TRN 4508 400 01 - SG Ins - Lecsdasx - EN

Milling using Creo Parametric 3.
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Milling using Creo Parametric 3.0
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Training Agenda
Day 1
Module 01 ― Introduction to Manufacturing
Module 02 ― Creating Manufacturing Models
Module 03 ― Configuring Operations
Module 04 ― Using Reference Models
Module 05 ― Using Workpiece Models
Module 06 ― Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies
Module 07 ― Creating and Configuring a Work Center
Day 2
Module 08 ― Creating and Configuring Tools
Module 09 ― Using Template Manufacturing Models
Module 10 ― Using Manufacturing Parameters
Module 11 ― Creating Face Milling Sequences
Day 3
Module 12 ― Creating Volume Milling Sequences
Module 13 ― Creating Profile Milling Sequences
Module 14 ― Creating Straight Cut Surface Milling Sequences
Module 15 ― Creating From Surface Isolines Surface Milling Sequences
Day 4
Module 16 ― Creating Cut Line Surface Milling Sequences
Module 17 ― Advanced Surface Milling Options
Module 18 ― Creating Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences
Module 19 ― Creating Finishing Sequences
Day 5
Module 20 ― Creating Trajectory Milling Sequences
Module 21 ― Creating Holemaking Sequences
Module 22 ― Creating Engraving Sequences
Module 23 ― Using the Process Manager
Module 24 ― Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files
Table of Contents
Milling using Creo Parametric 3.0

Introduction to Manufacturing .......................................................1-1
Manufacturing Process Overview ...............................................1-2
Creating Manufacturing Models.....................................................2-1
Creating Manufacturing Models ..................................................2-2
Configuring Operations ................................................................3-1
Configuring Operations.............................................................3-2
Using Reference Models...............................................................4-1
Using Reference Models...........................................................4-2
Using Workpiece Models ..............................................................5-1
Using Workpiece Models ..........................................................5-2
Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies ......................................6-1
Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies ...................................6-2
Creating and Configuring a Work Center ........................................7-1
Creating and Configuring a Work Center ......................................7-2
Creating and Configuring Tools.....................................................8-1
Understanding Milling Tools .......................................................8-2
Creating Standard Milling Tools ..................................................8-4
Creating Solid Model Milling Tools ..............................................8-9
Creating and Using Tool Cutting Data ........................................ 8-14
Retrieving Tool Data .............................................................. 8-19
Using Template Manufacturing Models...........................................9-1
Using Template Manufacturing Models ........................................9-2
Using Manufacturing Parameters ................................................ 10-1
Understanding Manufacturing Parameter Concepts ...................... 10-2
Configuring Parameter Values.................................................. 10-4
Using Site Parameter Files ...................................................... 10-8
Creating Face Milling Sequences................................................. 11-1
Basic Face Milling ................................................................. 11-2
Lateral Control Face Milling Parameters..................................... 11-6
Depth Control Face Milling Parameters ..................................... 11-11
Entry and Exit Face Milling Parameters.................................... 11-14
Creating Volume Milling Sequences ............................................. 12-1
Basic Volume Milling .............................................................. 12-2
Volume Milling with Mill Windows.............................................. 12-7
Scanning Volume Milling Parameters ...................................... 12-11
Depth and Lateral Control Volume Milling Parameters................. 12-15
Stock Allowance Volume Milling Parameters ............................. 12-19
Gathering Mill Volumes......................................................... 12-22
Modifying Volume Milling Toolpaths ......................................... 12-26
Creating Profile Milling Sequences .............................................. 13-1
Basic Profile Milling ............................................................... 13-2
Depth and Lateral Control Profile Milling Parameters .................... 13-7
Lead In and Lead Out Motions ............................................... 13-10
Creating Straight Cut Surface Milling Sequences .......................... 14-1
Understanding Surface Milling ................................................. 14-2
Straight Cut Surface Milling ..................................................... 14-4
Straight Cut Surface Milling Parameters ..................................... 14-7
Creating Surface Milling Reference Geometry ........................... 14-12
Creating From Surface Isolines Surface Milling Sequences ............ 15-1
From Surface Isolines Surface Milling ........................................ 15-2
Creating Cut Line Surface Milling Sequences................................ 16-1
Cut Line Surface Milling .......................................................... 16-2
Advanced Surface Milling Options ............................................... 17-1
Advanced Surface Milling Options ............................................ 17-2
Creating Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences ........................... 18-1
Basic Roughing and Re-roughing ............................................. 18-2
Roughing Scans and Entry and Exit Parameters .......................... 18-7
Step Depth and Tolerance Control Roughing Parameters ............ 18-11
Additional Scallop Height Control Roughing Parameters.............. 18-13
Roughing Corner Options ..................................................... 18-17
Creating Finishing Sequences .................................................... 19-1
Basic Finishing ..................................................................... 19-2
Editing Finishing Parameters ................................................... 19-5
Creating Trajectory Milling Sequences ......................................... 20-1
Understanding Trajectory Milling............................................... 20-2
Creating Sketched Milling Tools................................................ 20-4
Basic 2-Axis Trajectory Milling.................................................. 20-8
2-Axis Trajectory Milling Depth Control Parameters .................... 20-13
2-Axis Trajectory Milling - Cutting Slices Parameters.................. 20-17
Basic 3-Axis Trajectory Milling................................................ 20-21
3-Axis Trajectory Milling Multi-Step and Multi-Pass
Parameters ............................................................ 20-26
Creating Holemaking Sequences ................................................. 21-1
Understanding Holemaking ..................................................... 21-2
Basic Drilling ........................................................................ 21-4
Editing Drilling Toolpaths......................................................... 21-8
Creating and Using Drill Groups ............................................. 21-13
Creating Engraving Sequences ................................................... 22-1
Engraving on Flat and Complex Surfaces ................................... 22-2
Using the Process Manager ........................................................ 23-1
Using Process Manager Tools.................................................. 23-2
Editing Process Items ............................................................ 23-7
Creating New Items in the Process Manager............................. 23-11
Creating and Using Manufacturing Templates ........................... 23-16
Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files ................................. 24-1
Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files............................... 24-2
Student Preface — Using the Header
In this topic, you learn about the course handbook layout and
the header used to begin each lab in Creo Parametric.
Course Handbook Layout:

• Modules
– Topics
♦ Concept
♦ Theory
♦ Procedure
♦ Exercise (if applicable)
Procedure / Exercise Header:
Course Handbook Layout
The information in this course handbook is organized to help students locate

information after the course is complete. Each course is organized into
modules, each covering a general subject. Each module contains topics,
with each topic focused on a specific portion of the module subject. Each
individual topic in the module is divided into the following sections:
• Concept — This section contains the initial introduction to the topic and
is presented during the class lecture as an overhead slide, typically with
figures and bullets.
• Theory — This section provides detailed information about content
introduced in the Concept, and is discussed in the class lecture but not
shown on the overhead slide. The Theory section contains additional
paragraphs of text, bullets, tables, and/or figures.
• Procedure — This section provides step-by-step instructions about how to
complete the topic within Creo Parametric. Procedures are short, focused,
and cover a specific topic. Procedures are found in the Student Handbook
only. Not every topic has a Procedure, as there are knowledge topics that
contain only Concept and Theory.
• Exercise — Exercises are similar to procedures, except that they are
typically longer, more involved, and use more complicated models.
Exercises also may cover multiple topics, so not every topic will have an
associated exercise. Exercises are found in the separate Exercise Guide
and/or the online exercise HTML files.
The first module for certain courses is known as a “process
module.” Process modules introduce you to the generic high-level
processes that will be taught over the span of the entire course.
Procedure / Exercise Header

To make the exercises and procedures (referred to collectively as “labs”) as
concise as possible, each begins with a “header.” The header lists the name
of the lab, the working directory, and the file you are to open.
The following items are indicated in the figure above, where applicable:
1. Procedure/Exercise Name — This is the name of the lab.
2. Scenario — This briefly describes what will be done in the lab. The
Scenario is only found in Exercises.
3. Close Windows/Erase Not Displayed — A reminder that you should
close any open files and erase them from memory:
• Click Close until the icon is no longer displayed.
• Click Erase Not Displayed and then click OK.
4. Folder Name — This is the working directory for the lab. Lab files are
stored in topic folders within specific functional area folders. The path to
the lab files is:
• PTCU\CreoParametric3\functional_area_folder\topic_folder
In the example, Round is the functional area folder and Variable
is the topic folder, so you would set the Working Directory to
PTCU\CreoParametric3\Round\Variable.
• To set the working directory, right-click the folder in the folder tree or
browser, and select Set Working Directory.
5. Model to Open — This is the file to be opened from the working
directory. In the above example, VARIABLE_RAD.PRT is the model to
open. The model could be a part, drawing, assembly, and so on. If
you are expected to begin the lab without an open model, and instead
create a new model, you will see Create New.
• To open the indicated model, right-click the file in the browser and
select Open.
6. Task Name — Labs are broken into distinct tasks. There may be one
or more tasks within a lab.
7. Lab Steps — These are the individual steps required to complete
a task.
Two other items to note for labs:
• Saving — Saving your work after completing a lab is optional, unless
otherwise stated.
• Exercises — Exercises follow the same header format as Procedures.
Setting Up Creo Parametric for Use with Training Labs
Before you begin a lab from any training course, it is important that you
configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run the lab
exercises properly. Therefore, if you are running the training labs on a
computer outside of a training center, follow these three basic steps:
• Extract the class files zip file to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
– The extracted zip will create the default folder path automatically, such
as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric3\.
• Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.
– Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
– Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
– Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be the same as
the default folder. For example, C:\PTCU\CreoParametric3\.
• Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.
– The default working directory will be set to the CreoParametric3 folder.
You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.
PROCEDURE - Student Preface — Using the Header
In this exercise, you learn how to use the header to set up the Creo
Parametric working environment for each lab in the course.
Close Window Erase Not Displayed

SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_Folder EXTRUDE_1.PRT
Step 1: Configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run

the lab exercises properly.
Perform this task only if you are running the labs on a computer
outside of a training center, otherwise proceed to Task 2.
1. Extract the zipped class files to a root level drive such as C: or D:.
• The extracted ZIP will create the default folder path automatically,
such as C:\PTCU\CreoParametric3.
2. Locate your existing Creo Parametric shortcut.
• Copy and paste the shortcut to your desktop.
• Right-click the newly pasted shortcut and select Properties.
• Select the Shortcut tab and set the Start In location to be
PTCU\CreoParametric3.
3. Start Creo Parametric using the newly configured shortcut.
• The default working directory is set to the CreoParametric3 folder.
You can then navigate easily to the functional area and topic folders.
Step 2: Close all open windows and erase all objects from memory to
avoid any possible conflicts.
1. If you currently have files open, click Close from the Quick Access
toolbar, until the icon no longer displays.
2. Click Erase Not Displayed from the Data group in the ribbon.
• Click OK if the Erase Not Displayed dialog box appears.
Step 3: Browse to and expand the functional area folder for this procedure
and set the folder indicated in the header as the Creo Parametric
working directory.
1. Notice the
SampleFunctionalArea\Topic1_
Folder as indicated in the header
above.
2. If necessary, select the Folder
Browser tab from the
navigator.
3. Click Working Directory

to view the current working
directory folder in the browser.
• Double-click
SampleFunctionalArea.
4. Right-click the Topic1_Folder folder and select Set Working
Directory.
5. Click Working Directory from the Common Folders section to display
the contents of the new working directory in the browser.
Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the

browser to navigate to the topic folder, and then right-click and
select Set Working Directory from the browser.
Step 4: Open the file for this procedure.
1. Notice the lab model EXTRUDE_1.PRT is specified in the header

above.
• Double-click extrude_1.prt in the browser to open it.
2. You are now ready to begin the first task in the lab:
• Read the first task.
• Perform the first step, which in most cases will be to set the initial
datum display for the procedure or exercise.
• Perform the remaining steps in the procedure or exercise.
Step 5: Set the initial datum display options.
1. The instruction for setting the datum display indicates which Datum
Display types to enable and disable. For example, “Enable only the
following Datum Display types: .”
2. To set the datum display, first click the Datum Display drop-down
menu from the In Graphics toolbar.
3. Next, enable and disable the
check boxes as necessary. For
example you could disable the
Select All check box, and then
enable only the desired datum
types.
4. The model should now appear

as shown.
This completes the procedure.

Module 1
Introduction to Manufacturing
Module Overview
Before you use Creo Parametric to machine components, it is important to
understand the complete manufacturing process and the steps involved in
this process. It is also important to understand the elements that make up
completed manufacturing models.
In this module, you learn about the Creo Parametric manufacturing process.
You are also introduced to the different elements that make up manufacturing
models. You also learn how to create a simple manufacturing model and
how to set up various elements for manufacturing. Finally, you learn how to
create a simple machining sequence.
Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
• Describe the Creo Parametric manufacturing process.
• Describe the elements that make up completed manufacturing models.
• Create manufacturing models.
• Create a simple machining sequence.
© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 1

Manufacturing Process Overview
The manufacturing process can be divided into four high-level
steps:
Figure 1 – Creating the Figure 2 – Creating the

Manufacturing Model Manufacturing Environment
Figure 3 – Creating NC Sequences Figure 4 – Post-Processing CL

and CL Data Data and Machining
Creating the Manufacturing Model

Creating the manufacturing model is the first step in the manufacturing
process.
• You can select and copy a template manufacturing model during the
creation process.
– By default, the template manufacturing model includes default datum
planes and a default coordinate system.
– You can configure many other items in template manufacturing models.
For example, you can include fixtures and a configured machine tool.
• Alternatively, you can create an "empty" model. However, the
recommended procedure is to create the manufacturing model using a
template model.
Creating the Manufacturing Environment

Configuring the manufacturing environment is the second step in the
manufacturing process. This step involves configuring a number of elements
within the manufacturing model. Here is a summary of the most important
elements.
Module 1 | Page 2 © 2014 PTC

• Work Center – This specifies the type of machine tool being used. For
example, you can specify a Work Center as a 3-axis milling machine with
various machine tool parameters such as feed units, maximum spindle
speed, and travel limits in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions.
• Operation – Machining operations are a series of NC sequences that are
performed by a particular Work Center (machine tool) and reference a
particular coordinate system. They include the following elements:
– Machine coordinate system – Also referred to as the machine zero
position. This specifies the program zero position in X, Y, and Z on the
machine tool.
– Retract plane – Also referred to as the retract surface. This specifies
the clearance level to which the tool retracts after completing an NC
sequence.
– Fixtures – Are parts or assemblies that can be used to hold the
component being machined. For example, you can create vise
assemblies and use them as fixtures. Note that fixtures are optional
elements and are not required to create NC sequences.
• Reference model – You must assemble a reference model before creating
NC sequences. The reference model represents the final machined
component. Surfaces and edges are selected from the reference model
and are used as references when creating NC sequences.
• Workpiece model – This represents the unmachined stock material. It is an
optional element and is not required to create NC sequences. However,
using a workpiece enables you to simulate the machining of the stock
material.
Creating NC Sequences and CL Data

The next step in the manufacturing process is to create NC sequences in the
manufacturing model; this involves the following:
• Specifying a tool.
• Selecting or creating geometry to machine (for example, a surface to
machine or holes to be drilled).
• Specifying how the tool machines the selected geometry by editing
machining parameters (for example, specifying cut feed rate and spindle
speed).
• When NC sequences have been created, it is then possible to create
Cutter Location (CL) data files. These are generated from the tool motions
within NC sequences.
Note that NC sequences are made up of a series of tool motions.
In addition, you can add specific post-processor commands for
correct NC output.

Post-Processing CL Data and Machining
CL Data files can then be post-processed to create Machine Control Data
(MCD) files. This is done using machine-specific or generic post-processors.
You can then use MCD files to machine components on machine tools.
This course covers the necessary steps for creating machine

control data. The final step involves machining components on
machine tools and is therefore beyond the scope of this course.

PROCEDURE - Process Exercise
Objectives
After successfully completing this exercise, you will be able to:
• Create manufacturing models using template manufacturing models.
• Configure the manufacturing environment.
• Create simple NC sequences.
• Review the CL data.
You create a new manufacturing model, and then configure the manufacturing
environment. You are then able to create a simple surfacing NC sequence
and review the NC sequence.

Milling\NC_Process
Step 1: Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing

model.
1. Create a new manufacturing

model.
• Click New in the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Select the Manufacturing and
NC assembly options.
• Type BRACKET_NC in the
Name text box.
• Clear the Use default
template check box, and
click OK.
2. Select mmns_mfg_nc, and click
OK.

3. Ensure that the new
manufacturing model is created
with three default datum planes
and a default coordinate system.
• Enable only the following
Datum Display types: .
Step 2: Create an operation, specify a Work Center, and assemble a

fixture.
1. Select Mill from the Work Center types drop-down menu in

Machine Tool Setup group.
• In the Milling Work Center dialog box, click Accept to create a
default 3-axis milling Work Center.
2. Click Operation from the Process group.
• Select the Fixture Setup tab.
• Click Add Fixture .
• Select MAKINO_FIXTURE.ASM, and click Open.
3. Select datum coordinate system
ASM_DEF_CSYS on the fixture
assembly.

NC_ASM_DEF_CSYS on the
manufacturing model.
• Click Complete Component
.

5. Disable Plane Display .
• From the Graphics toolbar,
click Refit .
Fixtures are an optional element when configuring the

manufacturing environment. They are not required to create NC
sequences.
Step 3: Specify the machine coordinate system and the retract plane.

NC_ASM_DEF_CSYS on the
2. Select the Clearance tab.
• Change Type to Plane from
the drop-down menu.
• Select NC_ASM_DEF_CSYS
for the Reference.
• Type 100 in the Value text box
and press ENTER.
3. Click Complete Feature from the dashboard.

You have now completed the configuration of the manufacturing
operation.

Step 4: Assemble the reference model.
1. Select Assemble Reference

Model from the Reference
Model types drop-down menu in
Components Group.
• Select BRACKET.PRT, and
click Open.
• Select datum coordinate
system REF_CSYS on the
bracket model.
• Select datum coordinate
system NC_ASM_DEF_CSYS
on the manufacturing model.
• Click Complete Component
.
• Disable Csys Display .
Step 5: Create an NC sequence to machine a surface.
1. Select the Mill tab.

• Click Surface Milling from the Milling group.
• Notice that in the SEQ SETUP menu, the Tool, Parameters,
Surfaces, and Define Cut check boxes are automatically selected.
These items must be specified to create the NC sequence.
• Click Done.
2. In the Tools Setup dialog box,
change BALL MILL to END MILL
with the drop-down menu for
Type.
• Type 20 for the tool diameter.
• Type 20_0_end_mill in the
Name text box.
• Click Apply.
• Ensure the 20_0_end_mill tool
is selected, and then right-click
and select Select tool and
return.

3. Edit the required parameters for the NC sequence.
• Edit CUT_FEED to 300.
• Edit STEP_OVER to 15.
• Edit CLEAR_DIST to 2.
• Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 1000. Click OK.
4. In the menu manager, ensure
Model is selected and click
Done.
• Select the surface at the
bottom of the pocket, as
shown.
• Click OK > Done/Return.
• Click OK from the Cut
Definition panel.
5. Play the resulting toolpath.
• From the menu manager, click
Play Path > Screen Play.
• In the Play Path dialog box,
click the CL Data bar; this
makes the CL data visible in
the dialog box.
• To slow down the toolpath
simulation, click and drag the
display speed slider to the left.
• Click Play .
• Click Close in the Play Path
dialog box when finished.
When the toolpath simulation is finished, you can replay the
toolpath by clicking Rewind and then clicking Play again.
Step 6: Adjust the toolpath by editing manufacturing parameters.
1. Click Step Parameters from the Update Group.

• Edit the CUT_ANGLE value to 45.
• Click OK.

2. Play the updated toolpath.
• From the menu manager, click
Screen Play.
• Click Play .
• Notice that the cutting angle
of the tool in the pocket has
changed.
• When finished, click Close in
the Play Path dialog box.
• Click Done Seq.
3. Save the manufacturing model and erase all objects from memory.
• Click Save from the Quick Access toolbar.
• Click OK in the Save Object dialog box.
• Click Close from the Quick Access toolbar.
• Click Erase Not Displayed .
• Click OK.

