Table Of Contents

Table Of Contents

1 - Introduction 3
1.1 - Training Guide Objectives ......................................................................................... 3
1.2 - Starting the Application .............................................................................................. 4
1.3 - WorkNC Launcher ..................................................................................................... 4

2 - Workzones 7

3 - Basic Functions 24
3.1 - Viewing Area ............................................................................................................ 24
3.2 - Importing an Image in the CAM Mode ..................................................................... 26
3.3 - Print/Plot Functions .................................................................................................. 28
3.4 - Making Screenshots ................................................................................................ 28
3.5 - Measurements ......................................................................................................... 29
3.6 - Part Analysis ............................................................................................................ 31

4 - Preparation Mode 37

5 - Creating Toolpaths 46

6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths 48

6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough ............................................................................................ 48
6.1.1 - Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Standard Parameters ......... 49
6.1.2 - Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Specific Parameters ........... 60
6.1.3 - Initializing the Stock Model and Calculating the Roughing Toolpath ................. 66
6.1.4 - Displaying Toolpaths .......................................................................................... 70
6.1.5 - Toolpath Status Icons......................................................................................... 72
6.1.6 - Opening the Toolpath Parameters Menu of a Toolpath ..................................... 74
6.1.7 - Updating the Stock Model .................................................................................. 74
6.1.8 - Defining an Initial Lateral Step on the Global Roughing Toolpath ..................... 76
6.1.9 - Defining a Lead-in Distance for the Global/Rough/Rerough Toolpath ............... 78
6.1.10 - Defining a Local Stock for the Global Roughing Toolpath ............................... 79
6.2 - Reroughing .............................................................................................................. 89
6.3 - Flat Surface Rough/Rerough ................................................................................... 90
6.4 - Waveform Roughing ................................................................................................ 93

7 - Stock Simulation 117

8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths 120

8.1 - Flat Surface Finishing ............................................................................................ 120
8.2 - Z-Level Finishing .................................................................................................... 122

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Table Of Contents

8.3 - Planar Finishing ..................................................................................................... 133

8.4 - Parallel Finishing .................................................................................................... 139
8.5 - Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization ...................................................... 146

9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 149

9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing .................................................................................. 149
9.2 - Optimized Planar Finishing .................................................................................... 157

10 - Displaying the Rest Material Preview 160

11 - Contouring Toolpaths 163

11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) .............................................................................. 163
11.2 - Parallel Pencil Trace ............................................................................................ 167

12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 168

12.1 - Planar Remachining............................................................................................. 168
12.2 - Z-Level Remachining ........................................................................................... 171
12.3 - Contour Remachining .......................................................................................... 173

13 - Editing Toolpaths 177

14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length 190

15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths 194

16 - Workzone Management 200

16.1 - Management Functions ....................................................................................... 200
16.2 - Generating HTML Documentation ....................................................................... 210

17 - CAM Entities 213

17.1 - Axis Systems ....................................................................................................... 213
17.2 - Views ................................................................................................................... 220
17.3 - Curves .................................................................................................................. 231
17.4 - Points ................................................................................................................... 237
17.5 - Creating a Simulation Stock Model ...................................................................... 244
17.6 - Merging CAM Entities .......................................................................................... 247
17.7 - Selecting Dependent Toolpaths ........................................................................... 248

18 - Machining Parameters 250

18.1 - Machining Zone ................................................................................................... 250
18.2 - Multiple Toolpath Parameter Editing .................................................................... 272

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1 - Introduction 1.1 - Training Guide Objectives

1 - Introduction

1.1 - Training Guide Objectives

This manual presents the basic key concepts concerning WorkNC features. The main goal of this manual is to provide
users with the tools (knowledge and concepts) that may be applied to specific problems that they may encounter when
working with WorkNC for the first time.

At the end of the training session, you should be able to:

▪ Open a CAD file

▪ Create a workzone

▪ Manipulate a part in the Viewing Area

▪ Create CAM entities such as points, views, surface lists, etc.

▪ Program basic 3-axis toolpaths using standard and some specific parameters

▪ Calculate and display toolpaths

▪ Edit toolpaths

▪ Calculate the Recommended Safe Tool Length

▪ Postprocess toolpaths using basic settings

▪ Generate HTML documentation for the workzone

▪ Define workzone information and configure the directories for the workzone files

▪ Clone a workzone and make a symmetrical copy of this workzone

▪ Organize toolpaths in the Workzone Manager

Parts and Workzones Used in this Training Guide

Parts Workzones
Pump_body.igs Pumpe

Plate_cover.xdw Pump_body

Plate_wing.xdw 5x_machining

Multi-sided_part.xdw Flats_walls_machining

[Link] Z-level_overlap

[Link] Z-level

Contour_remachining

Plate_cover_contour

This training manual is a basic instruction guide for WorkNC, but it is not a comprehensive manual. For more help you can
go to our Online Help or read our other training manuals.

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1 - Introduction 1.2 - Starting the Application

1.2 - Starting the Application

To start working with the application, you just need to double click the icon on your computer desktop.

The New/Open dialog box is automatically displayed:

New/Open Dialog Box

This dialog box shows the CAD and CAM icons which will allow you to open/create any workzone or CAD file.

1.3 - WorkNC Launcher

The WorkNC Launcher allows you to access your projects (CAD Files, workzones), your applications (the WorkNC
applications or others) and the WorkNC Twitter Feed.

Starting the Launcher

Depending on your installation, you may have the icon on your desktop or on the Windows task bar.

• Click on the icon in the task bar.

Or double click on the icon on your desktop

In both cases, the following dialog box is displayed:

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1 - Introduction 1.3 - WorkNC Launcher

Launcher

Navigating through the Launcher

The contents of the Launcher may exceed the width of the dialog box. Use one the following methods to access the hidden
content:

• Click on the circle buttons at the bottom of the interface.

There may be 2 or more buttons which allows you to navigate towards the right side or the left of the user interface.
The active button is white.

• Drag your cursor towards the right edge to scroll the contents to the left.
Drag your cursor to the left edge to scroll the contents back to their original position.

Using the Launcher

The interface of the Launcher is divided into columns which contains various tiles.

The first column allows you to access WorkNC:

• Click on the WorkNC tile to open the corresponding application on the New/Open dialog box.

The second column allows you to access WorkNC CAD:

• Click on the New Drawing tile to create a new CAD file.

• Click on the Open Drawing tile to open an existing CAD file.

• Click on one of the other tiles in this column (if any) to open a recently used CAD file.

The third column allows you to access the WorkNC Projects:

• Click on the Open Workzone tile to open an existing workzone.

• Click on one of the other tiles in this column (if any) to open a recently used workzone.

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1 - Introduction 1.3 - WorkNC Launcher

The pins in the top right-hand corner of each tile allow you to define favorite CAD files and Workzones:

• Click on the pin to make the corresponding CAD file/workzone a favorite and place it at the top of the list (the pin is
then displayed vertically).

• Click again on the pin to undo this action (the pin is then displayed horizontally).

The fourth column allows you to access the Applications which are related to WorkNC.

• Click on one of the other tiles in this column to access the corresponding application.

The fifth column allows to access the NC Editor.

• Click on the NC Editor tile to open the NC file editor.

The sixth column allows to access other applications through the Custom Area:

• Drag and drop an application icon or a folder onto this area.

The corresponding icon becomes a tile which allows to directly access the application/folder.

Application and Folder Tiles in Custom Area

The seventh column allows you access the latest news related to the application from the Twitter Feed.

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

2 - Workzones
A workzone is the directory or folder created by the application to store the surface database and toolpath files for each set
of surfaces.

You can create workzones from the New/Open dialog box. They represent a “working” environment where you can
visualize, orientate and analyze parts. You can also define machining strategies by creating toolpaths and create points,
curves and views that might be helpful for some toolpaths.

There are 2 ways of creating a workzone:

• You can use the New Workzone function to create a workzone directly in the CAM mode by selecting an existing CAD
file (WNC, IGS, STL, etc.).

• You can create/open a CAD file (XDW, IGS, DXF, etc.), modify it and create a workzone from the CAD mode.

2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

This option allows you to create a workzone from an existing CAD file.

CAD File Edition

It does not allow you to modify your CAD file.

On the left side of the New/Open dialog box, 2 CAM functions allow you to create a new workzone or open an existing one.

1. Click on the New Workzone button.

The Create a Workzone dialog box is displayed:

Create a Workzone Dialog Box

2. Click on the icon next to the Workzone Name field.

This allows you to define a directory where your workzone will be saved.

The Select a Workzone dialog box is displayed:

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

Select a Workzone Dialog Box

The left side of the dialog box contains the default Windows shortcuts to browse your local disk. At the top of this shortcut
list, you can find WorkNC shortcuts.
Clicking on the WorkNC entry allows you to display the root directory of the application in the center part of the dialog box.
The sub-entries allow to you access the Workzones, Sequences, Surfaces and Postprocessor Output directories.

1. Click on the Workzones entry on the left side of the dialog box.

This allows you to display the directory where your workzones are saved.

Workzone Location

The directory displayed by default is disk C. If you are equipped with a second hard disk, we recommend
you to store the workzone on the disk that is dedicated to personal data storage.

2. Select the disk you want to define for your workzone for example disk D.

3. Click on the New Folder button to create the directory where you want to stock your workzone (e.g. Workzones).

4. Click on the Open button.

5. Enter the name of you workzone in the File Name field.

For our example, enter Training_test.

6. Click on the Select a Workzone button.

Workzone Directory and Name

Remember that no spaces should be used in the workzone directory or name.

CAD File Selection

1. Click on the Add button to select your CAD file.

The Open dialog box is displayed.

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

Open Dialog Box

The left side of the dialog box contains the default Windows shortcuts to browse your local disk. At the top of this shortcut
list, you can find WorkNC shortcuts.

2. Click on the Surfaces entry on the left side of the dialog box.

This allows you to display the Surface directory of the application.

3. Open the XDW directory, then open the Training directory.

4. Select the CAD file that you want to open.

For our example, select the pump_body.igs CAD file.

Note that you can filter the CAD file types by using the drop-down list in the bottom right-hand corner of the dialog box.

Open Dialog Box: CAD File Selected

5. Click on the Open button.

6. If necessary, define the Offset Allowance by right clicking on the value of the Offset… field and entering your own
value.
An Offset Allowance is an additional machining allowance applied to the surfaces activated from your CAD system.
For our example, keep the default value.

7. Make sure that the appropriate Machining Type option is activated (Surface in our example). If not, click on the option
to select it.

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

Activation Parameters for Roughing Toolpath

In order to reduce the calculation times for the roughing toolpaths, you can define specific parameters for the MESH model
used by these toolpaths:

• Scale factor for roughing toolpaths.

• Activation tolerances for roughing toolpaths (tesselation).

Scale Factor

The scale factor increases or decreases the size of the part before the tesselation.

Usually on a big part, the scale factor is less than 1 (0.5, 0.3, etc.). On a small part, the scale factor is more than 1 (2, 3 ...
20).

If you define 0.5, that means the calculation is done 2 times smaller.

Using this functionality, it is possible to improve the calculation time on big parts and improve the quality on small parts.

Activation Tolerance

The Tolerance parameter defines the maximum allowed error resulting from intersection calculations, also known as
Chordal Deviation.

Chordal Deviation

For roughing/semi-finishing toolpaths, the Stock Allowance should have at least the same value as the Tolerance
parameter to prevent the cutter from undercutting the surface. The Tolerance value has a direct influence on the number of
points in the calculation file.

Using the Activation Parameters

For our training session, we will not use the roughing activation parameters, but if you need to use them, proceed as
follows:

1. Activate the Roughing Activation Parameters option.

2. If necessary, deactivate the Default options next to the Scaling Factor and Tolerance fields of the Roughing Activation
Parameters.
This allows you to define your own values.

3. Enter the Scaling Factor and Tolerance values in the corresponding fields in the Roughing Activation Parameters.

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

Patch Size

"Defining the Patch Size (Minimum Triangle Size)" on page 22

Workzone Information and Configuration

1. If necessary, modify the Global Stock, which allows you to define a global stock allowance over the whole of the part
geometry.

3. If necessary, enter your name in the NC Programmer field of the Workzone Information section. You can also fill in the
Comment field.

5-Axis Activation

The Use a 5-Axis License option is activated by default. This option allows you to machine the
corresponding workzone in 5 axis according to your license codes.

4. For our training session, deactivate the workzone for 5-axis toolpaths.

Machining Context

You can click in the Use a Favorite Machining Context when creating Workzone drop-down list and select
a favorite Machining Context, if any. Refer to the Machining Context training guide or press the [F1] key to
use the Online Help.

5. Make sure that the Load the Workzone After Creation option is activated. If not, check the corresponding box to
activate this option.

6. Activate the Automatic Surface Orientation Calculation option.

This option allows you to automatically orient surfaces towards the outside of the part. Orienting surfaces is very important
for 5-axis toolpaths and view creation.

Create a Workzone: Parameters Defined

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2 - Workzones 2.1 - Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode

7. Click on the Create Workzone button.

Once the calculations are completed, the part selected is displayed with the Surface Orientation Tool.

Surface Orientation Tool

8. Click OK in the dialog box to validate the surface orientation.

The part is now displayed in the CAM mode.

2.1.1 - User Interface in the CAM Mode

The CAM mode user interface is composed of two main areas: the Workzone Manager and the Viewing Area.

Workzone Manager

The Workzone Manager is displayed on the left side of the user interface. You can open

it and close it by clicking on the icon in the toolbar.

In the workzone you have just opened, the CAM mode is automatically activated and the
geometry to machine appears in the Part Geometry section.

The Part Geometry section also allows you to manage the Stock Model, Rest Material
and CAM Axis entities.

If you click on the CAM Entities section, you can see that this section allows you to create
entities such as Surface Lists, Curves, Points, etc…

In the last section, the Toolpaths section, you are able to create and edit toolpaths.

Viewing Area (CAM mode)

When opening a workzone, your part is displayed in the Viewing Area. From this area you will be able to perform such
operations as viewing the geometry, displaying and simulating toolpaths, analyzing the model, editing the toolpath, etc. The
numerous icons and toolbars available in each mode will allow you to do so.

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2 - Workzones 2.2 - Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode

CAM Overview: Toolbar Descriptions

1 Switch between the CAD, Preparation and 2 Create curves, points sets, views
CAM modes

3 Stock Model, holder parameters and Rest 4 Toolpath display, simulation, edition,
Material Model dimension, picture documentation

5 Toolpath creation, toolpath calculation and 6 Detailed display of toolpaths: rapids,

postprocessing apporaches, points, normals, etc.

7 Display of the machine, tool and tool holder 8 Display of the part and Rest Material

9 Show/Hide entities 10 Part orientation, zoom and display

• Close the workzone by clicking on the icon.

2.2 - Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode

You can view and/or modify your part in the CAD environment before creating a workzone and then working on it.

You can create your workzone from a new or from an existing CAD file.

On the left side of the New/Open dialog box, select the CAD function corresponding to your requirements:

Creating a New CAD File

You can create a new CAD File by clicking on the New CAD File button.

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2 - Workzones 2.2 - Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode

The description for this function is not given in this section since it deals with CAD training. This guide focuses on the CAM
training only.

Opening a CAD File

1. In the New/Open dialog box, click on the Open CAD File button.

The Open dialog box is displayed.

Open Dialog Box

The left side of the dialog box contains the default Windows shortcuts to browse your local disk. At the top of this shortcut
list, you can find WorkNC shortcuts.
Clicking on the WorkNC entry allows you to display the root directory of the application in the center part of the dialog box.

2. Click on the Surfaces entry on the left side of the dialog box.

This allows you to display the Surface directory of the application.

3. Open the XDW directory, then open the Training directory.

4. Select the CAD file that you want to open.

For our example, select the plate_cover.xdw CAD file.

Note that you can filter the CAD file types by using the drop-down list in the bottom right-hand corner of the dialog box. A
preview of the selected file is displayed on the right side of the dialog box.

Activating the Use as default path option retains the pathname for locating files when the Open CAD File command is
relaunched at a later time.

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2 - Workzones 2.2 - Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode

Open Dialog Box: File Selection

5. Click on the Open button.

Your CAD file is displayed in the CAD mode of the user interface.

CAD Mode Overview

CAD Mode Overview: Toolbar Descriptions

1 CAD Function Toolbar 2 User Input Dialog Box

3 Object Snap Menu 4 Axis Rotation

5 Show/Hide Entities

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2 - Workzones 2.2 - Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode

Creating the Workzone

1. Click on WorkNC in the text menu bar and select Create Workzone or click on the icon.

CAD Mode: Create Workzone

The Create a Workzone dialog box is displayed:

Create a Workzone Dialog Box: from CAD File

2. Click on the New Selection button.

Now, you have to select the surfaces you want to include in the workzone.

Surface Selection

For your selection, you can click each surface, draw a rectangle selection or press the [Ctrl] + [A] keys
on your keyboard to select all part surfaces. This option will be the option that is used in this training
exercise.

3. Press the [Ctrl] + [A] keys to select all the surfaces.

The selected surfaces appear in purple in the Viewing Area.

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2 - Workzones 2.3 - Defining Default Directories for Workzones and
CAD Files

CAD Mode: Surfaces Selected for Workzone Creation

4. Click on the icon in the top right-hand corner of the Viewing Area to validate your selection.

Surface Selection: Validate or Cancel

You can also validate your selection by right clicking on the Viewing Area. You can cancel your
selection by clicking on the icon.

The Create a Workzone dialog box is displayed again and you can see that your CAD file has been added to the
Geometries tab.

5. Define a name for your workzone.

6. Make sure that the Load the Workzone After Creation option is activated.

7. Deactivate the workzone for 5-axis toolpaths and activate the Automatic Surface Orientation Calculation option.

Note that you have the possibility to include all CAD entities from all layers and make them available in the Preparation
mode (Include Unselected Entities option). Do not activate this option for our training session.

8. Click on the Create Workzone button.

9. Once the calculations are completed, validate the surface orientation.

Your workzone is displayed in the CAM mode.

2.3 - Defining Default Directories for Workzones and CAD Files

Workzone Default Directory

This directory is defined in the WorkNC Setup dialog box.

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2 - Workzones 2.3 - Defining Default Directories for Workzones and
CAD Files

1. Click on the Windows Start button.

2. Click on All Programs.

3. Click on the WorkNC folder.

4. Click on the Utilities folder.

5. Click on WNCConfig.
The WorkNC Setup dialog box is displayed. The
Environment tab allows you to define the default
directory for workzones.

6. Define the default workzone directory in the Workzone

Root Directory field.

7. Click on the Apply button.

8. Click on the Exit button.

Note that you need to restart the application to apply the

changes.

CAD Files Default Directories

The default directories for the different types of CAD files are defined in the Parameters dialog box. You can access this
dialog box once the application is opened.

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries in the text menu bar and select Software Configuration.

Settings/Enquiries Menu

The Parameters dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on the arrow next to Graphic User Interface Configuration on the left side of the dialog box.

3. Click on Default Paths.

The various default paths for each type of CAD file are displayed on the right side of the dialog box.

4. Use the icons to modify these paths.

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2 - Workzones 2.3 - Defining Default Directories for Workzones and
CAD Files

Parameters Dialog Box: Setting Default Directories for CAD Files

It is also possible to define the default pathname and default file type in the Software Configuration dialog box.

5. Click the Apply button.

6. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

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2 - Workzones 2.4 - Opening/Closing Workzones and CAD Files

2.4 - Opening/Closing Workzones and CAD Files

Opening a Workzone

In the New/Open dialog box, if no workzone is displayed in the Recent Workzones tab, or if you want to open a workzone
that does not appear under this tab, you have the possibility to search for a particular workzone. To do so, proceed as
follows:

1. Click on the Open Workzone button in the New/Open dialog box.

The Select a Workzone dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on the Workzones entry on the left side of the dialog box.

3. Select the workzone that you want to open.

A preview of the geometry contained in the workzone is displayed on the right side of the dialog box. You can also see
information about the version used to create this workzone, the NC programmer name, etc.

Selected Workzone and Preview

4. Click on the Select a Workzone button.

Recent Workzone/CAD Files Tabs

Once workzones/CAD files have been opened in the application, they will be displayed in the Recent Workzones or Recent
CAD Files tabs the next time you start the application.

Recent Workzones Tab

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2 - Workzones 2.4 - Opening/Closing Workzones and CAD Files

You can open workzones/CAD files directly from these tabs:

1. Click on the workzone/CAD file image to select it.

2. Click on the Load button.

Double Click

You can also open workzones/CAD files by double clicking on them in the Recent Workzones/CAD Files
tabs.

Opening Workzones and CAD Files by Drag & Drop

You can open workzones or CAD files by dragging them from a Windows explorer and dropping them onto the user
interface of the application.

1. Once you have started the application, click on the Cancel button in the New/Open dialog box to hide it.

2. Open a Windows explorer and browse your workzone/CAD file directory.

3. Drag and drop your CAD file/workzone onto the gray area of the user interface.

Drag and Drop a CAD File Drag and Drop a Workzone

The CAD file/Workzone is automatically opened in the CAD or CAM mode of the application.

New/Open Dialog Box

To display the New/Open dialog box again, click on the icon in the top left-hand corner of the
user interface.

Closing a Workzone/CAD File

You can close a workzone/CAD file in 2 different ways:

1. Click on the icon in the top left-hand corner of the user interface.

2. Click on File in the text menu bar and select Close.

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2 - Workzones 2.5 - Defining the Workzone Material

File Menu (CAM Mode): Close

2.5 - Defining the Workzone Material

When creating a workzone, a drop-down list allows you to select the material for the part.

This material allows you to filter the ToolStore with the tooling data that correspond to the selected material.

Workzone Materials

The materials are named according to the EN 10027/AFNOR standard.

2.6 - Defining the Patch Size (Minimum Triangle Size)

Toolpaths are calculated on a tessellated mesh model generated from the part geometry CAD model according to a
Tolerance value (See "Activation Parameters for Roughing Toolpaths" on page 1)

If some part geometry surfaces have very high radius curvatures, this can generate very large triangles (along the direction
of the curvature) after the tessellation process.

If these triangles are used as the reference for toolpath calculations, some part surfaces may be facetted after finish
machining.

By default, without user intervention, this value is set to 3 mm in the direction of the curvature.

1. Create a new workzone.

2. Activate the Patch Size option.

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2 - Workzones 2.6 - Defining the Patch Size (Minimum Triangle Size)

3. If necessary, deactivate the Default option next to the Patch Size field.
This allows you to define your own values.

4. Enter the Patch Size value in the corresponding field.

5. Click on the Create a workzone button.

Patch Size

No Patch Size option (1 = Chordal Deviation, 2 = Original Surface

With Patch Size option (default value)

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3 - Basic Functions 3.1 - Viewing Area

3 - Basic Functions

3.1 - Viewing Area

The Viewing Area contains icons for part orientation, rendering options, view management, etc.

Predefined Orientations

• Click on the various icons or use the keyboard shortcuts (if any) given in the table below:

View Icon Shortcut

Right [Ctrl] + [R]

Left [Ctrl] + [L]

Back

Front [Ctrl] + [F]

Top [Ctrl] + [T]

Bottom [Ctrl] + [B]

ISO [Ctrl] + [I]

• Right click on these icons to define the same views, without changing the zoom factor

• Click on the icon to go back to the previous view.

• Right click on the icon to go back to recall the last view.

Mouse Position Coordinates

• Click on the icon to show/hide the mouse position coordinates.

Showing Mouse Position Coordinates

Burger Menu Icon

1. Click on the icon to display the following menu:

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3 - Basic Functions 3.1 - Viewing Area

Burger Menu

2. Select one of the following options:

Single View This option allows you to switch back to a single Viewing Area.

2 Horizontal Views This option allows you to divide the Viewing Area into 2 horizontal view windows.

2 Vertical Views This option allows you to divide the Viewing Area into 2 vertical view windows.

4 Views This option allows you to divide the Viewing Area into 4 view windows.

Window This option allows you to zoom in on a part of your drawing by defining a square window in
the selected view around the part.

All Views This option allows you to zoom all views in or out at the same time in order to display the
whole drawing or geometry within the current view windows.

Screenshot This option allows you to launch the Screenshot function.

Preview/Print This option allows you to launch the Print/Preview function.

Lock Active Window This option allows you to lock the Viewing Area icons on a specific view window.
By default, when the Viewing Area is divided into several view windows, the Viewing Area
icons are displayed on the view over which your cursor is positioned. They move
dynamically from one view to the other, following your cursor movement.
Activate the Lock Active Window option on a given view so that the icons remain on this
given view, unless you click on another view.

Shading Configuration This option allows you to open the Configuration dialog box for OpenGL Parameters.

Parameters This option allows you to open the Display Settings section of the Parameters dialog box.

Cancel This option allows you to close the burger menu.

Model Display Modes

• Click on the various icons to define how the model is displayed in the active view:

Switches the display of the part in the active window into wireframe representation.

Switches the display of the part in the active window into wireframe representation but without showing the U
and V ISO parameter lines of the surfaces and without the corresponding colors. Hidden lines are not visible.

Switches the display of the part in the active window into shaded representation without surface boundaries.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.2 - Importing an Image in the CAM Mode

Switches the display of the part in the active window into shaded representation with surface boundaries.

• Right click on these icons to show the model tesselation in the corresponding display mode (left click to hide the
tesselation).

3.2 - Importing an Image in the CAM Mode

You have the possibility to import an image in the CAM mode. You can import an image that has been taken at a given
stage of the machining process to identify the areas that may need reworking.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pumpe workzone.

1. Show a top view of the part in the Viewing Area.

2. Click on CAM Entities in the text menu bar and select Import an Image in the Import an Image menu.

Import an Image in the Utilities Menu

The following dialog box is displayed:

Import Image into Viewing Area Dialog Box

3. Click on the Load button and select the image to be imported.

For our example, select the [Link] file and validate.

4. Use the coordinate fields of the dialog box to position and resize the image.
Or position and resize the image dynamically in the Viewing Area by dragging and dropping the squares at the center
and at each corner of the image.

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Moving the Image to the Left

Image Proportions

Deactivate the Keep Image Ratio when resizing option if you do not want to resize the image
proportionally in all directions.

If necessary, use the Rotation functions to rotate the image.

Undo

You can undo all resizing and rotation operations by clicking on the Reset Dimensions/Orientation
button.

5. Click on the Import and Close button once you have finished resizing and positioning the image.

For example, you can use the imported image as reference to create curves on the areas where material has to be
removed or added.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.3 - Print/Plot Functions

3.3 - Print/Plot Functions

The Print/Plot commands allow you to print out elements of the
Viewing Area. You can use these functions to share information with
co-workers, for example to highlight particular elements on a part
such as undercut areas, draft angles, measurements, etc.

You can access these functions from the File menu in the CAD, CAM
and Preparation modes.

The Print/Plot submenu contains four options:

• All: allows you to print all the objects of the drawing/part

according to the orientation of a user-selected view.

• Window: allows you to define a rectangular window and print

all objects within that window.

• View: prints the selected view as it appears in the Viewing

Area.

• Printer Line/Width Setup: allows you to define the line width

and color for output to a printer/plotter.

3.4 - Making Screenshots

The Screenshot function allows you to make screenshots of the part as displayed in the active view.

There are 3 ways to access this function (in the CAD, CAM and Preparation modes) :

1. Click on the icon in the toolbar at the top of the user interface.

2. Click on File in the menu bar and select Screenshot.

3. Use the keyboard shortcut: [Shift]+[Pause].

To illustrate this function, we are going to use the workzone of the

previous section.

Let’s suppose that you want to make a screenshot of the right view
of the part:

1. Orientate the part as required.

2. Activate the Screenshot function.

3. Select the required Screenshot Format. For our example, keep

the PNG default format.

4. Activate the High Resolution option to ensure the high quality

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 3 - Basic Functions 3.5 - Measurements

of the screenshot.

5. You can activate the Force Text Filling and Force Dimension
Filling options if you have texts/dimensions which have no
filling color.

6. In the Background section, select whether you wish to save the

image with a White background or with the background
currently displayed in the Viewing Area (Default).

7. Click OK to validate.

8. Select the directory where you want to save your file (for
example Desktop) and give a name to the screenshot.

9. Click on the Save button.

10. Double click on the file on your desktop to obtain the

screenshot as in the opposite picture.

3.5 - Measurements
You can make different measurements directly on the part in the Viewing Area. You can obtain the coordinates of a clicked
point, the length of a line or some radius information.

There are 2 ways to access the measuring function:

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries in the text menu bar and select CAM Information in the Enquiries menu.

2. Click on the icon in the toolbar located at the bottom of the user interface.

In all cases, you obtain the following dialog box:

CAM Measurement Tool

OSnap Utility

1. Click on the icon in the toolbar located at the bottom of the user interface.

The OSnap utility is displayed.

