual update: The graphics area is currently updated.

x Click to confirm the machining operation.

Simulate the operation

x Save the document.

Step 2 – Machining the left section of the part

x As before, right-click on the face to machine (shown in blue above).

TopSolid'Cam Tutorial 7

TopSolid'Cam Tutorial 7