Module 2
Creating Manufacturing Models
Module Overview
Creating manufacturing models is the first step in the manufacturing process.
Manufacturing models ultimately contain all manufacturing information, such
as operation information, reference models, and NC sequence information.
In this module, you learn how to create manufacturing models using template
manufacturing models. This is important because, by using template
manufacturing models, you can standardize the initial manufacturing model
configuration.
Objectives
• Describe the contents of manufacturing models.
• Create manufacturing models.

Creating Manufacturing Models
Creating manufacturing models is the first step in the
manufacturing process.
Manufacturing models contain all Manufacturing Models
manufacturing process information,
such as: • Manufacturing model assembly
file – "filename".asm
• Operations
• Work Center
• NC sequences
• Reference models
• Workpiece models
Figure 2 – Template Manufacturing

Figure 1 – Using Template Model Options
Manufacturing Models
Manufacturing Models
As manufacturing models are developed, they contain all manufacturing
process information, such as operations, Work Center, NC sequences,
reference models, and workpiece models.
The manufacturing model assembly file is created when you create a
manufacturing model. It has the filename format "filename".asm.
• The manufacturing model assembly file contains all manufacturing process
information, such as operation information and NC sequence information.
• This file also contains the assembly information for reference models,
fixtures, and workpieces assembled into the manufacturing model.
Template Manufacturing Models

A template manufacturing model can be selected and copied during the
creation process. Using template manufacturing models enables you to
standardize on the initial manufacturing model configuration. If a template
model is not selected, then the initial manufacturing model is empty.
• By default, the template manufacturing model includes default datum
planes and a default coordinate system.

• Template manufacturing models are configured with either metric or
imperial units.
• User-defined template manufacturing models can also be configured and
selected.
Best Practices
Create manufacturing models using a template manufacturing model. This
ensures standardized models are used for the initial manufacturing model
configuration.

PROCEDURE - Creating Manufacturing Models
Milling\Mfg_Models CREATE NEW
Task 1: Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing

model.

model.
• Click New in the main
toolbar.
• Type EXAMPLE_NC in the
Name text box.
click OK.
Both metric and imperial manufacturing templates are available for

selection. Alternatively to create an empty model, you can select
Empty. You also have the option of clicking Browse and selecting
a user-defined template.
2. Create a manufacturing model
with metric units.
• Select mmns_mfg_nc, and
click OK.
3. Disable Axis Display , Point
Display , and Annotation
Display .

4. Observe the new manufacturing
model is created with three
default datum planes and a
default coordinate system.
5. Save the manufacturing model and erase all models from memory.
• Click Save from the Quick Access toolbar and click OK to save
the model.
• Click Close from the Quick Access toolbar to close the window.
• Click OK.

Module 3
Configuring Operations
Module Overview
Setting up for manufacturing involves configuring manufacturing operations.
You create manufacturing operations by configuring a number of elements
such as the type of machine tool (Work Center), the machine zero position,
and the machine retract plane. You can also configure optional elements
such as fixtures. When you have configured an operation, you can create
NC sequences that reference the operation's specific machine tool (Work
Center), and machine zero position.
In this module, you configure elements within manufacturing operations.
This involves configuring Work Center, fixtures, machine zero positions, and
machine retract planes. It is important to understand why each element in an
operation is required, and how each element is configured.
Objectives
• Describe elements of manufacturing operations.
• Configure Work Center, fixtures, machine zero positions, and machine
retract planes within operations.

Configuring Operations
Configuring manufacturing operations forms part of the setting
up for manufacturing procedure. An operation and a machine
tool must be configured before NC sequences can be created.
Manufacturing operations contain:
• Fixtures (Optional)
• Machine Coordinate System
• Retract Plane
• NC Sequences Figure 1 – Simple Fixture Assembly
Figure 2 – Machine Coordinate Figure 3 – Machine Tool

System and Retract Plane Configuration
Manufacturing Operations
• Manufacturing operations contain configured elements such as machine
zero coordinate systems and fixtures.
• Manufacturing operations also contain NC sequences that reference
the configured machine tool (Work Center), and the specified machine
coordinate system.
• An operation consists of a number of configured elements such as:
– The machine coordinate system (specified by the machine zero
position). This also specifies the direction of the X-, Y-, and Z-axes
on the machine tool.
– A retract plane (or surface) which the tool retracts to between NC
sequences.
– An optional fixture setup.
• When these items have been specified, you can create NC sequences to
machine components assembled into the manufacturing model. These NC
sequences reference the machine tool and the machine zero position.
You cannot create NC sequences until you configure the manufacturing
operation and configure a machine tool.
Fixture Configuration
Fixtures are typically configured at this stage of setting up the operation.
However, they are optional elements of an operation and are not required
to complete NC sequences. Fixtures are parts or assemblies that are
assembled into manufacturing models, and they can be easily activated and
deactivated as required. Fixtures can be used as references, for example:
• To specify the location of the machine coordinate system.

• To locate the position of reference models in the manufacturing model.
• To locate the position of workpiece models in the manufacturing model.
Machine Coordinate System and Retract Plane

The machine coordinate system, often referred to as the machine zero
position, acts as the origin position for CL data output.
• The machine coordinate system specifies the direction of the X-, Y-, and
Z-axes on the machine tool.
• You can configure the machine coordinate system by selecting or creating
a coordinate system in the manufacturing model.
– When configuring the machine coordinate system, you can reference
existing datum features in the manufacturing model, or you can reference
fixture geometry, or use reference model or workpiece geometry.
The retract plane (or surface) specifies the level to which the tool retracts
to between cutting motions.
• You can specify the retract plane at the operation level, and then modify its
position for specific NC sequences as required.
• Note that depending on your requirements, you can specify the retract
position to be a plane, cylinder, sphere, or a custom-made surface.
• By default, the retract plane is configured along the Z-axis of the machine
coordinate system. You can select an alternative reference if required.
Machine Tool Configuration

When configuring a machine tool (Work Center), the minimum configuration
involves specifying:
• Machine Name
– For example: Fadal/Fanuc/Makino
• Machine Type
– Milling/Turning/Mill-Turn
• Number of Axes
– This can be 2, 3, 4, or 5
– Dependent on machine type
Best Practices
Where appropriate, it is recommended to assemble fixtures before specifying
the machine coordinate system or assembling both reference models and
workpiece models. This enables these items to reference any fixtures if
required.

PROCEDURE - Configuring Operations
Milling\Operations_Configure OPERATION_SETUP.ASM
Task 1: Create an operation and specify a 3-axis milling machine tool as

the Work Center.
1. Enable only the following Datum

Display type: Plane Display .
2. Select Mill from the Work
Center types drop-down menu in
the Machine Tool Setup group.
• Type 3-AXIS in the Name text
box and press ENTER.
• In the Milling Work Center
dialog box, click Accept to
create a default 3-axis milling
Work Center.
Notice the default machine type is Mill, and the default number of
axes is set to 3-Axis. You can change these and other machine
tool settings as required.
Task 2: Assemble a fixture.
1. Click Operation from the Process group.

• Select the Fixture Setup tab.
• Click Add Fixture .
• Select FADAL_BED.PRT, and click Open.
2. Create the first assembly
constraint.
• Enable Plane Tag Display.
• Select datum plane
NC_ASM_TOP.
• Select the top surface of
FADAL_BED.PRT, as shown.
3. Create the second assembly

constraint.
NC_ASM_FRONT.
• Select the front surface of
FADAL_BED.PRT, as shown.

4. Create the third assembly
constraint.
NC_ASM_RIGHT.
• Select the hidden left surface
of FADAL_BED.PRT, as
shown.
5. Click Complete Component in the dashboard.

6. Disable Plane Display . Enable Csys Display .
Task 3: Specify the machine zero coordinate system and the retract plane.
1. Click in the Program Zero collector in the dashboard.

• Select the MACHINE_CSYS from the fixture model.
Notice a coordinate system named NC_MACHINE_CSYS is copied
into the manufacturing model.
• Select Plane from the Type
drop-down menu.
• Select NC_MACHINE_CSYS
for the Reference.
• Type 150 and press ENTER
for the Value.
3. Select the Properties tab.

• Notice the name defaults to OP010; you could specify a different
name at this point.
4. Click Complete Feature in the Operation dashboard.

Module 4
Using Reference Models
Module Overview
Reference models are assembled into manufacturing models, where they
represent finished machined components. You can select model geometry
such as surfaces and edges from reference models, and you can use them
as references when creating NC sequences. If a reference model changes,
then all associated NC sequences are updated to reflect the changes.
In this module, you learn how to assemble reference models using different
options. These options provide you with a flexible approach to using
reference models.
Objectives
• Describe the purpose of reference models.
• Assemble reference models using different methods.

Using Reference Models
It is important to understand how reference models are used
in manufacturing assemblies.
Reference models represent the

finished machined component. For
example, this can be:
• A component machined from solid.
• A machined mold core.
• A machined casting.
Creating reference model options:
• Same Model
• Inherited
• Merged by Reference
Figure 1 – Reference Model

Examples
Reference Models
Reference models, often referred to as design models, represent the finished
machined component. Model geometry, such as surfaces and edges,
is selected from the reference model and is used as references when
creating NC sequences. If the reference model changes, then all associated
machining toolpaths are updated to reflect the changes. The reference model
can be a part or assembly and can take many forms, for example:
• A component machined from solid. In this case, it is likely all component
geometry would be machined.
• A machined mold core. In this case, it is likely only the mold core geometry
would be machined.
• A machined casting. Normally only certain surfaces on the casting would be
machined. In addition, holes would be drilled, bored, or tapped as required.

Creating Reference Model Options
You can assemble reference models using the reference model tool. There
are three options available when assembling your reference model.
• Same Model
– In this case, the selected model is used directly as the reference model,
and no new parts are created.
• Inherited
– In this case, a new reference part is created. The reference part inherits
all geometry and feature information from the original design part. You
can specify the geometry and the feature data that you want to modify
on the inherited part without changing the original part. Inheritance
provides greater freedom to modify the reference part without changing
the design model.
• Merged by Reference
– In this case, a new reference part is created. The new reference part
contains an external merge feature; this feature contains all geometry
and datum features which have been copied from the original design
part. All layer information is also copied into the new reference part.
If an assembly is selected as the reference model, then the
assembly is used directly as the reference model, and there is no
option to use the Inherited or Merge by Reference options.

PROCEDURE - Using Reference Models
Milling\Reference_Models CASTING.ASM
Task 1: Assemble the reference model.
1. Enable only the following Datum Display type: Plane Display .

2. Select Assemble Reference Model from the Reference Model
types drop-down menu in the Components group.
• Select CASTING.PRT, and click Open.
3. Create the first assembly
constraint.
NC_ASM_TOP in the model
tree.
• If necessary, expand the
CASTING.PRT feature list in
the model tree.
• Select datum plane TOP on
CASTING.PRT in the model
tree.
4. Create the second assembly
constraint.
NC_ASM_FRONT in the
model tree.
• Select datum plane FRONT on
tree.
5. Create the third assembly

constraint.
NC_ASM_RIGHT in the
model tree.
• Select datum plane RIGHT on
tree.

6. Click Complete Component
in the dashboard.
7. Disable Plane Display .
In this case, the reference model has been assembled to the default
datum planes in the manufacturing model. However, it is possible
to configure an operation and assemble a fixture before assembling
the reference model. This would give you the option of assembling
the reference model to the fixture if required.

Module 5
Using Workpiece Models
Module Overview
Workpieces represent the unmachined stock material in a manufacturing
model. They are optional components within a manufacturing model;
however, if they are used, then you can simulate the machining of workpieces
when creating NC sequences. Workpieces can be standard stock billets or
you can configure them to represent models such as castings.
In this module, you create workpieces using different methods. You learn how
to create workpieces using the Automatic Workpiece option. This enables
you to easily create simple rectangular or round workpieces. You also learn
how to create workpieces using the Inherited Features option. This enables
you to create workpieces by inheriting geometry from a selected part.
Objectives
• Describe the purpose of workpiece models.
• Create workpiece models using different methods.

Using Workpiece Models
It is important to understand how workpiece models are used
in manufacturing assemblies.
Workpieces represent unmachined
stock material, for example:
• Stock Billets.
• Castings.
Workpiece Features:
• Enable machining simulation of
workpiece.
• As-machined versions.
• No machining outside workpiece
boundaries.
• Workpiece display.
Figure 1 – Workpiece Examples

Workpiece Options:
• Create an automatic workpiece.
• Assemble using Same Model
option.
• Assemble with inherited features.
• Assemble with merged features.
• Create a manual workpiece.
Figure 2 – Automatic Workpiece
Workpiece Models
Workpieces represent the unmachined stock material. They are optional
components within a manufacturing model; however, if they are used, then
you can simulate the machining of workpieces when creating NC sequences.
Workpieces can be standard stock billets or they can represent castings.
Using workpieces provides you with a number of capabilities:
• You can simulate the cutting tool machining the workpiece.
• After creating each toolpath, you can update the workpiece to display an
as-machined version of the workpiece.
• Unless you specify otherwise, there is no machining outside the workpiece
boundaries.
• The workpiece is displayed in green to help you visually distinguish
between the workpiece and the reference model geometry. In addition,

when the display style is set to shaded, the workpiece is displayed as
semi-transparent. This enables you to view the reference model geometry
which would normally be obscured by the workpiece.
Workpiece Options
You can assemble or create a workpiece in a manufacturing model. A
number of options are available:
• Create an automatic workpiece – This enables you to create a rectangular
or round workpiece depending on your requirements. A dashboard
interface enables you to easily control the size and position of the
workpiece relative to the reference model.
• Assemble a workpiece using the Same Model option – This enables you to
assemble an existing part into the manufacturing model as the workpiece.
• Assemble a workpiece with features inherited from a selected part. The
new workpiece inherits geometry and feature information from the selected
part. At any time, you can specify the geometry and the feature data that
you want to modify on the workpiece without changing the original part.
Inheritance provides greater freedom to modify the workpiece without
changing the original part.
• Assemble a workpiece with features merged from a selected part. In this
case, a new workpiece part is created. The new workpiece contains an
external merge feature, and this feature contains all geometry and datum
features which have been copied from the originally selected part. All layer
information is also copied into the new workpiece.
• Create a manual workpiece – This enables you to create a new workpiece
in the manufacturing model by manually creating features and geometry
as required.

PROCEDURE - Using Workpiece Models
Milling\Workpiece_Models BRACKET.ASM
Task 1: Create the workpiece.
1. Disable all Datum Display types.

2. Select Automatic Workpiece from the Workpiece types
drop-down menu from the Components group.
3. In the dashboard, select the
Options tab.
• Type 20 in the +X text box.
• Type 20 in the –X text box.
• Type 20 in the +Y text box.
• Type 20 in the –Y text box.
• Type 10 in the +Z text box, and
press ENTER.
• Observe the workpiece
preview geometry update, as
shown.
4. In the dashboard, select the Properties tab.

• Type BRACKET_WRK_AUTO in the Workpiece Name text box,
and press ENTER.

5. Click Complete Feature in
the dashboard.
• Observe the new workpiece
displayed in green in the

Module 6
Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies
Module Overview
You can place previously created NC model assemblies, consisting of a
reference model and a workpiece, directly into manufacturing models. There
is no need to position components within the manufacturing model, and the
models within the NC model assembly are automatically classified correctly
as a reference model and a workpiece. As such, NC model assemblies
provide an alternative means of creating manufacturing models.
You can create NC model assemblies by adding a reference model to an
assembly, and then configuring a workpiece using the create stock dashboard
options.
Objectives
• Describe the purpose of NC model assemblies.
• Create NC model assemblies.
• Use NC model assemblies in manufacturing models.

Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies
You can create NC model assemblies that consist of a reference
model and a workpiece. You can then use NC model assemblies
by assembling them into manufacturing models.
Creating NC Model Assemblies

• Create Stock Options:
– Workpiece Shape
– Overall Dimensions
– Offset Dimensions
– Rotation Offsets
Figure 1 – Create Stock Options

Using NC Model Assemblies
• Alternative means of creating
manufacturing models.
• Place directly into
• Components classified
automatically.
Figure 2 – Configuring the Workpiece
Figure 3 – Resulting Manufacturing

Model
Creating NC Model Assemblies

You can create NC model assemblies that consist of a reference model and a
workpiece. You must first add a reference model to the assembly. You can
then create a workpiece using the Create Stock dashboard.
• Create Stock Dashboard – This dashboard enables you to configure
rectangular and round workpiece shapes depending on your requirements.
A number of options are available including the following:
– Workpiece Shape – You can specify rectangular or round.

– Overall Dimensions – You can specify the overall dimensions for the
workpiece.
– Offset Dimensions – You can specify offset dimensions on the X-, Y-,
and Z-axes, for rectangular workpieces, and length and diameter for
round workpieces. The offset dimensions can be edited directly or by
using drag handles.
– Rotation Offsets – You can rotate the workpiece on the X-, Y-, and
Z-axes from its default orientation.
Using NC Model Assemblies

NC model assemblies provide an alternative means of creating manufacturing
models. You can use previously created NC model assemblies by placing
them directly into manufacturing models. There is no need to assemble
components within the manufacturing model. The models are automatically
classified correctly as a reference model and a workpiece within the NC
model assembly.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Using NC Model Assemblies
Milling\NC_Assemblies
Task 1: Create an NC model assembly.
1. Create a new NC model

assembly.
• Click New in the ribbon.
• Select the Assembly and NC
model options.
• Type COVER_NC in the Name
text box.
• Click OK.

3. Add the reference model.
• Select COVER.PRT and click
Open.
• Notice that the reference
model is added to the
assembly.

4. Configure a rectangular stock workpiece.
• From the menu manager, click Create Stock.
• In the dashboard, click Options.
• Type 135 in the X Total text box, and press ENTER.
• Type 40 in the Y Total text box, and press ENTER.
• Type 110 in the Z Total text box, and press ENTER.
• Notice that the workpiece size updates, as shown. You can edit the
workpiece size using drag handles, or edit the dimensions directly
on the model.
5. Name the workpiece.

• In the dashboard, click
Properties.
• Type COVER_NC_WP in the
Workpiece Name text box, and
press ENTER.
• Click Complete Feature in
the dashboard.
• Observe the new workpiece
displayed in green in the NC
model assembly.
6. Save the NC model assembly and erase all objects from memory.
• Click Save from the Quick Access toolbar. Click OK.
• Click OK .

Task 2: Use an NC model assembly in a manufacturing model.
1. Create a new manufacturing model.

• Click New in the ribbon.
• Select the Manufacturing and NC assembly options.
• Type COVER in the Name text box.
• Clear the Use default template check box. Click OK.
• Select Empty in the New File Options dialog box. Click OK.
2. Add the NC model assembly.
• Click the Components
drop-down menu.
• Click Manufacturing
Assembly > Assemble
and Classify.
• Select COVER_NC.ASM and
click Open.
• Notice that the NC model
assembly is added to the
3. Review the model tree structure.
• Expand COVER_NC.ASM in
the model tree.
• Observe the resulting model
structure in the model tree, as
shown.

Module 7
Creating and Configuring a Work Center
Module Overview
A Work Center specifies the type of machine used when you create NC
sequences, for example, mill, lathe, or mill/turn. You must specify a Work
Center before you can create NC sequences.
Work Center consist of a number of different elements that describe the
capabilities of the machine tool, including post-processor options, multiple
axis output options, site parameter file options, and the ability to configure
a PPRINT table.
In this module, you configure a milling Work Center. This involves specifying
various Work Center options, retrieving a site parameter file, configuring a
PPRINT table, and configuring the Work Center travel limits.
Objectives
• Describe the elements that make up Work Center.
• Create Work Center and configure various Work Center options.

Creating and Configuring a Work Center
The Work Center specifies the type of machine used when
creating NC sequences, for example, mill, lathe, or mill/turn.
You must specify a Work Center before you can create NC
sequences.
Work Center Configuration Machine Tool Elements

• Name • Output Tab Options
• Type – Mill, Lathe, Mill/Turn, or Wire – Multiple Axis Output
EDM – Parameters
• Number of Axes – Properties
• Post-Processor – CL Command Output
• Probing Option – Milling Capability
– Cutter Compensation
• Tools Tab
• Travel Tab
• Cycles Tab
• Assembly Tab
• Parameters Tab
• Properties Tab
Figure 1 – Milling Work Center Dialog

Box
Work Center Configuration

You configure a Work Center within the Work Center dialog box. You
can specify many different options that describe the type of machine tool
configuration. You must specify the Work Center name and the Work Center
type. This can be Mill, Lathe, Mill/Turn, or Wire EDM. The number of axes
you can specify is dependent on the Work Center type.
• For Mill – 3 axis (default), 4 axis, or 5 axis.
• For Lathe – 1 turret (default) or 2 turrets.
• For Mill/Turn – 3 axis, 4 axis, or 5 axis (default).
• For Wire EDM – 2 axis (default) or 4 axis.
You can also specify a number of other items including the controller name.