This utility allows you to select how you would snap to the geometry. For practical reasons, you can click
on the Multiple button: this will activate the most useful OSnap objects. You can also click on the Off
button to deactivate all the options of the utility.

Once you have activated an option in this utility, you only have to move the mouse cursor over the
geometry. The objects to which you can snap will be automatically displayed.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.5 - Measurements

Now let’s see how to make these different measurements.

Obtaining the Coordinates of a Point

1. Make sure that the Point option is activated.

2. Click a point on the part in the Viewing Area.

You can use the OSnap utility to help you selecting

the point.

Measuring the Length of a Line

1. In the CAM Measurement Tool, activate the

Line option.

2. Click on both line ends in the Viewing Area.

The coordinates of the end points, the middle

point as well as the length of the line are
displayed on the part.

Measuring a Radius

1. In the CAM Measurement Tool,

activate the Radius option.

2. Click on 3 points of a circle in the

Viewing Area.

The coordinates of the three points, the

center point of the circle as well as the
circle radius are displayed on the part.

• Click on the Keep Measures button before clicking another point if you want to keep the coordinates displayed.

• Click on the Clear Measures button to remove all the coordinates.

• Click on the Add Point button to add the point to the Points section of the Workzone Manager.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.6 - Part Analysis

Add Point to the Workzone Manager

3.6 - Part Analysis

You can use the Analysis functions to analyze CAD parts. This function is available in the CAM, CAD and Preparation
modes.

To illustrate this, we are going to use a workzone created from the plate_wing.xdw CAD file.

• Click on the icon in the toolbar at the top of the user interface.

The Analysis tab is displayed in the Workzone Manager

This tab contains sections headers which allow you to access the different Analysis functions. Once you have finished
analyzing your CAD model, you can exit the function by clicking on the Close button.

3.6.1 - Dynamic Sectioning

This function displays the part cut into two sections, one section of the part is shaded, the other one transparent. The two
sections are separated by a curve according to the section plane.

1. Click on Sections in the Analysis tab to activate the function.

2. Select the section plane in the Cutting Plane drop-down list.

Note you can also press the [F10] key to switch between section planes.

3. Move the section curve by using the cursor below the Cutting Plane drop-down list or by using the mouse wheel
button.

Dynamic Section: Cutting Plane and Cursor

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3 - Basic Functions 3.6 - Part Analysis

Switch Side Keyboard Shortcut

Press the [End] key to invert the transparent side and the shaded side or click the Switch Side button.

You can also adjust the size and color of the section curve, or adjust the transparency of the hidden part.

You can also deactivate the border display by deactivating the Show Border option at the bottom of the Analysis tab.

You can also create a curve where the section is positioned by using the Create Curves button.

3.6.2 - Analyzing Curvature

The Curvature Radius function displays the part with different colors according to the curvature radius of the surfaces. This
allows you to rapidly determine the required minimum cutter diameter to machine the part.

• Click on Curvatures in the Analysis tab to activate the function.

When this function is activated, the application automatically calculates the maximum and minimum radius of the part.
They are displayed in the Max. Found and Min. Found fields in the Analysis tab. If there are radii exceeding a certain limit,
e.g. on flat surfaces, the Max. Found and Min. found displays the limit value.

Defining the Radii Range

• Enter the desired value in the Greater and Smaller fields and then press [Enter].
Or drag the cursor in the bar located near the green field until you reach the value that you want.

• Click on button between the cursor bars to link the displacement of the two cursors to the same value. It will
appear as .

• Click on the Compute button.

Note that you can also activate the Auto Compute option to obtain results automatically.

The application will show in blue all curvatures appreciably larger than 10 and in red all curvatures appreciably less than
0.001. Everything else will be color coded with green, yellow and cyan. The following picture shows an example of
curvature analysis.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.6 - Part Analysis

Curvature Analysis

Activating the Highlight =/-0.125 option allows you to have the upper and lower limit in blue and just the curvature in green.

Activating the Show Concaves option allows you to only show inside concave fillets and not convex ones.

3.6.3 - Analyzing Altitudes

The Altitude function shows the part using different colors according to Z-levels of the part.

• Click on the Altitude in the Analysis tab to activate the function.

When this function is activated, the application automatically calculates the total Height and the Middle position between
the Max. Found and Min. Found of the part. An average value is proposed as default in the Z Min and Z Max fields.

This can be particularly helpful when determining depths.

Defining the Altitude Range

• To define the Altitude range to be displayed, enter the desired value in the Z Max and Z Min input fields then press
[Enter].
Or drag the cursor in the bar located near the Z-level fields until you reach the value that you want.

• Click on icon between the cursor bars to link the displacement of the two cursors to the same value. It will
appear as .

• Click on the Compute button.

Note that you can also activate the Auto Compute option to obtain results automatically.

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Altitude Analysis

Altitude display in the Viewing Area is separated into 3 colors:

▪ Altitudes below the defined Z-Level range are displayed in red.

▪ Altitudes equal (+/- a tolerance) to the defined Z-level range are displayed in green.

▪ Altitudes greater than the defined Z-Level range are displayed in blue.

Activating the Enable Gradient option allows you to obtain a progressive color scale from red to blue.

You can click anywhere on the part in order to obtain Z-Level information about this specific point. A small information box
will pop up:

Part Analysis - Altitude Information Box

3.6.4 - Analyzing Draft Angles

This function shows the part with different colors according to the draft of the surfaces which is calculated with respect to
the Z axis. This will allow you to rapidly determine which parts of the workpiece may present demolding problems.

• Click on the Draft Angles in the Analysis tab to activate the function.

When this function is activated, the application automatically calculates the maximum and minimum draft angles of the
part which are displayed in the Max. Found and Min. Found fields.

Defining the Draft Angle Range

• Enter the desired value in the Min. Found and Max. Found fields then press [Enter].
Or drag the cursors in the bars located next to these fields until you reach the desired value.

• Click on the Compute button.

Note that you can also activate the Auto Compute option to obtain results automatically.

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Draft Angle Analysis

The part will be color coded based on draft angles. Draft of 0 or less will be red, draft larger than 1 will be blue and every
other part will be in shades of yellow, green and cyan. This can also be particularly helpful in analyzing the part for mold
design consideration.

Activating the Enable Gradient option allows you to obtain a progressive color scale from red to blue.

Activating the Show Undercuts optuion allows you to display the undercut areas in dark orange (see above image). In this
case the Enable Gradient option is disabled.

You can click anywhere on the part in order to obtain Draft Angle information about this specific point. A small information
box will pop up:

Part Analysis - Draft Angle Information Box

Showing only Flat Areas

If you activate the Show only flat Areas option, all other options are disabled and the part is displayed according to the
different types of surfaces:

▪ Vertical surfaces are displayed in red.

▪ Horizontal surfaces are displayed in blue.

▪ All the other surfaces are displayed in green.

3.6.5 - Analyzing Borders

This function allows you to quickly review all borders of the part and see whether they are sharp or smooth.

• Click on Borders in the Analysis tab to activate the function.

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3 - Basic Functions 3.6 - Part Analysis

• Activate the option which corresponds to the type of borders that you want to display: Concave Borders, Smooth
Borders, Other Borders.

• Click on the Compute button.

Note that you can also activate the Auto Compute option to obtain results automatically.

You can adjust the size of the border lines by dragging the Border Thickness cursor and make the part more or less
transparent by dragging the Part Transparency cursor.

You can change the color of the different types of borders by clicking on the Concave Borders, Smooth Borders, and
Other Borders buttons.

Border Analysis

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4 - Preparation Mode

4 - Preparation Mode
The Preparation mode allows users to easily prepare or review the part that they have to
machine: they can review the reference CAD drawing, e.g. add missing surfaces. This
mode can be viewed as an intermediate step between CAD and CAM. The Preparation
mode is also sometimes defined as a “light” set of CAD functions.

The upper part of the Workzone Manager always shows the initial CAD drawing with all
the layers that have been included when the workzone was created.

• If the layers are not displayed by default, click on the Preparation button.

The link between the Preparation mode and the CAM mode is made automatically as you perform some specific actions.
For example, if you are in the Preparation mode and click on the Toolpaths section in the Workzone Manager to add a new
toolpath, the CAM mode is activated automatically.

Manual Activation

However, you can also click on the icon to manually switch to the Preparation mode and on the

icon to activate the CAM mode.

If you want to add surfaces or any other entity, you need to first activate or create the layer to which you want them to be
attached.

Creating a New Layer

1. Right click in the Preparation section in the Workzone Manager.

2. Select Create Layer in the context menu.

Preparation Section: Create Layer

The following dialog box is displayed:

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4 - Preparation Mode

Layer Creation Dialog Box

3. Enter a name, for example Curves.

Color and Line Style

You can change the color and the line style of the layer you are creating by clicking on the buttons of the
corresponding fields.

4. Click on the Create button.

The layer is created and displayed in the Preparation section of the Workzone Manager.

You can modify this layer by right clicking on it and selecting the required option in the context menu.

Making a Layer the Current One

• Double-click on its name in the list.

A green circle indicates which layer is the current one:

Current Layer

All the entities that you are going to create now will automatically be attached to the current layer.

Icons available when activating a layer and thus the Preparation mode are different from the ones available in the CAM
mode and allow you to perform additional CAD functions.

Background Color of the Viewing Area

The background color of the Viewing Area is also not the same in both modes (green in the CAM mode
and blue in the Preparation mode). Colors can be customized in the software parameters (Utilities >
Software Configuration > Display Settings > Viewing Area Background and more).

You can also select each of the layers that you want to make visible in the Viewing Area. Of course, the current layer is
always visible.

• Check the box in front of each layer that you want to display in the Viewing Area.

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4 - Preparation Mode

Show/Hide Entities

Once you have defined the layers that you want to show in the Viewing Area, you can click on the
and icons to show or hide all of them at the same time. Note that you can also right click on the
button itself to have the same options.

After reviewing or adding surfaces, curves, etc., you need to make them available for CAM.

1. Open the multi-sided_part.xdw file and create a workzone from this CAD file.

2. Activate the Preparation mode.

3. Create a new layer, called Optional Surfaces.

4.1 - Editing Surfaces

The Preparation mode includes a toolbar with CAD functions which you can use to add any type of surfaces.

1. Press and hold down the mouse button on the icon with an arrow on its bottom right-hand corner.

A context menu is displayed. Once it is displayed, you can release the mouse button.

2. Click on the relevant function.

To illustrate this, we are going to add a planar surface over the hole in the surface at the top of the part:

Multi-Sided Part: Hole

1. Make sure the layer you have created is activated. If not, double click on it in the Construction Manager to activate it.

2. Press and hold down the mouse button on the icon.

3. Select the End Cap function.

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4 - Preparation Mode

4. Click on the edge of the hole, as illustrated below:

Edge Selected

The planar surface is created:

Planar Surface Created

5. Save your modifications.

Added and reviewed surfaces can be moved to the CAM mode for machining.

4.2 - Copying or Moving Entities to the CAM Mode

Once you have prepared your part in the Preparation mode, you should transfer your selection of entities to the CAM mode.
The operating mode depends on the type of entity to be transferred to the CAM mode.

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4 - Preparation Mode

Move or Copy Entities

You are free to move entities to the CAM mode or to keep a copy both in the Preparation and CAM
modes. Simply activate the relevant option in the general software settings under Utilities > Software
Configuration > CAM Entities Configuration and Display > Action on the Entities.

When the option is selected, the entity is moved to the CAM mode and no copy is kept in the Preparation mode.

Transferring Curves and Points

1. Click on the icon.

2. Click on the entity in the Viewing Area.

3. Right click anywhere in the Viewing Area to validate.

If you select a point and a curve, one of the following dialog boxes will be displayed:

In most cases, you can add the new entity to an existing entity in the CAM mode. If you want to create a new entity, you
must give it a name.

After clicking OK, each entity is ranked under the relevant CAM Entity group in the CAM mode.

Adding and Activating Surfaces

You can add and activate a new surface type: the optional surfaces. With optional surfaces, you do not need to fully
recalculate the toolpaths that you may already have generated as such surfaces are ignored by default.

1. Click on the icon.

The Part Geometry dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on the appropriate tab, depending on whether you want to activate the surface(s) as optional surfaces or not.
For our example, activate the Optional Surfaces tab.

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4 - Preparation Mode

Part Geometry: Optional Surfaces

3. Click on the New Selection button and select the surfaces that you want to move to the CAM mode. For our example,
click on the planar surface that you have just created and validate.

Part Geometry: New Selection

4. Click OK to validate.

Once the geometry activation is calculated, you can view the optional surfaces under the Part Geometry section of the
Workzone Manager:

Selected Optional Geometry

Optional surfaces are indicated with a red cross and displayed in a transparent manner in the Viewing Area.

4.3 - Creating a Bounding Box to Create a Stock Model

You can also use the Preparation mode to create a bounding box and then use this bounding box for the stock initialization.

Creating the Bounding Box

1. Activate the Preparation mode.

2. Create a new layer for the bounding box.

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4 - Preparation Mode

3. Press and hold down the mouse button on the icon on the left of the user interface.

4. Select the Bounding Box function.

5. In the Viewing Area, select the whole part and validate.

A minimum bounding box is automatically created and the Bounding Box dialog box is displayed.

Bounding Box Dialog Box

Now you can offset the bounding box. Let’s suppose that you want to add 10 mm to the bounding box in all directions
except Z-. To do so, proceed as follows:

You can notice that the Synch options below the coordinates fields are activated by default.
These options allow the bounding box to be extended in both directions.

1. Deactivate the Synch option below the Z coordinates fields.

2. In the Offsets section of the dialog box, enter 10 in the X+, Y+ and Z+ fields.

The bounding box is automatically extended in X+, X-, Y+, Y- and Z+ directions.

3. Deactivate the Lines and Dimensions options.

4. Activate the Surfaces option.

You can also create a layer for the bounding box using the Create button in the Target layer
section.

5. Click OK to validate.

The bounding box has been created.

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4 - Preparation Mode

Bounding Box Created

Stock Initialization

To initialize a stock model from this bounding box, you just need to select the top surface:

1. Right click on the top surface of the bounding box and select Add Stock.

Bounding Box Context Menu: Add Stock

2. Validate the surface selection.

The Part Geometry dialog box is displayed with the Stock Initialization tab activated. The surface that you have selected
appears in the list and the CAD Model option is already activated in the Stock Model section.

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4 - Preparation Mode

Stock Initialization: Bounding Box Selected

3. Activate the Use 3D Stock Model option if you want to machine the part in several directions.

2D or 3D Stock Model

If you do not activate the Use 3D Stock Model option, the application initializes a 2D Stock
Model. This is useful when you want to machine a part in the Z+ direction only because it saves
time when running toolpath calculations.

4. Click OK to validate the stock initialization.

Once the calculations are completed, check the Workzone Manager and you can see that the stock model has been
initialized from the bounding box that you created:

Stock Model Initialized

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5 - Creating Toolpaths

5 - Creating Toolpaths
There are 3 ways of creating toolpaths:

1. Click on the icon on the left side of the user interface.

2. Right click on the Toolpaths section of the Workzone Manager and select New Toolpath.

3. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select New Toolpath.

In all cases, the Toolpath Parameters menu is displayed.

Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath Parameters

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5 - Creating Toolpaths 5.1 - Selecting a Strategy

In this dialog box, you can select your toolpath strategy by clicking on the Strategy Type button.

When you create the first toolpath in a workzone, the Global Rough/Rerough strategy is selected by default.

5.1 - Selecting a Strategy

1. In the Toolpath Details section, click on the Strategy Type button, which displays the name of the current strategy
(Gobal Rough/Rerough in our example).

The Toolpath Strategy dialog box is displayed with the different toolpaths available in the application. These toolpaths are
classified in various tabs according to their types.

Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

2. Select your strategy by clicking on the appropriate tab (3-Axis Roughing in our example).

3. Select one of the toolpath below the selected tab (Global Rough/Rerough).

The Current Selection section gives an overview and an explanation related to the toolpath.

4. Click on the OK button.

The Toolpath Strategy dialog box is closed and you are back to the Toolpath Parameters menu.

Once your toolpath strategy is defined, you can set the parameters for your toolpath.

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6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths 6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough

6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths

Roughing is the preliminary stage of a machining job. At the end of the roughing stage, the workpiece should be in a state
suitable for a semi-finishing or a finishing toolpath.

The aim is to use relatively large cutters to remove large amounts of stock and to approximate the final shape of the
workpiece.

There are standard and specialized roughing toolpaths. This training guide will focus on standard roughing toolpaths.

6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough

This toolpath is designed for high torque milling machines capable of machining large amounts of stock with one single
toolpath.

The Toolpath Parameters menu of the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath, like all the toolpaths in the application, is divided
into 2 sections:

Global Rough/Rerough: Standard and Specific Parameters

1 Standard parameters: common to all 2 Specific parameters: particular to each

toolpaths. individual toolpath.

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6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths 6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough

6.1.1 - Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Standard Parameters

MACHINING ZONE

This section allows you to define which areas you want to machine.

The machining zone for each toolpath can be specified as a rectangular window or as a rectangular view created by the
user.

A View is necessary if you want to machine with an inclined tool axis. A Window or a View can be limited in the horizontal
plane by Boundary Curves or in the Z plane by a Machining Plane.

You can also restrict machining to certain surfaces using the Surface Selection function.

1. For our example, make sure that the Expand Window by option is activated.

2. Activate of the By Diam+Stock option.

The application expands the machining zone by adding the tool diameter (i.e. twice the Body Radius) and the Stock
Allowance, to ensure that all surfaces are fully machined.

CUTTER DETAILS

This section allows you to define the type of cutter, its dimensions and form or to choose a specific cutter from the Tool
Library.

For our example, we are going to define the form and the dimensions of a new cutter.

You can define a standard or conical cutter and select the shape of the tip (Ball, Bull-nose or Flat).

All calculations are performed using the center of the cutter.

Ball End Cutter (R = Radius)

For a Ball-end cutter the following condition applies:

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6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths 6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough

Cutter Radius + Stock Allowance + Part Offset Allowance (with activated Part Geometry) > 0.2 (0.008”)

Flat End Cutter (R = Radius, r = Corner Radius)

Bull Nose Cutter (R = Radius, r = Corner Radius)

All toolpaths can use cutters with a corner radius of 0 mm or inches but the following condition still applies:

Corner Radius + Stock Allowance + Part Offset Allowance (with activated Part Geometry) >= 0

A basic cutter can be defined directly in the Toolpath Parameters menu by selecting the appropriate tip shape and defining
the Body Radius and eventually the Corner Radius.

You can also define conic cutters. In the case of the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath, flat conic cutters are not allowed.

Correct cutter definition reduces the stock ‘stairs’ effect on inclined surfaces by corresponding to the shape of the part to be
machined.

Conic Cutter

Using conic cutters improves machine stability by reducing vibrations. Tool service life is prolonged and machining cycles
are reduced by elimination of stock steps leading to shorter re-roughing cycles.

Z-step Value

When using a conic cutter, the Z-step value must be inferior to the Corner Radius value.

1. Click on the button which indicates the current cutter dimensions and type.
In our example, the button indicates: Bull-nose 5.000 (Body Radius) / 1.000 (Corner Radius).

The following dialog box is displayed:

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6 - 3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths 6.1 - Global Rough/Rerough

Define Cutter Dialog Box

A preview of the tool is displayed in accordance with the parameters that you have just entered.

2. Click on the Type button, which displays the shape of the current cutter (Bull-nose Cutter in our example).

The following dialog box is displayed:

Select Cutter Type Dialog Box

3. Click on the Bull-nose button.

4. Click on the icon to validate.

5. Enter 60 in the Length filed.

6. Enter 32 in the Diameter field.

7. Enter 8 in the Corner Radius field.

8. Enter 20 in the Cutting Length field.

Define Cutter Dialog Box

In this dialog box, you can define further parameters for tools such as the shape and the length.

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9. Define the Tool Number in the corresponding field, 1 in our example.

Tool Number

Defining a tool number is mandatory for concatenated postprocessing.

10. Click OK button to validate and exit the dialog box.

DEFINING THE CUTTER PREVIEW

In the Cutter Details section of the Toolpath Parameters menu, you can select the elements to be displayed in the cutter
preview.

• Right click on the cutter preview and select the elements that you want to display.

Cutter Preview: Holder, Dimensions and Holder Name Displayed - Hidden Spindle

MACHINING PARAMETERS

All Machining Parameters are regrouped in a single dialog box.

• Click on the Method, Cycle or Direction button to access the Method, Cycle and Direction dialog box.

Method, Cycle and Direction Dialog Box

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Non Available Options

When one of the Method, Cycle or Direction parameters is not available for the current toolpath, the
corresponding button and section in the dialog box will be grayed out. In our case, the Direction button
in the Toolpath Parameters menu and the corresponding Machining Angle section in the Method, Cycle
and Direction dialog box are unavailable.

Method

The 3 machining method options are Climb, Conventional or Mixed. You can select one of these machining methods
according to the toolpath you are creating. Any options which are not available for a particular toolpath will be grayed out.

Climb
Climb milling implies that the cutter teeth enter the material perpendicular to the cutting
direction and with the material to the right of the cutting direction.

Climb Method (1 – Material)

Conventional
Conventional milling is the opposite to Climb milling, i.e. the cutter teeth enter the material
perpendicular to the cutting direction and with the material to the left of the cutting direction.
Mixed
The Mixed method is a combination of Climb and Conventional milling and can be used to
avoid an excessive number of retracts.

Dual Surface Machining

In cases where the "base" surface is at an angle less than 90 degrees from the tool axis, an ambiguity
exists allowing two walls to be climb cut at the same time (e.g. Pencil Tracing, Z-Level Finishing and Z-
Level Remachining). For this reason, you may want select the Mixed option to use a mixture of Climb
and Conventional milling and hence avoid excessive retracts.

Drive Curves

For machining strategies using Drive Curves (e.g. 2D and 3D Drive Curve Finishing), the application
considers that the stock to be machined is always inside the machining limit and to the right of the
cutting direction along the drive curve (open or closed).

Cycle

The 4 machining cycle options are Box, Lace, Spiral or Trochoïd. You can select one of these machining cycles according
to the toolpath you are creating. Any options which are not available for a particular toolpath will be grayed out.

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Box
The Box cycle implies that the cutter removes material in one direction only and retracts at the end of each
pass. Using this cycle can result in a high number of retracts as shown in the following example.

Box Cycle machining example

Lace
The Lace cycle allows the cutter to remove material in both directions. Stepovers are performed at the end of
each pass according to how Lead-ins and Lead-outs are programmed. Using this cycle can significantly reduce
the number of retracts in a toolpath.

Lace Cycle machining example

Spiral
Spiral machining implies that the trajectory has a spiral form and is especially used in roughing toolpaths and
for machining pockets.

Spiral Cycle machining example

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Trochoid
The Trochoidal cycle is only available for the Adaptive Trochoidal Roughing toolpath. Supplementary
parameters are displayed in the dialog box in this case.

You can force the spiral cycle to always use closed contours by activating the Always close Contours option. This allows
you to reduce the number of retracts on certain areas of the part.

Note that the Always close Contours option is only available for the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath.

Toolpath Areas without Closed Contours Toolpath Areas with Closed Contours

Direction

The 4 machining direction options are Angle from X, Parallel to X, Parallel to Y or Automatic.

The Automatic option only applies to flat surface machining toolpaths and allows the application to determine the optimal,
most efficient direction for machining.

NC MACHINING PARAMETERS

Clicking the NC Machining Parameters button in the toolpath menu will display the following Feeds and Speeds dialog box.

Feeds and Speeds Dialog Box

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This dialog box allows you to define a number of parameters which the application uses (if the Auto options are activated)
to automatically calculate spindle speed and/or cutting feed rate values.

If these parameters are automatically calculated by the application, the results can be optimized by additionally defining the
depth of the cut (Z-Step) and the width of the cut (Stepover).

Activating these 2 parameters allows you to activate the Z-Step and Stepover fields.

You can then enter the values or transfer them from the Toolpath Parameters menu by checking the corresponding boxes.

Applying Toolpath Z-Step and Stepover

The following diagram shows the different feed rates in a single pass.

1 Rapid Feed Rate

2 Approach Feed Rate
2A Approach Distance
3 Cut Feed Rate
4 Rapid Feed Rate
A Safe Z level (high Z of part + retract distance)

1. For our example, keep the default settings.

2. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box

TOLERANCES

Use Roughing Model

This option is available when you have activated the Roughing Activation Parameters when creating the workzone
(" Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode" on page 7). Activate it to use the roughing tolerance for toolpath
calculations.

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Stock Allowance

The Stock Allowance parameter defines the minimum amount of material, with respect to the part geometry, to be left on
the part after machining.

The Stock Allowance can be positive or negative but must respect the following conditions:

Cutter Condition

Bull Nose or Flat End Corner Radius + Stock Allowance + Offset Allowance > or = 0mm / 0”

Ball End Cutter Radius + Stock Allowance + Offset Allowance > or = 0.2mm / 0.008”

Tolerance

The Tolerance parameter defines the maximum allowed error resulting from intersection calculations, also known as
Chordal Deviation.

Chordal Deviation

For roughing/semi-finishing toolpaths, the Stock Allowance should have at least the same value as the Tolerance
parameter to prevent the cutter from undercutting the surface. The Tolerance value has a direct influence on the number of
points in the calculation file.

Stepover

The Stepover is the distance separating two parallel intersection planes. It is constant in the plan view. Scallop height is
determined by the Stepover value.

1: Stepover Distance

2: Scallop Height

3: Center of cutter

Activating the Auto option associated with the Stepover parameter allows the application to calculate the most appropriate
value based on the cutter radius and the Tolerance value. This will ensure that the cusp height on slopes up to 45° will be

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less than or equal to the defined Tolerance value. In the case of the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath, the Auto option is
unavailable.

1. Four our example, keep the Stock Allowance and the Tolerance default settings.

2. Enter 10 in the Stepover field.

Z-STEP

This parameter allows you to define the distance between 2 consecutive machining levels in the cutter Z axis.

You can enter the Z-Step value directly in the field to define a fixed distance.

You can also click on the Fixed button if you want to specify the Z-Step. In the case of the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath,
you can only define a fixed Z-Step.

• Enter 5 in the corresponding field.

CUTTER MOVEMENTS

This section allows you to define parameters concerning approach/retracts movements/distances, and how Lead-ins and
Lead-outs are performed.

• Click on any button of the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

Cutter Movements Dialog Box for the Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath

This dialog box is available for the 3-Axis Roughing, 3-Axis Finishing, 5-Axis toolpaths and some of the 2 ½-Axis toolpaths.
The number of available parameters in this dialog box varies according to the selected toolpath.

In the case of the Global rough/Rerough toolpath, only a few parameters are available.

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Approach Distance

This is the distance at which the cutter changes from the Rapid Rate to the Approach Rate.

Safety Plane Retract Movements

2D
Activating this option implies that the retract movement follows the Z axis to the security distance.
3D
Selecting this option implies that the application will not directly retract by the security distance in the
Z axis only but will calculate the complete movement from one retract point to a new lead-in point as
a 3D movement according to the part geometry.

Retract Distance

This is the distance between the highest point of the Z axis within the machining zone and the security distance (this
distance is relative).

Retract Safety Plane Radius

This parameter allows all directional movements from the retract to a new lead-in point to be performed as an arc of a circle
with a radius equal to the defined value.

1 Retract Safety Plane Radius

2 Retract in Z axis only

High Z Value

The Safety Plane Radius value and the Retract Distance value are both added to the highest Z point of
the part to determine the security distance.

Lead-ins/Lead-outs

This section allows you to define how the lead-in/lead-out movements will be performed.

With the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath, you can define vertical or ramped movements.

When the Vertical option is activated, the cutter moves in a plane which is perpendicular to the tool axis (the height of the
plane depends on the profile of the part) to a zone just above the Lead-in point. It then descends along the cutter Z-axis at
the Rapid Rate until it reaches the Approach Distance. It then finishes the Vertical Lead-in at the Approach Speed.

1 Rapid Rate along Z-axis to Approach Distance

2 Vertical Lead-In at Approach Rate

3 Vertical Lead-Out at Rapid Rate

4 Second Lead-In cycle

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When the Ramp option is activated, the cutter spirals down from one Z-level to the next following the trajectory of the next
contour. This avoids the cutter plunging directly into the stock.

Example of a Ramp Lead-In

1. For our example, keep the default settings.

2. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

6.1.2 - Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Specific Parameters

TOOL HOLDER COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The Tool Holder Collision Avoidance function provides dynamic collision avoidance during toolpath calculations with
respect to the Stock Model. If a potential collision is detected by the application, the toolpath is modified so that the collision
is avoided.

This feature, available in the Holder section of the Toolpath Parameters menu, applies to all roughing toolpaths EXCEPT
High Volume Roughing and Parallel Roughing.

The No Holder Collision Avoidance button allows you to open the Holder Collision Avoidance Parameters dialog box, in
which you can activate the holder collision avoidance function.

• For our example, do not activate this function.

STOCK PARAMETERS

1. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Stock Parameters Dialog Box

By default this dialog box allows you to use the global Stock Model. It also allows you to define a local Stock Model with the
following possibilities:
Specified by Curve: allows you to define a curve which determines the stock boundary.

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Specified by Machining Zone: allows you to use the Machining Zone (defined by a View or a Window with or without an
associated Boundary Curve) to determine the stock boundary.
Max Z: allows you to define a maximum Z value from which machining will start.

2. For our example, leave the Use Global Stock Model option activated.

3. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

POCKET SELECTION

This parameter allows you to select the pockets to be machined. This function is useful for ignoring pockets which cannot
be machined by the cutter you are using.

For example, for cutters which use tool inserts, the center of the cutter does not have any cutting edges. If the tool does not
have enough “room” to move around and clear material, eventually the non-cutting center of the cutter will rub against the
material being cut.

Minimum Width
Any pockets smaller than the minimum width value specified for this parameter will not be
machined.
If you check the Auto option, only pockets which are equal to at least twice the size of the
cutter diameter plus twice the value of the Stock Allowance will be machined.
Minimum Depth
In some cases, an additional parameter is made available to define a minimum depth for the
pockets to be machined.

How the Application interprets the Minimum Width and Depth

Pocket Width and Depth

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Internally, the application creates a view around the pocket and

takes into account the length of the longest side of the view as the
Minimum Width value. This is illustrated by the opposite picture.

In this example the Minimum Width value is 96.74mm.

In the case of circular or square pockets the automatically defined

Minimum Width value is respectively equal to the diameter or the
width.

• For our example, keep the Pocket Selection default values.

CUT LINK DISTANCE

The principal use of the Cut Link Distance parameter is to reduce the number of retracts by allowing the cutting feed rate to
be continued over a distance where, without this parameter, the toolpath would normally perform a retract.

The following diagram illustrates how this parameter works.

1: Retract performed

A: Value greater than Cut Link Distance

2: No Retract

B: Value inferior to Cut Link Distance

The following example shows the same section of a toolpath with different values for the Cut Link Distance parameter.

Cut Link Distance = 5 Cut Link Distance = 10

• For our example, keep the Cut Link Distance default value.

RESTRICT MACHINING AREAS

Activating of this optional parameter allows you to limit machining to specific areas of the part by defining the minimum
amount of stock to be found and optionally ignoring areas whose surface area is smaller than the cutter diameter.

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If you leave this optional parameter deactivated, the application will calculate the toolpath to machine all areas where the
remaining stock is superior to the stock allowance.

This optional parameter is used in reroughing stages.

• Do not activate this option as we are programming a basic roughing toolpath.

FLAT SURFACE RE-ROUGHING

Activating the Flat Surface Re-roughing option integrates the machining of any flat areas of the part in the Global
Rough/Rerough toolpath.

This option allows the stock material to be machined in order to have the same thickness over the whole part and offers
reduced preparation times by avoiding to have to define two separate toolpaths.

The following two examples illustrate this strategy.

Flat Surface Re-roughing Option Deactivated Flat Surface Re-roughing Option Activated

• For our example, deactivate the Flat Surfaces Re-roughing option.

CUSP HEIGHT

The Cusp Height parameter is used to control the height of remaining cusp when machining a given level.

Machining strategy should take into account that this extra cusp height will have to be removed when the next level is
machined.

This value can be user-defined or an automatic minimum value is calculated by the application. This value is calculated
according to the Stepover value defined by the user and the shape and dimensions of the cutter. Error message(s) will be
displayed if any values are found to be invalid by the application.

The following example illustrates authorized remaining cusp after machining a level with a roughing toolpath.

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Stock Model showing remaining Cusp

• For our example, do not enter a value for the Cusp Height.

CORNER SMOOTHING

Corner Smoothing

This parameter only applies to surface contours.

If the Corner Smoothing Radius is set to zero, machining will be made with a sharp angle in corners.

If the value is set different to zero, the angle will be machined as a smooth corner. However, this means that more stock
material will remain in corners as the radius is increased.

Corner Smoothing Radius = 0 Corner Smoothing Radius = 2

• For our example, set the Corner Smoothing Radius to 1.

MACHINING ORDER

• Click on the button of the Machining Order section.

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The Machining Order dialog box is displayed to allow you to select the machining order of the toolpath.

Machining Order Dialog Box (Global Roughing)

By Zone

If you specify machining By Zone, the part will be automatically divided up into zones by the application and all the levels of
one zone will be machined before moving on to the following zone.

For example, on a part featuring pockets, each pocket may be defined as a zone by the application. In this case, all the
levels of one pocket will be machined before the cutter moves on to machine the next pocket and so on.

Machining by Zone

Each single pocket is treated as a separate zone and all the levels of one pocket are machined before the next pocket (or
zone) is machined.

By Level

When you specify machining By Level, the application machines all areas of the machining zone at one level before
stepping down to the next level. Choosing this option on a part featuring several pockets will create many retracts in the
generated toolpath.

Machining by Level

1. For our example, activate the By Zone option.

2. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

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INITIAL STEP

This parameter allows you to define an Initial Lateral Step value that is different from the standard Stepover value. This
parameter is enabled when the Spiral machining cycle option is selected. Accepted values are between 0.05 and 95% of
the tool diameter.

This option ensures better positioning of the cutter on the first pass of the toolpath, i.e. avoiding the situation where the
cutter center is on the edge of the stock.

• For our example, do not activate the Initial Lateral Step option.

6.1.3 - Initializing the Stock Model and Calculating the Roughing Toolpath
Once you have finished defining your toolpath strategy, you have to validate your parameters and run calculations:

1. Make sure that your parameters are defined as in the following example:

Toolpath Parameters Menu: Validate Parameters

2. Click on the OK button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

The Part Geometry dialog box is displayed. As you have programmed the first roughing toolpath on the workzone, the
Stock Initialization tab of this dialog box allows you to select the type of Stock Model that will be used for toolpath
calculations.

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Part Geometry Dialog Box: Stock Initialization

The Stock Model is an additional data structure in your workzone which is distinct from the part geometry.

The Stock Model is used for calculating the state of stock on the part. It can be used at any stage of machining, however it
is particularly designed for use at the roughing, re-roughing and semi-finishing stages. The Stock Model can also be used
as the Remachining Reference in all three remachining toolpaths (Z-level, Planar and Contour Remachining toolpaths).

3. We will choose the default 3D Solid Block proposed by the system, so click on the OK button.

A new toolpath is created under the Toolpaths section in the Workzone Manager.

The and icons next to the toolpath name indicate that the toolpath has not yet been calculated. The Stock Model

has also been added to the Workzone Manager with a icon.

New Toolpath in the Workzone Manager

You can start toolpath calculations in 3 different ways:

• Right click on the icon or on the toolpath status in the Workzone Manager and select Execute in the context menu (1
in the picture below).

• Use the icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the Viewing Area (2 in the picture below). Right click on this icon
to start calculations immediately or left click to display all pending calculations and click on the Execute button. You
can invert the functions of the mouse buttons. To do so, go to Utilities > Software Configuration > Display Settings >
Execute and uncheck the Left Click (Execution Dialog). Right Click (Immediate Calculation) option.

• Select the toolpath in the Workzone Manager and click on the icon (3 in the picture below).

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Starting Toolpath Calculations

4. Click on the icon (2 in the picture above).

The following dialog box is displayed:

Execution Dialog Box: Stock Model Initialization and Toolpath Calculation

5. Click on the Execute button.

The Parallel Calculation dialog box is displayed. It shows the progress of calculations.

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WorkNC Parallel Calculation Window

You can show/hide this dialog box by clicking on the icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the user interface. You
can also see the calculation progress next to this icon.

Calculation Progress

Options 1 and 3

If you select the other two options, the Parallel Calculation dialog box pops up directly after selecting the
corresponding option.

The icon is displayed meaning that your toolpath calculations have been successfully executed. If a is displayed
instead, it means that an error has been detected during toolpath calculations. In this case, check the parameters of your
toolpath and try again.

Workzone Manager: Calculated Toolpath

ADDING CALCULATIONS TO THE QUEUE

You can add calculations to the Calculation Window when it is already running. You can then close the workzone while
calculations are still running. You can re-open the workzone with the running calculations. New calculations are then
launched and these are automatically added to the current calculation window.

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Restrictions

▪ You cannot run calculations on a toolpath which is stock dependent (e.g. Global Roughing, Contour Remachining)
when Stock Model calculations are already in progress.

▪ You cannot postprocess a toolpath when Tool Holder Collision Detection calculations are in progress.

▪ You cannot run Concatenated Postprocessor calculations until all concerned toolpaths have been calculated.

6.1.4 - Displaying Toolpaths

Once you have executed your first toolpath, you have several possibilities to visualize the results in the Viewing Area.

Global View

There are 2 ways of obtaining a global view of a toolpath in the Viewing Area:

1. Check the box of the corresponding toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

2. Double click on the toolpath name in the Workzone Manager.

The complete toolpath is displayed in the Viewing Area.

Toolpath Display Activation

You can show/hide the various elements of the toolpath displayed in the Viewing Area by activating/deactivating the
corresponding icons on the right side of the user interface.

In the example below, we have deactivated the display for the approach and rapid movements:

Toolpath Display: No Approaches and Rapids

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Note that you can also show/hide the part ( icon) or the cutter ( icon).

Progressive Display

The Toolpath Progressive Display dialog box allows you to dynamically visualize and control how the toolpath is displayed
on the part.

1. Select the toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

2. Click on the icon on the left side of the user interface.

Toolpath Selected: Activating Progressive Display

The Toolpath Progressive Display dialog box is displayed.

Toolpath Progressive Display Dialog Box

• Click on the icon to start and stop the progressive display.

Several additional functions are also available so that you can manage the display:

• Use the icon to quickly get the final result of the simulation. If you want to go back to the beginning of the
simulation, simply click on the icon.

• Click on the icon to start a progressive display or simulation while hiding all points that have already been
displayed.

• Click on the on the icon to restart the progressive display from the very beginning or from the point when you
clicked on the icon.

• Click on the and icons to show the progressive display or simulation from point to point.

When using the Progressive Display mode, you can also click on any point of the toolpath in the Viewing Area.

The cutter is automatically positioned where you have clicked and you can orientate the part and use the zoom functions to
check the different passes of the toolpath:

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Progressive Display: Point Selection

6.1.5 - Toolpath Status Icons

The Workzone Manager allows you to determine whether a particular operation has been performed or not. The status
column is displayed to the right of each toolpath.

Workzone Manager: Status Icons

Below is a reference guide table explaining icons:

Operation Icon Meaning

Toolpath/Operation
The toolpath/operation has been successfully calculated.
calculation
The toolpath has been successfully calculated, but collisions with the tool have
been detected.

The toolpath/operation has been added to the batch list and is ready to be
calculated.

The toolpath/operation calculation has been suspended or removed from the

batch list.
Toolpath Edition
The toolpath has been successfully modified.

The toolpath has been successfully modified, but collisions have been detected.

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The toolpath edition has been added to the batch list and is ready to be calculated

The toolpath edition calculation has been suspended or removed from the batch
list.
Toolpath Locked Status
The toolpath has been locked.

Tool Holder Collision

The tool holder collision detection has been successfully calculated. No collisions
Detection
have been detected.

The tool holder collision detection has been successfully calculated. Collisions
have been detected.

The tool holder collision detection has been added to the batch list and is ready to
be calculated.

The tool holder collision detection calculation has been suspended or removed
from the batch list.

A tool holder has been added to the toolpath, but the collision detection has not
been requested.
Tool Holder Collision
The tool holder collision avoidance has been successfully calculated. Collisions
Avoidance
have been detected and the toolpath has been modified accordingly.

The tool holder collision avoidance has been successfully calculated. No collisions
have been detected.
Machine Collision
The machine collision detection has been successfully calculated. No collisions
Detection
have been detected.

The machine collision detection has been successfully calculated. Collisions have
been detected.

The machine collision detection has been added to the batch list and is ready to
be calculated.

The machine collision detection calculation has been suspended or removed from
the batch list.
Machine Limit
The machine limit verification has been successfully calculated. No out-of-limit
Verification
conditions have been detected.

The machine limit verification has been successfully calculated. Out-of-limit

conditions have been detected.

The machine limit verification has been added to the batch list and is ready to be
calculated.
Auto5 – 3 to 5-Axis
The 3 to 5-axis toolpath conversion has been successfully calculated.
Toolpath Conversion
The 3 to 5-axis toolpath conversion has been added to the batch list and is ready
to be calculated.

The 3 to 5-axis toolpath conversion calculation has been suspended or removed

from the batch list.
Auto5 – Machine Limit
The machine limit verification of the Auto5 module has been successfully
Verification
calculated. No out-of-limit conditions have been detected.

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The machine limit verification of the Auto5 module has been added to the batch
list and is ready to be calculated.

The machine limit verification calculation has been suspended or removed from
the batch list.
Postprocessing
The postprocessor has been successfully calculated.

The postprocessor has been added to the batch list and is ready to be calculated.

The postprocessor calculation has been suspended or removed from the batch
list.
Stock Model Update
The stock model has been successfully updated.

The stock model update has been added to the batch list and is ready to be
calculated.

The stock model update calculation has been suspended or removed from the
batch list.
Rest Material Model
The rest material model has been successfully updated.
Update
The rest material model update has been added to the batch list and is ready to be
calculated.

The rest material model update calculation has been suspended or removed from
the batch list.
For any operation,
Calculation has been requested.
overlay icons are
displayed over the status
icons The operation is being calculated.

Calculation has failed.

You can switch from icons to symbols (and vice versa) by clicking on the icon at the right side of the Toolpaths section
header.

6.1.6 - Opening the Toolpath Parameters Menu of a Toolpath

Once you have created/calculated a toolpath, you can re-open its Toolpath Parameters menu to modify the parameters.

There are several ways of doing it:

• Click on the / icon next to the toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

• Right click on the toolpath name in the Workzone Manager and select Parameters.

• Click with the mouse wheel button on the toolpath name in the Workzone Manager.

You can open the Toolpath Parameters menu of a toolpath which is being calculated but you cannot modify its parameters
during calculations.

6.1.7 - Updating the Stock Model

You can display the Stock Model state after the roughing toolpath. To do so, proceed as follows:

1. In the Workzone Manager, click on the toolpath you have just defined.

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2. Click on the icon on the left side of the user interface.

Stock Model Update Selected

3. Right click on icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the Viewing Area.

4. Once calculations are completed, position your cursor on the Workzone Manager and press the Space bar on your
keyboard.

The Workzone Manager is widened and you can see the icon that indicates that the Stock Model has been updated.

Workzone Manager: Stock Model Updated

Workzone Manager Display

When you place the cursor on the Workzone Manager and press the Space bar, the Workzone Manager
is widened. You can undo this operation by pressing the Space bar again so that Workzone Manager is
displayed in its default size.

5. In the Workzone Manager, under the Part Geometry section, activate the Stock State option.

the Stock Model is displayed on the part in the Viewing Area. It displays the state of the Stock Model after the Global
Roughing toolpath we have executed.

Part Geometry: Stock State

6. Click on the + icon below the Stock State option and compare the initial stock with the stock model after toolpath #1.

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Now you can see that you need to execute a reroughing toolpath and change the toolpath parameters to prepare the part
before executing finishing toolpaths.

6.1.8 - Defining an Initial Lateral Step on the Global Roughing Toolpath

You can ensure better positioning of the cutter on the first pass of the Global Roughing toolpath: for example, you can avoid
the situation where the cutter center is on the edge of the stock.

When machining hard materials, you can define a larger initial step so that a larger part of the cutter enter the stock and
thus reduce the tool vibrations. Accepted values are between 0.05 and 95% of the tool diameter.

Small Initial Step Larger Initial Step

To illustrate this, create a workzone from the Plate_cover.xdw CAD file.

1. Create a Global Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

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Global Roughing Toolpath

Expand Window by

You must define a value in the Expand Window by field to allow the cutter to engage from
outside the part. Otherwise, the toolpath will not perform the Initial Lateral Step.

2. Initialize a 3D Stock Model and run the toolpath calculations.

3. Make a copy of this toolpath and open the Toolpath Parameters menu of the copy.

4. Enter the Initial Lateral Step value in the corresponding field. Enter a smaller value than the Stepover, for example 10.

Machining Cycle for the Initial Lateral Step

This option is only available with the Spiral machining cycle.

5. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

6. Make another copy of the toolpath and this time define a higher Initial Lateral Step, for example 22.

7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

8. Define a color for each toolpath and display the 3 of them in a top view of the part.

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Global Roughing Toolpath with Different Initial Step Values

In our example, the initial step of the first toolpath (blue) has the same value as the Stepover, the initial step of the second
toolpath (green) is smaller than the Stepover and the initial step of the third toolpath (red) is higher than the Stepover.

6.1.9 - Defining a Lead-in Distance for the Global/Rough/Rerough Toolpath

You can define a Lead-in distance to make sure that the tool is not too close to the edge of the real stock for the Lead-in
movement. This allows you to avoid damaging the tool if the Stock Model definition was not accurate.

Note this is only possible with the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the plate_wing workzone.

1. Create a new Global Rough/Rerough toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by: 50
Bull-nose cutter, Body Radius: 12, Corner Radius: 4
Stock Allowance: 2
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 12
Z-Step: 5

Machining Zone

If you do not sufficiently expand the Machining Zone, the Lead-in distance will not be applied and the
toolpath would start machining from the top of the part.

2. Click on one of the buttons in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

The Lead-ins at Edge of Stock section allows you to define a clearance from the edge of the Stock Model. By default, the
Auto option is activated, which means that the Clearance from Edge of Stock is set to 0: no clearance is applied. If you
deactivate the Auto option, the Clearance from Edge of Stock value is equal to the Body Radius of the tool.

3. Enter 15 in the Clearance from Edge of Stock field.

Defining your own clearance value makes the Maximum Lead-in Length option available.

4. Activate the Maximum Lead-in Length option.

By default, the Auto option is activated, which allows you to apply a Maximum Lead-in Length that is 3 times the Clearance
from Edge of Stock value.

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Lead-ins at Edge of Stock Parameters Defined

5. Keep the default Maximum Lead-in Length and click OK to validate.

6. Validate the parameters.

7. Initialize a 3D Solid Block Stock Model and run calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Clearance from Edge of Stock

6.1.10 - Defining a Local Stock for the Global Roughing Toolpath

You can use a local Stock Model with the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath instead of using the calculation Stock Model.
This allows you to obtain quicker calculation times and rough specific areas on the part.

You can specify a local Stock Model by using curves, by using the Machining Zone and a given Z-Level, by selected
surfaces or by a weld bead.

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To illustrate this, we are going to use the pump_body workzone.

Local Stock Model and Global Stock Model

The local Stock Model is totally independent from the global Stock Model. Using a local Stock
Model does not require Stock Initialization calculations.

1. Create a new Global Rough/Rerough toolpath. Define a 5 mm Z-Step and keep the other default parameters.

2. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

The Stock Parameters dialog box is displayed:

Stock Parameters Dialog Box

By default, this dialog box allows you to use the global Stock Model.

Specified by Curve

This option allows you to define a set of boundary curves. The height of the local stocks is defined by the curve positions in
the Z axis of the Machining UCS or defined by a given Z level.

We are going to machine the following areas of the part, by defining and offsetting a curve set:

Area to Machine

1. Activate the Specified by Curve option.

2. Click on the <None> button and create the following curve:

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Curve Creation

3. Define a 100mm offset of the curve in the XY Machining Plane for the lower curve.

4. Click on the Preview button.

Offsetting the Curve

5. Deactivate the Keep Original option and click on the Validate Preview button.

6. Define a 130 mm offset of the curve in the XY Machining Plane for the higher curve.

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Offsetting the Curve

7. Deactivate the Keep Original option and click on the Validate Preview button.

8. Click OK to validate.

You can now choose to use the Z-levels of the different curves or define one Z-level to determine the height of the local
stocks.

Local Stock Specified by Curve

9. For our example, make sure that the Use the Z-Level of the Curve option is activated and click OK to validate.

10. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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Global Roughing on Local Stock Specified by Curve (Z-Levels of the Curves = Heights of the Local Stocks)

Now let’s define the same toolpath but define our own Z-level for the height of the local stock:

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

3. In the Stock Parameters dialog box, activate the Use the Given Z-Level option.

4. Enter 180 in the Max Z field.

Note that you can also click on the icon and then define a machine plane to determine the height of the local
stocks.
Note also that you cannot enter a Max Z value which is inferior to the Z-Level of the surfaces to machine. Otherwise,
no toolpath is generated.

Local Stock Specified by Curve with a Given Z-Level

5. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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Global Roughing on Local Stock Specified by Curve (Given Z-Level = Height of the Local Stocks)

Specified by Machining Zone

This option allows you to define a local stock whose height is determined by a given Z-Level and whose dimensions are
determined by the Machining Zone parameters of the toolpath.

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Activate the Expand Window by Diam+Stock option.

3. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

4. In the Stock Parameters dialog box, activate the Specified by Machining Zone option.

Local Stock Specified by Machining Zone

You can then specify the height of the local stock by entering a value in the Max Z field of by using the icon.

5. Click on the icon and click on the following flat surface and validate:

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Machining Plane for the Height of the Local Stock Model

6. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Global Roughing on Local Stock Specified by Machining Zone

Specified by Selected Surfaces

This option allows you to select surfaces and offset them to define the height of the local stock.

Surface Selection

You can use this option only on activated surfaces.

We are going to use the surfaces of the small boss at the top of the part:

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Surface Selection for Local Stock Definition

1. Create a new Global Rough/Rerough toolpath.

2. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

3. In the Stock Parameters dialog box, activate the Specified by Selected Surfaces option.

Local Stock Specified by Selected Surfaces

4. Click on the button of the Surface Selection option.

The Create a New Surface List Group dialog box is displayed.

5. Click on the icon.

6. Make your surface selection and click on the icon to validate.

7. In the Create a New Surface List Group dialog box, right click on the Value field and enter 20.

Offset Value for Surface Selection

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Note the default prefix name for the list is “Local_Stock_”. You can change it in the Name field.

8. Click OK to validate.

9. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Global Roughing on Local Stock Specified by Surface Selection

Specified by Weld Bead

This option allows you to simulate a 2D Stock around a user-defined curve.

We are going to machine the fillets around the following curve:

Curve for Weld Bead

1. Create a new Global Rough/Rerough toolpath with the following parameters:

Stock Allowance: 0.5
Stepover: 1
Z-Step: 1

2. Click on the button in the Stock Parameters section.

3. In the Stock Parameters dialog box, activate the Specified by Weld Bead option.

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Local Stock Specified by Weld Bead

4. Click on the <None> button in the Weld Bead section.

5. Create the following curve and validate.

Curve for Weld Bead

6. Enter 3 in the Radius field. This value represents the radius of a virtual cylinder, whose center is the curve, which will
simulate the local stock.

7. Click OK to validate.

8. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Global Roughing on Local Stock Specified by Weld Bead

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6.2 - Reroughing
After having executed your first roughing toolpath on a part, you can rerough the part by selecting the Global
Rough/Rerough toolpath strategy again.

You can then refine your toolpath parameters by selecting a smaller cutter, reducing the values of the Tolerances fields,
activating the Rough Flat Surfaces option, etc.

The reroughing stage is not a mandatory step for machining a part, but the part will be more suitably adapted for the
finishing phase.

6.2.1 - Programming a Reroughing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

The Global Rough/Rerough strategy is already selected.

2. Define the following parameters:

Global Rough/Rerough Parameters: Reroughing Stage

3. Give a number to the new tool.

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

Stock Model

The new toolpath will be calculated on the Stock Model that has been updated with the first toolpath.

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5. Activate the toolpath display.

You should obtain the following result:

Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath Calculated on Updated Stock Model

6. Update the Stock Model with this new toolpath.

6.3 - Flat Surface Rough/Rerough

The Flat Surface Roughing/Reroughing toolpath is designed for machining flat surfaces. This strategy allows both roughing
and re-roughing flat areas where excess stock remains. This toolpath is typically used after a roughing or re-roughing
toolpath to clean up flat surfaces.

6.3.1 - Programming a Flat Surface Roughing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Type button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

3. In the Toolpath Strategy dialog box, select the Flat Surface Rough/Rerough toolpath.

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Flat Surface Rough/Rerough in the Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

4. Click OK to validate.

Standard Parameters

1. Click on the button with the cutter dimensions in the Cutter Details section.

2. In the Define Cutter dialog box, click on the Type button.

The Select Cutter Type dialog box is displayed. Note that in the case of the Flat Rough/Rerough toolpath, the ball-end
cutter type is not available.

3. Select the Flat cutter type and validate.

4. Define the following cutter parameters:

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Cutter Parameters

5. Click OK to validate.

6. Define the following parameters in the Tolerances and Z-Step section:

Flat Surface Rough/Rerough: Tolerances and Z-Step

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Specific Parameters

This toolpath presents nearly the same specific parameters as the Global Rough/Rerough toolpath except for the Additional
Lateral Stock parameter.

Even though this toolpath takes into account the Stock Model, this parameter is available for users to define an additional
lateral stock value on surfaces adjacent to the flat areas machined by this toolpath. It is particularly useful when there are
vertical or near vertical walls next to the flat surfaces and avoids the cutter coming into contact with these areas where
stock remains from a previous toolpath.

1. For our example, enter 1 in the Additional Lateral Stock field.

2. Keep the other values in the other specific parameters.

3. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Flat Surface Roughing Toolpath

6.4 - Waveform Roughing

The Waveform strategy is a high speed machining technique that maintains a constant tool cutting load, by ensuring the
tool engagement into the material is consistent. The toolpath moves in a smooth path to avoid sharp changes in direction
which maintains the machine tool’s velocity. This strategy always uses the Climb method and is designed for all types of
materials, including steel and hard materials.

Waveform Roughing Traditional Roughing

Although the traditional roughing pattern looks much simpler at the first glance the problem is that the tool “digs” into each
corner causing the tool to overload, leading to reduced tool life or tool breakage. In reality the machine tool operator may
have to reduce the cycle feed rate to compensate and thus, increase the manufacturing time.

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Engagement in Waveform Roughing Engagement in Traditional Roughing

This toolpath maintains constant feed rates, consistent material removal, chip thickness and chip load. To do so, the width
of cut is decreased in concave areas, and increased in convex areas.

Width of Cut Decreased in a Concave Area Width of Cut Increased in a Convex Area

The generated toolpath trajectory may be longer than the Global Roughing toolpath, but the machining time is significantly
shorter.

6.4.1 - Programming a Basic Waveform Roughing Toolpath

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform workzone.

Part for Waveform Roughing

Selecting the Waveform Strategy

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button.

3. In the Toolpth Strategy dialog box, select the Waveform Roughing toolpath in the Specialized Roughing section of the
3-Axis Roughing tab.

4. Click OK to validate.

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Toolpath Parameters - Waveform Roughing

Firstly, we are going to program this toolpath with basic parameters:

1. Activate the Expand Window by Body Radius + Stock option.

2. Define the following Machining Plane:

Machining Plane Defined

3. Define the following cutter details:Flat cutter, Length: 80, Diameter: 20, Cutting Length: 40

4. Click on any button in the Machining Parameters section.

There is only one cycle (Trochoid) for this toolpath.
For our example, leave the default parameters.

5. Define the following Tolerances:

Stock Allowance: 0.5
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 2

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6. Enter 40 in the Z-Step field.

7. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed:

Cutter Movements Dialog Box

8. Activate the Auto option of the Corner Smoothing Radius and validate.

9. Validate the toolpath parameters.

10. Initialize a 3D Solid Block Stock Model and launch calculation.

You should obtain the following result:

Basic Waveform Roughing Toolpath

If you simulate the toolpath, you will see that it generates long laces all around the part, due to the back pass generated by
the toolpath. This allows reducing the number of retracts but results in a long machining time (in our case 72 minutes).
You can reduce this by using the Back Pass options.

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6.4.2 - Using the Back Pass Options

You can define the maximum length (Contour Length) of the back pass. Above this length, no back pass is generated. The
back pass allows normally open contours to be closed and the movement is performed at the feed rate resulting in fewer
retract movements.