Machine Tool Elements
The Work Center dialog box has a number of tabs that enable you to
configure different optional elements of a machine tool.
• The Output tab has a number of options including:
– Cutter location (CL) Command Output Options – You can specify how
the FROM, LOADTL, COOLNT/OFF, and SPINDL/OFF statements are
output in CL data files.
– Multiple Axis Output Options – These options are only accessible for a
mill type machine tool when you set the number of axes to 4 axis.
♦ Use Rotation – When you select this option, the system outputs the
applicable TRANS and ROTABL commands to specify linear and
rotational transformations. If this option is not selected (default), all
CL data is transformed and output in the coordinates of the program
zero coordinate system.
♦ Rotation Output Mode – Only available when you select Use Rotation.
Controls output of ROTABL statements. The values are: Incremental
(default) and Absolute.
♦ Rotation Direction – Only available when you select Use Rotation.
Enables you to specify the direction of rotation. You can also specify
the rotation to be about the A axis or B axis.
– Cutter Compensation – When you expand this field, the following output
cutter position options become available:
♦ Tool Center – Cutter location (CL) data is output with respect to the
tool center.
♦ Tool Edge – Cutter location (CL) data is output with respect to the
cutting edge of the tool.
• Parameters Tab – Specifies the maximum spindle speed, and the spindle
horsepower. As well as the rapid feed rate units and the rapid feed rate.
• Tools Tab – Specifies the time needed to change a tool, in seconds. You
can also access the Tools Setup dialog box to configure tools associated
with the machine tool.
• Travel Tab – Specifies the travel limits and the stroke for the machine
tool along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. Note, values for the travel limits along
the axes should be the actual dimensions that indicate the extent of the
machine tool workspace relative to the Program Zero coordinate system. If
you output CL data that exceeds the defined limits, an information window
appears, listing the values of the limits that have been exceeded and their
corresponding values.
• Properties Tab – Enables you to specify the location of the machine, and
type comments associated with the machine tool in a text box.
• Cycles Tab – Enables you to configure custom cycles for holemaking.
• Assembly Tab – Specifies the machine assembly to be used when
displaying tool motion on the machine tool.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Configuring a Work Center
Milling\Work_Centers MILL_WORK_CENTER.ASM
Task 1: Configure and save a mill Work Center.

Display types: Csys Display
and Plane Display .
2. In the Machine Tool Setup group,
click the Work Center types
drop-down menu, and select Mill
.
3. Configure the required options.
• Type 4_AXIS_MILL in the
Machine Name text box.
• Select 4 Axis from the Number
of Axes drop-down list.
• Notice that the Rotation
Options section appears in
the Milling Work Center dialog
box, as shown.
4. Configure the Rotation Options.
• Select the Use Rotation check
box.
• Select Absolute from the
Rotation Mode drop-down list.
5. Configure Commands Options.

• Select Only at Start from the
FROM drop-down list.
6. Observe the Output cutter

position options.

7. Associate a site parameter file with the Work Center.
• Select the Parameters tab.
• Click Defaults.
• Click Current Dir > Mill from the menu manager.
• Select 4_AXIS_MIL.SIT, and click Open.
• Notice the 4_axis_mil.sit file was read in successfully. This file
configures the default manufacturing parameter values used in NC
sequences.
• Click Done from the menu manager.
8. Configure a PPRINT table.
• Click the PPRINT button.
• Click Create from the menu manager.
• Select the OPERATION_COMMENTS item and click the Yes option
at the bottom of the window.
• Edit the following items to Yes.
Parameter Name Option
TOOL_TABLE Yes
ONLY_OUTPUT_USED_TOOLS Yes
NC_SEQUENCE_NAME Yes
• Click OK to close the Activate PPRINT window.
• In the menu manager, click Save. Type 4_axis and press ENTER
to save the PPRINT table.
• Click Done/Return.
9. Configure the Work Center travel
limits.
• Select the Travel tab.
• Configure the travel limits, as
shown.
10. Save the Work Center.

• Click Accept in the Milling Work Center dialog box.
• Select the Work Center types drop-down menu from the Machine
Tool Setup group.
• Click Save Work Center.

Module 8
Creating and Configuring Tools
Module Overview
Creating tools is an essential step in the manufacturing process. You must
configure a tool for each NC sequence you create. You can create tools
when the Work Center is created or you can configure them as needed for
each NC sequence. Once you configure a tool, you can store the information
and use it again.
There are three different tool types: standard, solid, and sketched. Each type
of tool is created in a different way and is designed for a specific purpose.
It is important to understand the differences between each type of tool and
when you should use them.
In this module, you describe the differences between the different tool types
and create different types of milling tools.
Objectives
• Describe the differences between the different tool types: standard, solid,
and sketched.
• Create standard and solid tools through the configuration of tool parameters.
• Use cutting data to configure optimum tool feeds and speeds based on
stock material.

Understanding Milling Tools
There are three different tool types: standard, solid, and
sketched. It is important to understand the differences between
each type of tool and when you should use them.
Tool Types
• Standard
• Solid
• Sketched
Tool Tip Position
• Along centerline of tool.
• Specifies X-, Y-, and Z-positions
for CL data.
• Tool position based on machined
model geometry. Figure 1 – Tool Tip Locations
Figure 2 – Machining an Angled Surface
Tool Types
You can configure tools when creating a Work Center or you can configure
them as needed when creating NC sequences. Once you configure a tool,
you can store the information and use it again. There are three different
milling tool types: standard, solid, and sketched. Each type of tool is created
in a different way and is designed for a specific purpose.
• Standard tools – You can use standard tools when no special tool
representation is required. These tools are configured within the Tools
Setup dialog box.
• Solid tools – You can use solid tools when you need to enhance the tool
display and check for interference between the tool and workpiece when
reviewing toolpaths.
• Sketched tools – You typically use sketched tools when a non-standard
tool shape or an alternative tool control point is required, for example,
during trajectory milling. You can, for example, create a sketched tool for
machining slots.
Tool Tip Position

• For standard milling tools, the tool tip position is defined along the
centerline of the tool, and at the lowest point of the tool geometry, as
shown in Figure 2.

• You can use this tool tip position for calculating the tool position in X-, Y-,
and Z-coordinates when creating CL (cutter location) data.
• Creo Parametric calculates the resulting tool position based on the model
geometry being machined, the tool geometry, and any manufacturing
parameters that may affect the resulting tool tip position (for example, stock
allowances).

Creating Standard Milling Tools
You configure standard milling tools by specifying tool
parameters. It is important to specify the correct tool parameters
to obtain the desired tool configuration.
Standard Tools Configuring Tools
• Tools configured • Tools Setup Dialog Box
by specifying tool • General Tab
parameters.
– Tool Name
• Available tool type control
parameters: – Tool Type
– Milling or drilling – Tool Parameter Values
• Parameter values control – Tool Holder Dimensions
resulting tool shapes in: • Settings Tab
– Length – Tool Number
– Cutter_Diam – Offset Number
• Toolpath display based – Gauge Lengths (X and Z)
on parameter values. • Tool Tables
– Display tool information.
– Output tool loading information to CL
data files.
• Saving Tools
• Tool Libraries
Figure 1 – Tool Geometry Figure 2 – Tool Table Information

Parameters
Standard Tools
• You create standard tools by configuring tool parameters within the Tools
Setup dialog box.
• The type of tool, for example milling or drilling, determines the tool
cross-section and therefore which parameters are available for
configuration.
• The tool parameter values control the tool shape, for example:
– Length
– Cutter_Diam
• Note, when playing a toolpath, the tool is displayed based on the parameter
values.
Configuring Tools
You can create, delete, or edit tools using the Tools Setup dialog box.
A number of tabs are available within the dialog box that enable you to
configure different types of tool information.

• General – In the general tab, a graphic image of the tool appears during
configuration. You can configure the tool name and tool type. Many
different standard tool types are available for selection. The selected tool
type determines the displayed tool shape.
– When the tool type has been specified, you can then configure the tool
geometry parameter values that specify the tool dimensions.
– When configuring the tool geometry, you can also configure tool holder
dimensions. This provides you with a visual representation of the tool
holder when you review a toolpath. Tool holder dimensions are also
used for automatic gouge avoidance in trajectory, straight cut surface
milling, isolines surface milling, roughing, re-roughing, finishing, and
corner-machining NC sequences.
• Settings – You can specify a number of items relating to the tool table,
including:
– Tool Number – This corresponds to the number field in a tool table,
which specifies the tool's pocket number.
– Offset Number – This corresponds to the offset field in a tool table, which
supplies a value for the gauge length register.
– Gauge X Length and Gauge Z Length – Optional parameters used to
create length qualifiers in the LOADTL or TURRET statements.
• Tool Tables – Provide you with tool information which appears in the Tools
Setup dialog box.
– You can use tool tables to pass tool loading information into CL data
files. For example, you can output LOADTL and OSETNO commands
from a tool table.
– When you create or retrieve tools in a Work Center, the tool_id (tool
name) is checked and if the tool does not already exist in the tool table
then it is appended at the end of the table.
– As tools are added to the tool table, the tool position (tool number)
automatically increments by one with respect to the last tool in the
table. You can manually edit the tool number to change its position in
the tool table, if required.
Saving Tools
• You can save tool parameter information as files and reuse the tools in
different NC sequences and in different manufacturing models.
• Saving a tool creates an XML format file. For example, tool_name.xml.
• Note that old format tool parameter files are also recognized. These are:
– .tpm for Pro/ENGINEER release 12 to Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2.0.
– .tprm for pre-Pro/ENGINEER release 12.
Tool Parameter Libraries

• You can create your own tool library, where all the tool parameter files
are stored.
– This enables you to access a standard set of tools for retrieval into
manufacturing processes, for modifying, or for setting up new tools.

PROCEDURE - Creating Standard Milling Tools
Milling\Tools_Standard STD_TOOLS.ASM
Task 1: Create and review standard tools.

Display types: Plane Display
and Csys Display .
2. Click Cutting Tools from the
3. Create an end mill tool.
• Click File > New in the Tools
Setup dialog box.
• Select END MILL from the
Type drop-down list.
• Type FEM_20_0 in the Name
text box.
• Type CARBIDE in the Material
text box.
• Type 2 in the Number of Flutes
text box.
• Edit the geometry parameters,
as shown.
• Click Apply.
• Notice the tool is added to the
tool table, as shown.
You can use the Material and Number of Flutes parameters with a
machinability database to determine cut feed and spindle speed.
4. Select the Settings tab.
• Notice that the tool number
is already configured
automatically as 1.
• Type 1 in the Offset Number
text box.
• Click Apply, to update the tool
information.
• Click Yes, to change the tool
description.
5. In the Tools Setup dialog box, click Save Tool .

• A file named fem_20_0.xml is saved in the working directory.

6. Select the General tab.
• Click Hide Details, and notice
that the tool geometry is no
longer displayed.
• Click Show Details to display
the tool geometry again.
• Click Display Tool .
• Click Close.
7. Click New Tool .

• Select DRILLING from the
• Notice that the tool geometry
graphic updates.
• Type DRILL_10_0 in the
Name text box.
• Type HSS in the Material text
box.
as shown.
• Select the Settings tab.
• Type 3 in the Tool Number text
box.
text box.
information.
• Notice that the tool is added to
the tool table, as shown.

8. Click Customize Columns .
• Select the TOOL OFFSET
NUMBER row in the Column
Setup Builder dialog box.
• Click Move Up .
• Click OK.
• Notice that the tool table
updates.

Creating Solid Model Milling Tools
You can use solid model milling tools to enhance CL data display
and check for interference when verifying toolpaths.
Solid Model Milling Tools
• Use parts or assemblies.
• Play toolpaths:
– View solid tool.
– Check for interference.
Creating Solid Model Milling Tools Figure 1 – Tool Geometry
Parameters
• Create part or assembly.
• Create tool geometry.
• Create coordinate system.
• Associate dimensions with tool
parameters. Figure 2 – Tool Relations
• Configure parameters to
correspond to tool parameters.
Using Solid Model Milling Tools
• Information transferred from solid
model to tool parameters.
• Retrieve tool:
– By Reference.
Figure 3 – Enhanced Tool Display
– By Copy.
Solid Model Milling Tools

You can create solid model tools as assemblies or parts. When playing
toolpaths, you can view these solid tools. You can also use the solid tools
to interactively check for interference between the tool and the component
being machined. When you use solid model tools, you have the option to
display the default section or the solid model tool.
Creating Solid Model Milling Tools
You need to complete the following steps to use solid models as tools when
creating NC sequences.
• Create a part or assembly with the tool's name.
• Create the desired tool geometry in the solid model.
• Create a coordinate system in the model, and name it TIP. For milling
and holemaking tools, the Z-axis of the coordinate system must point to
the tool. This coordinate system represents the tool tip (often referred to
as the control point). This point specifies the X-, Y-, and Z-positions for
the tool in NC sequences.
• Associate solid model dimensions with tool parameters. You can do this by
changing dimension symbols to correspond to tool parameter names. For
example, length, cutter_diam, and corner_radius.

• Configure solid model parameters to correspond to tool parameters. For
example, tool_material and num_of_teeth. You can use the tool_material
and num_of_teeth parameters with a machinability database to determine
cut feed and spindle speed.
Using Solid Model Milling Tools

You can use solid model tools in NC sequences by retrieving them in the
Tools Setup dialog box. Model dimensions and parameter values are
automatically transferred into the tool configuration parameters.
• During the tool configuration process, you have two options when retrieving
solid model tools:
– By Reference – You can directly associate the solid model with the tool
configuration. You cannot directly modify the tool parameters using
this option. However, if you modify the stored solid model, then all the
manufacturing data is updated when you regenerate the manufacturing
model.
– By Copy – You can copy the tool information into the manufacturing
model. You can directly modify the tool parameters in the Tools Setup
dialog box. Any changes to the stored solid model do not affect the

PROCEDURE - Creating Solid Model Milling Tools
Milling\Tools_Solid SOLID_TOOLS.ASM
Task 1: Review a solid tool model.

Display types: Plane Display
and Csys Display .
2. Click Open from the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Select FEM_15_0_SOLID.
PRT and click Open.
3. In the model tree, select
the REVOLVE feature, then
right-click and select Edit .
• Observe the model
dimensions, as shown.
Notice that the coordinate system is named TIP. This represents the
tool tip (often referred to as the control point). This point specifies
the X-, Y-, and Z-positions for the tool in NC sequences.

4. Review the model relations and
symbolic dimension values.
• Select the Tools tab.
• Click Relations from the
Model Intent group.
• Notice the relations, as shown.
• These relations assign a
material to the tool model and
set the number of teeth.
• Observe the model dimension
symbols, as shown.
• Note, the dimension symbols
cutter_diam and length have
been changed from their
default values. This creates a
link between these dimensions
and the corresponding tool
parameters.
• Click OK to close the Relations
dialog box.
5. Click Close from the Quick
Access toolbar, to return to the
6. Click Cutting Tools from the

7. Create an end mill tool.
• Click File > New in the Tools
Setup dialog box.
• Click File > Open Tool Library
> By Reference.
• Select FEM_15_0_SOLID.
PRT and click Open.
• Notice that the tool parameters
have been assigned from the
solid model, as shown.
Notice that the tool solid model appears next to the tool geometry
parameters.

click Display Tool .
• Notice that the solid tool model
appears in a separate window.
• Click Close.
9. Select the Settings tab.

• Notice that the tool number
is already configured
automatically as 1.
text box.
information.
• Click Yes to change the tool
description.
• Observe the information in the
tool table, as shown.

• Click OK.

Creating and Using Tool Cutting Data
You can use cutting data stored within tools to transfer
optimum feed, speed, and depth of cut parameter values into
NC sequences.
Cutting Data Creating and Storing Cutting Data
• Optimize parameter values • Two sets of data:
• Data based on: – Workpiece material list
– Workpiece material ♦ Mfg_wp_material_list.xml
– Tool – Tool cutting data
– Application ♦ tool_name.xml
♦ Roughing/finishing • Alternative methods:
– Material directories
– Use .tpm tool files
Using Cutting Data
• Copy from Tool option
• Parameter relations
• Mfg_param_auto_copy_from_
tool configuration option
Figure 1 – Cut Data Tab
Figure 2 – Resulting Data In tool_name.xml File
Cutting Data
• You can create cutting data for tools, enabling you to configure optimum
feed rates, spindle speeds, and depth-of-cut. This data can then be passed
into NC sequences.
• The cutting data is based on the material that you are machining, the
specific tool you are using, and the application, which can be either
roughing or finishing.
Creating and Storing Cutting Data
You can create cutting data by specifying different stock materials for
machining, and by specifying feed, speed, and depth of cut data for each
tool. Within each tool file, you need to specify different cutting data for each
different stock material.

You need to create two sets of data: an .xml file listing the workpiece materials
and a series of .xml files – one for each different tool you want to use.
• Mfg_wp_material_list .xml – You store the list of workpiece (stock) materials
within this file. You can create this file from the Operation Setup dialog box.
You can then manually add more materials to the file, as required.
• Tool_name.xml – You configure feed, speed, and depth of cut data within
these files. You can specify cut data for more than one workpiece material.
You can configure the cut data information using the Tools Setup dialog
box, and save the cut data when you save the tool.
An alternative method involves configuring cutting data information in a
directory structure with different directories for each material, and different
text files for each tool. This method enables you to use pre-Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire 2.0 tool data and cutting data stored as .tpm files.
Using Cutting Data

• You can pass the feed, speed, and depth of cut data into manufacturing
parameters of an NC sequence. You can achieve this using a number
of methods:
– You can manually transfer parameter values using the Copy from Tool
option when configuring parameters in the parameter tree.
– You can automatically transfer parameter values through relations, either
in a parameter site file or as a parameter value in the parameter tree.
♦ For example, you can specify the relation STEP_DEPTH =
TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH. This controls the value of the
STEP_DEPTH parameter in an NC sequence.
– You can use the mfg_param_auto_copy_from_tool configuration option
to copy parameters from a tool into the parameter tree of an NC
sequence.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Using Tool Cutting Data
Milling\Tools_Cutting-Data CUTTING_DATA.ASM
Task 1: Create cutting data when configuring a tool.
1. Enable only the following Datum Display types: Plane Display

and Csys Display .
2. Configure the workpiece material.
• In the model tree, select OP010[MAZAK], then right-click and select
Edit Definition .
• Select the Options tab in the dashboard.
• Click New.
• Type aluminum in the Stock Material text box and press ENTER.
• Click Accept .
• Click Complete Feature in the dashboard.
You can manually add more materials to the mfg_wp_material_list.

xml file as required. This enables you to select from more than
one workpiece material.
3. Click Cutting Tools from the Machine Tool Setup group.

4. Configure cutting data for a drill
tool.
• Ensure the DRILL_12_0 tool
is selected.
• The tool geometry has been
configured, but cut data has
not been configured.
• Select the Cut Data tab.
• Notice aluminum is selected
from the Stock Material
drop-down list.
• Type 500 in the Speed text
box.
• Type 120 in the Feed text box.
• Click Apply.
• Click Yes to save the changes
to the tool.
You can use the cutting data to specify optimum speed and feed
parameters when using this tool in NC sequences.

• Note, the saved drill_12_0.xml file now contains feed and speed
information, as shown.
Task 2: Configure cutting data when creating a new tool.
1. Click New Tool .

• Select the General tab.
• Select END MILL from the
• Type FEM_25_0 in the Name
text box.
as shown.
• Select the Cut Data tab.
• Notice aluminum is selected
from the Stock Material
drop-down list.
• Type 2330 in the Speed text
box.
• Type 605 in the Feed text box.
• Type 20 in the Axial Depth text
box.
• Type 12 in the Radial Depth
text box.
• Click Apply.

The saved tool file, fem_25_0.xml, contains feed and speed
information. You can use this information in the future if the tool is
retrieved into a different Work Center, and aluminum is configured
as the stock material.

Retrieving Tool Data
You can configure a tool library where all tool data is stored.
This enables quick and easy retrieval of tools by all users.
Tool Parameter Libraries Retrieving Tools
• Store all tool parameter files. • Use Tools Setup dialog box.
• Use sub-folders to divide tool • Display tools with .xml and .tpm
types. file extensions.
• Config.pro option: – By default.
– pro_mf_tprm_dir. • Supported tool file extensions:
– Creo Parametric searches for – .xml – Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire
tools from this folder. 3.0 onwards.
– .tpm – .Pro/ENGINEER
release 12 to Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire 2.0.
– .tprm – .pre-Pro/ENGINEER
Figure 1 – Example Tool Folder release 12.
Structure
• Tools appended in tool table.
• Tool information stored with
Figure 2 – Tool Listing – Also store with Work Center.
Tool Parameter Libraries

• You can create a tool library where all tool parameter files are stored. You
can divide the library into folders for different types of tools, for example,
milling tools, drills, and center drills.
• You can specify the location of a tool library using the configuration option
pro_mf_tprm_dir pathname.
– For example, pro_mf_tprm_dir d:\ptc\tool_lib.
– Creo Parametric then automatically starts searching in the specified
location whenever you retrieve a tool.
Retrieving Tools
• You can retrieve tools for use in NC sequences using the Tools Setup
dialog box.
• By default, Creo Parametric starts searching for tools in the pro_mf_tprm_dir
folder, or the current working directory if no configuration option is specified.
• By default, you can retrieve tools with .xml or .tpm file extensions. You can
select the following tool file extensions:
– .xml – Tools created from Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 3.0 onwards.
– .tpm – Tools created from Pro/ENGINEER release 12 to Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire 2.0.
– .tprm – Tools created before Pro/ENGINEER release 12.
• Note, as tools are retrieved and added to the tool table, the tool position
(tool number) automatically increments by one with respect to the last tool

in the table. You can manually edit the tool number to change its position
in the tool table if required.
• By default, tool information is stored with the manufacturing model.
– You can also store retrieved tools with a specific Work Center.

PROCEDURE - Retrieving Tool Data
Milling\Tools_Retrieving TOOL_LIB.ASM
Task 1: Retrieve different tools into a Work Center.

and Csys Display .
2. Load a configuration option to specify the tool directory.
• Click File > Options.
• Select Configuration Editor.
• Select Import configuration file from Import/Export types
drop-down menu.
• Select the CONFIG.PRO file, and click Open.
• Click OK to close the PTC Creo Parametric Options dialog box.
• Click No in the PTC Creo Parametric Options Panel.
3. Click Cutting Tools to open the Tools Setup dialog box.

4. Retrieve a center drill tool.
• Select CENTER-DRILLING
from the Type drop-down list.
• Click Retrieve Tool in the
Tools Setup dialog box.
• Notice you are selecting from
the previously configured
pro_mf_tprm_dir folder.
• Double-click the
CENTER_DRILLS folder.
• Select the 08.XML tool, and
click Open.
• Note the resulting tool
geometry updates, as shown.

5. Retrieve a drill tool.
• Select DRILLING from the
• Click Retrieve Tool .
• Double-click the DRILLS
folder.
• Select the MMDRL_16.XML
tool and click Open.
6. Retrieve a bull nose mill tool.
• Select MILLING from the Type
drop-down list.
• Note, you must change the
tool type before retrieving the
required tool.
• Double-click the MILL_TOOLS
folder.
• Select the MMBUL10.XML
tool, and click Open.
7. Retrieve a flat end mill tool.
• Double-click the MILL_TOOLS
folder.
• Select the MMFLT18.XML
tool, and click Open.
• Note, all stored tool
parameters are retrieved
with the tool, as shown.
By default, tool information is stored with the manufacturing model.

You can also save the Work Center. This stores any retrieved tools
within the Work Center configuration. This is useful if you want to
retrieve a Work Center in different manufacturing models with tools
pre-configured.

8. Save the manufacturing model.
• Observe the tool table listing in the Tools Setup dialog box, as
shown.
• Click OK in the Tools Setup dialog box.
• Click Save from the Quick Access toolbar.
• Note, the tool information is saved with the manufacturing model.

Module 9
Using Template Manufacturing Models
Module Overview
You can create new manufacturing models from template manufacturing
models. The template manufacturing models can include pre-configured
manufacturing items to speed up the manufacturing process and enforce
manufacturing standards. You can use any manufacturing model, with any
number of features, as a template. The template can include items such
as operations, fixtures, and tooling.
In this module, you learn about the items that you can include in template
manufacturing models and create a new manufacturing model using a
template manufacturing model.
Objectives
• Describe the items that you can include in template manufacturing models.
• Create new manufacturing models using template manufacturing models.

Using Template Manufacturing Models
You can use template manufacturing models with pre-configured
manufacturing items to speed up the creation of manufacturing
models.

• Pre-configure manufacturing items:
– Operation Figure 1 – Pre-Configure Tools
– Coordinate Systems
– Retract Positions
– Fixtures
– Parameters
– Work Center
– Tooling Figure 2 – Template Model
– NC Sequences
• Default Templates
• User-Defined Templates
• Configuration Options
– mfg_start_model_dir
– template_mfgnc
Figure 3 – Template Features

in Model Tree

• You can create template manufacturing models with pre-configured
manufacturing items to speed up the manufacturing process and enforce
manufacturing standards. When creating new manufacturing models, the
template manufacturing model is copied to the new manufacturing model.
• You can use any manufacturing model, with any number of features, as a
template. The template can include items such as:
– Operation – You can include a configured operation.
– Coordinate Systems – You can specify machine zero positions and
configure coordinate systems for assembling reference models,
workpieces, and fixtures.
– Retract Positions – You can configure retract positions for use within
an operation.
– Fixtures – You can pre-load fixtures within the operation configuration.
– Parameters – You can pre-load site parameter files. These files enable
you to set default values for all NC sequence parameters.
– Work Center – You can specify the type of machine.
– Tooling – You can configure tooling within the Work Center.

– NC Sequences – You can pre-load NC sequences that you can then edit.
• Default templates are supplied with Creo Parametric. These templates are
in imperial and metric units. You can also create an empty manufacturing
model.
• Alternatively you can configure your own user-defined templates.
– You can use the configuration option mfg_start_model_dir to locate
user-defined template models.
– You can use the configuration option template_mfgnc to specify the
name of the default manufacturing template model.

PROCEDURE - Using Template Manufacturing Models
Milling\Mfg_Templates NO FILES OPEN
Task 1: Review a template manufacturing model.
1. Open a template manufacturing

model.
• Click Open from the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Double-click the
TEMPLATE_MODELS folder.
• Select START_MODEL.ASM,
and click Open.
• Enable only the following
Datum Display types: .
• Notice that the retract plane
and machine coordinate
system have been configured.
• Select FIXTURE.ASM in the
model tree.
• Notice that the fixture
assembly highlights, as
shown.
• Notice that the fixture
assembly, machine type,
and operation appear in the
model tree.
2. Review the operation configuration.
• In the model tree, select OP010[FADAL_VMC], then right-click and
select Edit Definition .
• Notice that all the required elements of the operation have been
configured, as shown.
• Click Complete Feature from the Operation dashboard.

3. Review the Work Center.
• In the model tree, select
FADAL_VMC, then right-click
and select Edit Definition .
• Notice that a 3-axis mill Work
Center has been configured,
as shown.
• Click Accept .
4. Review the configured tools.
• Click Cutting Tools from the Machine Tool Setup group.
• Notice a number of tools have been configured, as shown.
• Click OK.
5. Close the template model and erase all objects from memory.
• Click OK.

model using a template.
• Click New from the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Type TEST_NC in the Name
text box.
click OK.
• Click Browse.
• From the template_models
folder, select START_MODEL.
ASM, and click Open.
• Click OK.
• Notice that the template
manufacturing model features
have been copied into the new
model, as shown.

Module 10
Using Manufacturing Parameters
Module Overview
Manufacturing parameters enable you to control how an NC sequence is
generated. You can specify and edit parameter values as needed. You can
configure and store manufacturing parameters in global site files or in NC
specific parameter files. You can retrieve these files, enabling you to quickly
and easily set suitable parameter values when creating NC sequences.
In this module, you learn how manufacturing parameters control NC
sequences. You review the different methods used to configure and edit
parameter values. You edit parameter values in NC sequences and control
parameter values by editing and activating a site parameter file.
Objectives
• Describe how manufacturing parameters control NC sequences.
• Describe the different methods used to configure and edit parameter values.
• Edit parameter values in NC sequences.
• Edit and activate site parameter files.

Understanding Manufacturing Parameter
Concepts
Manufacturing parameters enable you to control how an NC
sequence is generated. It is important to understand the different
ways in which you can configure manufacturing parameters.
Manufacturing Parameters Parameter Types
• Control NC sequences • Six logical categories:
• Examples: – Feeds and Speeds
– CUT_FEED = 100 – Cut Depth and Allowances
– SPINDLE_SPEED = 500 – Cutting Motions
– STEP_DEPTH = 2.5 – Entry/Exit Motions
– SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_SPIRAL – Machine Settings
– General
• Required Parameters
– Must be configured
• Optional Parameters
Parameter List Variation
• Based on type of NC sequence
Figure 1 – Feeds and Speeds

Category
Manufacturing Parameters
• You create NC sequences by selecting or creating geometry to
machine. You then determine how to generate the toolpath by modifying
manufacturing parameters.
• There are many different parameters that you can configure, including:
– CUT_FEED – Controls the feed rate of NC sequences during cutting
motions.
– SPINDLE_SPEED – Controls spindle speed in NC sequences.
– STEP_DEPTH – Controls the incremental depth of each pass when
cutting.
– SCAN_TYPE – Controls the method of scanning the machined area.
Parameter Types
• Categories – Parameters are grouped into six logical categories, enabling
you to quickly locate the relevant parameters to configure. The categories
are:
– Feeds and Speeds – Parameters such as CUT_FEED and
RETRACT_FEED.

– Cut Depth and Allowances – Cut parameters, such as STEP_DEPTH,
and stock allowance parameters.
– Cutting Motions – Parameters that specify the type of the cut, such as
SCAN_TYPE and CUT_TYPE.
– Entry/Exit Motions – Parameters that specify the entry and exit path for
the tool, such as plunge angle, lead-in, approach, and exit path.
– Machine Settings – Machine-related parameters, such as spindle speed
and coolant options.
– General – Machine and NC data file names.
• Required Parameters – These are parameters that you must set to create
an NC sequence.
– Examples include STEP_DEPTH, CUT_FEED, and SPINDLE_SPEED.
– These parameters are highlighted in a light yellow color in the Edit
Parameters dialog box until they have been configured. This enables
you to easily identify the parameters required to create an NC sequence.
• Optional Parameters – Some parameters are optional and you can set
them if required. They provide additional control of the toolpath.
– One example is TOOL_OVERLAP, which you can use instead of
STEP_OVER.
Parameter List Variation

• The parameters available for configuration can vary depending on the type
of NC sequence that you are creating.
– Some parameters such as feed rate and spindle speed are present
in all NC sequence types.
– Some parameters are specific to certain types of sequences. When
you create NC sequences, only the relevant parameters are available
for configuration.

Configuring Parameter Values
You can configure parameter values using different methods. It
is important to understand how these methods work.
Specifying Parameter Values
• Site Parameter Files
• System Default Values
• Parameter Files
• Edit Parameter dialog box
– Category
– Parameters Basic/All
– Copy from Tool
– Show/Hide Details
• Model Tree
System Default Parameter Values
• Required Parameters
• System Default Values Figure 1 – Specifying Parameter
• Optional Parameters Values
• Numeric Assigned Parameters
• Non-numeric Assigned
Parameters
Figure 2 – Parameter Graphic

Illustration
Specifying Parameter Values

There are several ways to specify parameter values for NC Steps, including
the following:
• Site parameter files – Enable you to set the default values for all NC step
parameters. When you create an NC step, these default values are read
in as the initial parameter values.
• System default values – If you do not use a site file, standard default values
for all parameters are automatically set.
• Parameter files – When creating NC steps, you have the option to read in
parameter values from a file, or you can copy the parameter values from a
previous NC sequence in your model.
• Edit Parameter dialog box – When creating NC steps, you can edit
parameter values directly using the Edit Parameter dialog box. A number
of options are available, including:
– Category – You can view any of the six parameter categories.
Alternatively you can view all categories.

– Parameters basic/all – You can view either the basic set of parameters
or all parameters for a specific category.
– Copy from tool – You can copy tool-cutting data parameters into an
NC step.
– Show details/hide details – You can optionally display a graphic
illustration for the selected parameter. The illustration appears for basic
parameters only. If the parameter has a predefined set of values, the
graphical illustration corresponding to the specified value appears.
• Model tree – You can configure parameters to display in the model tree.
You can then edit the values directly in the model tree.
System Default Parameter Values

When creating NC steps, Creo Parametric assigns a number of default
values to parameters.
• Required parameters – If a parameter is highlighted in a light yellow color
in the Edit Parameters dialog box, then it is a required parameter.
– You must specify a value for this type of parameter to calculate a
toolpath.
• Optional parameters – If a parameter has a default value of “-,” it is an
optional parameter.
– You can leave this type of parameter unchanged if required. For
example, APPROACH_FEED = -.
– This type of parameter is not used unless you specify a value.
• Numeric assigned parameters – This type of parameter is assigned a
specific numeric value by default.
– For example, CUT_ANGLE = 0.
– You can change these parameters to other specific values if desired.
• Non-numeric assigned parameters – This type of parameter is assigned a
specific non-numeric value by default.
– For example, COOLANT_OPTION = OFF.
– You can change these parameters to other specific values if desired.
You can select the available values from a drop-down list.

PROCEDURE - Configuring Parameter Values
Milling\Parameters_Configure PARAMS.ASM
Task 1: Create an NC sequence and edit parameter values.

• Click Face from the Milling group.
3. Select the 50_0_END_MILL tool from the Tool Manager drop-down
menu.
4. Select the Parameters tab.
• Notice that the required
parameters are highlighted
in pale yellow in the Edit
Parameters dialog box.
• Notice also that all
other parameters have
system-assigned default
values.
• If necessary, select the
CUT_FEED parameter.
• Edit the CUT_FEED parameter
value to 200, and press
ENTER.
• Select the Edit Machining
Parameters and notice
the graphic illustration for the
selected parameter.
5. Edit the remaining required parameters for the NC sequence.
Parameter Name Value

STEP_DEPTH 5
STEP_OVER 20
CLEAR_DIST 2
SPINDLE_SPEED 1000
• Notice that the graphic illustration updates when possible.

6. Change the displayed
parameters.
• Click All.
• If necessary, scroll to the top
of the parameter list.
• Notice the list of parameters
updates, as shown.
• Select Cut Depth and
Allowances from the
Categories drop-down list.
• Notice the list of parameters
updates, as shown.
7. Specify a calculated parameter

value.
• Select the STEP_OVER
parameter and notice that the
graphic illustration appears.
• Click the Hide Details button
and notice that the graphic
illustration is hidden.
• Click the Show Details button
and notice that the graphic
illustration appears again.
• Edit the STEP_OVER
parameter value to
cutter_diam/2, and press
ENTER.
• Select STEP_OVER again.
Notice the parameter calculation appears, and the resulting value
appears in the parameter value text box, as shown.
8. Read parameter values from a
file.
• Click File > Open in the Edit
• Select the FACE_MILL.MIL
parameter file, and click Open.
• Notice that the parameter
values update, as shown.
• Click OK.

Using Site Parameter Files
You can use site parameter files to control default values in NC
sequences. They can also control the range of parameter values
and the visibility of parameters.
Site Parameter Files Using Site Parameter Files

• Parameter value control • Activate
– Allowable range of values – Link created
– Parameter visibility • Deactivate
• Links to site parameter files – Link broken
retained • Work Center
• Types – Assign different site parameter
– Mill, turn, holemaking, wire files
EDM
– General
– Each type contains relevant
parameters
Figure 1 – Site Parameter File Example
Site Parameter Files

• You can use site parameter files to control the default parameter values
used in NC steps.
• You can also use site parameter files to control the allowable range of
parameter values and control the visibility of parameters when creating
NC steps.
– For example, you can set a default value for a parameter, such as
CUTCOM = ON, and then turn off the visibility of this parameter to
prevent the value being edited.
• If you use site parameter file values in NC steps and subsequently change
a site parameter file, then you can update parameter values in any
referenced NC step.
• You can configure several different types of site parameter files, including
mill, turn, holemaking, and Wire EDM.
– Each type of site parameter file contains the parameters relevant to its
NC step types.

– You can also configure a general site parameter file that contains all
available manufacturing parameters.
Using Site Parameter Files

• Activate – You must activate a site parameter file to use it to control NC
step parameter values. You can activate a site parameter file manually (or
select a different site file) when configuring NC step parameters.
– After activating a site parameter file, any subsequent edits to NC step
parameter values breaks the link to the site parameter file for the edited
parameter.
– Changes made to that parameter in the site parameter file are no longer
passed on to the NC step.
• Deactivate – You can also deactivate site parameter files in NC steps. All
of the linked parameter values are retained, but parameters no longer
obtain their values from the site parameter file.
• Work Center – You can assign one of each type of site parameter file to a
Work Center, or you can assign a single general site parameter file.
– Creo Parametric then automatically uses the correct site parameter file
when creating new NC steps. Parameter values are transferred into
the NC step where appropriate.

PROCEDURE - Using Site Parameter Files
Milling\Parameters_Site SITE_FILES.ASM
Task 1: Create a mill site parameter file.

and Csys Display .
2. Select Site from the Machine Tool Setup drop-down menu.
• From the menu manager, click Create.
• Type RGH_3_AXIS as the site file name, and press ENTER.
• Click Mill in the menu manager.
3. Review the contents of the Site Tree dialog box, as shown.
When editing default values, you can access appropriate alternative

values from the drop-down list at the top of the dialog box. To edit
parameter default values, first select the default value. Then either
type in a new value or use the drop-down list at the top of the dialog
box to select a new value when possible.
4. In the CUT OPTION category, for the LACE_OPTION parameter, edit
the following value in the DEFAULT VALUE column.
• LINE_CONNECT specifies that for surface milling sequences,
cut motions are connected instead of retracted and repositioned
between each pass.
Parameter Default Value
LACE_OPTION LINE_CONNECT

5. In the CUT PARAM category, edit the following values in the
DEFAULT VALUE column.
• TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH and TOOL_ROUGH_RADIAL_
DEPTH use calculated values based on workpiece material and
tool diameter.
STEP_DEPTH TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH
STEP_OVER TOOL_ROUGH_RADIAL_DEPTH
ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW 0.75
6. In the FEED category, edit the following values in the DEFAULT

VALUE column.
• TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_RATE uses a calculated value based on
workpiece material and tool diameter. Typing zero for a feed rate
outputs a RAPID command for that feed rate.
CUT_FEED TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_RATE
RETRACT_FEED 0
FREE_FEED 0
7. In the MACHINE category, edit the following values in the DEFAULT

VALUE column.
• TOOL_ROUGH_SPINDLE_RPM uses a calculated value based on
workpiece material and tool diameter.
SPINDLE_SPEED TOOL_ROUGH_SPINDLE_RPM
COOLANT_OPTION ON
8. In the ENTRY/EXIT category, edit the following value in the DEFAULT

VALUE column.
• CLEAR_DIST specifies the distance needed to completely clear
the workpiece prior to retracting.
CLEAR_DIST 5
9. In the Site Tree window, click File > Exit to close the window.
10. Click Done/Return.

Task 2: Activate the mill site parameter file within the Work Center.
1. In the model tree, select MACH01, then right-click and select Edit
Definition .
• Select the Parameters tab.
• Click the Defaults and select the RGH_3_AXIS_MIL check box.
Click Done Sel > Done.
• Click Accept in the Milling Work Center dialog box.
You must activate the site parameter file by selecting the check box
next to its name. You can only associate one of each type of site
parameter file to a Work Center.