Contour Length for Back Pass

Moreover, you can apply a Micro Lift to the back pass: the tool is slightly raised during the back pass, in order to avoid
contact between the tip of tool and the geometry and not to mark the geometry.

Let’s see how to use these options.

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

Cutter Movements Dialog Box

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3. In the Back Pass section, activate the Contour Length option.

4. Define the Contour Length value.

For our example, activate the Auto option below the Contour Length field.
This automatically applies a Contour Length which is 5 times the tool diameter.

5. Activate the Micro Lift option.

6. Activate the Auto option.

This automatically applies a Micro Lift value which is 1 % of the tool diameter.

Back Pass Options

7. Click OK to validate.

8. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Limited Back Pass

The toolpath is now smoother on the outer corner regions, and only machines in one direction. Notice how the stepover is
larger in those outer corner regions and decreases gradually to become significantly reduced in the inner corners and the
pocket. This ensures truly constant chip loading – there are no load spikes as the width of cut is automatically adjusted
according to part geometry throughout the whole toolpath.

The back pass is only applied on corners. The machining time is reduced (53 minutes in our example), but there are more
retracts on the toolpath.

6.4.3 - Programming a Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Multiple Z-Steps

The Waveform Roughing toolpath can be programmed with principal Z-Steps and sub Z-Steps. The order of machining
principal Z-Steps and Sub Z-Steps is optimized in the toolpath. The toolpath may machine all the principal Z-Steps first
followed by the Sub Z-Steps or machine the first principal Z-Step followed by the Sub Z-Steps of that level to the high Z of
the machined zone.

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To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform_multiple_Z-steps workzone.

Part with Open Pocket

Programming a Waveform Roughing toolpath with Sub Z-Steps

1. Create a new Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Radius + Stock option: activated
Flat cutter, Diameter: 20, Length: 150, Cutting Length: 45
Tolerance: 0.01
Stock Allowance: 0
Stepover: 2

2. Limit the Machining Zone by selecting the curve (C_000) which has been created in this workzone.
This will limit machining to the open pocket.

3. Click on the button in the Z-Step section.

The Z-Step dialog box is displayed.

4. Enter 40 in Z-Step Step Value field.

5. Activate the Sub Z-Step option.

6. Enter 10 in the field next to the Sub Z-Step option.

Principal and Sub Z-Steps Defined

7. Click OK to validate.

8. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

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9. In the Back Pass section, activate the Contour Length option.

10. Enter 40 in the Contour Length field.

11. Click OK to validate.

Let's define a Tool Holder:

1. Click on the button in the Holder section.

2. Activate the Perform Tool Holder Collision Detection during Calculation option.

3. Activate the Profiled Holder option.

4. Create the following tool holder and validate:

Tool Holder

6. Enter 0.01 in the Holder - Clearance with respect to Surface + Stock field.

7. Enter 50 in the Effective Tool Length field.

8. Click OK to validate.

9. Validate the toolpath parameters.

10. Initialize a 3D Solid Block Stock Model and launch calculation.

You should obtain the following result:

Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Z-Steps and Sub Z-Steps

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If you simulate the toolpath, you should see that principal and Sub Z-Steps are performed in the following order:

The first principal Z-Step is performed (1). Then the first

sub Z-Steps are performed (2, 3 and 4) in order to remove
excess material before performing the second principal Z-
Step (5). This allows removing more material in the second
principal Z-Step, as there is less material in the upper part
of the pocket, and therefore less risk of collision for the tool
holder.

Z Step Management

Below are illustrations of material removal in this case:

The toolpath now continues by machining the Sub Z-Steps

Machining of the first principal Z-Step with the presence of a of the first principal Z-Step (as opposed to above example
tool holder. with no tool holder).

All Sub Zs of the principal Z-Step are now machined. The following principal Z-Step is now machined.

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As the first principal Z-Step and its Sub Zs were machined

first, there is greater access for the cutter and the tool holder
to machine the Sub Zs of the second principal Z-Step Completed machining and resulting stock.

Principal and Sub Z-Steps Machining Order on Closed Pockets

Extremely Hard Materials

This strategy may not be adapted to extremely hard materials.

Indeed, the flute length is progressively reduced from the first principal Z-Step to the 4th Sub Z-
Step. Then it increases again for the second principal Z-Step (5). Using this strategy on
extremely hard materials could result in breaking the tool.

Managing Z-Steps for Very Hard Materials

1. Create a new Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Flat cutter, Length: 150, Diameter: 20, Cutting Length: 45
Expand Window by Radius + Stock option: activated
Stock Allowance: 2
Tolerance: 0.10
Stepover: 6

2. Click on the button in the Z-Step section.

The Z-Step dialog box is displayed.

3. Enter 40 in the Z-Step Value field.

4. Activate the Sub-Z-Step option.

5. Enter 20 in the field next to the Sub Z-Step option.

6. Activate the Force Main Z-Steps First option.

7. Click OK to validate.

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Force Main Z-Steps First Option Activated

8. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

If you simulate the toolpath with a New 3D Stock Model for the Whole Part, you should obtain the following result:

1: First Main Z-Step 2: Second Main Z-Step

3: First Sub Z-Step 4: Second Sub Z-Step

Programming a Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Smaller Z-Steps and Higher Stepover

You can also program the Waveform Roughing toolpath without sub Z-steps, using smaller Z-Steps and a higher Stepover,
using tools with a smaller Cutting Length. This strategy is suitable for extremely hard materials.

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Enter 8 in the Stepover field.

3. Click on the button in the Z-Step section.

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The Z-Step dialog box is displayed.

4. Enter 5 in Z-Step Step Value field.

5. Deactivate the Sub Z-Step option.

6. Click OK to validate.

7. Calculate the toolpath.

You should obtain the following result:

Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Small Z-Steps and Higher Stepover

6.4.4 - Maintaining Constant Material Removal Rates on Sub Z-step Machining Phases
For machining some softer materials such as aluminium or copper, the Constant Cutter Load option allows the Stepover to
be increased when the Z-step value is diminished in order to ensure constant cutter loads (i.e. constant material removal
rates).

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform workzone.

Part for Waveform Roughing

1. Program a Waveform roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

• Expand Window by: 100

• Flat cutter, Diameter: 5

• Stock Allowance: 0.5

• Tolerance: 0.01

• Stepover: 1.2

• Z-Step: 20

• Sub Z-Step: 2

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2. Validate the parameters.

3. Define the following Machining Plane:

4. Program a second Waveform roughing toolpath

5. Click on the Fixed button in the Z-Step section.

6. Activate the Constant Cutter Load option.

7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

8. Compare both toolpaths.

Sub Z-Steps

Constant Cutter Load

6.4.5 - Defining the Helix Diameter

You can define the value of the Helix Diameter of the Waveform Roughing toolpath.

The Helix Diameter allows you to avoid/machine pockets on the parts, depending on the entered value.

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It is available in the Cutter Movements dialog box:

Cutter Movements - Waveform Helix Parameters

The minimum value for this parameter must be:

>= 0.5 of the Cutter Diameter

The maximum value for this parameter must be:

<= 0.8 of the Cutter Diameter

The Auto value is 0.8 of the Cutter Diameter

The Non-Cutting Diameter must NOT exceed the Helix Diameter.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform workzone:

Part for Waveform Roughing

1. Create a Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Diam + Stock: activated
Bull-nose cutter, Length: 60, Body Radius: 15, Corner Radius: 5

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Stock Allowance: 0.5

Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 10
Fixed Z-Step: 40
Sub Z-Step: 10

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

3. Create a second Waveform Roughing toolpath.

4. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

5. Enter 15 in the Helix Diameter field.

Helix Diameter Value

6. Click OK to validate.

7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

8. Compare both toolpaths on the center pocket of the part.

The first toolpath does not machine

the pocket because it cannot
perform the helix movement.

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The second toolpath machines the

pocket because it can perform a
smaller helix movement.

6.4.6 - Delay when Changing to Feed Rate after Ramp Lead-in

New tools used in trochoidal machining strategies allow ramped lead-ins with high angles (typically between 10° to 20°).

The ramp lead-in movement is performed at the Approach Rate and then switches to the Feed Rate as soon as the
machining plane is reached.

However, due to the ramp angle, the quantity of stock material on the plane is too important and can result in cutter
overloading. To avoid this, the toolpath allows a complete revolution at the Approach Rate to be made before switching to
the Feed Rate.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform workzone.

Part for Waveform Roughing

1. Program a Waveform roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

• Bull-nose cutter, Radius: 5, Body Radius: 1

• Stock Allowance: 0.5

• Tolerance: 0.1

• Stepover: 2

• Z-Step: 40

• Sub Z-Step: 10

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

3. Activate the Ramp option in the Lead ins / Lead outs section.

4. Enter 10 in the Ramp Angle field.

5. Validate the parameters.

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6. Program a second Waveform roughing toolpath.

7. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

8. Activate the First Pass at Approach Rate option.

9. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

10. Compare both toolpaths on the center pocket of the part.

The effect of this option is shown in the following screen shots. (The area around the lead-in is highlighted in green for
greater clarity.)

Option not activated Option activated

6.4.7 - Using Specific Parameters of the Waveform Roughing Toolpath

To illustrate the specific parameters, we are going to use the Waveform_specific workzone.

Part for Waveform Specific Parameters

1. Create a new Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Flat Cutter, Length: 60, Diameter: 10
Expand Window by Radius + Stock: activated
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 2
Fixed Z-Step: 15

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

3. Activate the Auto option of the Contour Length parameter.

4. Click OK to validate.

5. Deactivate the Re-rough Flat Surfaces option in the Specific Parameters.

Keep the other default parameters.

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6. Calculate the toolpath.

7. Initialize a 3D Solid Block Stock Model.

You should obtain the following result:

Waveform Roughing Example

Flat Surface Re-Roughing

Activating the Flat Surface Re-Roughing option integrates the machining of any flat areas in the toolpath. These flat areas
are machined as soon as detected, after a main Z-Step.

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Activate the Flat Surface Re-Roughing option.

3. Calculate the toolpath.

You should obtain the following result:

Flat Surfaces Machined

If you show a side view and simulate the toolpath, you should see that the Z-Steps are executed in the following order:

Z-Step Order

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Pocket Selection

The Min Width field allows you to define the minimum width under which
the pockets will be ignored by the toolpath. The Auto option allows you
to determine a minimum pocket width which is twice the tool diameter.

If we enter 50 in the Min Width field, the small pocket of the part is not
machined.

Machining Order

These parameters allow you to determine the machining order of the toolpath (by zone or by level). They also allow you to
determine in which order the pockets should be machined (at the beginning or at the end of the toolpath).

By default, the toolpath is performed by zone, and the pockets are machined at the end of the toolpath.

To machine the pockets at the beginning of the toolpath:

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the button in the Machining Order section.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Machining Order Dialog Box

3. Activate the Inside Pockets First option.

4. Click OK to validate.

5. Calculate the toolpath.

You should obtain the following result:

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Pocket Machined First

If you simulate the complete toolpath, you should see that after having machined the larger pocket first, the toolpath goes
down machining the rest of the part. When it reaches the level of the smaller pocket, it machines this pocket before finishing
the part.

To define a machining order by level:

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the button in the Machining Order section.

3. Activate the By Level option.

Note that in this case, the Waveform Machining Priority option are grayed out and therefore ignored by the toolpath.

4. Click OK to validate.

5. Calculate the toolpath.

The toolpath is now performed by level.

If you simulate the toolpath, you should see that it chooses the shortest way between each pass. If a pass finishes inside
the pocket, the next pass starts inside the pocket, before machining the rest of the part.

6.4.8 - Defining the Speed of the Back Pass

You can save machining time by defining the speed of the Micro Lift when it is applied to the back pass.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Waveform workzone.

1. Create a new Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Flat cutter, Length: 80, Diameter: 10, Cutting Length: 45
Expand Window by Radius + Stock option: activated
Stock Allowance: 0.5
Tolerance: 0.10
Stepover: 2
Z-Step: 20 (Fixed)

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

3. In the Back Pass section, activate the Contour Length option.

4. Define the Contour Length value.

For our example, activate the Auto option below the Contour Length field.

5. Activate the Micro Lift option.

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6. Define the height of the Micro Lift.

Activate the Auto option.

Back Pass Options

7. Click OK to validate.

8. Click on the button in the NC Machine Parameters section.

The Speeds and Rates dialog box is displayed.

The Micro-lift Rate option is available if the Micro Lift option is activated. You can apply your own value. This value MUST
NOT exceed the Rapid Rate.

9. Activate the Auto option.

This allows you to apply a value which is 50% higher than the Feed Rate.

Automatic Micro-lift Rate

10. Click OK to validate.

11. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

If you simulate the toolpath, you will see that it goes faster during the Micro Lift movement.

Note that can also modify the color and the pattern of the Micro Lift display:

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries in the text menu bar and select Software Configurations.
The Parameters dialog box is displayed.

2. Unfold the CAM Toolpath Commands section and click on Colors.

3. Use the Waveform Micro-Lfit Rate Color button to change the color of the Micro Lift movement.

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4. Click on the Micro-lift Rate Pattern drop-down list and select the pattern of the Micro Lift movement.

Micro Lift Rate Color and Pattern Configuration

5. Click on the Apply button to confirm your changes.

6. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Postprocessor

For Postprocessor purposes, when the Micro-lift rate is determined by a variable, line #80 is used.

#80 s1 s2 s3 s4 where strings s1, s2, s3 and s4 represent Rapid, Approach, Feed and Microlift rates.

Example : #80 frap -1 fcut fwav

s1 = frap: the current Rapid rate is replaced by the string ‘frap‘.

s2 = -1: the Approach rate is not modified.

s3 = fcut : the current Feed rate is replaced by the string ‘fcut‘.

s4 = the current Micro-lift rate is replaced by the string ‘fwav’.

#80 -1 Q51 Q52 Q53

~"16"; Outil &TP_CSHAPE Diam=~w R=~Y

~"16";

~"16" TOOL CALL &TP_CPPNUM Z S&TP_SPINDLE/.0/

~"16" Q51=~"11" ; Approach Rate

~"16" Q52=~"10" ; Cutting Feed Rate

~"16" Q53=~"14" ; Micro-lift Rate

~"16" PLANE RESET STAY

~"16" M129

~"16" CYCL DEF 7.0 POINT ZERO

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Restrictions

You cannot edit the Waveform Roughing toolpath once you have applied a Micro-lift rate.

6.4.9 - Forcing the First and Last Point to the Top of the Stock
By default, the Z height of the first point is determined according to the Approach Distance. Sometimes, this position is too
low with respect to the Stock Model in the roughing phase.

You can force the value to the top of the Part + Stock + Stock Allowance. This is done in the Cutter Movements dialog box.

To illustrate this we are going to use the Waveform workzone:

1. Create a Waveform Roughing toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Diam + Stock: activated
Bull-nose cutter, Length: 60, Body Radius: 15, Corner Radius: 5
Stock Allowance: 0.5
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 10
Fixed Z-Step: 40
Sub Z-Step: 10

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

3. Create a second Waveform Roughing toolpath.

4. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

5. Activate the Force the First and Last Point to Top of the Stock option.

Force the First and Last Point to Top of the Stock

6. Click OK to validate.

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7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

8. Compare both toolpaths.

First Toolpath with Default Values

Second Toolpath with First and Last Points

on Top of Stock

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7 - Stock Simulation 7.1 - Running Stock Simulation

7 - Stock Simulation
The Stock Model Simulation function allows you to:

• Run toolpath simulations on selected stock models.

• Create and save the Stock Model for each toolpath, or generate a stock model based on several toolpaths.

• Visualize multiple toolpath trajectories on a given stock model.

The Stock Model used for simulation is different from the Stock Model that you initialize to calculate toolpaths.

7.1 - Running Stock Simulation

To give you an example of stock simulation, we are going to run stock simulation for the roughing toolpaths of the
Training_test worlzone.

1. In the Workzone Manager, click on the first roughing toolpath.

2. Click on the icon located on the left side of the user interface.

The Progressive Display dialog box is displayed.

3. Click on the drop-down list at the top of the dialog box to select the type of stock model.

Progressive Display: Stock Selection

There are 4 types of stock models to be used for simulation:

New 2D Stock for Toolpath: creates a 2D stock model large enough to display the stock for the selected toolpath.
New 3D Stock for Toolpath: creates a 3D stock model large enough to display the stock for the selected toolpath.
New 2D Stock for whole Part: creates a 2D stock model large enough to display the stock for the part but not necessarily
for the toolpath.
New 3D Stock for whole Part: creates a 3D stock model large enough to display the stock for the part but not necessarily
for the toolpath.

4. For our example, select the New 2D Stock for whole Part option.

5. Click on the button.

You can see the progressive simulation of the toolpath in the Viewing Area.

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Toolpath Simulation

6. Once the simulation finished, click on the icon in the Progressive Display dialog box to save the stock
modifications.

7. Click on the Close button to exit this dialog box.

The stock modification has been added to the Simulation element in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone Manager.

Stock Simulation Display

Toolpath Color
Before running stock simulation, you can change the color of the toolpath. This color will be applied to the stock simulation.
You can change the color of a toolpath by using its context menu in the Workzone Manager.

8. Right click on the second toolpath name in the Workzone Manager.

9. Go to the Color menu and select a new color.

10. Run the stock simulation for the second toolpath.

Stock Model Selection

When running stock simulation for another toolpath, you can select the previous stock model in the
Progressive Display dialog box so that you can view the modifications.

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Progressive Display: Stock Selection

Below is the result of the second toolpath stock simulation:

Stock Simulation after 2 Toolpaths

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8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths 8.1 - Flat Surface Finishing

8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths

After the roughing stage, you can go on machining the part with the finishing toolpaths.

These toolpaths are available in the 3-Axis Finishing tab of the Toolpath Strategy dialog box.

Finishing Toolpaths in the Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

In this section, we are going to give you details about the most common 3-axis finishing toolpaths, using the Training_test
workzone.

8.1 - Flat Surface Finishing

The Flat Surface Finishing toolpath is useful for machining parts with large flat surfaces such as parting surfaces, or as a
complimentary toolpath after the roughing toolpaths on parts with flat surfaces at different Z-levels where stock material
remains.

This toolpath can be used on all types of material with bull nose and flat cutters.

8.1.1 - Programming a Flat Surface Finishing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

3. In the Toolpath Strategy dialog box, activate the 3-Axis Finishing tab.

4. Select the Flat Surface Finishing toolpath and click OK to validate.

5. Define the following standard parameters:

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Flat Surface Finishing: Standard Parameters

Now you have to define the specific parameters:

Flat Surface Detection

This parameter defines the tolerance of the flat surface with respect to the machining plane. This allows detection of some
flat areas that may otherwise be ignored.

• For our example, leave the default value in the Detection Tolerance field.

Casting Allowance

This parameter allows you to define a Remaining Stock which is valid only for the selected Areas to Machine parameter
explained below. The defined value is considered as a global stock applied to all surfaces to be machined.

• For our example, enter 0.5 in the Remaining Stock field.

Areas to Machine

This parameter allows you to determine whether walls or flats or both walls and flat surfaces are to be machined. The
button of this parameter displays the option that is activated. The default option is Flats.

1. Click on the Flats button.

The following dialog box is displayed:

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Areas to Machine Dialog Box

If you activate the Walls option, the With Cutter Compensation option is displayed. Activating this option implies that the
code for cutter compensation in the X and Y coordinates is automatically generated in the Postprocessor output file (the
user must enter the compensation value when programming the NC machine).

2. For our example, activate the Flats option.

3. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Stock Allowances

These parameters allow you to define the amount of stock to be respectively left on walls and/or flat surfaces.

1. For our example, enter 0 in the Lateral and Flats fields.

2. Enter 0 in the Corner Smoothing Radius field.

3. Click on the Calculate button.

You should obtain the following result:

Flat Surface Finishing Toolpath

8.2 - Z-Level Finishing

The Z-Level Finishing toolpath is useful for machining parts with vertical or very curved shapes in a high speed machining
context. It is particularly adapted for use with bull-nose cutters on all kinds of materials.

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8.2.1 - Programming a Z-Level Finishing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

3. Select the Z-Level Finishing toolpath in the Toolpath Strategy dialog box and validate.

4. Define the following standard parameters:

Z-Level Finishing: Standard Parameters

Cutter Movements

• Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movementsdialog box is displayed:

The Z-Level Finishing toolpath allows you to define ramped or radial lead-in/out movements.

Below are the parameters that are common to the Ramp and Radial options:

Lead-in Radius
Defines the default Lead-in Radius.
Minimum Lead-in
This parameter is used if the default Lead-in Radius cannot be performed because
Radius
of part geometry restrictions.

The value of the Minimum Lead-in Radius must be greater than twice the
tolerance, if not an error message is displayed.

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Ramp Angle
This parameter is used when WorkNC cannot perform either of the Radial Lead-In
movements.
Maximum Overlap
This parameter allows you to define an overlap distance between the Lead-in point
Distance
and the Lead-out point on a pass to avoid marking the part. The maximum distance
is 2mm.

Lead-in without overlap distance Lead-in with overlap distance

When you activate the Ramp option, you can force the tool to follow an S-shape path when moving laterally from one level
above the other:

S-shape Stepovers Activated

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With S-Shape Stepovers

When using Radial lead-in movements, you can force the toolpath to perform spiral transitions between passes. This allows
you to obtain a continuous toolpath trajectory with a minimum number of retracts on geometries which evolve in a regular
manner along the machining Z axis such as electrodes, core and cavity shapes, etc.

1. Activate the Radial option.

2. Define the appropriate radii.

3. Activate the 3D Spiral Transitions in the Transitions section.

Radial Lead-ins

4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

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Now you have to define the specific parameters.

Entry Points

This parameter is used in a wide variety of toolpaths and, in general, allow the user to define where lead-ins will be
performed for a particular toolpath.

• For our example, do not define any entry points.

Machining Order

This parameter determines if the toolpath will machine all the levels of a given zone in one sequence (By Zone option) or if
it will machine the same level of each different zone (By Level option) one after the other. You can also define a Mixed
machining order that allows you to chain passes of the Z-Level Finishing toolpath on specific areas and therefore reduce
the number of retracts.

1. Click on the button of the Machining Order section.

The Machining Order dialog box is displayed:

Machining Order Dialog Box

2. Activate the By Zone, By Level or Mixed option.

For our example, make sure that the By Zone option is activated.

3D Spiral Transitions

The spiral transitions are not possible when activating the By Level option. The 3D Spiral Transitions
option is automatically deactivated when you choose this machining order.

3. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Cut Link Distance

Setting the Cut Link Distance between Zones parameter value sufficiently high allows you to consider separate zones (e.g.
islands) as one single zone. Movements between the individual zones will be performed at the cutting feed rate.

• For our example, leave the default value in the Zone Link Distance field.

Machining Slope Limit

The Cut Link Distance parameter, when defined sufficiently high, can reduce the number of retracts by allowing the cutting
feed rate to be continued over a distance where, without this parameter, the toolpath would normally perform a retract.

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The Minimum Slope Angle parameter allows you to determine which areas of a part are machined according to the slope
angle of the surface geometry.

• For our example, leave the default values in the Minimum Slope Angle and Cut Link Distance fields.

Machining Order and Slope Limit

Press the [F1] key to display the Online Help. The Z-Level Finishing Machining Strategies section
illustrates various combinations of these 2 parameters.

Machine Base of Walls

This parameter allows you to ensure that walls are machined over their full height. This is because some stock may remain
at the base of the walls depending upon the overall height of the wall and the value defined for the Z-Step parameter.

• Make sure that the Machine Base of Walls option is activated.

• Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Z-Level Finishing Toolpath Spiral Transitions

On the regular portions of the part, the toolpath follows a spiral movement. It performs regular lead-in and lead-out
movements when the geometry become more complex.

8.2.2 - Defining an Overlapping Distance for the Z-Level Finishing Toolpath

You can extend the Z-Level Finishing toolpath along the machining axis. This allows you to ensure improved surface
finishing in toolpath crossover areas when generating two toolpaths in opposite machining directions.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Z-

level_overlap workzone.
Let’s suppose that you want to program a machining
strategy on both sides of the part.

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1. Program a Z-Level Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Radius + Stock: activated
Ball cutter, Body Radius: 2
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Z-Step: 0.5 (Fixed)
Vertical lead-ins

2. Program a second Z-Level Finishing toolpath in the opposite machining direction, by defining a View.

3. Display both toolpaths with different colors.

If you show a left view of the part and zoom, you will see that passes have not been generated on crossover areas:

Toolpaths with Missing Passes

4. Open the Toolpath Parameters menu of the first toolpath.

5. Click on one of the 3 icons in the Machining Zone section.

6. In the Machining Zone dialog box, activate the Extend Path along Machining Axis option.

Machining Zone: Extend Path along Machining Axis

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Extend Path along Machining Axis

This option is available when the None or Over Surfaces options are activated in the Areas to Apply
section of the dialog box.

7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

8. Activate the Extend Path along Machining Axis option for the second toolpath.

9. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

If you now show both toolpaths, you will see that additional passes have been generated to fully machine the part:

Extended Toolpaths

8.2.3 - Defining a Variable Z-Step for the Z-Level Finishing Toolpath

You can adapt the Z-Step according to surface slope angles. This improves surface finish quality by determining the
maximum cusp height allowed for the toolpath.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Z-level

workzone.

In this workzone, we have already calculated a Z-

Level Finishing toolpath with a fixed Z-Step of 1mm.

1. Create a new Z-Level Finishing toolpath.

2. Click on the Fixed button of the Z-Step parameters.

3. In the Z-Step dialog box, activate the Auto Variable option.

4. Define the following parameters:

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Cusp Height (see 1 below): determines the maximum cusp height between successive passes.
For our example, enter 0.03 in the Cusp Height field.

Max Z-Step (see 2 below): defines the maximum Z-Step height between any 2 passes.
For our example, enter 1 in the Max Z-Step field.

Min Z-Step (see 3 below): defines the minimum Z-Step height on the last pass of the toolpath.
For our example, enter 0.025 in the Min Z-Step field.

Variable Z-Step Parameter Examples

Auto Variable Z-Step Defined

5. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

6. Click on the Calculate button.

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Z-Level Finishing with Adjusted Z-Steps

The Z-Step is adjusted according to the different slope angles. Note that this parameter is not suitable for complex
geometry forms.

8.2.4 - Defining a Minimum Retract Distance for the Z-Level Finishing Toolpath
You can define a Minimum Retract Distance for the Z-Level Finishing toolpath in order to link the passes of the toolpath.
This allows you to reduce the number of retracts and the machining time of the toolpath. The link between passes are
performed at the Cutting Feed Rate. It is useful when machining small vertical areas, or walls in open pockets.

This option is compatible with 2D and 3D retract movements. But for 2D retract movements, it is available only if you define
a Mixed machining order.

To illustrate this, we are going to use a workzone created from the corner_smoothing.xdw CAD file.
We are going to machine the walls in the open pocket illustrated below:

Open Pockets

1. Create a new Z-Level Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Ball cutter, Diameter: 8
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.010
Z-Step: 2 (Fixed)
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

2. Define the following View to limit the Machining Zone of the toolpath:

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View (Z+ Orientation)

3. Click on the button in the Machining Order section.

The Machining Order dialog box is displayed.

4. Activate the Mixed option and validate.

Mixed Machining Order

5. Click on the button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

6. Define a Radial lead-in movement.

7. Enter 90 in the Minimum Retract Distance field in the Safety Plane Retract Movements section.
This value corresponds to the width of the open pocket.

Minimum Retract Distance Defined

8. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

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9. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Z-Level Finishing Toolpath with Linked Passes

There are no retract movements between each Z level of the toolpath. It executes a ramp-down movement between each Z
level.

8.3 - Planar Finishing

This toolpath has been specially designed to machine in parallel passes following the surface profile of the part, with a
constant stepover in the plane view. On parts with vertical walls, this toolpath may leave scallops on steep walls.

8.3.1 - Programming a Planar Finishing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

3. Select the Planar Finishing toolpath in the Toolpath Strategy dialog box and validate.

4. Define the following standard parameters:

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Planar Finishing: Standard Parameters

Cycle and Direction

1. Click on any of the available buttons in the Machining Parameters section.

Only the Box and Lace cycles are available for this toolpath.

2. Activate the Lace option.

3. Activate the Parallel to Y option.

4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Cutter Movements

1. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

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2. Activate the Vertical option in the Lead-ins/Lead-outs section.

When defining vertical lead-in movements, you can make the toolpath execute stepovers on the surface(s) to machine
without retracting by activating the Stay on Surface option.

3. For our example, do not activate the Stay on Surface option.

4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Now you have to define the specific parameters.

Specify the Start Point

This parameter allows you to define in which corner of the Machining Zone machining will start.

• Leave the default settings for this parameter.