Module 11
Creating Face Milling Sequences
Module Overview
Face milling sequences enable you to face down the workpiece. This enables
you to configure the top surface of the job and a reference surface for other
NC sequences. When creating face milling sequences, it is important that
you use the correct manufacturing parameters to ensure that the toolpath is
efficiently generated. You can also create mill surfaces and use them as
alternate references when model surfaces are inappropriate, for instance,
when you need to machine multiple model surfaces as one surface. Once
you complete a face milling sequence, you can update the in-process
workpiece geometry. You achieve this by creating a material removal feature
that removes the machined volume from the workpiece.
In this module, you learn about the face milling process and review the key
face milling manufacturing parameters. You create face milling sequences
and create mill surfaces relevant to face milling. You also create material
removal features specific to face milling.
Objectives
• Describe the face milling process.
• Describe the key face milling manufacturing parameters.
• Create face milling sequences.
• Create mill surfaces relevant to face milling.
• Create material removal features specific to face milling.

Basic Face Milling
Face milling enables you to face down the workpiece. This
enables you to define the top surface of the job and a reference
surface for other NC sequences.
Face Milling Using Mill Surfaces and Mill
Windows for Face Milling
• Face down the workpiece.
• Select or create final machining • Alternative machining reference.
depth and area. • Mill geometry.
– Model surfaces • Create before or during creation
– Mill surfaces of NC sequence.
– Mill volume surfaces • Mill Surfaces
– Workpiece surfaces – Fill
– Mill windows – Extrude
• All machining parallel to retract – Copy
plane. • Mill Windows
• All inner contours excluded. – Closed outline
• Material removal after completing – Depth considerations
NC sequence.
Figure 1 – Basic Face Milling Figure 2 – Editing Toolpath

Example Parameters
Face Milling
A face milling sequence enables you to face down the workpiece with a
flat or radius end mill tool. You configure the final machining depth and
area by selecting or creating a planar surface parallel to the retract plane.
Alternatively, you can configure a mill window to define the depth and area to
be machined. The following features describe face milling NC sequences.
• All machining movements are parallel to the retract plane.
• All inner contours in the configured reference geometry (holes, slots) are
automatically excluded from machining.
• If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, then you can remove
the machined volume from the workpiece by creating a material removal
feature. You can do this after you complete the NC sequence.
Using Mill Surfaces and Mill Windows for Face Milling

When creating face milling sequences, you can use mill geometry such as
mill surfaces and mill windows as alternative machining references when

model surfaces are not appropriate, for example, when you face mill multiple
model surfaces. You can create mill surfaces and mill windows before
creating an NC sequence or during the creation of an NC sequence.
• Mill Surfaces
– Mill surfaces are surface features and are often referred to as mill
geometry.
– When referencing surfaces for face milling:
♦ By default, the toolpath completely machines the selected surfaces.
♦ The selected surfaces can be model surfaces, mill surfaces, surfaces
from mill volumes, or workpiece surfaces.
– The most common mill surface types are:
♦ Fill – Use the fill tool to create a flat surface by sketching an outline
on a sketching plane.
♦ Extrude – Create an extruded surface by sketching an outline on
a sketching plane.
♦ Copy – Copy existing model surfaces to form a new mill surface.
• Mill Windows
– Mill windows are manufacturing geometry features that you can use
when creating face milling sequences. They consist of a closed outline
that defines the area to be machined. You can create them before or
during the creation of an NC sequence.
– When referencing mill windows for face milling, the depth of the
mill window and the depth of the machined reference geometry are
considered in the following way:
♦ If the highest Z-depth of the reference geometry is lower than the
mill window depth, then the final machined depth is defined by the
mill window plane.
♦ If the highest Z-depth of the reference geometry is higher than the
mill window depth, then the final machined depth is defined by the
highest Z-depth of the reference geometry.

PROCEDURE - Basic Face Milling
Milling\Face_Mill FACE_MILL.ASM
Task 1: Create a face milling sequence and edit parameter values.

3. Click Face from the Milling group.
• Select the 50_0_END_MILL tool from the Tool Manager drop-down
menu.
• Edit STEP_DEPTH to 5.
• Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 1000.
5. Select the Reference tab.
• Click in the Machining
References collector.
• Select the top surface of the
model, as shown.
6. Review the resulting toolpath.

• Click Display Toolpath .
• Click Play .
• Notice that the toolpath follows
the outline of the selected
model surface. You can
change this by referencing a
mill surface.
dialog box when finished.
Task 2: Use a mill surface as a machining reference for the NC sequence.
1. Select the Reference tab, then

cursor over Individual Surfaces,
right-click, and select Remove.

2. Click Mill Surface from the
Geometry drop-down list.
3. Click Fill from the Surfacing
group.
4. Right-click and select Define
Internal Sketch.
5. Cursor over the model,
right-click, and select the
hidden model surface, as shown.
6. Click Sketch.
7. Click Project from Sketching
group.
8. Select the Loop option.
9. Select the top surface of the
workpiece, as shown.
10. Click OK .
11. Click Complete Feature
from the Fill dashboard.
12. Click OK .
13. Click Resume .
14. Click Complete Feature .
15. Review the updated toolpath.
• Select the toolpath just
created, in the model tree.
• Right-click and select Play
Path . Click Play .
• Notice that the toolpath now
follows the outline of the mill
surface, as shown.
16. Click Close.
17. If necessary, select the FILL 1 surface feature in the model tree.
• Right-click and select Hide .
• Note, you can hide and unhide mill surfaces as needed.
You could also configure a mill window as an alternative
machining geometry reference.

Lateral Control Face Milling Parameters
Lateral control parameters are a group of parameters that control
the lateral movement of the tool in face milling steps. Lateral
movement is also affected by the trim_to_workpiece parameter.
Lateral Control Parameters

• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1, TYPE_3,
TYPE_ONE_DIR, or
TYPE_SPIRAL
• CUT_ANGLE
• STEP_OVER
Figure 1 – Lateral Control
– or NUMBER_PASSES Parameters
– or TOOL_OVERLAP
• STEP_OVER_ADJUST
• NUMBER_PASSES = 1
– One pass made at center
• ONE_PASS_OFFSET
• INITIAL_EDGE_OFFSET Figure 2 – Offset Parameters
• FINAL_EDGE_OFFSET
TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE Parameter
• With a workpiece – Can adjust to
boundary of workpiece.
• No workpiece – Always uses
boundary of machined surface.
Figure 3 – TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE
= YES

The following is a summary of the key parameters that control the lateral
movement of the tool in face milling steps.
• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1 – Moves the tool back and forth across the surface.
– TYPE_3 – If there are separate zones, then each zone is machined
separately. Otherwise the same as TYPE_1.
– TYPE_ONE_DIR – Machines in one direction and retracts between
passes.
– TYPE_SPIRAL – Creates a spiral toolpath.
• CUT_ANGLE – Is the angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of the
NC Step coordinate system.

• STEP_OVER – Three parameters control the step-over distance. The
final toolpath uses the parameter that produces the smallest calculated
step-over:
– STEP_OVER – Controls the step-over within a slice.
– Or NUMBER_PASSES – Explicitly sets the number of passes to take in
each slice.
– Or TOOL_OVERLAP – An alternative method to control the step-over
based on the tool overlap.
• If NUMBER_PASSES is equal to 1, however, step-over is ignored and one
pass is created at the center of the machined surface for each slice.
• STEP_OVER_ADJUST – Adjusts the passes in the slice to start and finish
near the edges of the surface that you are machining. It only reduces the
step-over distance, and adds an extra pass if needed.
• ONE_PASS_OFFSET – Controls the distance away from the centerline
when NUMBER_PASSES is equal to 1, and a single pass is made.
• INITIAL_EDGE_OFFSET – Enables you to offset the first pass in relation
to the edge of the surface being milled.
• FINAL_EDGE_OFFSET – Enables you to offset the last pass in relation to
the edge of the surface being milled.
TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE Parameter
Face milling steps behave differently if a workpiece is in the manufacturing
model.
• With a workpiece – The starting height for the cuts is always one cut depth
below the top of the workpiece.
– If TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is set to NO, then Creo Parametric machines
the selected surface without regard to the workpiece outline.
– If TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is set to YES, then the toolpath extends or
trims to the workpiece cross-section at the depth of the surface you
are machining.
• Without a workpiece – The step parameters exclusively determine the
starting height for the cuts and the toolpath completely machines the
selected surface.

PROCEDURE - Lateral Control Face Milling Parameters
Milling\Face_Lateral LATERAL.ASM
Task 1: Edit lateral control parameter values in an existing NC sequence.

the CLASSIC FACE
MILLING[OP010] NC step,
then right-click and select Edit
Definition .
• Click Play Path > Screen
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath follows the outline of the selected
model surface. You can change this by editing the
TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE parameter.
3. From the MILL Ribbon, click
Step Parameters from the
Update group.
4. If necessary, click All, and
select All categories from the
Categories drop-down list.
5. Edit TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE
to YES. Click OK in the Edit
6. Click Screen Play.
7. Click Play . Notice that the
toolpath now follows the outline
of the workpiece.
8. Edit the cut angle and step-over parameters.
• Click Step Parameters .
9. Edit the following parameters.
• Edit CUT_ANGLE to 90.
• Click OK.

• Click Screen Play.
• Click Play . Notice that the
toolpath updates, as shown.
11. Edit the initial edge and final edge parameters.

• Edit INITIAL_EDGE_OFFSET to –15.
• Edit FINAL_EDGE_OFFSET to –15.
• Click OK.
first and last passes update,
as shown.
14. Click Step Parameters .

15. Edit NUMBER_PASSES to 1.
Click OK.
17. Click Play . Notice that the
toolpath makes one pass at the
center of the model, as shown.
18. Edit the scan type and number passes parameters.
• Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_ONE_DIR.
• Edit NUMBER_PASSES to 0.
• Click OK.

TYPE_ONE_DIR value makes
the tool cut in one direction
only, retracting between
passes, as shown.

Depth Control Face Milling Parameters
There are a number of parameters that control the depth of a cut
when creating face milling sequences.
Depth Control Parameters

• STEP_DEPTH
• NUMBER_CUTS
– Smallest resulting depth of cut used.
• If NUMBER_CUTS = 0 or 1 and STEP_DEPTH is greater than depth
to be machined.
– One pass taken at full depth.
• BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW
– Stock remaining on machined surface.
– Default is zero.
Figure 1 – Depth Control Parameters

When you use a workpiece, the starting height for the cuts is determined by
the top of the workpiece. The following parameters control the depth of cut.
• The STEP_DEPTH parameter specifies the depth between each slice, and
the NUMBER_CUTS parameter determines the number of slices.
– The parameter that creates the smallest depth of cut is used.
• If the NUMBER_CUTS equals 0 or 1 and the STEP_DEPTH is equal to or
greater than the depth to be machined, then one pass is taken at full depth.
• The BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW parameter determines how much stock is
left on the machined surface. The default dash (-) value leaves zero stock.

PROCEDURE - Depth Control Face Milling Parameters
Milling\Face_Depth DEPTH.ASM
Task 1: Edit depth control parameter values in an existing NC step.

the CLASSIC FACE
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that one pass is made at full depth. This is because
NUMBER_CUTS = 0, and STEP_DEPTH = 15, which is equal to
the depth from the top of the workpiece to the machined surface.
3. Edit the step depth parameter.
4. If necessary, click All, and select All categories from the Categories
drop-down list.
5. Edit STEP_DEPTH to 10.
• Click OK.
tool now makes two passes,
one at a depth of 10 and one
at full depth, as shown.
7. Edit the number cuts parameter.

8. Edit NUMBER_CUTS to 3.
• Click OK.

• Click Play . Notice the
tool now makes three evenly
spaced depth passes, as
shown.
10. Edit the bottom stock allowance parameter.

11. Edit BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW to 3.
• Click OK.
• If necessary, click the CL Data
bar in the Play Path dialog
box. This makes the CL data
visible in the dialog box.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool still makes three evenly spaced depth passes,
but now leaves a stock allowance of 3, as shown.
13. Click Close.
14. Click Done Seq.

Entry and Exit Face Milling Parameters
There are a number of parameters that control entry and exit
motions when creating face milling sequences.
Entry and Exit Parameters

• START_OVERTRAVEL and END_OVERTRAVEL
– Offsets for each pass.
• APPROACH_DISTANCE and EXIT_DISTANCE
– Offsets for the first and last passes.
• ENTRY_EDGE and CLEARANCE_EDGE
– Set to LEADING_EDGE, CENTER, or HEEL.
Figure 1 – Entry and Exit Parameters Example

1. APPROACH_DISTANCE and START_OVERTRAVEL
2. END_OVERTRAVEL
3. START_OVERTRAVEL
4. EXIT_DISTANCE and END_OVERTRAVEL
Entry and Exit Parameters

The following parameters provide additional control over the entry and exit
motions for face milling sequences.
• The START_OVERTRAVEL parameter adds an offset to the beginning of
each pass in a slice. The END_OVERTRAVEL adds an offset to the end of
each pass in a slice.
• The APPROACH_DISTANCE parameter adds an extra approach distance
to the first pass of each slice. The EXIT_DISTANCE parameter adds an
extra distance to the last pass of each slice.
• You can edit the ENTRY_EDGE parameter to LEADING_EDGE (the
default), CENTER, or HEEL. This parameter controls which point of the tool
is used for measuring the approach and over travel motions when the tool
approaches the component being machined during each pass in a slice.
• You can edit the CLEARANCE_EDGE parameter to HEEL (the default),
CENTER, or LEADING_EDGE. This parameter controls which point of the
tool is used for measuring the exit and over travel motions when the tool
leaves the material during each pass in a slice.

PROCEDURE - Entry and Exit Face Milling Parameters
Milling\Face_Entry-Exit ENTRY_EXIT.ASM
Task 1: Edit entry and exit parameter values in an existing NC step.

the CLASSIC FACE
Definition .
3. Orient the model using a named
view.
• Select the VIEW tab, click
Named Views , and select
TOP from the drop-down list.
4. Review the current toolpath.
Play.
• Click Play .
The toolpath has been configured using a (hidden) mill surface.
Notice no entry and exit parameters have been configured. You
can use the START_OVERTRAVEL and END_OVERTRAVEL
parameters to add offsets at the beginning and end of each pass.
5. Edit the over travel parameters.
• Select the Mill tab.
drop-down list.
7. Edit END_OVERTRAVEL to 10.
8. Edit START_OVERTRAVEL to 10.
• Click OK.
tool now extends beyond the
workpiece on each pass, as
shown.

10. Edit the approach and exit distance parameters.
11. Edit APPROACH_DISTANCE to 25.
12. Edit EXIT_DISTANCE to 25.
• Click OK.
• Click Play . Notice the tool
now extends an extra distance
on the first and last pass, as
shown.
14. Edit the entry edge and clearance edge parameters.

Notice the ENTRY_EDGE parameter is configured as
LEADING_EDGE, and the CLEARANCE_EDGE parameter is
configured as HEEL.
15. Edit ENTRY_EDGE to CENTER.
16. Edit CLEARANCE_EDGE to CENTER.
• Click OK.
• Click Play . Notice Creo
Parametric now calculates all
tool extensions relative to the
center of the tool, as shown.
18. Click Close.

19. Click Done Seq.

Module 12
Creating Volume Milling Sequences
Module Overview
When machining, it is important that you be able to remove large amounts
of workpiece material. You typically use volume milling sequences for this
purpose. Examples include machining mold cavities, machining pockets and
slots, and facing down a workpiece. The volume milling process involves
specifying the volume of material to be removed. You achieve this by
creating either mill windows or mill volumes. You can modify volume milling
sequences using build cut and customized functionality. This enables you
to edit and remove the default cut motions and add new cut motions as
required. When a volume milling sequence is completed, you can update
the in-process workpiece geometry. You achieve this by creating a material
removal feature that removes the machined volume from the workpiece.
In this module, you learn about the volume milling process and review the
key volume milling manufacturing parameters. You create volume milling
sequences and create mill windows and mill volumes relevant to volume
milling.
Objectives
• Describe the volume milling process.
• Describe the key volume milling manufacturing parameters.
• Create volume milling sequences.
• Create mill windows and mill volumes relevant to volume milling.
• Modify volume milling sequences using build cut and customize
functionality.
• Create material removal features specific to volume milling.

Basic Volume Milling
Volume milling sequences enable you to machine material inside
a configured volume of material. This is useful for machining
mold cavities and machining pockets and slots.
Volume Milling
• Remove material inside volume.
• For example – Mold cavities, mold
electrodes, pockets, and slots.
• Toolpath removes material
slice-by-slice.
Figure 1 – Volume Milling Toolpath
• Slices parallel to retract plane. Example
• Roughing and profiling passes.
• Use manufacturing geometry.
– Mill volume or mill window.
• Tool does not machine outside
specified volume.
– Specify approach walls.
• Also use top surfaces. Figure 2 – Extruded Mill Volume
• Modify default cut motions.
– Build cut or customize.
• Material removal after completing
NC sequence.
Mill Volume Configuration Tools
• Add solid features – Extrude a
sketched outline.
• Trim – Subtract reference model.
Figure 3 – Trimmed Mill Volume
Volume Milling
You typically use volume milling sequences to remove large amounts of
workpiece material. Examples include machining mold cavities and mold
electrodes and machining pockets and slots.
You can use the following features to describe volume milling NC sequences.
• Volume milling sequences remove the material inside a specified volume
slice-by-slice.
• All slices are parallel to the retract plane.
• You can create both roughing and profiling passes within a volume milling
sequence.
• You use manufacturing geometry to configure the volume of material to
machine.

– You can use a mill volume or mill window to represent the volume of
material to be removed.
• By default, the tool does not machine outside the specified volume.
– However, the tool can break through surfaces of a volume if they are
specifically selected as approach walls.
• Top surfaces are surfaces of a mill volume that the tool can also penetrate
when creating the toolpath.
– You only have to use this option if some of the top surfaces of the volume
are not parallel to the retract plane. If you use a mill window, this option
is not available. You can use the window start plane as the top surface.
• You can modify the default cut motions by using the build cut or customize
functionality.
• If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, you can remove
Mill Volume Configuration Tools

The following tools enable simple mill volume configuration:
• Add solid features – You can sketch an outline and create an extruded mill
volume. If required, you can also create more complex shapes using tools
such as revolve, sweep, and blend.
• Trim – You can automatically subtract the reference model material from an
existing mill volume. You usually apply this to sketched volumes.

PROCEDURE - Basic Volume Milling
Milling\Volume MOLD_CAVITY.ASM
Task 1: Create a mill volume using an extrude feature and trim

functionality.
This manufacturing model does not contain a workpiece to enable
easier viewing of mill volume geometry. You can also create mill
volumes by referencing workpiece geometry.
2. Click Mill Volume from the
Manufacturing Geometry group.
3. Click Extrude from the
Shapes group.
Internal Sketch.
reference model, as shown.
6. Click Sketch.
7. Right-click and select
References.
8. Select the top and right edges,
as shown.
9. Click Close in the References
dialog box.
10. Click Project from the
Sketching group.
12. Select the top surface, as shown.
13. Click Accept to select the outer
loop of edges.
14. Click OK in the Sketch
dashboard.

15. Click Change Depth Direction
in the Extrude dashboard.
16. Edit the depth to 41.
17. Click Complete Feature in
the Extrude dashboard.
Note that you have created an extruded mill volume, and you can
subtract the reference model from the mill volume geometry using
the trim functionality.
18. Click Trim from the Volume

Features group.
19. Select the reference model, as
shown.
20. Click OK from the Controls
group.
• Notice that the reference
model is subtracted from the
mold volume geometry, as
shown.
Task 2: Create a volume milling sequence using the trimmed mill volume.
1. In the ribbon, select the Mill tab.

2. Select Volume Rough from the Roughing drop-down menu in
the Milling group.
3. From the Tool Manager drop-down menu, select the 20_E_MILL tool.
4. In the dashboard, select the
Reference tab.
Reference Collector, and
select the previously
configured mill volume,
QUILT:F12(MILL_VOL_1).
You can also create mill volumes during the creation of NC
sequences.
• Edit MAX_STEP_DEPTH to 10.

6. Click Display Toolpath .
• Click Play .
• Click Repaint from the In
Graphics toolbar.
• Notice that the tool machines
material within the mill volume.
7. Click Close in the Play Path dialog box.