Pockets/Flats Selection

This parameter allows you to determine the pocket and flat surface machining strategy.

• Click on the button in this section.

The Pockets/Flats Selection dialog box is displayed.

Pockets/Flats Selection

For detailed information about these parameters, press the [F1] key to open the Online Help and refer to
the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

Activating the Avoid Pockets option allows you to define Detection

Parameters which determine how pockets and surrounding areas are
detected and processed by the application. It also allows to enter a Cut
Link Distance value.

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Activating the Avoid Flat Surfaces option allows you to specify that flat
surfaces will not be machined. You can define the Flat Surface Overlap
value, i.e. a distance which will be machined within the flat surface
boundaries. This is used to avoid marking the part when a
complementary toolpath is used to machine the flat surfaces. It also
allows to enter a Cut Link Distance value.

Activating the Limit Distance between Passes option allows you to delete
the passes generated on the vertical areas. You can define the
Maximum Distance as Multiple of Stepover value: when the distance
between the passes exceeds this value, the corresponding passes are
deleted.

Pockets/Flats Machining Strategies

When the Pockets/Flats Selection dialog box is opened, press the [F1] key to display the Online Help.
The Pockets/Flats Selection section illustrates these parameters.

1. For our example, do not activate any of these parameters and exit the dialog box.

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following results:

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Planar Finishing Toolpath

8.3.2 - Deleting Passes on Vertical Areas

When programming a Planar Finishing toolpath, large scallops may be generated with the passes that are executed on the
vertical areas which are orientated in the toolpath direction.

Although these scallops can be remachined with a similar toolpath calculated in the perpendicular direction, you may
consider these passes unnecessary.

The specific parameters of this toolpath contains an option which allow you to delete these passes.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pumpe workzone.

1. Create a new Planar Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Ball cutter, Body Radius: 2
Box machining cycle, Parallel to Y direction
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.10
Stepover: 0.5
Vertical Lead-ins
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

You should obtain the following result:

Planar Finishing with Passes on Vertical Areas

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8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths 8.3 - Planar Finishing

With the defined Stepover value, the distance between the passes on vertical areas increases.

2. Open the Toolpath Parameters menu of this toolpath.

3. Click on the button of the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

The Pockets/Flats Selection dialog box is displayed.

4. Activate the Limit Distance between Passes option.

The Maximum Distance as Multiple of Stepover field is displayed.

Pockets/Flats Selection: Distance between Passes

5. Keep the default value in this field.

When the distance between the passes exceeds 1.5 times the defined Stepover value, the corresponding passes will be
removed from the toolpath.

6. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box

7. Click on the Calculate button.

You should obtain the following result:

Planar Finishing: Removed Passes

This time, the toolpath has not generated passes on the vertical areas.

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8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths 8.4 - Parallel Finishing

8.4 - Parallel Finishing

The Parallel Finishing toolpath has been developed to take optimal advantage of high-
feed advanced tool form technologies, as the application calculates the toolpath
trajectories based on the exact shape of the cutter milling section. This toolpath is
compatible with standard tools (ball, bull nose, flat) and also with free form cutters,
provided that its shape is constantly convex, as in the opposite picture.

This strategy using this type of cutter ensures that remaining stock is more uniform and
closer to final dimensions.

The Stepover can be higher due to the cutter shape meaning shorter calculation and
cycle times. Cusp height can also be more tightly controlled according to the Stepover
value.

• To illustrate this, open the Parallel_finishing workzone.

In this workzone, we have calculated a Parallel Finishing toolpath and a Planar Finishing toolpath.

If you compare both toolpaths (parameters and results), you can see that they are simular.

We have simulated each toolpath with a 2D Stock Model for the whole Toolpath option.

If you compare both simulation stock models, you should see that the Parallel Finishing toolpath is closer to the final shape
of the part than the Planar Finishing toolpath:

1. Double click on the stock_parallel_finish simulation stock model.

2. Check the box on the stock_planar_finish simulation stock model, while zooming on specific areas of the part to see
the differences between the 2 simulation stock models.

8.4.1 - Programming a Parallel Finishing Toolpath

To illustrate this, we are going to use a workzone created from the features_holes.xdw CAD file. We are also going to use
the High_feed_cutter.dxf CAD file as a custom cutter profile to calculate the toolpath.

Selecting the Parallel Finishing Strategy

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button.

3. In the Toolpth Strategy dialog box, select the Parallel Finishing toolpath in the Finishing section of the 3-Axis Finishing
tab.

4. Click OK to validate.

Defining the Cutter Parameters

1. In the Cutter Details section, click on the button which indicates the current cutter dimensions and type.
The Define Tool dialog box is displayed.

2. Click on the Profile tab.

3. Activate the Custom Cutter option.

4. Click on the Import Profile button.

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5. Select the High_feed_cutter.dxf CAD file and click on the Open button.

6. Click on the Analyze Profile button.

This allows you to match the tool dimensions with the cutter profile.

You should obtain the following result:

Imported Cutter Profile

7. Click OK to validate.

Defining the Toolpath Parameters

Machining Zone

You can select the complete window, or limit the machining zone to a view, a boundary curve (Stopping Conditions are
unavailable) or a surface selection (Surface Extensions are unavailable). You cannot use machining planes.

Tolerances

You can use a positive or negative Stock Allowance value, provided that the shank radius + stock allowance + average
surface allowance (in case of surfaces with different stock allowance values) is positive.

Cutter Movements

You can use Vertical or Radial lead-in movements.

When defining Radial lead-in movements, you have the possibility to use Radial Stepovers or High Feed Transitions.

High Feed Transitions have been developed for High Feed Milling. High Feed Milling is originally a roughing method
developed to achieve higher metal removal rates. The process combines a shallow depth of cut with a large cutting radius
or a small lead angle to insure that the cutting forces are directed towards the machine spindle axial direction.

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Corner Smoothing

We recommend that you use a Corner Smoothing Radius value for High Feed Milling toolpaths.

1. Define the following parameters:

Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 1
Machining Direction: Parallel to X
Lead-ins: Vertical
Corner Smoothing Radius: 1

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Finishing Toolpath

Stepovers - Stay on Surface

You can make the tool stay on the surface when performing stepovers.

1. Open the Toolpath Parameters menu.

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

3. Activate the Stay on Surface option in the Stepovers section.

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Stay on Surface Option

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Finishing - Stay on Surface Activated

Maximum Segment Length

1. Open the Toolpath Parameters menu.

2. Click on the Options button in the Tolerances section.

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The Additional Parameters dialog box is displayed.

3. Activate the Maximum Segment Length option.

Additional Parameters

Maximum Segment Length

Defines the maximum distance allowed between two points in the calculation file. This function allows you to improve the
finish on surfaces with a large radius of curvature, without having to increase the calculation precision (and hence the
calculation time). The minimum possible distance is 1mm.

1 Tolerance

2 Max. Distance between 2 Points

Keep Points along Straight Section

Defining the Maximum Segment Length will activate this option allowing you to keep all points generated in the calculation
file.

Avoiding Flat Surface

You can avoid machining flat surfaces.

1. Open the Toolpath Parameters menu.

2. Click on the button in the Pockets / Flats section.

The Pockets/Flats Selection dialog box is displayed.

3. Activate the Avoid Flat Surfaces option.

Activating the Avoid Flat Surfaces option allows you to specify that flat surfaces will not be machined.

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4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Finishing avoiding Flat Surfaces

Radial Stepovers

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Enter 5 in the Stepover field.

3. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

4. Activate the Radial option.

5. Enter 5 in the Lead-in Radius field.

6. Make sure that the Radial Stepovers option is activated.

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Radial Stepovers

7. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Finishing Toolpath with Radial Stepovers

High Feed Transition

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on any button in the Cutter Movements section.

The Cutter Movements dialog box is displayed.

3. Activate the High Feed Transition option.

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8 - 3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths 8.5 - Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization

High Feed Transition

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Finishing Toolpath with High Feed Transitions

High Feed Transitions allow stepovers to be performed at high speeds without the machine having to slow down during
these movements.

8.5 - Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization

You can program both Z-Level Finishing and Optimization toolpaths in one single operation. This reduces the programming
time and the risk of tool breakage due to wrong definition of minimum pockets. When programming a combined Z-Level
Finishing and Optimization toolpath, the minimum value for pockets is applied to both toolpaths.

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8.5.1 - Programming a Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization

• To illustrate this toolpath, create a new workzone from the plate_wing.xdw file.

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button in the Toolpath Parameters menu.

3. Activate the 3-Axis Finishing tab in the Toolpath Strategy dialog box.

4. Select the Combined Z-Level Finishing + Optimization toolpath and validate.

Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization

This toolpath contains nearly all parameters that can be defined for both the Z-Level Finishing and the Optimized Z-Level
Finishing toolpaths. This allows you to define common parameters, like the tool to be used, the tolerance values, the
minimum width of the pockets, etc.

1. Define the standard and specific parameters as in the above picture.

2. Click on the button in the Min/Max Slopes section.

Here, you can define the minimum slope limit to be taken into account for Z-Level Finishing and the maximum slope
limit not to be exceeded by Optimization.

Slope Limit Option in the Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization Toolpath

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3. Define a minimum slope of 30° for Z-Level Finishing and a maximum slope of 35° for Optimization.

4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box

5. If you want to machine flat surfaces, activate the corresponding option.

For our example, deactivate the Machine Flat Surfaces option.

6. Click on the Calculate button.

You should obtain the following result:

Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization

7. Simulate the toolpth with the Progressive Display mode.

Some areas are machined by the Z-Level Finishing step... ... while others are machined during the Optimization step.

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths

The Optimization toolpaths are designed to be used in conjunction with the Finishing toolpaths in order to complete the
machining of the part.

There are two optimization toolpaths: Optimized Planar Finishing and Optimized Z-Level Finishing

They are available in the 3-Axis Finishing tab of the Toolpath Strategy dialog box:

Optimization Toolpaths in the Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

Optimized Planar Finishing is intended for use with the Planar Finishing toolpath and Optimized Z-Level Finishing is
intended for use with the Z-Level Finishing toolpath.

Because of the machining strategy used by the Planar Finishing toolpath and the Z-Level Finishing toolpath, certain areas
of the part will not be machined. The optimization toolpaths automatically machine only those areas not machined by the
finishing toolpaths.

9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

The Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath is generally used in conjunction with a Z-Level Finishing toolpath.
These 2 toolpaths are complementary, although they use completely different machining strategies. The Optimized Z-Level
Finishing toolpath is intended for use after the Z-Level Finishing toolpath to machine the relatively flat areas of the part.

As with the Z-Level Finishing toolpath, the areas to be machined are determined in relation to a Machining Slope Angle you
specify when you create the toolpath. However, with the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath machining will be performed
on slopes with an angle less than the specified Maximum Slope and there is also an option which determines if flat surfaces
will be machined or not. For those areas to be machined, machining is performed in the parallel plane or by contouring.

You will normally use the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath after the Z-Level Finishing toolpath, since stock will have
been removed from the vertical walls, making tool access easier.

All the standard cutters supported by the application can be used with the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath. You will
very likely use different cutters for the Z-level Finishing and Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpaths, since with the Z-Level
Finishing toolpath you will be machining vertical walls and with the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath you will be
machining relatively flat areas.

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

After an Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath, the part may be in a finished state or may require a remachining toolpath.

9.1.1 - Programming an Optimized Z-Level Finishing Toolpath

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button to select your toolpath strategy.

3. In the Toolpath Strategy dialog box, select the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath and validate.

4. Define the standard parameters.

Below is an example of standard parameters that you can apply:

Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Standard Parameters

Now you have to define the specific parameters.

Specify the Start Point

This parameter allows you to define in which corner of the machining zone machining will start.

Slope Limits

The Slope Limits parameter allows you to determine which areas of a part are machined according to the slope angle.

Pockets/Flats Selection

• Click on the button in the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

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The following dialog box is displayed:

Pockets/ Flats Selection (Optimized Z-Level Finishing)

Avoid Pockets

Activating the Avoid Pockets option will display 2 parameters which determine how pockets are detected:

Minimum Width

Any pockets smaller than the minimum width value specified for this
parameter will not be machined. If you activate the Auto option, only
pockets which are equal to at least twice the size of the cutter diameter
plus twice the value of the Stock Allowance will be machined.

Detection Z Step

This parameter is used by the application to check if a closed contour exists (i.e. a pocket) at subsequent levels starting
from the top of the part.

When a closed contour is detected, the application will compare the width of the pocket to the Minimum Width parameter
value and will not machine the pocket if the actual value is smaller than the Minimum Width parameter value.

If the actual value is greater than the Minimum Width value, the toolpath will machine that level of the pocket and the
process will be repeated at each subsequent level in the pocket.

A Cut Link Distance option is also available when activating the Avoid Pockets option:

Cut Link Distance

Specifying a Cut Link Distance value can have an effect on the machining strategy of flat surfaces and pockets.

Pockets/Flats Selection

For detailed information about these parameters, press the [F1] key to open the Online Help and refer to
the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

Avoid Material Left by Previous Smoothing Radius

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This option is used to avoid areas with material left due to corner smoothing
in the previous toolpaths. This option has been designed to prevent
potential tool breakage.

You can specify the smoothing radius used in the previous toolpath (if any)
or the smoothing radius defined in the specific parameters of the current
toolpath (activate the Use the Smoothing Radius of the Current Toolpath
option). You cannot activate this option if the smoothing radius of the
current toolpath is set to 0.

1. For our example, do not activate the Pockets/Flats Selection parameters.

2. Set the Maximum Slope to 10. This will make the toolpath machine relatively flat surfaces only.

3. Set the Corner Smoothing Radius to 0.

4. Validate and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Optimized Z-Level Finishing Toolpath

9.1.2 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Material left by Previous Smoothing Radius

This specific parameter is used to avoid areas with material left due to corner smoothing in the previous toolpaths. It has
been designed to prevent potential tool breakage.

The operating mode of this parameter is based on the smoothing radius used by the previous toolpath and on the detection
tolerance depth.

To illustrate this, we are going to create a workzone with the corner_smoothing.xdw file.

Part for Corner Smoothing

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1. Program a Global Rough/Rerough toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Radius+Stock: activated
Bull-nose cutter, Body Radius: 5 – Corner Radius: 0.5
Stock Allowance: 2
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 5
Z-Step: 5
Re-rough Flat Surfaces: activated
Corner Smoothing Radius: 5

2. Initialize the Stock Model (3D Solid Block) and run calculations.

3. Update the Stock Model.

You should obtain the following result:

Corner Smoothing Part - After Roughing

4. Program a Z-Level Finishing toolpath with a smaller tool (Flat, Body Radius: 4) and a Corner Smoothing Radius (4).

5. Program an Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Flat cutter, Body Radius: 4
Stock Allowance: 0.1
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 1.045 (auto)
Box machining cycle, Parallel to X machining direction
Vertical Lead-ins
Minimum Slope: 45
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

You should obtain the following result:

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

Resulting Optimized Z-Level Finishing

In the few areas highlighted in the above picture, the tool comes and machines the material which was left because of the
Corner Smoothing Radius of the Z-Level Finishing toolpath. In some cases, e.g. when the remaining quantity of material is
important, this may lead to tool breakage.
To avoid this, you can program the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath in such a way that the left material remains
unmachined.

6. Create a new Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath and click on the button of the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

7. Define the specific parameters as in the picture below to make sure that the remaining material is not machined:

Pockets and Flats Selection Parameters

You have to enter the value of the Corner Smoothing Radius which was used in the Z-Level Finishing toolpath, i.e. 4 mm in
our example. Make sure that the Auto. option is activated.

8. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations

You should obtain the following result:

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

Resulting Optimized Z-Level Finishing with Avoid Left Material

If you look at the same areas as the ones we highlighted before, you can note that the tool does not machine the material
that was left by the Z-Level Finishing toolpath.

9.1.3 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Pocket Detection And Flat Surface Machining
To illustrate this, we are going to use the workzone that you created for the Corner Smoothing option with the
corner_smoothing.xdw file.

1. Program a new Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:
Expand Window by Radius+Stock: activated
Flat cutter, Body Radius: 4
Lace machining cycle, Parallel to X direction
Stock Allowance: 0.1
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 2
Minimum Slope: 45
Machine Flat Surfaces: deactivated
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

2. Click on the button in the Pockets/Flats Selection section.

3. Make sure that the Avoid Pockets option is deactivated.

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following results:

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.1 - Optimized Z-Level Finishing

Optimized Z-Level Finishing with Pocket Machining

Note the toolpath has only machine the red surfaces: these surfaces are not flat surfaces (Draft Angle: 89.7000). It has
ignored the gray surfaces which are flat surfaces.

Note also that the pocket has been machined.

5. Create a new toolpath, keep the same parameters but this time, activate the Avoid Pockets option in the Pockets/Flats
Selection dialog box.
Activating the Avoid Pockets option enables the Minimum Width parameter. Any pockets smaller than the minimum
width value specified for this parameter will not be machined. If you activate the Auto option, only pockets which are
equal to at least twice the size of the cutter diameter plus twice the value of the Stock Allowance will be machined.

In our example, the pocket width is 35 mm.

For the pocket not to be machined, you must enter a minimum width value that is superior to 35. Let’s say 37mm.

Avoid Pockets Parameters

6. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following results:

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9 - 3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths 9.2 - Optimized Planar Finishing

Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Pocket avoided

The pocket has not been machined.

9.2 - Optimized Planar Finishing

The Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath is generally used in conjunction with a Planar Finishing toolpath. These 2 toolpaths
are complementary although they use completely different machining strategies.

The Planar Finishing toolpath follows the surface profile with a constant Stepover in the plan view. For parts with vertical or
near vertical walls, large scallops will be left on walls because of the constant Stepover and the Machining Direction. The
Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath provides an automatic facility for locating and removing the large scallops left on walls,
without machining the whole part.

The Planar Finishing and Optimized Planar Finishing toolpaths may be used in any order. The Optimized Planar Finishing
toolpath may follow the Planar Finishing toolpath or you may use it before the Planar Finishing toolpath in order to remove
stock on the vertical walls, thereby preparing the part for the Planar Finishing toolpath.

The Machining Direction used for the Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath should be perpendicular to the machining
direction used for the Planar Finishing toolpath.

All the standard cutters supported by the application can be used with the Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath. You will
typically use the same cutter as for the Planar Finishing toolpath.

After an Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath, the part may be in a finished state or may require one or more Remachining
toolpaths in order to remove Rest Material.

9.2.1 - Programming an Optimized Planar Finishing Toolpath

To illustrate this toolpath, we are going to use the plate_cover workzone.

Since we already executed a Planar Finishing toolpath oriented in the X direction, we will run an Optimized Planar Finishing
toolpath oriented in the opposite direction (Y) in order to avoid witness marks on the part left by cutter deflection.

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Toolpaths Sequence Order

For practical reasons, the optimization toolpaths are presented and executed after the finishing
toolpaths in this training guide. Nevertheless, we recommend you to run Optimized Planar Finishing
toolpaths before Planar Finishing toolpaths.

To define an Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath, proceed as follows:

1. Create a new toolpath.

2. Click on the Strategy Type button to select your toolpath strategy.

3. In the Toolpath Strategy dialog box, select the Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath and validate.

4. Define the standard parameters.

Below is an example of standard parameters that you can apply:

Optimized Planar Finishing: Standard Parameters

In the example above, we have defined a Parallel to X machining direction since the previous Planar Finishing toolpath was
run in the Y direction.

We have also chosen the Box machining cycle. With this cycle, the part will be machined from top to bottom in order to
prevent the body of the cutter from touching the stock. We recommend that you use this cycle if you machine vertical walls
with the Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath before the Planar Finishing toolpath.

Now you have to define the specific parameters.

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Machining Slope Limit

This parameter allows you to determine the areas that will be machined. All areas with an angle greater than the value
defined in the Maximum Slope field will be machined.

1. For our example, keep the default value in the Maximum Slope field.

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Optimized Planar Finishing Toolpath

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10 - Displaying the Rest Material Preview

10 - Displaying the Rest Material Preview

You can display precise information about the quantity of stock between the geometry and the Stock Model (2D or 3D). You
can display thickness ranges of remaining stock and limit the Rest Material calculation to a user defined area of the part.

To illustrate this, we are going to the pump_body_restmat workzone. In this workzone, we have calculated a series of
toolpaths.

Workzone with Toolpaths for Rest Material Display

1. Click on the icon located on the right side of the interface.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Rest Material Preview Dialog Box

The Rest Material Color section allows you to define the thickness ranges. By default, there are 3 thickness ranges.

2. Enter the following values (2, 1.5 and 1) in the fields:

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10 - Displaying the Rest Material Preview

New Thickness Range Values

These values represent the range minimum limits (in mm).

3. Click on the icon next to the lowest color button to add a thickness range. Enter 0.5 in the newly displayed field.

4. Click again on the icon next to the lowest color button to add a thickness range. Enter 0 in the newly displayed
field.

5. Change the different colors by clicking on the colored buttons.

You should obtain the following result:

New Thickness Ranges Defined

You can click on the icon to restore the default ranges. You can click on the icon to save the current ranges as
default ranges. You can also click on the Parameters button to open the Parameters dialog box and define your own Rest
Material default configuration.

6. Click on the Compute button.

You should obtain a result similar to the following result:

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10 - Displaying the Rest Material Preview

You can click at any point on the simulated Rest Material to display
the stock thickness at that point:

You can show/hide the simulated Rest Material by clicking on the icon in the Rest Material Preview dialog box.

You can also offset the simulated Rest Material. To do so, enter the offset value in the Rest Material Offset field and press
[Enter]. The color display will be updated accordingly.

You can adjust the opacity of the simulated Rest Material by using the Opacity cursor.

Finally, you can define a range with a negative limit and activate the Compute Negative Rest Material option. This can be
useful for Engraving toolpaths or toolpath that allows defining negative offset.

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11 - Contouring Toolpaths 11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace)

11 - Contouring Toolpaths
The Contouring toolpaths are designed for removing material along areas where there is a double contact between the
cutter and the part, such as corner edges and valleys.

Bitangencies are automatically detected by the application according to the selected tool and the geometry of the surfaces.

These toolpaths can be used on all kinds of material and with the different types of cutter supported by the application.
They are available in the 3-Axis Finishing tab of the Toolpath Strategy dialog box.

Contouring Toolpaths in the Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

You will typically use the Contouring toolpaths after a Finishing toolpath and before the Remachining toolpath in order to
remove Rest Material in corners and at the bottom of walls. Another application for the Contouring toolpath is for semi-
finishing, just after the Roughing step.

The application offers 2 types of Contouring toolpaths.

▪ The 3D Contouring Pencil Trace toolpath.

▪ The Parallel Pencil Trace toolpath.

11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace)

The 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) toolpath generate cutter paths with a single pass to cut along all the Bitangencies in the
selected Machining zone.

This toolpath can be used for machining bitangencies along flat surfaces and on slopes including near-vertical slopes.

11.1.1 - Programming a 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) Toolpath

To illustrate this toolpath strategy, we are going to create a workzone with the plate_cover.xdw file. This part displays lots of
areas where there is a double contact between the cutter and the part.

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11 - Contouring Toolpaths 11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace)

Bitangencies in the Plate Cover

To execute a 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) toolpath, proceed as follows:

• Create a new 3D Contouring – Pencil Trace toolpath with the following parameters:
Bull-nose cutter, Body Radius: 5 – Corner Radius: 1
Tolerance: 0.01
Stock Allowance: 0
Vertical Lead-ins

Now you have to define the specific parameters.

• Click on the button of the Pencil Trace section.

The Pencil Trace Milling Methods dialog box is displayed.

High-Low/Low-High Options

Press the [F1] key and refer to the 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) Machining
Strategies section of the Online Help for detailed information about these
parameters.

Machining Method For Steep Sections

This section allows you to select your machining method whether you want to
machine steep sections from high to low or from low to high.

Machining Method For Flat Sections

This section allows you to select your machining method whether you want to
machine flat sections using a Climb milling, a Conventional milling or a Mixed
milling.

1. For our example, keep the default parameters and click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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11 - Contouring Toolpaths 11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace)

3D Contouring – Pencil Trace Toolpath

11.1.2 - Generating Z Steps with the 3D Contouring - Pencil Trace Toolpath

You have the possibility to take the Stock Model into account with the 3D Contouring – Pencil Trace toolpath. This allows
you to define Z Steps for this toolpath. You can therefore use it to remove stock that may remain on bitangencies without
having to rerough these areas.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Plate_cover_contour workzone.

In this workzone, we have calculated 2 Global Roughing toolpaths and updated the Stock Model accordingly.

1. Create a new 3D Contouring – Pencil Trace toolpath.

2. In the Stock section, activate the Remachine from Stock Model option.

3. Define the Z Step for Extra Passes, i.e. the Z Step between each pass that will be generated from the Stock Model to
the bitangencies.

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11 - Contouring Toolpaths 11.1 - 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace)

Remachine from Stock Model

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Z Steps on the Toolpath

If we had not activate the Stock options, we would have obtained the following result:

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11 - Contouring Toolpaths 11.2 - Parallel Pencil Trace

No Z Steps

Stock Model Update

If you modify a parameter in the previous toolpaths that implies a Stock Model update, the 3D
Contouring – Pencil Trace toolpath will have to be recalculated.

11.2 - Parallel Pencil Trace

The Parallel Pencil Trace toolpath allows you to add an Edge Distance on each side of the bitangencies area and thus
removes more material in these areas.

11.2.1 - Programming a Parallel Pencil Trace Toolpath

• Create a new Parallel Pencil Trace toolpath with the following parameters:
Bull-nose cutter, Body Radius: 5 – Corner Radius: 1
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 0.166 (auto)
Vertical Lead-ins

There is only one specific parameter to define for this toolpath: the Edge Distance.

This parameter determines the distance to be machined from the center point between the Bitangencies to each of the two
edges, i.e. the overall machining distance from one edge to the other is equal to twice this value.

1. For our example, keep the Edge Distance default value.

2. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Parallel Pencil Trace Toolpath

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.1 - Planar Remachining

12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths

The remachining toolpaths are designed for the very final stages of machining, generally after the finishing and optimization
toolpaths. They are used to remove areas of material which could not be removed by the cutters specified for the previous
toolpaths. These areas are known as Rest Material Areas or Remachining Areas.

The remachining toolpaths only machine the Rest Material Areas thereby optimizing the machining time. After these
toolpaths, the part will generally be in a finished state. Note that you may be required to use a series of Remachining
toolpaths with a series of smaller and smaller tools, in order to remove all Rest Material Areas.

There are 4 remachining toolpaths:

• Planar Remachining

• Z-Level Remachining

• Contour Remachining

• Undercut Remachining

They are available in the 3-Axis Finishing tab of the Toolpath Strategy dialog box:

Remachining Toolpaths in the Toolpath Strategy Dialog Box

12.1 - Planar Remachining

The Planar Remachining toolpath follows the surface profile of the part, with a constant Stepover in the plan view. The
areas to be machined are calculated automatically by WorkNC in relation to a Reference Cutter or from Rest Material on
the updated Rest Material Model or Stock Model. You specify which option you want to use when you create the Planar
Remachining toolpath.

All standard or conic ball-end, bull-nose or flat cutters with straight or tapered shanks can be used. In general you will use a
cutter size smaller than the cutter used for the finishing stage.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.1 - Planar Remachining

12.1.1 - Programming a Planar Remachining Toolpath

• Create a new Planar Remachining toolpath with the following parameters:
Ball cutter, Body Radius: 3
Box cycle, Parallel to Y direction
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 1
Vertical Lead-ins

Dividing the Toolpath into Horizontal Slices

For deep parts, it is possible to perform the Planar Remachining toolpath in several steps perpendicular
to the tool axis, with the highest levels being machined with a short cutter and the deepest levels
machined with a longer cutter. You can do this by using the Z-Step parameter. Below is an example of a
Planar Remachining toolpath with a fixed Z-Step value. Approach movements are displayed to indicate
the horizontal slices.

Planar Remachining Toolpath with Z-Steps

Now you have to define the specific parameters:

Remachining Reference

This parameter allows you to specify whether the Rest Material Areas will be calculated with reference to a cutter
radius/diameter, from the Rest Material Model or from the Stock Model.

1. For our example, activate the Reference Cutter option.

2. Click on the Cutter Size button.

The Reference Cutter dialog box is displayed. It allows you to indicate the shape and size of the cutter used in the previous
toolpath.

3. Activate the Bull-nose/Flat option and enter the Body Radius and Corner Radius of the reference cutter.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.1 - Planar Remachining

Reference Cutter Dialog Box

4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

Optimization Options

These options can be used to generate a perpendicular toolpath (with or without Optimization) to improve the quality of the
finish of the Planar Remachining toolpath.