Volume Milling with Mill Windows
You can use mill windows to specify the volume of material to be
machined when creating volume milling sequences.
Mill Windows
• Closed outline projected onto
reference model.
• Configuring mill windows:
– Select a closed outline.
– Sketch a closed outline.
– Use reference model silhouette Figure 1 – Selected Outline
outline.
• Reference model geometry within
window is machined.
• Options:
– Placement
– Depth
– Offset Window Uniformly Figure 2 – Sketched Outline
– Window Contour Options:
♦ Inside
♦ On
♦ Outside
– Inside loops
Figure 3 – Silhouette Outline
Mill Windows
• Mill windows are manufacturing geometry features that you use to create
volume milling sequences. They consist of a closed outline projected from
the window start plane onto the reference model. You can then machine
the resulting outline in a volume milling sequence. You can create them
before or during the creation of an NC sequence.
• You create a mill window by:
– Sketching or selecting a closed outline in an appropriate plane.
– Projecting the silhouette outline of the reference part on the mill window
start plane.
• All reference model geometry visible within the window is machined.
• You can configure a number of options.
– Placement – Defaults to the retract plane. Enables you to configure the
starting plane.
– Depth – Defaults to reference model geometry. Alternatively you can
specify a blind depth of up to a selected plane parallel to the window
start plane.

– Offset Window Uniformly – Enlarge or reduce the window contour by
a constant distance.
– Window Contour Options
♦ Inside – The tool is always within the outline of the mill window.
♦ On – The tool axis reaches the window outline.
♦ Outside – The tool goes completely past the window outline.
– Inside Loops – If a reference part used for creating the silhouette
contains through cuts or holes, you can specify if you want to keep or
remove these loops by using the Keep Inside Loops check box.

PROCEDURE - Volume Milling with Mill Windows
Milling\Volume_Mill_Window MILL_WINDOW.ASM
Task 1: Create a volume milling sequence and edit parameter values.

3. Select Volume Rough from the Roughing drop-down menu in
the Milling group.
4. From the Tool Manager drop-down menu, select the 20_E_MILL tool.
5. From the dashboard, select the Parameters tab.
6. Click the Geometry drop-down
menu and select Mill Window
.
• Notice that the operation
retract plane is automatically
selected as the window plane.
• By default, a silhouette window
is configured, as shown.
• Click Complete Feature .
7. Click Resume .
• Right-click and select
Machining Reference,
then select the previously
configured mill window,
MILL_WINDOW_1.
• Click Display Toolpath .
• Click Play .
• Review the simulation and
click Close.
Notice that the tool machines all reference model geometry inside
the mill window outline.

Task 2: Use a selected contour mill window as an alternative machining
reference for the NC sequence.
1. Click the Geometry drop-down

menu and select Mill Window
.
• Click Chain Window in the
Mill Window dashboard.
• Right-click and select Chain to
activate the selection of edges.
• Select one of the inner chains
of edges at the top of the
pocket, as shown.
• Press SHIFT and select
another edge in the loop, as
shown.
• Notice how the tangent chain
of edges highlights on the
model, as shown.
2. Click Resume .
• Click Play .
• Notice the updated toolpath.
Notice that the tool now machines inside the new mill window
outline.

Scanning Volume Milling Parameters
Scanning parameters are a group of parameters that control how
the tool machines each slice in volume milling sequences.
Scanning Parameters • High speed machining options
• ROUGH_OPTION – CONSTANT_LOAD
– ROUGH_ONLY – SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE
– ROUGH_AND_PROF – SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION
– PROF_AND_ROUGH – FOLLOW_HARDWALLS
– PROF_ONLY
– ROUGH_AND_
CLEAN_UP
– POCKETING
– FACES_ONLY
• CUT_ANGLE Figure 1 – ROUGH_OPTION =
ROUGH_AND_PROFILE
Figure 2 – CUT_ANGLE = 45 degrees

• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1
– TYPE_2
– TYPE_3
– TYPE_SPIRAL
– TYPE_ONE_DIR Figure 3 – SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_ONE_DIR
– POCKETING
– FACES_ONLY
Scanning Parameters
The following is a summary of the key parameters that control how the tool
scans each slice in volume milling sequences.
• ROUGH_OPTION – Controls whether a profiling and/or roughing pass is
created during volume milling.
– ROUGH_ONLY – No profiling.
– ROUGH_AND_PROF – Rough then profile.
– PROF_AND_ROUGH – Profile then rough.
– PROF_ONLY – Only profiling.
– ROUGH_AND_CLEAN_UP – Cleans up the walls of the volume without
creating a profiling pass.

– POCKETING – Profiles the walls of the volume and finish mills all the
planar surfaces inside the volume that are parallel to the retract plane
(island tops and bottom of the volume).
– FACES_ONLY – Finish mills only the planar surfaces inside the volume
that are parallel to the retract plane (island tops and bottom of the
volume).
• CUT_ANGLE – The angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of the
NC Sequence coordinate system.
• SCAN_TYPE – For volume milling. Refers to the way a milling tool scans
the horizontal cross-section of a milling volume and avoids islands.
– TYPE_1 – Continuously machines the volume. Retracts upon
encountering islands.
– TYPE_2 – Continuously machines the volume without retracting, while
moving around the islands.
– TYPE_3 – Removes material from continuous zones defined by the
island geometry, machining them in turn and moving around the islands.
– TYPE_SPIRAL – Generates a spiral cutter path.
– TYPE_ONE_DIR – The tool only cuts in one direction.
– POCKETING – Profiles the walls of the volume and finish mills all the
planar surfaces, inside the volume, that are parallel to the retract plane
(island tops and bottom of the volume).
– FACES_ONLY – Finish mills only the planar surfaces, inside the volume,
that are parallel to the retract plane (island tops and bottom of the
volume).
• The following SCAN_TYPE parameter values relate specifically to high
speed machining methods.
– CONSTANT_LOAD – Performs high speed roughing (with
ROUGH_OPTION set to ROUGH_ONLY) or profiling (with
ROUGH_OPTION set to PROF_ONLY).
– SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE – Generates a spiral cutter path with
reverse arc connections between cuts. This is a high speed machining
option, which minimizes retracts.
– SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION – Generates a spiral cutter path
with S-shape connections between cuts. This is a high speed machining
option, which minimizes retracts.
– FOLLOW_HARDWALLS – The shape of each cut follows the shape of
the walls of the volume, maintaining fixed offset between the respective
points of two successive cuts. If the cuts are closed, there are S-shape
connections between the cuts.

PROCEDURE - Scanning Volume Milling Parameters
Milling\Volume_Scanning SCANNING_PARAMS.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to scanning in an existing NC sequence.

the VOLUME MILLING NC
sequence, then right-click and
Play.
• Click Play .
The STEP_DEPTH is equal to the depth of the pocket; this ensures
only one pass is made at full depth. The ROUGH_OPTION
parameter is currently equal to ROUGH_ONLY. You can edit this
parameter to add profiling passes for each machined slice.
3. Click Step Parameters from the Update group.

4. Edit ROUGH_OPTION to ROUGH_AND_PROF.
• Click OK.
tool makes a profiling pass
after the roughing pass, as
shown.
If you edit the ROUGH_OPTION to PROF_AND_ROUGH, a

profiling pass is made before the roughing pass.

7. Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_SPIRAL.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now follows a spiral toolpath.

10. Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_ONE_DIR.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now only cuts in one direction. However, a
profile pass is still made because the ROUGH_OPTION is still
equal to ROUGH_AND_PROF.

13. Edit CUT_ANGLE to 45.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now scans at 45 degrees relative to the X-axis
of the NC Sequence coordinate system.
16. Click Done Seq.

Depth and Lateral Control Volume Milling
Parameters
There are many parameters that control the depth of cut and
lateral movement when you create volume milling sequences.
Lateral Control Parameters Depth Control Parameters

• Step-over distance: • STEP_DEPTH
– STEP_OVER • WALL_SCALLOP_HGT
– NUMBER_PASSES • MIN_STEP_DEPTH
– TOOL_OVERLAP
– BOTTOM_SCALLOP_HEIGHT
• STEP_OVER_ADJUST
Figure 2 – Depth Control

Parameters
Parameters

• Four parameters control the step-over distance. The final toolpath uses
whichever parameter produces the smallest calculated step-over.
– STEP_OVER – This is the default parameter for controlling the step-over
within a slice.
– Or NUMBER_PASSES – This explicitly sets the number of passes to
take in each slice.
– Or TOOL_OVERLAP – This is an alternative method to control the
step-over based on the tool overlap.
– BOTTOM_SCALLOP_HEIGHT – This must be less than or equal to
cutter radius. You can also use it to calculate step-over.
• STEP_OVER_ADJUST – This parameter adjusts the passes in the slice
to start and finish near the edges of the volume that you are machining. It
only reduces the step-over distance, and adds an extra pass if needed.

Depth Parameters
• You can use the STEP_DEPTH parameter to specify the depth between
each slice.
• WALL_SCALLOP_HGT – Also controls the step depth for volume milling.
– WALL_SCALLOP_HGT – Must be less than or equal to the cutter
radius. The default value is 0.
– If WALL_SCALLOP_HGT is zero, a scallop height is calculated using
STEP_DEPTH.
– If you specify WALL_SCALLOP_HGT > 0, a step depth is calculated
using WALL_SCALLOP_HGT. This calculated value is compared to the
STEP_DEPTH, and the smallest calculated step-depth is used.
• MIN_STEP_DEPTH – Specifies the minimum allowable distance between
slices.

PROCEDURE - Depth and Lateral Control Volume Milling
Parameters
Milling\Volume_Depth_Lateral DEPTH_LATERAL.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to lateral movement in an existing NC

sequence.
No workpiece has been configured.

• Click Named Views from
the In Graphics toolbar and
select TOP.
Play. Click Play .
The tool step-over is controlled by the STEP_OVER parameter
which is equal to 18. The STEPOVER_ADJUST parameter is equal
to NO. You can edit this parameter to ensure that the first and last
passes start and finish near the edges of the volume that you are
machining.

4. If necessary, click All.
5. Edit STEPOVER_ADJUST to YES.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that STEP_OVER is reduced, so the first and last passes

start and finish near the edges of the machined volume, as shown.

8. Edit STEP_OVER to 15.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .
• Notice that the step-over is
reduced and the tool makes
seven passes, as shown.

11. Edit NUMBER_PASSES to 8.
• Click OK.
The resulting step-over is compared to the current STEP_OVER
value and the smallest resulting STEP_OVER is used.
• Click Play .
• Notice that the number of
passes is now equal to eight.

14. Edit ROUGH_OPTION to PROF_ONLY.
15. Edit STEP_DEPTH to 10.
• Click OK.
16. Press CTRL + D to return to the standard orientation.
• Click Play .
• Notice that the tool machines
five profile slices with a step
depth of 10, as shown.
19. Click Done Seq.

Stock Allowance Volume Milling Parameters
There are a number of parameters that control the stock
allowance when you create volume milling sequences.
Stock Allowance Parameters

• ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW – Stock on walls for rough passes.
• PROF_STOCK_ALLOW – Stock on walls for profile passes.
– Used in material removal.
• BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW – Stock on bottom faces for rough and
profile passes.
– Defaults to PROF_STOCK_ALLOW if set to “-”.
Figure 1 – Stock Allowance Parameters
Stock Allowance Parameters

The following parameters control stock allowance when volume milling.
• ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW – This controls stock on walls for roughing
passes.
• PROF_STOCK_ALLOW – This controls the stock on walls for profile
passes. You can also use it to calculate remaining stock when creating
material removal features.
• BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW – This controls the stock on bottom faces for
rough and profile passes. Defaults to PROF_STOCK_ALLOW if set to “-”.

PROCEDURE - Stock Allowance Volume Milling
Parameters
Milling\Volume_Stock_Allowance STOCK_ALLOW.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to stock allowance in an existing NC

sequence.

select the named view TOP.
Play. Click Play .
There is no stock remaining on the side walls after the roughing
or profiling passes.
3. Click Step Parameters from the Update group.

5. Edit PROF_STOCK_ALLOW to 1.
6. Edit ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW to 5.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath leaves 5 mm of stock after the roughing

passes, and 1 mm of stock after the profiling passes. The
BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW is set to —, so it automatically uses the
PROF_STOCK_ALLOW value of 1. This leaves stock remaining on
the bottom face of the pocket.
You can use the PROF_STOCK_ALLOW parameter to calculate
the stock remaining after creating a material removal feature.
9. Click Done Seq.

Task 2: Create a material removal feature to cut away the machined
volume from the workpiece for the volume milling sequence.
1. Select Material Removal Cut

from the Manufacturing
Geometry Group drop-down
menu.
• Click Volume Milling from the
menu manager.
• Click Automatic > Done.
• Click AutoAdd to select the
workpiece to intersect.
• Click OK to complete the
feature.
The automatic cut is created in the workpiece. The cut geometry
is based on the PROF_STOCK_ALLOW parameter value in the
volume milling sequence.
2. Review the remaining stock
material.
select the named view TOP.
• In the In Graphics toolbar,
select No Hidden from the
Display Style types drop-down
menu.
• Zoom in to the upper-right
corner of the workpiece, as
shown.
• Notice the stock remaining on
the vertical walls in the pocket.
4. Select Shading from the Display Style types drop-down menu.

Gathering Mill Volumes
The gathering technique enables you to create complex mill
volume shapes by referencing model geometry including
surfaces and edges.
Gathering Mill Volumes Options
• Select Surfaces – Form extruded
quilt.
– Surf and Bound
– Surfaces Figure 1 – Surf and Bound: Seed
– Features Surface
– Mill Surfaces
• Exclude – Exclude specified items.
– Surfaces
– Loops
• Fill – Fill inner loops. Figure 2 – Surf and Bound:
Bounding Surface
– All
– Loops
• Close – Cap mill volume.
– Specify plane or surface.
– Use retract plane.
Figure 3 – Fill Inner Loops
Figure 4 – Cap Plane and Resulting

Volume
Gathering Mill Volumes Options

The gathering technique enables you to create a mill volume by referencing
model geometry including surfaces and edges.
The gathering process involves several steps and the selection of various
options:
• Select Surfaces – You select the surfaces to machine. There are several
methods available. With each method, the selected surfaces are sewn
together to form a single quilt which is by default extruded up to the retract
plane to form a volume. Alternatively, you can extrude the quilt to a
user-defined plane if required. There are four options for selecting surfaces.
– Surf and Bound – You select one of the surfaces for machining (the
seed surface) and then select bounding surfaces. The seed surface and
all neighboring surfaces up to the boundary surfaces are sewn together
into a single quilt. You can also configure boundary loops to add outer
loops of edges to the boundary.

– Surfaces – You select continuous surfaces to machine.
– Features – You select features to be machined. All the surfaces of
selected features are included.
– Mill Surfaces – You select pre-configured mill surfaces.
• Exclude – This option is available only if you gather using an option other
than Surf and Bound (for example, Surfaces). There are two exclude
options.
– Surfaces – Exclude some of the selected surfaces by selecting each of
them individually. This is especially convenient when gathering using
the Features or Mill Surf options.
– Loops – Exclude outer loops. Use this option to delete unwanted
portions of surfaces selected for gathering.
• Fill – When you fill an inner loop of edges on a surface selected for
gathering, it is equivalent to "patching" the base quilt of the mill volume.
The volume is built as if there was a smooth surface with no perforations.
Two fill options are available.
– All – Fill all loops on a selected surface. Select a surface. All inner loops
on this surface are filled, whether they belong to bounding surfaces or
not.
– Loops – Select loops to be filled. For each loop to be filled, you must
select only one edge. If you gather using Surf and Bound, the edges
must lie on the bounding surfaces. Select additional bounding surfaces
if necessary.
• Close – This enables you to specify the mill volume capping plane.
– The mill volume is generated by extruding the boundaries of the selected
surface quilt vertically up to the specified plane or surface.
– If you create a mill volume during the creation of a volume milling
sequence, then by default Creo Parametric closes the mill volume
automatically. This is done by extruding the boundaries of the surface
quilt vertically up to the retract plane. Note in this case, you can still
specify an alternative capping plane if required.

PROCEDURE - Gathering Mill Volumes
Milling\Volume_Gather GATHER.ASM
Task 1: Create a mill volume using the gather technique.

easier viewing of mill volume geometry. You can also create mill
volumes by referencing workpiece geometry.
2. Click Mill Volume from the
3. Click Gather Volume from
the Volume Features group.
4. Notice that the Select and Close
check boxes are selected by
default. You must select these
items to configure a mill volume.
5. Select the Fill check box and
click Done.
6. Click Surf & Bnd > Done.
7. Select a seed surface.
• Select the surface within the
pocket, as shown.
8. Select a boundary surface.
• Select the top surface on the
model, as shown.
• Click OK.
• Click Done Refs >
Done/Return.
9. Fill surfaces to exclude inner
contours.
• Press CTRL, and select the
two flat surfaces within the
pocket, as shown.
• Click OK.
• Click Done Refs >
Done/Return.
Any inner contours in the selected filled surfaces are now patched.

10. Cap the mill volume.
• Select the All Loops check
box, and click Done.
• In the model tree, select the
RETRACT datum plane.
• Click Done/Return from the
CLOSE LOOP menu.
• Click Show Volume. Notice
that the volume appears in
wireframe.
• Click Done from the VOL
GATHER menu.
11. Click OK .
You have created a mill volume by gathering surfaces to form a quilt
and extruding the resulting quilt up to the retract plane, as shown.
You can redefine this mill volume at any time.
12. In the model tree, select the
GATHER mill volume, then
right-click and select Edit
Definition .
• Select the Close check box
and click Done.
• Click Redefine.
• Select a bounding edge of the
pocket, as shown.
• Select the Cap Plane check
model as the new capping
plane, as shown.
• Click Done/Return from the
CLOSE LOOP menu.
• Click Done from the VOL
GATHER menu.
Notice that the mill volume geometry has updated, as shown.

Modifying Volume Milling Toolpaths
You can use the build cut or customize functionality to modify
the default cut motions generated for volume milling sequences.
• Two tools:
– Build Cut
♦ By Slice
♦ By Region Figure 1 – Build Cut – By Slice
– Customize
♦ Automatic
♦ Upto Depth
♦ From-To Depth
♦ Slice/Slice
Figure 2 – Build Cut – By Region
Figure 3 – Customizing Cut Motions

By default, volume milling cut motions (toolpaths) are generated based on the
selected reference geometry and the manufacturing parameters. However,
you can use two tools to modify these default cut motions.
• Build Cut – This functionality enables you to modify the default cut motions
by adding or removing slices or editing machining regions. You can also
specify approach and exit paths. You must select one of two machining
methods.
– By Slice – Machine across the whole milling volume at a particular
Z-depth.
– By Region – Completely machine a pocket before going to the next
pocket (region-by-region milling).
• Customize – You can also modify default cut motions using the customize
functionality. You can configure four cut motion types.
– Automatic – Use all the slices automatically generated by the system
(the default option).
– Upto Depth – Use slices up to a certain depth only.
– From-To Depth – Use slices in a certain range of depths.

– Slice/Slice – Generate automatic cut motions by specifying the depth of
each slice.
♦ Various options in the Customize dialog box enable you to specify
approach and exit motions, edit individual cut motion parameters, and
remove unwanted cut motions.

PROCEDURE - Modifying Volume Milling Toolpaths
Milling\Volume_Toolpaths BLOCK.ASM
Task 1: Use the build cut functionality to change from by slice to by region.
easier viewing of the cut motions.
Play.
• Click Play in the Play Path
dialog box.
The tool machines across each pocket using a slice-by-slice
motion. You can edit this toolpath using Build Cut functionality.
3. Click Seq Setup.
4. Select the Build Cut check box.
5. Click Done.
6. Select the By Region check box.
7. Click Confirm to switch to by
region.
8. Click Order Regions.
9. Select the edge of the top region,
as shown.
10. Select the edge of the right
region, as shown.
11. Select the edge of the center

region, as shown.

12. Click Play Cut.
• Observe the displayed cut
motion, as shown.
13. Click Done/Return.
You can preview the cut motion from the BUILD CUT menu. This
enables you to verify the toolpath before completing the build cut.
14. Click Play Path.
• Select the Compute CL check
box.
• Click Play .
When you select the Compute CL check box to recalculate the
updated toolpath, notice that the tool machines each region in the
selected order.
16. Click Done Seq.