• Click on the button in the Optimization Options section.

The Planar Remachining Option dialog box is displayed:

Planar Remachining Options

One Direction only, no Perpendicular Path implies that machining will be performed parallel to the selected Machining
Direction only.

Optimized Bi-directional (Optimized portion last) implies that the first machining phase will be parallel to the selected
Machining Direction parameter and then the Optimization phase will be performed perpendicular to the initial phase.
Selecting this option will make the Maximum Slope Limit parameter appear in the toolpath menu (see below).

Optimized Bi-directional (Optimized portion first) implies that the first machining phase will be the Optimization phase (i.e.
perpendicular to the selected Machining Direction parameter). The second machining phase will then be performed parallel
to the selected Machining Direction.

Bi-directional (Complete perpendicular path, non-optimized) implies that the whole Rest Material Area will be machined
both parallel and perpendicular to the Machining Direction parameter.

• For our example, keep the Optimized Bi-directional (Optimized portion last) option activated.

Slope Limit

With the two Optimized Bi-directional Machining options, this parameter is used to determine the zones within the Rest
Material Areas to be machined. Only zones within the Rest Material Areas with an angle greater than specified Maximum
Slope will be machined.

• For example, keep the default value. The value is identical to the value that may have been used in previous toolpaths.
In our example, it should be 10.

• Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.2 - Z-Level Remachining

You should obtain the following result:

Planar Remachining Toolpath

12.2 - Z-Level Remachining

The Z-Level Remachining toolpath is designed for remachining parts with vertical or near vertical walls. The areas to be
remachined are determined by a combination of parameters you specify when you create the toolpath: Slope Limit and
Remachining Reference.

Only those areas with an angle greater than the specified Minimum Slope and which also satisfy the Remachining
Reference parameter (Reference Cutter radius/diameter or Rest Material on the updated Rest Material Model or the Stock
Model) will be machined. There is however an Optimization option which allows remachining areas with an angle inferior to
the Minimum Slope to be machined.

All standard or conic ball-end, bull-nose or flat cutters with straight or tapered shanks can be used. In general you will use a
cutter size smaller than the cutter used for the finishing stage.

12.2.1 - Programming a Z-Level Remachining Toolpath

• Create a new Z-Level Remachining toolpath with the following parameters:
Ball cutter, Body Radius: 3
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 1
Vertical Lead-ins
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

Now you have to define the specific parameters.

Remachining Reference

• Make sure that the Reference Cutter option is activated.

Optimization

This parameter allows you to automatically create a second toolpath to machine the zones within the Rest Material Areas
that have an angle less than the specified Minimum Slope, i.e. the flat zones.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.2 - Z-Level Remachining

• Click on the button of the Optimization option.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Automatic Optimization

Parallel Optimization

Equivalent of grouping together the Z-Level Finishing and Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpaths but only applied to Rest
Material/Reference Cutter areas.

Contour Optimization

Alternative method of executing the Optimization phase by Contouring (see examples below).

Machining Order

Option to determine if the vertical areas are machined before the flatter areas (Z-level then Optimize) or vice versa
(Optimize then Z-level).

Example of Parallel Optimization toolpath section within the Z-level Remachining toolpath

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.3 - Contour Remachining

Example of Contour Optimization toolpath section within the Z-level Remachining toolpath

1. For our example, leave the default options.

2. Make sure that the Corner Smoothing Radius is set to 0.

3. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Z-Level Remachining Toolpath

12.3 - Contour Remachining

The Contour Remachining toolpath follows the contours of the part with a constant Stepover over the surface.

The areas to be machined by the Contour Remachining toolpath are calculated automatically by WorkNC in relation to a
Reference Cutter or Rest Material on the updated Rest Material Model or Stock Model.

You specify which option you want to use to determine the Rest Material Areas when you create the toolpath.

The Contour Remachining toolpath gives a better quality finish than the Planar Remachining toolpath since fewer
Stepovers are performed. In addition, the Contour Remachining toolpath provides better cutting conditions than the Planar
Remachining toolpath. However the calculation time for the Contour Remachining toolpath is currently longer than the
Planar Remachining toolpath.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.3 - Contour Remachining

According to the quality of the finish you require on the completed part you may opt for either the Planar Remachining or
the Contour Remachining toolpaths.

All standard or conic ball-end, bull-nose or flat cutters with straight or tapered shanks can be used. In general you will use a
cutter size smaller than the cutter used for the finishing stage.

You can define an Evolving Stepover which allows to apply a Morphing strategy. You can also cut steep areas (determined
by the Minimum Slope parameter) in Z-Level mode.

12.3.1 - Programming a Contour Remachining Toolpath

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Contour_remachining workzone.

Part for Contour Remachining

1. Program a Contour Remachining toolpath with the following parameters:

Ball cutter, Body Radius: 2
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.005
Stepover: 0.2
Vertical lead-ins

2. Define the Remachining Parameters.

This section allows you to define the remachining reference and morphing parameters.
Here we assume that we have already programmed a finishing toolpath with a ball-end cutter with a 4 mm Body Radius

3. Make sure that the Reference Cutter and Ball-end Cutter options are activated.

4. Enter 4 in the Body Radius field.

5. Deactivate the Evolving Stepover and Machine Steep Areas by Z-Level options.

6. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.3 - Contour Remachining

Contour Remachining Toolpath

Evolving Stepover

This parameter allows you to define a Morphing strategy and improve the surface finish quality.

1. Create a new Contour Remachining toolpath.

2. Activate the Evolving Stepover option.

3. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

If you compare both toolpaths on specific areas of the part, you will see that the trajectories with the Evolving Stepover give
better results:

Evolving Stepover Deactivated Evolving Stepover Activated

Machine Steep Areas by Z-Level

This parameter allows you to machine steep areas whose slope angles are above the Minimum Slope value by Z-level.
This way you reduce the load on the tool and increase tool life.

1. Create a new Contour Remachining toolpath.

2. Activate the Machine Steep Areas by Z-Level option.

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12 - 3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths 12.3 - Contour Remachining

3. Enter 30 in the Minimum Slope field.

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

If you compare toolpath 2 and 3 on specific areas of the part, you should see the difference on steep areas:

Machine Steep Areas by Z-Level Deactivated Machine Steep Areas by Z-Level Activated

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

13 - Editing Toolpaths
Sometimes you may want to edit your toolpaths and save time when machining:

▪ By removing sections and therefore unnecessary paths when machining corners.

▪ By isolating sections of the toolpath and reorder them.

▪ By adding an offset value to the toolpath (or a section of the toolpath) in order to protect the part in case of further
modifications of the CAD model.

▪ By inverting the machining direction of the toolpath (or sections of the toolpath) to improve the machining strategy.

▪ By defining new rates for portions of the toolpath.

To illustrate this function, we are going to use the toolpaths that you have programmed in the Training_test workzone.

To use the Toolpath Edition function proceed, as follows:

1. Display the toolpath that you want to modify in the Workzone Manager.

2. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.
Or click on Edit in the text menu bar and select Multiple Edition in the Toolpath Modification menu. You can also right
click on the toolpath and select Multiple Edition in the Toolpath Modification menu.

Activating the Toolpath Edition Function

The following dialog box is displayed:

Toolpath Edition Dialog Box

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

The selected toolpath is displayed in the Viewing Area, the Remove function is activated by default.

Collision Detection

You can click on the Select Tool Point button and place the cutter at any point on the toolpath and
detect collisions at this point by activating the Check Collisions at Selected Point option.
You can deactivate the Tool Point Selection Moves the Machine option so that the machine does not
move when selecting points. This allows you to have better visibility, but in this case collisions with the
machine are not detected.

For this training session, we are going to see how to remove, isolate, offset and invert portions of a toolpath.

13.1 - Removing Toolpath Sections

We are going to remove sections on the Z-Level Finishing toolpath.

1. Select the toolpath and start the Toolpath Edition function.

2. Make sure that the Remove function is activated.

If not, click on the Remove button in the Command section of the dialog box.

The dialog box offers you various possibilities to remove sections of toolpath. You can delete segments, a section between
2 points or a complete pass of the toolpath. You can also draw rectangles or polygons to remove the segments contained in
them. Let’s see how to remove segments contained in a polygon. Let’s suppose that you want to remove the sections on
the small boss of the part:

Toolpath Sections to be Removed

3. Click on the icon to show a top view of the part and zoom in using the mouse wheel button

4. Click on the Polygon button in the dialog box and click on points around the passes to be removed in the Viewing
Area:

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Polygon Selection

Cancelling Selection

In the dialog box, click on the Del Last button to cancel the last point selection or click on the Clear
button to cancel all point selections.

5. Click on the Preview button to obtain a preview (in blue) of the toolpath sections that are going to be removed. You
can also activate the Auto option to automatically obtain previews of your selection as long as the Toolpath Edition
dialog box is opened.

Removed Sections Preview

When you change the orientation of the part after having made a selection, you can restore the previous orientation by
clicking on the Clip Plane in +Z button.

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

You can invert your selection by activating the Invert Clipping option.

6. Click on the Apply button in the dialog box or right click in the Viewing Area to apply the modification.

Remove Function Applied

The dialog box remains opened, allowing you to apply other modifications.

Cancelling Modifications

Once you have applied several modifications, click on the Undo button to cancel the last modification or
click on the Undo all button to cancel all the modifications.

7. Click OK to validate and exit the function.

The Workzone Manager now displays the icon to indicate that the toolpath edition requires calculations. In fact, it
requires the calculation of the new retracts and lead-in movements.

Toolpath Edition waiting for Calculation

8. Run the calculation.

You should obtain the following result:

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Toolpath with Removed Sections

13.2 - Isolating Toolpath Blocks

You can isolate some sections of the toolpath to insert them again but in a different order. To illustrate this function, we are
going to use the Optimized Z-Level Finishing toolpath.

We are going to divide the toolpath into blocks. We are going to create a block for each Z level of the toolpath.

1. Activate the toolpath display and start the Toolpath Edition function.

2. Click on the Isolate button in the Command section of the dialog box.

Toolpath Edition: Isolate Function

3. Show a right view of the part so you can identify the different levels of the toolpath.

4. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the right side of the user interface to hide the part.

We are going to make rectangular selections to select the different sections of the toolpath.

5. Click on the Rectangle button in the dialog box.

We are going to select the upper level of the toolpath.

6. Click on 2 points around to toolpath sections in the Viewing Area, as illustrated below:

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Rectangular Selection

7. Click on the Apply button or right click in the Viewing Area to validate your selection.

8. Click on the separator button in the middle of the dialog box:

Block List

The Block List is displayed. The Original Block contains the sections of the toolpath that you have not isolated yet. The
Isolated Block 1 contains the toolpath sections you have just selected.

9. Create the other isolated blocks using rectangular selections.

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 13 - Editing Toolpaths

Isolated Blocks Created

10. Click on the various blocks in the dialog box. The corresponding toolpath sections are highlighted in blue.

The Original Block should be empty: if you click on it in the Block List, there should be no highlighted element in the
Viewing Area.

Reorganizing the Blocks

The order in which the blocks appear in the list indicates the machining order of the modified toolpath. You can move the
isolated blocks in the list to change that order.

• Drag and drop the blocks in the list until you obtain the desired order.

Drag and Drop Isolated Block 5

In our example, we want the toolpath to machine the lower levels first:

Isolate: Drag and Drop

• Click on the Apply button to validate the new order.

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Editing an isolated block

The Isolate function also offers you the possibility to offset, invert or remove a selected block.

1. Right click on the block.

2. Select the modification that you want to apply.

Isolated Block: Context Menu

If you want to offset a block, first enter the value in the corresponding field, then right click on the block and apply the offset.

1. Click OK to validate the Isolate function.

2. Run the calculations.

If you simulate the toolpath, you will see that it machines level by level, starting from the bottom of the part.

13.3 - Offsetting Toolpath Sections

You can add an offset to some sections of a toolpath. To illustrate this function, we are going to use the Flat Surface
Finishing toolpath.

1. Activate the toolpath display and start the Toolpath Edition function.

2. Click on the Offset button in the Command section of the dialog box.

Toolpath Edition: Offset Function

We are going to offset the pass on the flat surface at the top of the part.

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

3. Click on the Pass button in the dialog box.

4. Click on the pass to offset.

Pass to Offset

5. Enter the offset distance in the Value field of the dialog box, for example 2 mm.

6. Click on the Apply button or right click in the Viewing Area to validate the offset.

Before Offset After Offset

7. Click OK to validate and exit the function.

8. Run the calculations.

13.4 - Inverting Toolpath Sections

You can invert the machining direction of sections or complete toolpaths. To illustrate this, we are going to use the
Optimized Planar Finishing toolpath.

1. Activate the toolpath display and start the Toolpath Edition function.

2. Click on the Invert button in the Command section of the dialog box.

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Toolpath Edition: Invert

We are going to invert the machining direction for the last portion of the toolpath, in order to reduce the distance between

the retract point of the previous portion (see below) and the lead-in point of the last portion (see below):

Section to Invert

3. Orientate the part to obtain the following display:

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

Part Orientation

4. Click on the Rectangle button in the dialog box.

5. Make the following rectangular selection:

Rectangular Selection

6. Click on the Apply button or right click in the Viewing Area to validate the operation.

7. Click OK to validate and exit the function.

8. Run the calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

New Machining Direction

The distance between the retract point of the previous section (see above) and the lead-in point of the last portion (see

above) is shorter. The machining direction of the last portion (see arrow above) has been inverted.

13.5 - Validating or Cancelling Modifications

Once you have made modifications to a toolpath with the Toolpath Edition function, you can cancel the modifications or
validate the modified toolpath.

There are 2 ways of activating these commands:

1. Right click on the icon of the modified toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

Toolpath Context Menu: Validate/Cancel Modifications Commands

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13 - Editing Toolpaths

2. Select the toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

Click on Edit in the text menu bar and select the appropriate command in the Validate/Cancel Modifications menu.

Validate/Cancel Modifications in the Edit Menu

Restore Initial Toolpath

This command is available when toolpath modifications have been calculated on the selected toolpath ( icon). If you

activate this command, the icon disappears and the initial toolpath is restored.

Accept Modification

This command is available when toolpath modifications have been calculated on the selected toolpath ( icon). If you

activate this command, the icon remains displayed, the Validate/Cancel Modifications commands are no longer
available. The only way to restore the initial toolpath is to recalculate the toolpath. To do so, right click on the toolpath and
select Recalculate.

Cancel Modification

This command is available when toolpath modifications have been applied but not yet calculated ( icon). If you can

activate this command, the icon disappears and the pending calculations are cancelled.

• For our example, restore all the initial toolpaths.

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14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length

14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length

This function allows you to detect any collision between the tool holder, the cutter (under certain conditions), the part
surfaces or Machining Context surfaces and clamps for a given calculated toolpath.

In case of collision detection, the function will inform you of the Recommended Safe Tool Length that is required to avoid
any collisions between the selected tool holder and the part.

This function is available in the Tool Holder Collision Detection Parameters dialog box.

To illustrate this function, we are going to use the Planar Finishing toolpath that we created for the Training_test workzone.

To activate the function, proceed as follows:

1. Select the corresponding toolpath in the Workzone Manager

2. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.

The Tool Holder Collision Detection Parameters dialog box is displayed.

Tool Holder Collision Detection Parameters Dialog Box

3. Select the tool holder that you want to use:

If you want to use a simple, cylindrical holder, activate the Cylindrical Holder option and indicate the radius and the
length of your tool holder.
If you want to use an existing tool holder in your library, activate the Holder Profile File Name option and click on the
None button. Double click on the relevant tool holder in the Tool Holder Library.

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14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length

For our example, select Cylindrical Holder and enter 15 in the Holder Radius field. Keep the default Holder Length value. A
preview of the tool holder with the cutter is displayed on the right side of the dialog box.

4. Enter the Effective Tool Length of the cutter that is to be used for the collision detection calculations i.e. the distance
between the tip of the cutter and the lower face of the tool holder.

For our example, keep the default tool length.

5. In the Collision Detection section, activate the Calculate Recommended Safe Tool Length only option.

Collision Detection Parameters Defined

6. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

The icon is now displayed on the toolpath line in the Workzone Manager and the icon appears in the Viewing
Area.

7. Run the collision detection calculations.

A Calculation Report is displayed. If collisions have been detected, it indicates the Recommended Safe Tool Length.

8. Click OK to close the Calculation Report.

The icon, indicating that the collision detection has been calculated is now displayed on the toolpath line in the
Workzone Manager.
This icon as well as the ball of the toolpath appear in red, which means that the application detected collisions between the
part and the tool holder.

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14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length

Workzone Manager: Tool Holder Collisions Status Icons

You can simulate the toolpath in the Progressive Display mode to visualize the collisions between the tool holder and the
part:

Tool Holder Collision With the Part

The tool holder that we defined is displayed in the Viewing Area. You can activate or deactivate the tool holder display by

clicking on the icon on the right side of the user interface.

As there are collisions between the holder and the part, the cutter used by the toolpath is too short. The Tool Holder
Collision Detection function allows you to determine the recommended tool length:

1. In the Workzone Manager, select the toolpath for which you have executed the collision detection.

2. Click on the icon again.

In the dialog box, the Recommended Safe Tool Length field is displayed, indicating the minimum cutter length to avoid
collisions:

3. Enter this recommended tool length in the Effective Tool Length field.

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14 - Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length

Effective Tool Length Modified

4. Click OK to validate.

The icon is displayed and the ball of the toolpath is displayed in green.

No More Collision

• Repeat the procedure for all the finishing and optimization toolpaths.

Since these toolpaths use the same cutter, it may be useful to apply the same configuration before postprocessing them.

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15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths

15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths
Once you have programmed toolpaths in the CAM mode, you need to postprocess the toolpath data. Postprocessing allows
the user to convert toolpaths data into the correct format before transferring it to the target machine NC.

Let’s postprocess the toolpaths that we created in the Training_test workzone:

Selecting the Postprocessing Method

1. In the Workzone Manager, select all the toolpaths.

To do so, press and hold the [Shift] key, click on the first toolpath of the list and then on the last toolpath.

2. Click on the icon on the left side of the user interface.

Since you have selected more than one toolpath, the application asks you to select the postprocessing method: Separately
or Concatenated.

Separate Output Files or Concatenated Output Files

The Separately option will generate postprocessed toolpath files containing individual toolpaths,
whereas the Concatenated option will generate a postprocessed toolpath file that contains multiple
toolpaths.

3. Click on the Concatenated button for our example.

The Concatenated Postprocess dialog box is displayed.

Concatenated Postprocess Dialog Box

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15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths

Toolpaths to be Postprocessed

You can add or remove toolpaths by clicking on the Add or Remove buttons below the Toolpaths field.
You can also change the order of the toolpaths by selecting one toolpath and clicking on the Up or
Down buttons.

Selecting the Postprocessor

1. Click on the Select button in the Parameters field to select your postprocessor.

The Select Postprocessor dialog box is displayed.

Select Postprocessor Dialog Box

This dialog box contains the list of available postprocessors.

In the above example, you can see columns with colored symbols next to the name of the available postprocessors. These
columns represent the types of machining for which the various postprocessors can be used or not.

The symbol indicates that the postprocessor is recommended for the corresponding type of machining.

The symbol indicates that the postprocessor cannot be used for the corresponding type of machining.

The symbols on the left side of the list indicate the postprocessors that cannot be selected for the current toolpaths. In
the above example, the selected toolpaths are 3-axis toolpaths, and we cannot select the postprocessors that have been
specifically defined for 2D and 5-axis machining. However, note that a postprocessor can be defined for 2 types of
machining. This is done in the postprocessor file.

2. Click on the Select button to select your postprocessor file.

A new dialog box pops up to allow you to select your directory and postprocessor file.

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15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths

Postprocessor File Selection

Postprocessor File Selection

In the above example, we have selected the disk D and corresponding pospro directory. The standard
postprocessor directory is C:\WorkNC**\Postpro.

3. Once you have selected the directory and the postprocessor file ([Link]), click on the Open button.

4. For our example click on the Postprocessor without Transformation in the Select Postprocessors dialog box and click
OK to validate.

The selected postprocessor and its compatibility is now displayed in the Concatenated Postprocess dialog box.

5. Click on the (Re)Postprocess button.

6. Run the calculations.

Once the calculations are completed, a Concatenated Postprocess line with the icon is displayed in the Workzone
Manager to indicate that the postprocess has been executed:

Concatenated Postprocess in the Workzone Manager

Postprocessing Parameters

For more details about the parameters, press the [F1] and look for Postprocessor in the Online Help.

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15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths

15.1 - Opening NC Files

Once you have postprocessed toolpaths, you can open and modify NC files with the NC file editor, available from within the
application. This can be used for example to change dimensional units (mm <> inch) or perform some arithmetic
operations.

NC File Editor Configuration

1. Click on Utilities in the text menu bar and select Software Configuration.

2. In the Parameters dialog box, click on the + symbol next to Preferences.

3. Click on Applications under the Preferences section.

NC File Editor Location

You can replace the [Link] file by your own editor.

The Options to Set before File Names and Options to Set after File Names fields allow you to add prefixes and suffixes to
the NC files in order to open them with other editors.

You can use the Application Type drop-down list to switch from the mono to multi-document mode if required.

4. Select Multi-Document Application in the Application Type drop-down list.

This allows you to open several NC files in separate tabs of the NC File Editor.

5. Click on the Apply button, then on OK to exit the dialog box.

Opening the NC File Editor

If you have several toolpaths that have been postprocessed together or separately, you can open the NC files.

For separate postprocessed files:

1. In the Workzone Manager, select the toolpaths which have been postprocessed.

2. Right click on the icon and select Open Postprocessed File(s).

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15 - Postprocessing Toolpaths

Opening the NC File Editor (Separate Postprocessed Files)

3. The NC files are displayed in separate tabs of the editor:

NC File Editor with Two NC Files

4. Make modifications as required and save your files.

For concatenated postprocessed files:

1. In the Workzone Manager, right click on the Concatenated Postprocess line and select Open Postprocessed File(s).

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Opening the NC File Editor (Concatenated Postprocessed Files)

The NC file is displayed in the NC File Editor.

2. Make modifications as required and save your file.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

16 - Workzone Management

16.1 - Management Functions

These management functions are the following: Workzone Cloning, Workzone Symmetry, Workzone Information,
Workzone Configuration.

You can access these functions from the File menu:

Workzone Management Functions in the File Menu

To illustrate these functions, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

16.1.1 - Workzone Information

This function allows you to change the workzone details such as the NC programmer name, the NC/APT File Prefix and the
Comments about the workzone. These details will appear in the Recent Workzones tab of the New/Open dialog box.

The workzone information can be defined when creating the workzone, in the Create Workzone dialog box:

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Create a Workzone Dialog Box

You can also define and/or modify workzone information once the workzone has been created and loaded in the CAM
mode. To do so, proceed as follows:

1. Click on File in the text menu bar, then go to the Information menu and select Information.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Workzone Information Dialog Box

2. Enter the information of your choice in the corresponding fields and click on the OK button to validate and exit the
Information dialog box.

Workzone Information Fields

You may have to define the following workzone information fields.

Information Field Use

Workzone Directory
Indicates the name of the current Workzone (cannot be modified).
Activated Version
Indicates the name of the version of the application which was used to create the workzone.
NC Programmer
Allows you to enter the name of the NC Programmer. The Postprocessor may be configured
to output this name in the NC files.

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NC/APT File Prefix

Allows you to set the name for the postprocessed toolpaths. This can be used to distinguish
posted toolpaths from those of another project or job.
Comments
Allows you to enter more specific information about the particular job to give the machine
operator more information about the project. A portion of this information also shows up next
to the Workzone preview in the New/Open dialog box.

16.1.2 - Workzone Configuration

This function allows you to define the directories to be used for saving the different workzone files, to define the tool library
file to be used and to select the measurement reference. The new values that are set are valid for this workzone only.

Default Values

The Configuration dialog box displays the default values set in the [Link] file under
%WNCHOME%\client\instsite directory.

1. Click on File in the text menu bar and select Workzone Configuration.

The Workzone Configuration dialog box is displayed.

Workzone Configuration Dialog Box

2. In the Directories section, click on the large buttons next to the corresponding fields (Surfaces, Postprocessor Output,
Machining Sequences, Default Tool Library) to select or define the directories to be used to store the different items
or to select the default tool library file.

A new dialog box is displayed and you can select the drives and the directory of your choice. The example below illustrates
the selection of the Surfaces directory:

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

Select Folder Dialog Box (Surface)

Directories

You can also define a new directory:

1. Click on the New Folder button.

2. Enter the name of the directory.

3. Click on the Select Folder button.

3. In the Measurement section, select whether you want to use the Radius or Diameter as measurement reference for
entering cutter details in the toolpath parameters.

4. If necessary, you may also adapt the Toolpath Comments Format in the corresponding field.

5. Click OK to validate.

16.1.3 - Workzone Cloning

This function allows you to make an exact copy of a whole workzone along with all its entities into a newly created
workzone. This command can be used to save the current workzone before using the Symmetry command.

To clone a workzone, proceed as follows:

1. Click on File in the text menu bar and select the Clone Workzone.

The following dialog box is displayed:

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

Create a Copy of the Current Workzone Dialog Box

2. Select the drive in which you want to select the directory.

Workzone Location

If you are equipped with a second hard disk dedicated to workzones, we recommend you to select this
location.

3. Select the directory in which you want to save your workzone.

4. In the File Name field, enter a name for the copy of your workzone.

5. Click on the Select a Workzone button.

A copy of your workzone is now displayed in the user interface.

If before cloning the workzone there were pending calculations, the icon in the Viewing Area and the icons in
the Workzone Manager will indicate that they must be recalculated.

16.1.4 - Workzone Symmetry

This function allows you to symmetrically reposition the part geometry and all workzone entities with respect to the current
YZ or XZ planes. For example, this function can be used to make a mirror image of a left-side car door to produce a right-
side car door.

To create a symmetrical workzone, proceed as follows:

1. Click on File in the text menu bar and select Workzone Symmetry.

The following dialog box is displayed.

Create a Symmetrical Workzone Dialog Box

2. Click the Mirror along YZ Plane or Mirror along XZ Plane button according to your requirements.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

When the process is finished a message is displayed indicating that the application has successfully transformed the

workzone. The icon in the Viewing Area and the icons in the Workzone Manager now indicate that all toolpaths
must be recalculated.

Recalculate

Example: Mirror Along XZ Plane (Iso View)

XZ Mirror: Original Workzone (1) and Symmetrical Workzone (2)

Example: Mirror Along YZ Plane (Iso View)

YZ Mirror: Original Workzone (1) and Symmetrical Workzone (2)

16.1.5 - Sequence Order, Comments and Copy

In the Workzone Manager, you have the possibility to rearrange the toolpaths, add comments that will separate different
machining sequences. Let’s see how to organize the toolpaths in the Workzone Manager.

Rearranging Toolpaths

You have the possibility to change the order of the toolpaths by moving them within the Workzone Manager.

In the Pump_body workzone, you have the following list of toolpaths:

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

List of Toolpaths

• Clone this workzone.

Let’s suppose that you want the 2 Optimization toolpaths of the workzone to be executed before the Planar Finishing
toolpath.

1. Press and hold down the [Ctrl] key and click and both toolpaths.

2. Right click on the toolpath selection and select Move Items.

Note that you can also use the keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl] + [X].

Toolpath Context Menu: Move

A sheet symbol is added to your pointer and the toolpaths are removed from the sequence.

Moving the Toolpaths

3. Move the pointer to where you want to position the toolpath (a black line indicates where you are going to position the
toolpath) and click.

The toolpaths are moved to the required position.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

Toolpath Moved

Adding Comments in the Workzone Manager

You can add comments that will be used for separating lists and sub lists of toolpaths:

1. Right click on the first toolpath name in the Workzone Manager and select Add a Comment.

Adding a Comment

2. Enter your comment in the Enter Comment Text dialog box and click OK to validate.

The toolpaths are now listed below the comment. You can click on the + or – symbols to expand or collapse the toolpath
list.

Toolpath List Expanded/Collapsed

3. Right click below the toolpath list and add a new comment:

New Comment

The next executed toolpath will be listed below this new comment.

You can define how comments are displayed in the Workzone Manager.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries > Software Configuration in the text menu bar.

2. Click on Workzone Manager on the left side of the Parameters dialog box.

Workzone Manager Parameters - Comment Customization Parameters

In the Color section of this dialog box, you can determine the Comment Color and whether they are displayed in a bold font
or not.

You can also activate a Comment Background Color if required and define the color.

Other Toolpath Management Options

Two additional functions allow you to copy toolpaths in the Workzone Manager:

▪ The Copy function duplicates the toolpath without having to modify parameters and run calculations,

▪ The Same Toolpath function allows you to copy the toolpath strategy and modify parameters.