Module 13
Creating Profile Milling Sequences
Module Overview
Profile milling sequences enable you to rough and finish mill both vertical
and slanted surfaces. This is useful for machining the sidewalls of pockets
and for machining outside profiles of components. When creating profile
milling sequences, you can create mill surfaces and use them as alternate
references when model surfaces are inappropriate, for instance, when the
model surface being machined has a variable depth. Another important
skill with profile milling is the ability to refine the entry and exit motions of
the toolpath to enable proper application of cutter compensation and to
eliminate witness lines from the machined surfaces. When a profile milling
sequence is completed, you can update the in-process workpiece geometry.
You can achieve this by creating a material removal feature that removes the
machined volume from the workpiece.
In this module, you learn about the profile milling process and review the
key profile milling manufacturing parameters. You create profile milling
sequences and create mill surfaces relevant to profile milling.
Objectives
• Describe the profile milling process.
• Describe the key profile milling manufacturing parameters.
• Create profile milling sequences.
• Create mill surfaces relevant to profile milling.
• Create lead in and lead out motions.

Basic Profile Milling
Profile milling sequences enable you to machine vertical and
slanted surfaces. This is useful for machining the sidewalls of
pockets and for machining outside profiles of components.
Profile Milling Using Mill Surfaces for Profile

Milling
• Machine vertical or slanted
surfaces. • Alternative machining reference.
• Select or create final machining • Mill geometry.
surfaces. • Create before or during creation
• Continuous toolpath required. of NC sequence.
• Final cut depth determined by • Common mill surface types:
machined surface depth. – Fill
• Approach and exit moves. – Extrude
• Material removal after completing – Copy
NC sequence.
Customizing the Toolpath
• Use approach/exit or tool motions.
Figure 2 – Profile Milling Example

Figure 1 – Customize Example
Profile Milling
You can use profile milling to rough or finish mill vertical or slanted surfaces.
You configure the final finishing surface by selecting reference model
surfaces or creating mill surfaces. The following features describe profile
milling NC sequences.
• Surfaces selected for machining must enable a continuous toolpath.
• The depth of the surfaces selected for machining determines the final cut
depth.
• You can configure tool approach and exit motions.
• If you have a workpiece in the manufacturing model, you can remove

Customizing the Toolpath
• By default, toolpaths are generated based on the selected reference
geometry and the manufacturing parameters.
• It is possible to modify these default cut motions by adding alternative
approach and exit moves.
• You can use two tools to do this:
– Approach/Exit – This option enables you to add or remove slices or
cutting passes, and specify approach and exit paths.
– Tool Motions – This option enables you to modify default cut motions.
This includes removing default cut motions and adding your own cut
motions including approach and exit tool motions.
– Both tools provide essentially the same functionality, but use different
interfaces.
Using Mill Surfaces for Profile Milling

When creating profile milling sequences, you can use mill geometry such
as mill surfaces as alternative machining references when model surfaces
are not appropriate. As an example, you can do this when you profile mill a
model surface that has a variable depth.
• Mill surfaces are surface features and are often referred to as mill geometry.
(The other mill geometry features are mill volumes and mill windows.)
• You can create mill surfaces before creating an NC sequence, or during the
creation of an NC sequence.
• The most common mill surface types are:
– Fill – Use the fill tool to create a flat surface by sketching an outline
on a sketching plane.
– Extrude – Create an extruded surface by sketching an outline on a
sketching plane.
– Copy – Copy existing model surfaces to form a new mill surface.

PROCEDURE - Basic Profile Milling
Milling\Profile BASIC_PROFILE.ASM
Task 1: Create a profile milling sequence and edit parameter values.

3. Click Profile Milling from the Milling group.
4. Click Tool Manager in the Profile Milling dashboard.
5. Ensure that the 20_0_E_MILL tool is selected, then right-click and
select Select tool and return.
6. Select the Parameters tab in the dashboard.
7. Configure the surface for
machining.
• Select the Reference tab
in the dashboard, and click
Details below the Machining
• In the Surface Sets dialog box,
click Add.
• Notice the default rule
selection is Loop surfaces.
• Cursor over the model,
top surface of the reference
model, as shown.
• Select any outer edge of the
reference model for the loop
edge, as shown.
• Notice that the selected loop
of surfaces highlight.
• Click OK.

8. Click Display Toolpath in
the dashboard.
• Click Play .
click Close.
Notice that the toolpath cannot make a complete pass at the final
depth, because the model surface is not continuous at this depth.
Task 2: Use a mill surface as a machining reference for the NC sequence.

2. In the Machining References
collector, cursor over Loop
Surfaces, right-click, and select
Remove.

5. Click Extrude from the
Shapes group.
Internal Sketch.
workpiece, as shown.
8. Click Sketch.
9. Click References . Select
the top and right edges of the
workpiece as references, as
shown.
10. Click Close in the References
dialog box.

11. Click Project from the
Sketching group.
13. Cursor over the model,
hidden model surface, as shown.
14. Query select to select the outer
loop of edges, and then click
Accept .
15. Click OK from the Close
group.
16. Click Change Depth Direction
in the dashboard.
17. Edit the depth to 25.
19. Click OK from the Controls
group.
20. Select the Profile Milling
dashboard.
21. Click Display Toolpath in
the dashboard.
• Click Play .
• Notice the updated toolpath.

Depth and Lateral Control Profile Milling
Parameters
When you create profile milling sequences, you can use a
number of parameters to control the depth of cut and lateral
movement.
Depth Control Parameters Lateral Control Parameters

• STEP_DEPTH • PROF_INCREMENT
• AXIS_SHIFT • NUM_PROF_PASSES
• PROF_STOCK_ALLOW

Parameters

When you create profile milling sequences, you can use two parameters
to control the depth of cut.
• STEP_DEPTH – The incremental depth of each cut for each profile pass.
• AXIS_SHIFT – Moves the CL data up or down along the tool axis. If set to
a positive value, all CL data is shifted down along the tool axis. If set to a
negative value, all CL data is shifted up along the tool axis. The default is 0.

When you create profile milling sequences, you can use three parameters to
control the lateral movement of the tool.
• PROF_INCREMENT – The horizontal distance between passes.
• NUM_PROF_PASSES – The number of profile passes at each depth.
• PROF_STOCK_ALLOW – The remaining stock material left on profile
milled surfaces.

PROCEDURE - Depth and Lateral Control Profile Milling
Parameters
Milling\Profile_Depth_Lateral DEPTH.ASM
Task 1: Edit depth control parameter values in a profile milling sequence.

the DEPTH_PROFILE NC
• Click Play Path > Screen Play
in the menu manager.
• Click Play .
Notice that one pass is made at full depth. This is because
STEP_DEPTH = 25. This is equal to the depth from the top of the
workpiece to the lower edge of the machined model surfaces.

drop-down list.
5. Edit STEP_DEPTH to 15. Click OK.
tool now makes two passes,
one at a depth of 15 and one
at full depth, as shown.

8. Edit AXIS_SHIFT to 5. Click OK.
• If necessary, click the CL data
visible.
tool still makes two passes,
but the depth of each pass in
the Z-axis is shifted by –5, as
shown.

Task 2: Edit lateral control parameters in a profile milling sequence.

• Edit AXIS_SHIFT to 0 (to return to the default value).
• Edit PROF_INCREMENT to 5.
• Edit NUM_PROF_PASSES to 2.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
makes two passes at each
depth, as shown.
the In Graphics toolbar.
• Select the named view TOP.
• Click Rewind .
• Click Play again.
• Notice the tool increments
horizontally by 5 between
each profile pass, as shown.

• Edit PROF_STOCK_ALLOW to 2. Click OK.
• Click Play .
• Notice that the tool now leaves
a stock allowance of 2, as
shown.

6. Click Done Seq.

Lead In and Lead Out Motions
When you create profile milling sequences, you can use a
number of parameters to control lead in and lead out motions.
Lead In and Lead Out Motion Parameters

• CUTCOM • NORMAL_LEAD_STEP
• CUT_ENTRY_EXT • OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE
• CUT_EXIT_EXT • APPROACH/EXIT
• LEAD_RADIUS – APPROACH_DISTANCE
• TANGENT_LEAD_STEP – EXIT_DISTANCE
Figure 1 – Lead In and Lead Out Tool Motion
Lead In and Lead Out Motion Parameters

When you create profile milling sequences, you can use a number of
parameters to control lead in and lead out motions.
• CUTCOM – Turns cutter compensation on or off in the CL data file.
When configuring a Work Center, you can specify whether the cutter
compensation is toward the tool center (default) or tool edge.
• CUT_ENTRY_EXT/CUT_EXIT_EXT – Set to LEAD_IN/LEAD_OUT, tool
enters and exits the workpiece along a tangent arc.
• LEAD_RADIUS – Radius value of the tangent circle move for lead in or
lead out.
• TANGENT_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the tangent section of a lead
in or lead out motion.
• NORMAL_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the normal section of a lead
in or lead out motion.
• OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE – For profile milling. The distance the tool
travels past the start of a profile pass.

• APPROACH/EXIT – For profile milling, this is an optional element. It
enables creation of approach and exit moves. You can use these as an
alternative to lead in and lead out motions.
– APPROACH_DISTANCE – You can use this parameter when creating
cut motions or using the approach/exit option. The distance of an
approach move for a tangent or normal approach.
– EXIT_DISTANCE – You can use this parameter when creating cut
motions or using build cut. The distance of an exit move for a tangent
or normal exit.

PROCEDURE - Lead In and Lead Out Motions
Milling\Profile_Lead_In_Out LEAD_IN_OUT.ASM
Task 1: Edit the lead in and lead out parameters in a profile milling
sequence.

LEAD_PROFILE NC sequence,
Definition .
• Click Display Toolpath in
the Profile Milling dashboard.
• Click Play in the Play Path
dialog box.
click Close.
Notice, one pass is made at full depth. There are no lead in or lead
out motions configured for the toolpath.
3. Select the Parameters tab. Click Edit Machining Parameters .

drop-down list.
5. Select LEAD_IN from the CUT_ENTRY_EXT drop-down menu.
6. Select LEAD_OUT from the CUT_EXIT_EXT drop-down menu.
7. Edit LEAD_RADIUS to 10. Click OK.

• Click Play . Notice that
lead in and lead out motions
are now created, as shown.
• Click Close.

10. Edit TANGENT_LEAD_STEP to 10.
11. Edit NORMAL_LEAD_STEP to 10.
12. Edit OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE to 5. Click OK.

• Click Play . Notice the
over travel distance removes
any witness lines from the
machined surfaces.
• Click Close.

• Select ON from the CUTCOM drop-down menu. Click OK.

• If necessary, click the CL data
visible.
• Click Play . Notice that
during the lead in and lead out
moves, cutter compensation is
applied, as shown.
• Click Close.
Task 2: Create an approach and exit position.
1. Enable .
2. Select the Options tab in the
Profile Milling dashboard.
3. Select the Approach Axis text
box in the Options tab.
• This enables the selection of
an Approach Axis.
• From the model, select axis
AA_1 as shown.
4. Select the Exit Axis text box in
the Options tab.
• This enables the selection of
an Exit Axis.
• From the model, select axis
AA_1, again.

5. Select the Parameters tab. Click
Edit Machining Parameters
.
6. Edit NORMAL_LEAD_STEP to
0.
7. Click OK.
• Click Play .
• Click Close.
You can now control the approach and exit location on the profile
based on the axis position. Notice that the NORMAL_LEAD_STEP
is zero as this move is controlled by the position of the axis.

Module 14
Creating Straight Cut Surface Milling
Sequences
Module Overview
Straight cut surface milling sequences enable you to mill contoured and
horizontal surfaces with a series of straight cuts. You can use straight cut
surface milling to create semi-finish sequences for contoured surfaces of
components, or mold cavities. When you create surface milling sequences,
you can use mill surfaces as alternate references when model surfaces are
inappropriate, for example, when the model being machined is made up of
many surfaces, or if you need to extend the toolpath beyond the model.
In this module, you learn about the surface milling process and review the key
straight cut surface milling manufacturing parameters. You create straight cut
surface milling sequences and create mill surfaces relevant to surface milling.
Objectives
• Describe the surface milling process.
• Describe the key straight cut surface milling manufacturing parameters.
• Create straight cut surface milling sequences.
• Create mill surfaces relevant to surface milling.

Understanding Surface Milling
You use surface milling to mill horizontal or contoured surfaces.
There are four types of surface milling sequences that you can
configure. It is important to understand the benefits of each type
of surface milling sequence.
Surface Milling
• Machine horizontal or contoured
surfaces.
• Continuous toolpath required.
• Cut types:
Figure 1 – Straight Cut
– Straight Cut
– From Surface Isolines
– Cut Line
– Projected Cuts
Surface Milling Options
• Cut Type Figure 2 – From Surface Isolines
• Geometry Selection
– Model
– Mill Volume
– Mill Surface
– Mill Window
Figure 3 – Cut Line
Figure 4 – Projected Cuts
Surface Milling
You use surface milling to mill horizontal or contoured surfaces. The selected
surfaces must enable a continuous toolpath.
• There are four cut types that enable you to configure the cut motion and
generate the toolpath.
– Straight Cut – You mill the selected surfaces by a series of straight cuts.
– From Surface Isoline – You mill the selected surfaces by following the
surface UV lines.
– Cut Line – You mill the selected surfaces by defining the shape of the
first, last, and optionally intermediate cuts. The generated toolpath
gradually changes the shape of the cuts according to surface topology.
– Projected Cuts – You mill the selected surfaces by projecting their
contours on the retract plane, creating a "flat" toolpath in this plane

(using the appropriate scan type), and then projecting this toolpath back
on the original surface(s).
Surface Milling Options

You need to configure a number of options when creating surface milling
sequences, including the following options.
• Cut type – You can change the cut type during the configuration of the NC
sequence. You can configure the four previously mentioned cut types.
• Geometry selection – A number of options are available.
– Model – You can select reference model surfaces for machining.
– Mill volume – You can use mill volume surfaces.
– Mill surface – You can use mill surfaces.
– Mill window – If you select a mill window, then all surfaces within the
mill window are selected.

Straight Cut Surface Milling
Straight cut surface milling enables you to mill the selected
surfaces with a series of straight cuts.

• Machine selected surfaces using straight cuts.
• Machining direction:
– Use CUT_ANGLE parameter.
• Straddle open edges.
• Avoid inner walls.
• Patch slots.
Figure 2 – CUT_ANGLE =
Figure 1 – Straight Cut Example 45 Degrees

You can use the following features to describe straight cut surface milling.
• You mill the selected surfaces by a series of straight cuts.
• The machining direction is controlled by the cut angle parameter.
• You completely machine the selected surface(s).
– If a surface is not bound by walls on the outside, the tool "straddles" or
overruns the surface boundary by half the tool diameter.
• Any inner protrusions, as well as the outer walls extending up from the
surface, are automatically avoided. The stock allowance, if any, applies to
the side walls as well.
• If you select a surface from the model, any slots or holes on the surface are
"patched." By default, the toolpaths are generated as if they were not there.

PROCEDURE - Straight Cut Surface Milling
Milling\Surface_Straight-Cut STRAIGHT_CUT.ASM
Task 1: Create a straight cut surface milling sequence and edit parameter
values.

3. Click Surface Milling from the Milling group.
• You must configure these items to generate a toolpath.
• Click Done.
4. Ensure that the 40_B_E_MILL tool is selected, then right-click and
5. Edit the parameters for the NC sequence.
• Select TYPE_1 from the SCAN_TYPE drop-down menu.
• Edit SPINDLE_SPEED to 1000. Click OK.
machining.
• Click Model > Done from the
menu manager.
• Press CTRL and select the
four curved surfaces on the
top of the reference model, as
shown.
• Click OK. Click Done/Return.

7. Configure the cut definition.
• Notice that the Cut Type option
is configured as Straight Cut
by default.
• Click Flip Direction .
• Notice that the cut direction
arrow updates on the model,
as shown.
• Notice also that the Cut Angle
value automatically changes
to 180.
• Click OK.
8. From the menu manager, click
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath passes over the pocket and avoids the
circular extrusion.
9. Reconfigure the cut definition.
• From the NC SEQUENCE
menu, click Seq Setup.
• Select the Define Cut check
• Select the By Edge option.
• Select the right edge of the
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the cut angle is now aligned with the selected edge.

12. Click Done Seq.

Straight Cut Surface Milling Parameters
There are a number of parameters that control straight cut
surface milling sequences. It is important to understand how
these parameters work.
Straight Cut Parameters
• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1
– TYPE_3
• CUT_ANGLE
• LACE_OPTION Figure 1 – SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_1
– LINE_CONNECT
– CURVE_CONNECT
– ARC_CONNECT
– LOOP_CONNECT
• Lateral control
– STEP_OVER Figure 2 – SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_3
– TOOL_OVERLAP
– SCALLOP_HEIGHT
Figure 3 – Lateral Control and Stock

Allowance
Straight Cut Parameters

The following parameters control the creation of a straight cut surface milling
sequence.
• SCAN_TYPE – Refers to the way a milling tool scans the surfaces and
avoids islands. For straight cut surface milling, the options are:
– TYPE_1 – Continuously machines the surface, retracts upon
– TYPE_3 – The tool removes material from continuous zones defined by
the island geometry, machining them in turn and moving around the
islands.
• CUT_ANGLE – The angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of the
NC Sequence coordinate system.
• LACE_OPTION – If configured, causes the tool to cut back and forth, and
specifies the shape of connection between the endpoints of neighboring
cuts. There are various connection types.
– LINE_CONNECT – The neighboring endpoints are connected by
straight line segments.
– CURVE_CONNECT – The tool follows the geometry of obstacles that
would otherwise interrupt the cutting pass. Use CURVE_CONNECT
only if LINE_CONNECT causes gouging.

– ARC_CONNECT – Creates smooth, arc-like connections between the
neighboring cutting passes. The cutting passes are shortened, as
necessary, to accommodate the connecting motions so that the tool
stays within surface boundaries.
– LOOP_CONNECT – The neighboring endpoints are connected by
vertical loops, with the tool leaving and entering material tangent to the
surface being machined.
• Lateral control options include:
– STEP_OVER – The default parameter for controlling the step-over
within a pass.
– TOOL_OVERLAP – You can use this option as an alternative method to
control the step-over based on the tool overlap.
– SCALLOP_HEIGHT – This must be less than or equal to cutter radius.
You can also use it to calculate step-over.
♦ You should use whichever parameter produces the smallest
calculated step-over.
• PROF_STOCK_ALLOW – Controls the stock remaining on machined
surfaces. You can also use it to calculate remaining stock when you
create material removal features. For surface milling, this can be negative,
allowing machining into the reference model. However, this is useful when
you machine electrodes.

PROCEDURE - Straight Cut Surface Milling Parameters
Milling\Surface_Straight-Parameters PARAMS.ASM
Task 1: Edit straight cut parameter values in a surface milling sequence.

STRAIGHT_CUT NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool machines around the circular extrusion and
pocket. This is because the SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_3. Notice also
that the cut angle is equal to 45 degrees.

• Edit CUT_ANGLE to 0.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now retracts over the extrusion, and machines
over the pocket, and the cut angle has changed, as shown.

6. If necessary, click All and select All categories from the Categories
drop-down list.
• Edit TOOL_OVERLAP to 30.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .
Notice that the resulting step-over has been reduced and is now
calculated using the TOOL_OVERLAP parameter, as shown.
8. Edit the scallop height to control the step-over distance.
• Edit SCALLOP_HGT to 0.4.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the resulting step-over has been reduced and is now
calculated using the SCALLOP_HGT parameter, as shown.
10. Edit the profile stock allowance to control the remaining stock.
• Edit PROF_STOCK_ALLOW to 2.
• Click OK.
11. Click Named Views from the

In Graphics toolbar.
• Select the named view
FRONT.
• Click Play .
• Zoom in to the model, as
shown.
• Click Rewind and then
click Play .
Notice the stock remaining on the machined surface, as shown.