Copy Toolpath:

This function allows you to make an exact copy of a toolpath in the Workzone Manager.

1. Select the toolpath you want to copy. For our example, select the second roughing toolpath.

2. Right click on the toolpath and select Copy Items.

Note that you can also use the keyboard shortcut: [Ctrl] + [C].

3. Position your pointer where you want to copy the toolpath and click.
In the example below, you can see that the toolpath is automatically copied under the second comment:

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16 - Workzone Management 16.1 - Management Functions

Toolpath Copy

Same Toolpath:

This function allows you to use a similar toolpath strategy and change the parameters.

1. Right on the toolpath that you want to use and select Same Toolpath.

The Toolpath Parameters menu of the selected toolpath is displayed.

2. Modify the parameters as required and run calculations for this toolpath.

Renumbering Toolpath

This function allows you to renumber all or a part of the toolpaths of you workzone. This may be useful if you deleted or
reordered some toolpaths using the Delete or Move functions.

There are 2 ways of accessing the function:

1. Click on Edit in the text menu bar and select Renumber Toolpaths.

2. Right click in the Workzone Manager and select Renumber Toolpaths.

In both case, the Renumber Toolpaths dialog box is displayed:

Renumber Toolpaths Dialog Box

You can choose to renumber all toolpaths or only selected toolpaths.

Advanced Renumbering

The Advanced section of the dialog box allows you to enter the first toolpath number to be used. E.g. if
you enter 1000 in the First Renumbered Toolpath input field, the toolpath numbers will be renumbered
1000, 1001, 1002, etc.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.2 - Generating HTML Documentation

16.2 - Generating HTML Documentation

This option allows you to generate HTML documentation automatically from your predefined parameters or a standard
template delivered with the application. To generate HTML, proceed as follows:

• Click on the Utilities menu and select Generate HTML Documentation in the Workzone Documentation menu.

Your web browser is displayed automatically. It displays the following document:

Project HTML Documentation

It mainly consists of two parts:

▪ the left one showing the table of contents (for navigation) and

▪ the right one displaying in a single page the different contents.

The table of contents on the left-hand side has the name of the current documentation at the top (here it is “Standard”). As
you can see, there are four different sections showing a list of entries for each one:

▪ Overview: each entry shows an overview table of all toolpaths with certain entries.

▪ Toolpath Details: each entry shows a page with toolpath details including pictures of the toolpath and the tool.

▪ Concatenated Postprocess: each entry shows a page with information on the concatenated postprocess.

▪ Toolpath Tools: it gives an overview of the tools used in your workzone.

By clicking any entry, the corresponding content is displayed in the right-hand side frame. For example, if you click on a
toolpath in the Toolpath Details section, a page showing all its details will appear on the right:

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16 - Workzone Management 16.2 - Generating HTML Documentation

WorkNC Project Documentation Details

16.2.1 - Defining Output Folders for the Workzone Documentation

If you want to generate the workzone documentation outside the workzone directory, you have the possibility to specify the
output folder.

To illustrate this, you first to need to specify the HTML documentation directory in the [Link] file.

1. Create a Documentation folder on your computer, for example on a secondary Hard Disk.

2. Open the [Link] file with a text editor.

This file is located in the installation folder of the application: C\WorkNC**\Client\instsite\[Link].

3. Enter the following variable:

WNC_DOC_HTML_OUT=D:\Documentation
In our example, we have specified a secondary hard disk, but you can choose your own directory.

Defining a New Folder for Documentation

4. Save your data.

5. Restart the application.

To generate the documentation, we are going to use the pump_body workzone.

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16 - Workzone Management 16.2 - Generating HTML Documentation

1. Click on Utilities in the text menu bar and select Configure Documentation in the Workzone Documentation menu.

2. Create a new documentation template.

3. Activate the Options tab.

4. Click on the Documentation Folder drop-down list.

The drop-down list allows you to specify how to generate the documentation.
Leave as is: the documentation is generated in the folder specified in the [Link] file (in our example
D:\Documentation).
Append Workzone Name: the documentation is generated in a folder named after the workzone in the folder specified in
the [Link] file (in our example D:\Documentation\pump_body_v24).
Append Relative Workzone Path: the documentation is generated in a folder named after the workzone, but the complete
access path to the workzone is added to the folder specified in the [Link] file (in our example
D:\Documentation\Workzones\V24_file_package\workzones\pump_body_v24).

Documentation Folder Drop-down List

5. For our example, try the 3 options and click on the Create button.

You should obtain the following results:

Leave as is:

Append Workzone Name:

Append Relative Workzone Path:

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17 - CAM Entities 17.1 - Axis Systems

17 - CAM Entities
You can add CAM entities in your workzone, which can be useful to machine some specific areas of the part. The main
entities are Curves, Views, Points and Surface Lists.

You can access the CAM entities function:

▪ From the CAM Entities section in the Workzone Manager.

▪ From the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.

▪ From the context menu of the part in the Viewing Area.

▪ From the CAM Entities menu in the text menu bar.

You can also define new axis systems. You can access this function from the Part Geometry section in the Workzone
Manager.

17.1 - Axis Systems

You can create new axis systems on the part. This is useful when the part you are working on is not set in the machining
position because you can activate the new axis system as the machine axis system.

At the top of the user interface, the / icon allows to select the WCS (World Coordinate System) or the active
UCS (User Coordinate System).

There are 2 ways of activating the axis systems creation function:

1. Right click on the CAM Axis entry in the Part Geometry section of the Workzone Manager, then select User
Coordinates System.

2. Right click on the / icon at the top of the user interface.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.1 - Axis Systems

Activating Axis System Creation

The following dialog box is displayed:

UCS Dialog Box

In this dialog box, you can create a new UCS, define a UCS by 3 points, remove UCS, etc.

To illustrate this function, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

17.1.1 - New UCS

New UCS

If no UCS (User Coordinate System) has been created before or if there is no active one, a UCS with
the default name NEW_UCS will be created on the WCS origin. Otherwise, the new UCS will be created
at the same position as the previously created and active UCS.

1. Click on the New UCS button.

A new line is displayed in the UCS dialog box.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.1 - Axis Systems

New UCS

2. Double click on NEW_UCS in the Name column, change the name (enter Test for our example) and press [Enter] to
validate.

UCS Names

If you maintain the default name NEW_UCS and you create another UCS, the default name will be
NEW_UCS_1. The default name number will be incremented by 1 at every new UCS creation.

The UCS we have just created is located on the previous UCS in the Viewing Area, in this case on the Machine axis
system.

New UCS: Original Position

You can translate, rotate and align this UCS as required.

Translating the UCS

Let’s suppose that you want to translate it by 50 mm in all directions. To do so, proceed as follows:

1. Enter the translation value in the X, Y and Z fields in the Translation/Rotation section.

2. Click on the Translate UCS button.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.1 - Axis Systems

The UCS has been translated to the specified position, as illustrated below:

UCS Translated

Translation

You can also click on the Translate UCS button and then pick the new origin of the UCS with the mouse
in the Viewing Area.

Rotating the UCS

Let’s suppose that you want to rotate the UCS by 90° in all directions. To do so, proceed as follows:

1. Enter the rotation value in the X, Y and Z fields in the Translation/Rotation section.

2. Click on the Rotate UCS button.

The UCS has been rotated accordingly, as illustrated below:

UCS Rotated

Lock Origin

These three checkboxes allow you to lock one or two axes during translation and rotation of the UCS.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.1 - Axis Systems

Aligning the UCS

You can align an axis of the UCS on a selected point in the Viewing Area. To do so, proceed as follows:

1. In the Align section, select the axis to be aligned, for example the Z axis.

Lock Alignment

These two options allow you to select one axis to be locked. In our example, the X and Y are available for
being locked, as we chose to align the Z axis.

2. Click on the Align button.

3. Click a point in the Viewing Area to define the axis system origin.

4. Click on a second point to define the direction of the selected axis.

The selected axis is aligned on the selected point.

Inverting the Z Axis

• Click on the Invert Z button to invert the Z-axis direction of the axis system.

Activating and Displaying the UCS

The symbols in the On column of the UCS dialog box indicate whether the UCS is the active axis system ( ) or not ( ).

• Double click on the symbol to activate the corresponding UCS.

The symbols in the Visible column of the UCS dialog box indicate whether the UCS is visible ( ) or not ( ).

• Double click on the symbol to make the UCS visible or on the symbol to make it invisible.

Removing the UCS:

1. Click the Test line to select it.

2. Click on the Remove UCS button.

The Remove UCS warning message is displayed.

3. Click on the Yes button to validate.

If the UCS is still active, a second Remove UCS warning message is displayed.

4. Click on the Yes button to validate.

The UCS has been removed.

17.1.2 - UCS by 3 Points

1. In the UCS dialog box, click on the UCS by 3 Points button.

2. Click in the Viewing Area on the point that will become the origin of the UCS.

3. Click on the point that will become the end point of the X-axis.

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Defining X-axis

Press and hold down the [H] key of your keyboard when defining the X-axis. This will align it with the X-
axis of the origin axis system.

4. Click on the point that will become the end point of the Y-axis.

While selecting the end points of the axis orientation, you obtain a dynamic display of the current position according to the
mouse movements.

UCS by 3 Points - Preview

5. Translate, Rotate and Align your UCS as required.

• Remove this new UCS.

17.1.3 - UCS on View

This option creates a UCS (User Coordinate System) in the center of the selected view, at the Z-level of the highest point of
the visible surfaces.

Let’s suppose that you want to create a UCS which is centered on the part, at the lowest Z-level.

1. Show a bottom view of the part.

2. Click on the UCS on View button.

The UCS is created in the center of the view.

3. Click on the Invert Z button.

UCS on View

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Precision

The Z precision is situated between 0.005 and 0.01. If you want a very precise UCS, you must draw a
diagonal line, create an UCS on View and move the UCS to the middle of the diagonal line.

17.1.4 - Activating and Modifying of the Machine Axis System

Once you have several axis systems, you can activate them and/or apply any of them as the machine axis. When you
activate an axis system, it becomes the reference axis system when you create curves, views, UCS, etc. When you apply
an axis system as machine axis, it becomes the reference axis system for the toolpath calculations.

Activating an Axis System

• Right click on the axis system in the Workzone Manager and select Activate.

Activate Axis

Applying an Axis System as Machine Axis

• Right click on the axis system in the Workzone Manager and select Apply as Machine Axis.

Apply as Machine Axis

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Toolpaths

If the workzone contains previously calculated toolpaths, the icon is displayed when you
apply another axis system as machine axis. You have to recalculate all the toolpaths according
to the newly defined machine axis.

A new Machining Context is displayed in the Workzone Manager, below the list of toolpaths.

17.2 - Views
The View is a rectangle selection created in a given plane which allows you to:

▪ reduce the Machining Zone, so that it is focused in a particular area, and

▪ define the tool orientation or the machining direction (particularly in some 5-axis toolpaths).

17.2.1 - Creating Views

To illustrate view creation, we created a workzone with the [Link] CAD file.

Views are created through the View Creation dialog box. There are 4 ways of accessing this dialog box:

1. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.

2. Right click on Views in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone Manager and select Create a New View.

3. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select Create a New View in the context menu.

4. Click on CAM Entities in the text menu bar and select Create a New View in the Views menu.

In all cases, the following dialog box is displayed:

View Creation Dialog Box

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Creating a Simple View

This method allows you to create a view directly in the Viewing Area using the mouse. It is the default mode when the View
Creation function is opened.

1. In the Viewing Area, click at one corner of the area you want to include in the view.

2. Drag the pointer to the opposite corner and click again.

The new view appears in the list of views in the dialog box with a default name (that can be modified) and its coordinates
are displayed in the corresponding fields of the View Information section.

New View

You can adjust the size of the view either by dragging the corners or sides of the view in the Viewing Area, or by modifying
the values in the coordinate fields of the dialog box.

You can create a view over the whole part:

1. Click on the New Simple View button to activate the view creation.

2. Click on the icon.

View Over the Whole Part

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Modifying a View

You can offset the view:

1. Enter the desired offset value in the Offset Step field.

2. Click on the corresponding + or – buttons, depending on whether you want to extend or reduce the view.

Offset Step

You can rotate the view:

1. In the Rotate View section, select the axis around which the view has to be rotated.

2. Select the rotation angle in the corresponding drop-down list.

3. Click on the + or – buttons, depending on the direction that you want to give to the view.

Rotate View

Undo / Redo

You can use the and icons of the dialog to undo or redo any modification.

You can also create an axis system with the view selected in the list by using the icon.
This will allow you to select the appropriate axis system if you need to postprocess a toolpath based on the created view.

You can create a curve from the selected view by using the icon. This allows you to select a boundary curve to limit
the machining zone of a toolpath. For some 5-axis toolpaths, the views only determine the tool orientation and they cannot
limit the machining zone.

You can change the sequence order of the views by using the and icons.

Use the icon to delete the selected view.

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Use the icon to show all the views in the Viewing Area.

Delete all Views

Once you have several views in the View Creation dialog box, click on the icon to select them and

then on the icon to delete them all.

The icon allows you to show a top view of the selected view.

Once the View Creation dialog box has been closed, you can modify an existing view:

• Right click on the view in the Workzone Manager and select Edit Current View.

View Context Menu: Modify

The following dialog box is displayed:

View Edition Dialog Box

You can use the coordinate fields and the other edition functions to modify the corresponding view.

Creating Views from Planar Surface Selection

Views can also be created by selecting surfaces on the part. The surfaces on which you want to create views must be
planar and can be oriented in any direction.

Creating views from planar surface selection can be an alternative to the surface selection in toolpath parameters.

1. Click on the View from Selection button.

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2. In the Viewing Area, click on the planar surfaces from which you want to create the views.

Selecting Planar Surfaces to Create Views

3. For our example, activate the Find Coplanar Surfaces from Selection option.

This will automatically select all the coplanar surfaces of the part.

Find Coplanar Surfaces From Selection

4. If necessary, activate the Filter Small Surfaces option. This allows you to enter a value which represents the diameter
of a circle. If any part of the circumference of this circle goes beyond any part of the selected surface boundary limit
then the view will not be created.
For our example, do not activate this option.

5. Right click in the Viewing Area to validate your selection.

A message is displayed indicating that the system has detected 24 matching views that can be created, although we had
only selected 2 planar surfaces in the Viewing Area (see image above).
The message also indicates that you can group all coplanar surfaces together by clicking on the Group button. In this case,
the system has found a view that contains all the other views and offers you the possibility to create one single view.
This can be useful when you decide to create toolpaths based on the created views. The system will create as many
toolpaths as there are views, which may result in unnecessary machining.

View Creation Message (24 views)

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6. For our example, validate the creation of 2 matching views by clicking on the Group button.

In our example, 2 views are created.

7. Show a top view of the part and click on the icon to show all the views.

2 Views Created

You can click on each view in the list to see it in the Viewing Area and highlight the corresponding surface selection.

You can validate the view creation by clicking on the OK button.

• For our example, delete these views.

Let’s make another surface selection.

1. Activate the Z Orientation in Active UCS option.

This allows you to select only the planar surfaces that are perpendicular to the Z axis.

2. Click on the View from Selection button.

3. Select the whole part in the Viewing Area and validate.

The application should indicate that you can create 11 views and 1 group. This means that the application has found 11
surfaces that are perpendicular to the Z axis.

4. Click on the Group button.

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View Based on Perpendicular Surfaces

5. Delete this view.

6. Enter 3 in the field next to the Z Orientation in Active UCS option.

This value is a tolerance in degrees of the Z axis perpendicular plane.

7. Click on the View from Selection button.

8. Select the whole part in the Viewing Area and validate.

This time the application should indicate that you can create 24 views and 2 groups.

9. Click on the Group button.

View Based on Inclined Surfaces

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The surfaces associated to the view illustrated above are oriented at 87.531 degrees with respect to the Z axis. You can
check it in the Analysis mode.

Modifying Views in the List

• Right click on a view in the dialog box.

The context menu allows you to apply the following modifications:

▪ Whole Part: allows you to modify the selected View so that it englobes the whole part.

▪ Z Max. View: allows you to position the selected View at the highest Z level on the part with respect to the Z axis
of the View orientation.

▪ Adjust on Surfaces: allows you to project the View onto the surface that was selected to create the View (when
created Views are based on surface selection).

▪ Invert Z: allows you to invert the Z axis of the View.

▪ Rename View ([F2] key): allows you to enter a new name for the View in the Modification dialog box.

▪ Remove View ([Del] key): allows you to delete the selected View.

View Context Menu in the List

You can also modify several views: select the views in the list and right click on your selection. The context menu allows
you to apply the same modifications to all the selected views, except for the Rename View option which is unavailable in
this case.

Creating Views based on Surface Colors

You have the possibility to create views according to the color of the selected surfaces.

Let’s suppose that you have used the Preparation mode to change the color of some surfaces of the part, as illustrated
below:

Deck (Colors)

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1. Activate the View Creation function.

2. Click on the View from Selection button.

3. Activate the By Color option in the View on Planar Surfaces section of the dialog box.

4. Deactivate the other options in the View on Planar Surfaces section.

5. In the Viewing Area, select the surfaces for which you have changed the color and validate.

6. In the View Creation dialog box, click on the Group button.

Coplanar Surfaces

Remember that the application can group views only if the surfaces of the same color are coplanar
surfaces.

You should obtain 3 views, as illustrated below:

Views From Surface Selection (By Colors)

Number of Selected Surfaces

The number of surfaces that have been selected to create the view is indicated in the column on the
right side of the list of views in the dialog box.

Showing Only Surfaces Associated to the Views

You can choose to display only the surfaces that are associated to the current view:

• Select a view in the list of the dialog box and click on the icon.

The Viewing Area now only displays the surfaces that have been selected to create the corresponding view.

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Showing Associated Surfaces

This can be very useful when working on large parts with multiple views.

When the icon is activated, you can use the icon to select all the views and therefore display all the selected
surfaces.

• Click again on the icon to deactivate it and display the whole part again.

Creating Surface Lists from Views created by Surface Selection

When you create views from planar surface selection, you can create the corresponding surface lists automatically

To do so, you first need to activate the corresponding option in the Parameters dialog box:

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries in the text menu bar and select Software Configuration.

2. Unfold the CAM Entities Configuration and Display section and click on View Configuration.

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CAM Entities Parameters: Surface List Creation

3. Activate the Create Surface List for each View obtained by Surface Selection option and validate.

Now let’s create a new view by surface selection:

1. Open the View Creation dialog box.

2. Activate the View from Selection option.

3. Select the surfaces as illustrated below and validate.

Surface Selection

4. Click on the Group button.

5. Click OK to validate.

If you now go to the CAM Entities section in the Workzone Manager, you can see the selected surfaces have been put in a
new Surface List, whose name contains the name of the associated view.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.3 - Curves

Surface List based on Surface Selection for View Creation

17.3 - Curves
A curve is a geometry entity created by several lines which change direction in a continuous way.

The direction taken by a curve is determined according to the position of its start and end points. If you want the machine to
work on the part clockwise, you should place the end point on the right side of the start point. If you prefer to machine
counter clockwise, place it on the left.

Depending on where these points are located, we find two types of curves:

▪ Open: when the start point is different from the end point.

▪ Closed: when the start and the end point are the same.

From the Curve Creation Wizard, you can create completely new curves or select a curve from the existing part geometry.

Types of Curves

▪ Drive Curve: it sets the tool direction.

▪ Boundary Curve: it sets the machining limits.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

17.3.1 - Creating Curves

Curves are created through the Curve Creation Wizard. There are 4 ways of accessing this dialog box:

1. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.

2. Right click on Curves in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone Manager and select Create a New Curve Set.

3. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select Create a New Curve Set in the context menu.

4. Click on CAM Entities in the text menu bar and select Create a New Curve Set in the Curve Sets menu.

In all cases, the following dialog box is displayed:

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Curve Creation Wizard

From this dialog box, you can perform the following actions:

▪ Creating new curves, new sets of open or closed curves.

▪ Editing existing curves sets, e.g. use the Edit mode to rebuild a curve from your CAD system.

▪ Generating parallel offset curves from existing part geometry or polyline curve sets.

17.3.2 - Selecting Curves from the Existing Geometry

When selecting curves from the existing geometry to add it to the curve set, you have two selection modes:

▪ click on a surface to select all its contours or

▪ directly click on surface edges.

For practical reasons, we recommend that you click surfaces individually. The current selection mode actually depends
from the first entity you click (a surface or a surface edge). To change the selection mode, you must click on the New Curve
Set button or close the Curve Creation Wizard and open it again.

Selecting Curves Directly

Let’s take the pump body as example and say that you want to use curves to machine the upper part of the pump. You
should proceed as follows:

1. For practical reasons, show a top view of the part.

2. Click on each segment of the surface boundary until obtaining the following closed boundary curve:

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Viewing Area: Curve wizard - Selected Curve

3. Click OK to confirm the creation of the curve set.

Hide the Part

Remember that for better visibility you can hide the part ( ): this will allow you to view only the
selected curves.

Selecting Surfaces

Select all contours of

one or more surfaces
1. Make sure that the icon is activated.

2. Click on each surface.

3. Right click to confirm the creation of all contour curves.

A curve is automatically created with each surface contour.

If you want to add only

some of the contours 1. Deactivate the icon.

2. Click on each surface to have a preview of all curves that can be created automatically.

3. Click on the contours to be added to the list.

4. Right click to confirm the creation of the contour curves.

• To remove one of the surface contour curves from the list, select it and click on the icon.

• To rebuild a surface contour curve in accordance with newly selected surfaces in the Viewing area, select the new

surface to be taken into account, make sure that the icon is activated and right click to confirm.

The curve set can now be used in a toolpath to machine the upper part of the geometry only.

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Locking a Sequence

If after creating a curve, you want to change your selection mode, you must lock the sequence(s) in the list by clicking on

the icon.

17.3.3 - Creating New Curves Not Based on the Geometry

From the Curves Wizard

• First activate the type of curve you want to create by clicking on the relevant icon in the upper part of the Curve
Creation Wizard.

Create a straight line by clicking both start and end points.

Create a polyline by clicking each control point.

Create a rectangular line by clicking on the point where you want the rectangle to be inserted, then click on the
second point to define the base line and click on the third point to define the height of the rectangle.

Create a circle: click its center first, define its radius with the mouse and click again to confirm the circle creation.

1. Create the curve in the Viewing Area view by clicking on relevant points.

When creating a polyline or straight line, you end your selection by right clicking anywhere in the Viewing Area.

OSnap Utility

You can create new curves using any option made available in the OSnap utility.

2. Repeat the previous operation until obtaining all the curves to be included in the set.

3. Click OK to validate.

User Input Dialog Box

In all cases, you can also use the User Input Dialog Box to create curves with their exact coordinates.

17.3.4 - Modifying Curves

Once you have created a curve set, it is stored under the Curves entry in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone
Manager.

Curves in the Workzone Manager

The symbol next to the name indicates if it a closed or open curve.

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You can double click on its name or click on its check box to activate its display in the Viewing Area.

If you want to modify it, proceed as follows:

• Right click on the curve set name in the Workzone Manager and select Edit Current Curve Set.
Or right click on the curve set in the Viewing Area and select Edit Current Curve Set.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Curve Edition Wizard

Inverting the Curve Direction

1. Select the curve in the Viewing Area or click on the corresponding sequence in the dialog box.

2. Click on the icon to invert its direction.

You can also click on the arrow of the curve in the Viewing Area to invert its direction.

The direction of a curve will indicate the machining direction of the toolpath based on a curve.

Inverting the Selection of Curve Sections

• After having selected sections of a curve, click on the icon to invert your selection.

Stretching the Curve in the Current View

1. Click on the curve sections that you want to move.

2. Click on the icon.

3. Click on a point in the Viewing Area.

4. Move your cursor to move the selected sections to the required position.
Press and hold down the [H] or [V] key to move the sections in an horizontal or vertical direction.

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Moving the Curve Upwards

5. Click again to validate the new position.

Reordering the Sequences of a Curve Set

1. Create a new curve set, following the order given below:

Sequence Order for the Curve Set

2. Validate the curve creation.

If you activate the display of the curve set, you can see numbers in brackets which indicate the sequence order of the curve
set.

Curve Set with Sequence Order Numbers

The order in which you select the different sections of a curve set has an influence on the machining order of the toolpath
that you may create from the curve set.

To reorder the sequences of a curve set, proceed as follows:

1. Open the Curve Edition Wizard.

2. Click on the icon.

3. Select the first sequence that you want to change in the dialog box, for our example the Sequence1.

4. Click on the following curve section in the Viewing Area.

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The selected curve section is now the Sequence1.

Curve Selection for Sequence1

5. Click on the other sections in the Viewing Area to define the Sequence2, Sequence3, etc.

6. Click on the icon again to stop the function.

7. Click OK to validate.

New Sequence Order for the Curve Set

Closing an Open Curve

To close an open curve that has already been saved, proceed as follows:

1. Open the Curve Edition Wizard for the selected curve.

2. Activate the Closed Curve File option.

3. Click on the icon.

17.4 - Points
A point is a position which is defined by its X, Y and Z coordinates in a given coordinate system.

According to their function in a toolpath, points can be used to define entry points, boring points, etc.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

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17.4.1 - Creating Points

Points are created through the Point Set Creation dialog box. There are 4 ways of accessing this dialog box:

1. Click on the icon in the toolbar on the left side of the user interface.

2. Right click on Points in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone Manager and select Create a New Point Set.

3. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select Create a New Point Set.

4. Click on CAM Entities in the text menu bar and select Create a New Point Set in the Point Sets menu.

In all cases, the following dialog box is displayed:

Point Set Creation Dialog box

From this dialog box, you have the possibility to create entry points, drilling points, etc. and display or modify existing ones.

There are 2 ways of creating points:

1. Enter coordinate values in the Add Points section of the dialog box.

2. Use the mouse to create points directly in the Viewing Area.

Let’s see how to create points directly in the Viewing Area.

Adding a Point on the Part

For this example, we are going to search for characteristic points on the part using the OSnap utility.

1. Open the Point Set Creation dialog box.

2. Open the OSnap utility and activate the Middle option.

3. Position the cursor on a surface.

If you position the cursor close to a surface edge, the system will automatically display the middle of this edge, as illustrated
below:

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Point Creation Example: OSnap Middle Option

4. Click to create the point.

The point is automatically created in the middle of the segment. Its coordinates are displayed in the Point Set Creation
dialog box.

Point Created

5. Use the Name field to rename the point.

6. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

The point is displayed on the part and is listed below the Points entry in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone
Manager.

Now let’s see other point creation options.

17.4.2 - Point Creation Alternatives

The Point Set Creation dialog box offers you other options to create points on a part.

Adding the Center Point of a Circle

1. In the Point Set Creation dialog box, click on the Circle tab.

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Pointset Creation Dialog Box: Circle tab

2. Click on 3 circumference points of a circle on the part.

Clicking Three Circumference Points

3. Click on the Add Center button.

A point is automatically created at the center of the circle.

Add Center

Adding the Center Point of a Line

1. Click on the Line tab.

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Pointset Creation Dialog Box: Line Tab

2. Click on the ends of the line on the part.

Clicking Ends of Line

3. Click on the Add Center button.

A point is automatically created at the center of the line.

Adding Center of the Line

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Adding a Point on a Toolpath

Toolpath Display

Before adding a point of a toolpath in the point set, make sure that it is currently displayed in the
Viewing Area.

1. Click on the Toolpath tab.

Pointset Creation Dialog Box: Toolpath Tab

2. Click on the point on the toolpath in the Viewing Area.

17.4.3 - Modifying Points

Now that you have created points on the part, you can modify them:

▪ By changing their coordinates.

▪ By deleting them.

▪ By changing their names.

Changing the Coordinates of an Existing Point in the List

From the Point Set Edition dialog box:

1. Right click on a point in the Workzone Manager and select Edit Current Point Set.
Or right on a point in the Viewing Area and select Edit Current Point Set.

2. Change the X, Y and/or Z coordinate below the upper table.

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Modifying Point Coordinates

You can also edit the position of a point in the Viewing Area and lock the movement of the point along one or two axes.
Let’s see how to edit the position of a point without modifying its Z-level:

1. Select the point in the list of the dialog box or in the Viewing Area.

2. Click on the X and Y buttons in the Point Set Edition dialog box.

3. Click on another point on the part.

The point has moved on the part, but has the same Z-level:

Point Moved but Same Z-level

Renaming a Point Set

As you may have noted the default name of the point set is Point_###. To rename the point set, proceed as follows:

1. Right click on the point in the Workzone Manager and select Rename.

2. Enter the name of your choice in the Modification dialog box.

3. Click OK to validate.

Deleting a Point

You can delete a point:

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▪ By right clicking on the point in the list and selecting Delete Selected Point.

▪ By selecting the point in the list and clicking on the Remove button.

Removing a Point

▪ By right clicking on it in the Workzone Manager and selecting Delete Items.

Deleting a Point

• By pressing the [Del] key, clicking on the point in the Viewing Area and right clicking to validate.

• Try all these methods to remove all the points you have created in this section.

17.5 - Creating a Simulation Stock Model

After toolpath calculations, you can create a new stock model (2D or 3D) for simulation:

▪ By selecting the required stock model option in the Progressive Display dialog box

▪ By creating it from the CAM entities section of the Workzone Manager

This simulation stock model is different from the stock model created for toolpath calculations. It will be used to simulate the
toolpaths, i.e. for display purposes.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

Simulation stock models are created through the Stock Creation dialog box. There are 3 ways of accessing this dialog box:

1. Press and hold down the left mouse button on the icon on the left side of the user interface.
Select New Stock 2D or New Stock 3D, depending on the type of stock model you want to create.

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2. Right click on Simulations in the CAM Entities section of the Workzone Manager.
Select New Stock 2D or New Stock 3D, depending on the type of stock model you want to create.

3. Click on CAM Entities in the text menu bar and select New Stock 2D or New Stock 3D in the Simulation menu.

In all cases, the following dialog box is displayed:

Stock Creation

The Stock Creation dialog box allows you to display stock models in the Viewing Area and run toolpath simulations on
these stock models.

1. For our example, create both types of stock model. Keep default stock values in order to quickly create a stock model.

2. Click on the separator button in the middle of the dialog box, check values then click OK for the stock model to be
displayed automatically.

Viewing Area: 3D Stock

In the above example, stock models are not represented with the same icon in the Workzone Manager: means a 2D
stock model while the icon indicates a 3D stock model.

Stock Model Dimensions

Whereas stock models created from this context menu are sized according to the size of the part,
stock models created from a simulation or a progressive display take into account the selected
toolpath.

To modify a simulation stock model, right click on it in the Workzone Manager or in the Viewing Area and select Modify.

Modifying Stock Size

You can modify the default stock sizes in the lower part of the Stock Creation/Edition dialog box or in the Viewing Area.

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In the Stock Creation/Edition dialog box

Enter new coordinates in the lower part of the dialog box.

You can also resize the stock according to an offset value: enter the Offset value in
the relevant field and click on the - or + icon, depending on whether you want to
make it smaller or bigger.

New Stock Coordinates

In the Viewing Area

1. Move your mouse cursor over the stock until obtaining

red spots at the corners of the edge you want to move:

2. Press and hold down the mouse button on the edge,

drag it to the desired position.

3. Release the mouse button.

4. Click OK in the Stock Creation/Edition dialog box.

An additional red spot is displayed at the center of the

rectangle in the case of a 2D stock and in the center of the
upper side in the case of a 3D stock: this allows you to move
the stock by a drag and drop.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.6 - Merging CAM Entities

You can also press and hold down the mouse button on a
face of the stock model and extend it to the desired size. An
arrow is displayed to show the direction of the extension:

• If after resizing the stock model, you want it to fit the part again, click on the Whole Part button.

Stock Model Edition

When editing a stock model after it has already been simulated, data related to the simulation are reset.

17.6 - Merging CAM Entities

You can merge Curve Sets and Point Sets in the Workzone Manager. Let’s suppose that you have started working on a
new project: you have created series of similar toolpaths on several Curve or Point Sets. You can then merge these CAM
Entities into a single entity that you will able to use later on similar projects to quickly create toolpaths.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Flats_walls_machining workzone.

Parts with Similar Curves and Toolpaths

1. Select all the curves in the Workzone Manager.

2. Right click on the selection and select Merge.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.7 - Selecting Dependent Toolpaths

Curve Selection Context Menu: Merge

The New Entity Name dialog box displayed:

New Entity Name Dialog Box

3. Give a name to the new entity and validate.

The new entity is now displayed in the Workzone Manager. You can use it on toolpaths.

Merge Curve in the Workzone Manager

In our example, if we had to work again on the same part, we could create a single Tangent to Curve toolpath with this
entity.

17.7 - Selecting Dependent Toolpaths

You can look for toolpaths that use any of the following CAM Entities: Views, Curve Sets, Point Sets, Surface Lists and List
Groups.

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Flats_walls_machining workzone.

1. Right click on one of the curves in the Workzone Manager.

2. Click on the Select Dependent Toolpaths option in the context menu.

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17 - CAM Entities 17.7 - Selecting Dependent Toolpaths

CAM Entity Context Menu: Select Dependent Toolpaths

Any toolpaths that use the selected entity are highlighted in the Toolpaths section of the Workzone Manager.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

18 - Machining Parameters

18.1 - Machining Zone

In this section, we are going to select the different CAM entities that we created earlier on the pump_body workzone and
use it to define the machining zone of a toolpath.

• Add a new comment in the workzone so that the toolpaths we are going to create with the CAM entities are grouped
together:

New Comment

We will restrict the machining zone by selecting a view, a boundary curve and the surfaces to machine.

18.1.1 - Machining Zone Dialog Box

When you program a toolpath which requires multiple selection of CAM entities to define its Machining Zone, you can use
the Machining Zone dialog box as a start point for all these operations.

This dialog box is available for any toolpath that allows defining a Machining Zone.

• In the Toolpath Parameters menu, click on any of the 3 buttons in the Machining Zone section.

The Machining Zone dialog box is displayed.

Machining Zone Dialog Box

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

From this dialog box, you can create Views, Boundary Curves, Surface Lists, etc.

This allows you to later obtain an overview of all the Machining Zone options that may have been defined for the toolpath.

18.1.2 - Selecting/Creating a View from the Toolpath Parameters Menu

If you want to reduce the machining zone of your toolpath to a given view only, you may have to proceed in a different way,
depending on whether the view you want to use already exists or not.

1. For our example, create a Planar Finishing toolpath.

Toolpath Parameters: View Option

2. Activate the View option in the Machining Zone section.

3. Click on the <None> button under the View option.

The following dialog box is displayed:

View Selection Dialog Box

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

View Selection Dialog Box Description

View List
The View List contains all the available Views that can be selected for the toolpath. The View
names in red indicate that these Views are already used in other toolpaths.
Selectable Entities
Activating/Deactivating this option will show/hide all the available Views in the Viewing Area
along with the part.
Show Toolpath Entities
Activating this option will display all current toolpath related entities (points, curves, etc.) in
the Viewing Area.

Selecting an Existing View

1. Click on the required view in the list of the dialog box.

2. Click OK to validate.

The name of the selected view and its orientation are displayed in a button below the View option.

Once a toolpath has been calculated with a machining view, the corresponding button with the view selection will be
displayed when creating a new toolpath. Click on this button to make another view selection.

You can also select an existing view from the Machining Zone dialog box:

1. In the Machining Zone dialog box, activate the View option.

Machining Zone Dialog Box: View Option

2. Click on the <None> button next to the View option.

3. Select the view in the View Selection dialog box and validate.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Selected View and Coordinates

The View Properties section indicates if the selected view is from the Z+ orientation or angled.

You can also directly create a toolpath from the view in the Workzone Manager:

• Right click on the view and select New Toolpath.

View Context Menu: New Toolpath

The Toolpath Parameters menu is displayed and the view is automatically selected. You can then select your toolpath
strategy and define the appropriate parameters.

Modifying an Existing View

1. Click on the required view in the list of the View Selection dialog box.

2. Click on the icon.

The View Edition dialog box is displayed.

View Edition Dialog Box

3. Make your modifications and click OK to validate.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

4. Click OK in the View Selection dialog box to validate your selection.

Creating a new View

Once you have activated the View option in the Machining Zone section, there are 3 ways of accessing the View Creation
dialog box:

1. Click on the icon in the View Selection dialog box.

2. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select Create a New View.

3. Click on the icon in the top right corner of the Viewing Area.

Creating a New View

In all cases, the View Creation dialog box is displayed.

1. Create your view manually in the Viewing Area or use the available options of the View Creation dialog box.

View Creation from Toolpath Parameters

2. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.

The Toolpath Parameters menu is displayed with the selected view in the Machining Zone section.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Deactivating the View

To cancel the view selection in the Machining Zone section, activate the Window option and click on the
All button to make sure the whole part is taken into account by the toolpath.

3. Define your toolpath parameters

4. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Planar Finishing: Restricted on the View

18.1.3 - Programming Toolpaths on Multiple Views

You can quickly create a whole set of similar toolpaths on several views. This can be useful when you have to machine
similar areas on a big part.

To do so, we are going to use a workzone created from the Multi-sided_part.xdw CAD file.

Let’s suppose that you want to program inclined machining with a Planar Finishing toolpath for each colored side of the
part.

First, we are going to create the views:

1. Open the View Creation dialog box.

2. Activate the View from Selection function.

3. Make sure that no option is activated in the View on Planar Surfaces section of the dialog box.

4. Click on the planar surfaces on each colored side of the part and validate.
You can show a top view of the part to make your selection easier.

You should obtain 9 views, as illustrated below:

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

9 Views Created on Planar surfaces

Now you need to create a Planar Finishing toolpath on one of the views you have just created:

• Program a Planar Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Planar Finishing on the First View

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Once the toolpath has been created, you can quickly create the same toolpath for each of the remaining views:

1. Select all the remaining views in the Worzkone Manager. Use the [Ctrl] or [Shift] key for multi-selection.

2. Right click on the selection and select Toolpath Creation on Multiple Views.

Toolpath Creation on Multiple Views

In our example, 8 toolpaths are automatically added in the Workzone Manager.

3. Run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Toolpaths Created on Multiple Views

Automatic Creation

This function allows you to automatically create toolpaths that are similar to the last created
toolpath. If you use this function without having previously created a specific toolpath, the
application will generate roughing toolpaths, which is the default strategy.
However, if you have already calculated several toolpaths in the workzone, you can click on a
specific toolpath in the Workzone Manager before activating the function. The application will
automatically generate copies of the selected toolpath.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Creating Toolpaths directly from the View Creation Dialog Box

You can also quickly create a whole set of similar toolpaths on several views from the View Creation dialog box.

To do so, you first need to activate the corresponding option in the Parameters dialog box:

1. Click on Settings/Enquiries in the text menu bar and select Software Configuration.

2. Unfold the CAM Entities Configuration and Display section and click on View Configuration.

3. Activate the Show Create Toolpath Button option and validate.

Now let’s suppose you want to machine the lateral sides of the part with the same toolpath:

1. Open the View Creation dialog box.

2. Activate the View from Selection function.

3. Select the lateral planar surfaces and validate.

In the picture below, we have hidden the colored surfaces of the part.

Surface Selection (Lateral Side)

4. Click on the OK (Toolpaths) button that is now available.

8 Planar Finishing toolpaths are automatically created.

5. Run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Toolpaths Created from the View Creation Dialog Box

Automatic Creation

Unless you select a specific toolpath before creating the views, the application will automatically
copy the last created toolpath on the workzone. If you use this function without having previously
created a specific toolpath, the application will generate roughing toolpaths, which is the default
strategy.

18.1.4 - Selecting/Creating a Boundary Curve from the Toolpath Parameters Menu

You may want to reduce the Machining Zone of your toolpath with a boundary curve.

1. Create a Planar Finishing toolpath.

2. For our example, since the previous toolpath has been programmed with a machining view, activate the Window
option and click on the All button to cancel the view selection.

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Toolpath Parameters: Boundary Curve Option

3. Click on the <None> button of the Boundary Curve option.

The following dialog box is displayed:

Boundary Curve Selection Dialog Box

Boundary Curve Selection Dialog Box Description

Boundary Curve List

The Boundary Curve List contains all the available Curves that can be selected for the
toolpath. The Boundary Curve names in red indicate that these Curves are already used in
other toolpaths.
Selectable Entities
Activating/Deactivating this option will show/hide all the available Boundary Curves in the
Viewing Area along with the part.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Show Toolpath Entities

Activating this option will display all current toolpath related entities (points, views, etc.) in the
Viewing Area.
Select the Associated
If a View was associated to the curve when it was created, activating this option automatically
View
selects the associated View when validating a Curve selection. This View is then activated in
the Machining Zone section of the Toolpath Parameters menu.

Selecting an Existing Curve

1. Click on the required curve in the list of the dialog box.

2. Click on the OK button.

The central button of the Boundary Curve option now displays the selected curve:

Machining Zone Section: Selected Curve

You can also select an existing curve from the Machining Zone dialog box:

1. Click on the <None> button of the Boundary Curve option.

Machining Zone Dialog Box: Boundary Curve Option

2. Select the curve in the Boundary Curve Selection dialog box and validate.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

This activate the Stopping Conditions option.

Stopping Conditions

These options allow you to determine at which position the tool will stop machining with respect to the boundary curve:

▪ Stop on the Curve: the tool stops with the center of the cutter on the curve.

▪ Stop inside the Curve: the tool stops with the cutter inside the curve.

▪ Stop outside the Curve: the tool stops with the cutter outside the curve.

▪ Stop when touching the Curve: the tool stops at the first point of contact between the projected curve and the
surface and tangent to the cutter.

Modifying an Existing Curve

1. Click on the required curve in the list of the Boundary Curve Selection dialog box.

2. Click on the icon.

The Curve Edition Wizard is displayed.

Curve Edition Wizard

3. Make your modifications and click OK to validate.

Creating a New Curve

Once the Boundary Curve Selection dialog box is displayed, there are 3 ways of accessing the Curve Creation Wizard:

1. Click on the icon in the Boundary Curve Selection dialog box.

2. Right click on the part in the Viewing Area and select Create a New Curve Set.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

3. Click on the icon in the top right corner of the Viewing Area.

Creating a New Curve

In all cases, the Curve Creation Wizard is displayed.

1. Create your curve on the part and right click in the Viewing Area to validate.

Creating a Curve

2. Click OK in the Curve Creation Wizard.

Cancelling Curve Selection

Once the curve has been selected, you can cancel the selection by clicking on the button of the
Boundary Curve option.

3. Validate the parameters and run calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Planar Finishing: Restricted on the Curve

OFFSETTING THE BOUNDARY CURVE

When restricting the machining zone with a boundary curve, you have the possibility to define an offset value when you
choose to stop machining inside our outside this curve. This allows you to either protect the edges of the machining zone or
to ensure the complete machining of the edges of the machining zone.

Inside the Boundary Curve

To illustrate this, we are going to use the 5x_machining

workzone.

In this workzone, we have calculated a Z-Level Finishing

toolpath with a boundary curve to machine the inclined
walls in the pocket of the part.

Let’s suppose that you want to machine the surfaces at the

bottom of this pocket with a Planar Finishing toolpath. You
do not want the cutter to be in contact with the walls that
have already been machined.

1. Create a new Planar Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Ball cutter, Body Radius: 5
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.01
Stepover: 5
Vertical Lead-ins

2. Click on the button of the Boundary Curve option.

3. Activate the Stop inside the Curve option in the Stopping Conditions section.

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Stop inside the Curve

Now you have to define the offset value in the corresponding field. This value is the distance between the center of the
cutter and the boundary curve.

Auto Option

Activating the Auto option allows you to define an offset value which is equal to the Body Radius of the
tool.

4. Deactivate the Auto option.

5. For our example, enter 8 in the Offset field.

6. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

The toolpath has only machined the surfaces at the bottom of the pocket. You can show a top view and check the distance
between the curve and the passes by using the Cursor Guide (see above pictures).

If we had activated the Auto option, we would have obtained the following result:

The body of the cutter would be in contact with the curve, as the distance between the center of the cutter and the curve
would be equal to the Body Radius.

Outside the Boundary Curve

To illustrate this, we are going to use the Pump_body workzone.

Let’s suppose that you want to machine the surfaces at the top of the part with a Planar Finishing toolpath by restricting
machining with a boundary curve. You also want to make sure that a part of the chamfer is machined.

1. Create a new Planar Finishing toolpath.

2. Click on the button of the Boundary Curve option.

3. In the Machining Zone dialog box, click on the <None> button of the Boundary Curve option.

4. Create the boundary curve and validate.

Boundary Curve Creation

5. Activate the Stop outside the Curve option in the Stopping Conditions section.

As for the Stop inside the Curve, you have to define the offset value in the corresponding field.

6. Deactivate the Auto option.

7. For our example, enter 8 in the Offset field.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

Stop outside the Curve

8. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

The toolpath has machined beyond the defined boundary curve. In this case, it follows the geometry of the part. You can
show a top view and check the distance between the curve and the passes by using the Cursor Guide (see above pictures).

CREATING AN EXTREMITY CURVE

The Extremity Curve can be used to protect vertical walls on the edges of a part. It is created when defining the Machining
Zone of a toolpath.

To illustrate this, create a workzone from the Plate_cover.xdw CAD file.

Let’s suppose that you want to program a Planar Finishing toolpath on this part and extend the machining window (Expand
Window by option) but protect the wall on the back of the part.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

1. Create a new Planar Finishing toolpath with the following parameters:

Expand Window by Diam+Stock: activated
Bull-nose cutter, Body Radius: 10 – Corner Radius: 2
Stock Allowance: 0
Tolerance: 0.1
Stepover: 10
Vertical Lead-ins
Corner Smoothing Radius: 0

2. Click on one of the icons in the Machining Zone section.

The Machining Zone dialog box is displayed.

Machining Zone Dialog Box

3. Click on the <None> button of the Extremity Curve option and create the following open curve:

Open Curve used as Extremity Curve

4. Click OK to validate.

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

5. Validate the parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

You should obtain the following result:

Planar Finishing with Extremity Curve

The toolpath stops machining when reaching the defined Extremity Curve.

18.1.1 - Defining a Machining Plane from the Toolpath Parameters Menu

There are two ways of defining the Machining Plane depending on whether you want to machine with respect to the
minimum or a predetermined Z-level on the part or if you want to interactively define the Z-level on the part in the graphic
Viewing Area.

1. Create a new Planar Finishing toolpath.

2. Make sure that no other CAM entity is selected in the Machining Zone section.

Defining a Minimum or Predetermined Z-level Machining Plane

• Click on any icon in of the Machining Zone section.

The Machining Zone dialog box is displayed.

Machining Zone Dialog Box: Limit Z Section

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.1 - Machining Zone

The Limit Z section allows you to select the Areas to Apply option.

None
With this option no Machining Plane is applied and machining will be carried out to the minimum Z-
dimension of the part.

The cutter retract is made when the radius of the cutter no longer touches the surface and the cutter
waterfalls over the edge of the surface.

The cutter retracts when the radius of the cutter no longer touches the surface of the Part Geometry (1),
i.e. the cutter waterfalls over the edge of the surface regardless of the Machining Zone boundary (2)
Over
With this option, the Machining Plane specified will apply over the part surfaces only.
Surfaces
The cutter retract is made when the cutter is no longer above the part surface.

The cutter retracts when the cutter reaches the user-defined Machining Plane (3) and is no longer above
the Part Geometry surface (1). The Machining Zone boundary (2) is not considered.
Over
With this option, the Machining Plane will apply over the Whole Machining Zone including surfaces, holes
Surfaces and
Holes and outside the part itself. The machining zone can be a user-defined Machining Window or View, which
may be limited by a Boundary Curve.

The cutter retract is made when the cutter reaches the Machining Window Boundary.

The cutter machines the Part Geometry (1), along the Machining Plane (3) and then retracts when it
reaches the Machining Window boundary (2)

Z-Level for Plane

This option is activated only if you activate the Over Surfaces or Over Surfaces and Holes option.

1. Activate the Over Surfaces option

2. Set the Z-level for the machining plane.

Either enter the value in the Z-Level for Plane field or click the Part Minimum button to force the machining plane to
the minimum Z of the part.

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Z-Level for the Machining Plane

3. Click OK to validate.

The central button of the Machining Plane option now displays the Z-Level for Plane value.

Machining Plane Defined

4. Click on the icon to remove the selected Machining Plane.

Defining the Machining Plane in the Viewing Area

1. Click on the None button of the Machining Plane option.

2. Click anywhere on the part to create a machining plane.

A green dot is displayed at the clicked point along with its Z-level value and a rectangular transparent planar surface is
created. You can repeat this action until you find the appropriate machining plane.

Machining Plane Defined in the Viewing Area

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.2 - Multiple Toolpath Parameter Editing

3. Right click in the Viewing Area to validate.

The central button of the Machining Plane option now displays the Z-level of the selected machining plane.

4. If required, change the Areas to Apply mode by clicking on the button.

5. Validate parameters and run the toolpath calculations.

Planar Finishing: Restricted to the Machining Plane

18.2 - Multiple Toolpath Parameter Editing

This function allows you to set common parameter values for a group of selected toolpaths.

To access this function, proceed as follows:

1. Select the toolpaths to edit in the Workzone Manager.

Press and hold down the [Shift] key, then click on the first and the last toolpath to be included or press and hold down
the [Ctrl] key, then click on each individual toolpath.

2. Right click on the toolpath selection and select the Parameters.

Or click on Edit in the text menu bar and select Edit Items.

In both cases, the following dialog is displayed:

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18 - Machining Parameters 18.2 - Multiple Toolpath Parameter Editing

Multi-Edit Menu

** Symbols

The ** symbols appear in each section to signify that this is a multiple edit function.

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Index

Index
3 Defining an Initial Lateral Step on the Global Roughing
3-Axis Finishing Toolpaths, 120 Toolpath, 76
3-Axis Optimization Toolpaths, 149 Defining an Overlapping Distance for the Z-Level Finishing
3-Axis Remachining Toolpaths, 168 Toolpath, 127
3-Axis Roughing Toolpaths, 48 Defining Default Directories for Workzones and CAD Files, 17
3D Contouring (Pencil Trace), 163 Defining Output Folders for the Workzone Documentation, 211
A Defining the Cutter Preview, 52
Activating and Modifying of the Machine Axis System, 219 Defining the Speed of the Back Pass, 112
Adding Calculations to the Queue, 69 Deleting Passes on Vertical Areas, 137
Analyzing Altitudes, 33 Displaying the Rest Material Preview, 160
Analyzing Borders, 35 Displaying Toolpaths, 70
Analyzing Curvature, 32 Dynamic Sectioning, 31
Analyzing Draft Angles, 34 E
Approach Rate after Ramp Lead-in, 108 Editing Surfaces, 39
Axis Systems, 213 Editing Toolpaths, 177
B F
Basic Functions, 24 First and Last Point to the Top of the Stock, 115
C Flat Surface Finishing, 120
Calculating the Recommended Safe Tool Length, 190 Flat Surface Re-roughing, 63
CAM Entities, 213 Flat Surface Rough/Rerough, 90
Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization, 146 G
Constant Material Removal Rates on Sub Z-step Machining Generating HTML Documentation, 210
Phases, 104 Generating Z Steps with the 3D Contouring - Pencil Trace
Contour Remachining, 173 Toolpath, 165
Contouring Toolpaths, 163 Global Rough/Rerough, 48
Copying or Moving Entities to the CAM Mode, 40 H
Corner Smoothing, 64 Helix Diameter, 105
Creating a Bounding Box to Create a Stock Model, 42 I
Creating a New Workzone in the CAM Mode, 7 Importing an Image in the CAM Mode, 26
Creating a Simulation Stock Model, 244 Initial Step, 66
Creating a Workzone in the CAD Mode, 13 Initializing the Stock Model and Calculating the Roughing
Creating an Extremity Curve, 267 Toolpath, 66
Creating Curves, 231 Introduction, 3
Creating New Curves Not Based on the Geometry, 234 Inverting Toolpath Sections, 185
Creating Points, 238 Isolating Toolpath Blocks, 181
Creating Toolpaths, 46 L
Creating Views, 220 Launcher, 4
Curves, 231 M
Cusp Height, 63 Machining Order, 64
Cut Link Distance, 62 Machining Parameters, 52, 250
Cutter Details, 49 Machining Zone, 49, 250
Cutter Movements, 58 Machining Zone Dialog Box, 250
D Making Screenshots, 28
Defining a Lead-in Distance for the Global/Rough/Rerough Management Functions, 200
Toolpath, 78 Measurements, 29
Defining a Local Stock for the Global Roughing Toolpath, 79 Merging CAM Entities, 247
Defining a Machining Plane from the Toolpath Parameters Modifying Curves, 234
Menu, 269 Modifying Points, 242
Defining a Minimum Retract Distance for the Z-Level Finishing Multiple Toolpath Parameter Editing, 272
Toolpath, 131 N
Defining a Variable Z-Step for the Z-Level Finishing Toolpath, NC Machining Parameters, 55
129 New UCS, 214

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Index

O R
Offsetting the Boundary Curve, 264 Removing Toolpath Sections, 178
Offsetting Toolpath Sections, 184 Reroughing, 89
Opening NC Files, 197 Restrict Machining Areas, 62
Opening the Toolpath Parameters Menu of a Toolpath, 74 Running Stock Simulation, 117
Opening/Closing Workzones and CAD Files, 20 S
Optimized Planar Finishing, 157 Selecting a Strategy, 47
Optimized Z-Level Finishing, 149 Selecting Curves from the Existing Geometry, 232
Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Material left by Previous Selecting Dependent Toolpaths, 248
Smoothing Radius, 152 Selecting/Creating a Boundary Curve from the Toolpath
Optimized Z-Level Finishing: Pocket Detection And Flat Surface Parameters Menu, 259
Machining, 155 Selecting/Creating a View from the Toolpath Parameters Menu,
P 251
Parallel Finishing, 139 Sequence Order, Comments and Copy, 205
Parallel Pencil Trace, 167 Starting the Application, 4
Part Analysis, 31 Stock Parameters, 60
Patch Size, 22 Stock Simulation, 117
Planar Finishing, 133 T
Planar Remachining, 168 Tolerances, 56
Pocket Selection, 61 Tool Holder Collision Avoidance, 60
Point Creation Alternatives, 239 Toolpath Status Icons, 72
Points, 237 Training Guide Objectives, 3
Postprocessing Toolpaths, 194 U
Preparation Mode, 37 UCS by 3 Points, 217
Print/Plot Functions, 28 UCS on View, 218
Programming a 3D Contouring (Pencil Trace) Toolpath, 163 Updating the Stock Model, 74
Programming a Basic Waveform Roughing Toolpath, 94 User Interface in the CAM Mode, 12
Programming a Combined Z-Level Finishing and Optimization, Using Specific Parameters of the Waveform Roughing Toolpath,
147 109
Programming a Contour Remachining Toolpath, 174 Using the Back Pass Options, 97
Programming a Flat Surface Finishing Toolpath, 120 V
Programming a Flat Surface Roughing Toolpath, 90 Validating or Cancelling Modifications, 188
Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Specific Viewing Area, 24
Parameters, 60 Views, 220
Programming a Global Rough/Rerough Toolpath: Standard W
Parameters, 49 Waveform Roughing, 93
Programming a Parallel Pencil Trace Toolpath, 167 Workzone Cloning, 203
Programming a Planar Finishing Toolpath, 133 Workzone Configuration, 202
Programming a Planar Remachining Toolpath, 169 Workzone Information, 200
Programming a Reroughing Toolpath, 89 Workzone Management, 200
Programming a Waveform Roughing Toolpath with Multiple Z- Workzone Material, 22
Steps, 98 Workzone Symmetry, 204
Programming a Z-Level Finishing Toolpath, 123 Workzones, 7
Programming a Z-Level Remachining Toolpath, 171 Z
Programming an Optimized Planar Finishing Toolpath, 157 Z-Level Finishing, 122
Programming an Optimized Z-Level Finishing Toolpath, 150 Z-Level Remachining, 171
Programming Toolpaths on Multiple Views, 255 Z-Step, 58

Copyright 2018 © Sescoi International II WNC18R1_EN_3XBAS - 3-Axis Basic

WorkNC (r) Version 2018 R1

Copyright © 1988-2018 Sescoi International. All rights reserved.

[Link].001.300009.023.S.P.1993.000.30640

Use of the WorkNC software program is subject to the terms and conditions of the End User Licence Agreement (EULA).

WorkNC is a registered trademark of Sescoi International. Other product names mentioned in this software are registered
trademarks of their respective companies.

Portions of this SOFTWARE are owned by Siemens Product Lifecycle Management SOFTWARE Inc.

© 1986 - 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Credits

This program uses the 7-zip library and program that can be obtained from [Link] 7-Zip is licensed under the
GNU LGPL license v2.1. The license file can be found under the installation directory.

This program uses the QT library that can be obtained from [Link] Qt is licensed under the GNU LGPL
license v2.1. The license file can be found under the installation directory.

Installation process powered by Inno Setup © 1997-2016 Jordan Russel. All rights reserved. This program can be obtained
from [Link]