13. Click Done Seq.

Creating Surface Milling Reference Geometry
You can use reference geometry such as mill surfaces as
alternative machining references in surface milling.
Surface Milling Reference Geometry

Alternative surface machining
references.
• Mill Surfaces
– Copy Figure 1 – Copying Surface
– Extrude
– Fill
• Mill surface modification
– Extend
♦ To Plane
♦ Along Surface
♦ Same
♦ Tangent Figure 2 – Extending a Surface
♦ Approximate
– Trim
– Merge
• Mill Volumes
• Mill Windows
Figure 3 – Merged Surfaces
Surface Milling Reference Geometry

You can use manufacturing geometry as an alternative surface machining
reference when creating surface milling sequences. You can use surfaces
from mill surfaces, mill volumes, and mill windows.
• Mill Surfaces – You can use mill surfaces to reference multiple model
surfaces and group them into a single surface. This enables more efficient
surface selection when creating surface milling sequences. The most
common options for mill surfaces are:
– Copy – Copy selected reference model surfaces. You can select
individual surfaces or use surf and bound techniques to select multiple
surfaces.
– Extrude – You can sketch a 2-D outline and extrude the outline to create
a surface.
– Fill – You can sketch a flat 2-D outline to form the boundaries of a
surface.
• Mill surface modification – You can use the following tools to extend, trim,
and merge surfaces together.

– Extend – You can extend the edges of a surface by a specified distance
or up to a plane. The following options enable you to configure the
surface extension:
♦ To Plane – Extends the boundary edge chain up to a specified plane
in a direction normal to this plane.
♦ Along Surface – Extends the surface boundary edge chain along the
original surface. When Along Surface is used to create an extend
feature, you can use one of the following options to determine how
the extension is done.
♦ Same – The default, creates an extension of the same type as the
original surface (for example, plane, cylinder, cone, or spline surface).
The original surface is extended past its selected boundary edge
chain.
♦ Tangent – Creates the extension as a ruled surface that is tangent to
the original surface.
♦ Approximate – Creates the extension as a boundary blend between
the boundary edges of the original surface and the edges of the
extension. This method is useful when extending the surface up to a
vertex that does not lie along a straight edge.
– Trim – You can trim a mill surface using another surface, datum plane,
or curve.
– Merge – When you create additional surface patches, the added patches
are not automatically included in the mill surface definition. You must
connect the patches with the base quilt (the one that includes the first
added surface) by merging.
• Mill Volumes – You can select surfaces from mill volumes and use them
as surface machining references.
• Mill Windows – If you use mill windows, then all surfaces within a mill
window are selected.

PROCEDURE - Creating Surface Milling Reference
Geometry
Milling\Surface_References MILL_SURF.ASM
Task 1: Create a mill surface by copying reference model surfaces.

easier viewing of mill surface geometry.
3. Select the surfaces to copy.
• Select the reference model, as
shown.
• Select the curved surface
on the reference model, as
shown.
other three curved surfaces
shown.
• In the ribbon, select the
Manufacturing tab. Click
Copy .
• Click Paste .
• Notice that the four curved
surfaces are copied.

4. Exclude inner pockets and fill
holes.
• Click Options in the
SURFACE: Copy dashboard.
• Select the Exclude surfaces
and Fill holes option.
• Press CTRL, and select the
edges of the left and right
pockets, and the edge of the
hole, as shown.
• Notice the pockets and hole
are filled, as shown.
• Click Complete Feature
in the SURFACE: Copy
dashboard.
• In the ribbon, select Mill
Surface tab.
• Click OK from the Controls
group.
• Notice the completed mill
surface, as shown.

5. Extend the mill surface.
• If necessary, select the COPY
1 mill surface in the model
tree.
• Right-click, and select
Redefine Mill Surface.
• Select one edge of the mill
surface, as shown.
• Press SHIFT and select the
mill surface, until the tangent
chain of edges are selected,
as shown.
• Notice that the tangent chain of
edges highlight on the model,
as shown.
• Click Extend .
• Edit the extend value to 5.
• Click Complete Feature in
the Extend dashboard.
• Click OK .
• Notice the extended surface
on the model, as shown.
You can use this mill surface as a machining reference. You can
also hide the mill surface to clarify the model display.
COPY 1 mill surface, then
right-click and select Hide .
• Notice that the mill surface
is no longer displayed in the
model, as shown.
You can redefine this mill surface at any time, as required.

Module 15
Creating From Surface Isolines Surface
Milling Sequences
Module Overview
From surface isolines surface milling sequences enable you to create
toolpaths based on the natural UV contours of the machined surfaces. You
can use from surface isolines surface milling to create finish or semi-finish
sequences for contoured surfaces of components, or mold cavities.
In this module, you learn about the from surface isolines surface
milling process and review the key from surface isolines surface milling
manufacturing parameters. You then create and edit from surface isolines
surface milling sequences.
Objectives
• Describe the from surface isolines surface milling process.
• Describe the key from surface isolines surface milling manufacturing
parameters.
• Create and edit from surface isolines surface milling sequences.

From Surface Isolines Surface Milling
From surface isolines surface milling creates toolpaths based
on the natural UV contours of the machined surfaces.
From Surface Isolines Surface

Milling
• Machine using natural UV surface
contours.
• Straddle open edges.
• Avoid inner walls. Figure 1 – Surface Contour
Directions
• No patching of slots.
From Surface Isolines Parameters
• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1/2/3
• Lateral control:
– STEP_OVER Figure 2 – Resulting Toolpath
– TOOL_OVERLAP
– SCALLOP_HGT
– NUMBER_PASSES
Figure 3 – Straight Cut Example
From Surface Isolines Surface Milling

The following features describe from surface isolines surface milling.
• You create a toolpath using the natural UV surface contours of the surfaces
being machined.
• You completely machine the selected surface(s).
– If a surface is not bound by walls on the outside, the tool "straddles" or
overruns the surface boundary by half the tool diameter.
• Any inner protrusions, as well as the outer walls extending up from the
surface, are avoided automatically. The stock allowance, if any, applies to
the side walls as well.
• If you select a surface from the model, any slots or holes on the surface
are not "patched." For 3-axis milling, the tool moves over internal slots
or holes at a constant Z-level, plunging or retracting at the lower edge
as necessary. For four- and five-axis milling, the tool retracts at all inner
edges. If this is not required, then you can use a mill surface or select a
surface from a mill volume.

From Surface Isolines Parameters
The following parameters control how a from surface isolines surface milling
sequence is generated.
• SCAN_TYPE – Refers to the way a milling tool scans the surfaces and
avoids islands. For from surface isolines surface milling, the options are:
– TYPE_1 – Continuously machines the surface and retracts upon
– TYPE_2 – Continuously machines the surface without retracting while
moving around the islands.
islands.
within a pass.
– SCALLOP_HGT – This must be less than or equal to cutter radius and
can also be used to calculate step-over.
– NUMBER_PASSES – You can use this option to explicitly set the
number of passes in each slice.
enabling machining into the reference model. However, this is useful when

PROCEDURE - From Surface Isolines Surface Milling
Milling\Surface_Isolines SURFACE_ISOLINES.ASM
Task 1: Create a From Surface Isolines surface milling sequence and edit
parameter values.

3. Click Surface Milling from the Milling group.
• Click Done.
4. Ensure that the 40_B_E_MILL tool is selected, and then right-click
and select Select tool and return.
5. Edit the parameters for the NC sequence.
• Click OK.
The parameter listing assumes you are creating a Straight Cut
surface milling sequence. However, the listing changes if you
configure the cut type to From Surface Isolines, and then reedit
the parameters.
machining.
• Click Model > Done from the
menu manager.
shown.
• Click OK.
• Click Done/Return.

7. Configure the cut definition.
• Select the From Surface
Isolines option.
• Select the first surface in the
Surface list. Note that the
cut direction highlights on the
model, as shown.
• Select the remaining surfaces
in the Surface list. Note that
the cut direction highlights for
each selected surface on the
model, as shown. Click OK.
• Click Play .
9. Reconfigure the cut definition.

• From the NC SEQUENCE
menu, click Seq Setup.
• Select the Define Cut check
• Select the first surface in the
Surface list.
• Click Toggle Direction .
• Select the remaining surfaces
in the Surface list. For
each surface, click Toggle
Direction .
• Notice that the cut direction
arrows update on the model,
as shown. Click OK.
You can also specify the order in which surfaces are machined
in the Cut Definition dialog box.
• Click Play .
Notice that the surfaces are now machined in a different direction.

12. Click Done Seq.

Module 16
Creating Cut Line Surface Milling
Sequences
Module Overview
Cut line surface milling sequences enable you to create toolpaths that
gradually change the shape of the cuts according to the surface topology.
You can use cut line surface milling to create finish sequences for contoured
surfaces of components, or mold cavities.
In this module, you learn about the cut line surface milling process and review
the key cut line surface milling manufacturing parameters. You then create
and edit cut line surface milling sequences.
Objectives
• Describe the cut line surface milling process.
• Describe the key cut line surface milling manufacturing parameters.
• Create and edit cut line surface milling sequences.

Cut Line Surface Milling
Cut line surface milling enables you to specify the shape of the
first, last, and optionally some intermediate cuts. The toolpath
gradually changes the shape of the cuts according to the surface
topology.
Cut Line Surface Milling:

• Mill surfaces using cut lines.
• Toolpath gradually changes shape.
• Open or closed cut lines.
Cut Line Surface Milling Parameters:
Figure 1 – Cut Line Surface Milling
• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1/2/3
– TYPE_SPIRAL
– TYPE_ONE_DIR
– TYPE_HELICAL
• NUMBER_CUTS
Figure 2 – Multiple Cuts
• OFFSET_INCREMENT
• LACE_OPTION
• Lateral control:
– STEP_OVER
– TOOL_OVERLAP
– SCALLOP_HGT
Figure 3 – Stock Allowance

and Scallop Height
Cut Line Surface Milling

The following features describe cut line surface milling:
• You mill the selected surfaces by specifying the shape of the first, last, and
optionally some intermediate cut lines.
• The generated toolpath gradually changes the shape of the cuts according
to surface topology.
• Both open and closed cut lines are possible.
Cut Line Surface Milling Parameters

The following parameters control how a cut line surface milling sequence
is generated.
• SCAN_TYPE – Refers to the method a milling tool uses to scan the
surfaces and avoid islands. For cut line surface milling, the options are:

– TYPE_1 – Continuously machines the surface, and retracts upon
islands.
– TYPE_SPIRAL – Generates a spiral cutter path.
– TYPE_ONE_DIR – The tool cuts in one direction only.
– TYPE_HELICAL – The tool moves along a helix. Valid for Closed Cut
Line machining only.
• You can create multiple passes at different Z-heights, using
NUMBER_CUTS and OFFSET_INCREMENT.
• LACE_OPTION – If configured, causes the tool to cut back and forth and
specifies the shape of connection between the endpoints of neighboring
cuts.
within a pass.
– SCALLOP_HGT – This must be less than or equal to cutter radius. It
can also be used to calculate step-over.
enabling machining into the reference model. However, this is useful when

PROCEDURE - Cut Line Surface Milling
Milling\Surface_Cut-Line CUT_LINE.ASM
Task 1: Create a cut line surface milling sequence and edit parameter
values.

• Click the Milling group drop-down menu and select Cut Line
Milling .
3. From the Tool Manager drop-down menu, select the 40_B_E_MILL
tool.
References area.
shown.
6. Select the Cut Lines tab.

• Click Details, below the
four upper surface edges, as
shown. Click OK.

7. Configure the second open cut
line.
• Select Cutline 2.
• Click Details, below the
four lower surface edges, as
shown. Click OK.
• Select View Toolpath from
the dashboard.
8. From the dashboard, click

Display Toolpath .
• Click Play .
click Close in the Play Path
dialog box.
Notice that the toolpath gradually changes shape between the start
and end cut lines.
• Click Edit Machining Parameters .
drop-down list.
11. Edit OFFSET_INCREMENT to 5.
12. Edit NUMBER_CUTS to 2.
13. Click OK.
14. From the dashboard, click
Display Toolpath .
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath now makes two passes offset by 5

millimeters.

16. Click Complete Feature from the dashboard.

Module 17
Advanced Surface Milling Options
Module Overview
Advanced surface milling options enable you to modify default surface milling
cut motions, and change toolpaths by specifying check surfaces and scallop
surfaces. You can use different methods to configure approach and exit
moves to modify surface milling default cut motions. You can also specify
check surfaces and configure surfaces to be ignored from scallop height
calculation.
In this module, you learn the methods that you can use to modify default
surface milling cut motions. You then edit surface milling sequences using
different methods.
Objectives
• Describe the methods that you can use to modify default surface milling
cut motions.
• Edit surface milling sequences using different methods.

Advanced Surface Milling Options
You can use various advanced options to modify default
surface milling cut motions. You can also change toolpaths by
specifying check surfaces.
Approach and Exit Moves
• Modify default cut motions
• Entry Type
– First cut/each cut
• Exit Type
– Last cut/each cut
Figure 1 – Entry/Exit Move
• Alternative Methods Dialog Box
– Build Cut
– Customize
Check and Scallop Surface Options
• Check Surfs
– Additional surfaces for gouge
checking
• ScallopSrf
– Exclude surfaces from scallop Figure 2 – Entry and Exit Moves
height calculation
Figure 3 – Toolpath Adjusted

for Check Surfaces
Approach and Exit Moves

You can configure approach and exit moves to modify surface milling default
cut motions.
• Default Cut Motions – There are many times when additional approach
and exit moves are required to improve a toolpath. When creating NC
sequences, default cut motions are created based on selected geometry
and manufacturing parameters. You can modify these default cut motions
if required.
• Entry and Exit Moves – The Approach/Exit option in the sequence setup
menu provides access to the Entry/Exit Move dialog box.
– The Entry/Exit Move dialog box enables you to modify the default cut
motion. A number of options are available.
♦ You can select standard strategies for entry and exit.
♦ You can specify different entry strategies for the first cut and
the intermediate cuts, as well as different exit strategies for the
intermediate cuts and the last cut.

♦ You can also specify custom strategies for entry and exit.
• Alternative Methods – You can use two other methods to modify default
cut motions.
– Build cut – You can access this option from the sequence setup menu.
It provides access to build cut functionality where you can specify
approach and exit moves.
– Customize – You can access this option from the NC sequence
menu. You can also modify default cut motions using the customize
functionality. Various options in the Customize dialog box enable
you to specify approach and exit motions, edit individual cut motion
parameters, and remove unwanted cut motions.
♦ Both options enable you to modify the existing cut motions and
specify approach and exit moves.
Check and Scallop Surfaces Options

Two options in the sequence setup menu enable you to specify check
surfaces and ignore surfaces from scallop height calculation.
• Check Surfs – You can select additional surfaces against which gouge
checking is performed. This is useful if you have fixtures and holding
components that can be gouged by a tool.
• ScallopSrf – You can select surfaces that are excluded from scallop
computation if SCALLOP_HGT is specified. This is useful if you have
surfaces at different angles, and you want to exclude specific surfaces
from the scallop computation.

PROCEDURE - Advanced Surface Milling Options
Milling\Surface_Advanced ADVANCED.ASM
Task 1: Gouge check the surface milling sequence.

STRAIGHT_CUT NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play from the Play
Path dialog box.
click Close.
Notice that the toolpath may be gouging into the clamp at the
beginning and end of each pass. You can check and correct this.
3. Configure surfaces for gouge
checking.
• From the Play Path menu,
click Gouge Check.
4. Press CTRL and select the two
top surfaces on the clamp part.
5. Click OK > Done/Return >
Done/Return.
6. Click Run to perform a gouge
check.
7. Notice that gouges were found.
8. Click Show All to see all
detected gouges on the toolpath.
9. Click Done/Return >
Done/Return > Done/Return.

10. Click Repaint from the In
Graphics toolbar.
11. To configure the check surfaces,
click Seq Setup from the NC
SEQUENCE menu.
12. Select the Check Surfs check
top surfaces on the clamp part,
as shown.
Done/Return.
15. Perform gouge checking again.
Click Play Path > Gouge Check.
top surfaces on the clamp part,
as shown.
Done/Return.
18. Click Run. Notice that no gouges
were found.
19. Click Done/Return >
Done/Return.
20. Adjust the check surface stock allowance. In the ribbon, click Step
Parameters .
21. Edit CHK_SRF_STOCK_ALLOW to 2. Click OK.
• Click Play .
avoids the check surfaces.
Task 2: Create an approach and exit move.
1. Create tangent approach and exit moves.

2. From the NC SEQUENCE menu, click Seq Setup.
3. Select the Approach/Exit check box, and click Done.
• Select LINE_TANGENT from the First Cut drop-down list.
• Select LINE_TANGENT from the Last Cut drop-down list.
• Click OK.

• Click All.
• Edit APPROACH_DISTANCE to 20.
5. Edit EXIT_DISTANCE to 20. Click OK.
6. Click Play Path > Screen Play.
• Click Play .
• Zoom in to the beginning and
then the end of the toolpath.
• Notice an approach move has
been added to the first pass,
and an exit move has been
added to the last pass.
7. Click Close.
8. Click Done Seq.

Module 18
Creating Roughing and Re-roughing
Sequences
Module Overview
Roughing sequences are similar to volume milling sequences. The difference
is that they are intended specifically for high speed mold machining, and
especially for machining imported, non-solid geometry. Roughing sequences
have additional capabilities aimed at producing more efficient toolpaths when
machining mold cavities or pockets.
Re-roughing NC sequences creates toolpaths to machine only the areas
where a previous roughing or re-roughing sequence could not reach.
Typically you perform them with a smaller tool and you machine the areas
that the larger roughing cutter could not enter due to its size.
In this module, you learn the differences between roughing and re-roughing
sequences, and review the key roughing manufacturing parameters. You
create and edit roughing and re-roughing sequences.
Objectives
• Describe the roughing and re-roughing process.
• Describe the key roughing manufacturing parameters.
• Create roughing sequences.
• Create re-roughing sequences.

Basic Roughing and Re-roughing
Roughing and re-roughing sequences are intended for high
speed mold machining, and for machining imported, non-solid
geometry. You can use these NC sequences to produce more
efficient toolpaths when machining mold cavities or pockets.
Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences
• Roughing – High speed mold machining and machining imported
geometry.
– Remove material inside mill windows.
– Scallop height control.
– Automatic degouging.
– Machine by cavity.
– High speed roughing scans.
– Open and closed area scans.
– Open and closed area entry methods.
– No automatic material removal.
• Re-roughing – Machines where previous roughing could not reach.
– Use manufacturing geometry.
– Typically use smaller tool.
– No removal of scallops between slices.
Figure 2 – Basic Re-Roughing

Figure 1 – Basic Roughing Toolpath
Toolpath
Roughing and Re-roughing Sequences

Roughing and re-roughing sequences are designed for high speed mold
machining, and for machining imported, non-solid geometry. Roughing and
re-roughing sequences can directly machine models containing facet data in
STL format.
• The following features define roughing sequences.
– Remove all material inside a mill window boundary, with additional depth
control based on the depth of the mill window.
– Provide optional scallop height control.
– Perform automatic degouging against all the surfaces of the reference
part.

– Perform zoning by cavity rather than by slice, which means that in case
of multiple cavities the tool completely machines one cavity before
moving to the next.
– Support a variety of high speed roughing scans, with a minimum corner
radius control.
– Enable a selection of different high speed scans for open and closed
areas, assessed on a slice-by-slice basis.
– Provide different entry methods for open and closed areas. The tool
enters open areas from the side. For closed areas, you can specify
either helical or ramp top entry method.
– Do not generate an automatic material removal feature. However, you
can manually create material removal features.
• Re-roughing NC sequences create toolpaths to machine only the areas

where a previous roughing sequence could not reach.
– Typically you perform them with a smaller tool and you machine the
areas that the larger roughing cutter could not enter due to its size.
– They do not attempt to remove scallops left between the slices of the
referenced sequence.

PROCEDURE - Basic Roughing and Re-Roughing
Milling\Roughing ROUGHING.ASM
Task 1: Create a roughing NC sequence and edit parameter values.

3. Select Roughing from the Roughing drop-down menu in the
Milling group.
4. Click Tool Manager in the Roughing dashboard.
5. Ensure that the 25_FEM tool is selected, then right-click and select
Select tool and return.
Task 2: Define References.
1. Select the References tab.

2. Click in the Mill Window collector
window to activate it.
3. Select Mill Window from the
Geometry drop-down menu in
the Roughing dashboard.
4. Click Chain Window .
model as the window placement
plane, as shown.

6. Right-click and select Chain to
activate the selection of edges.
• Select one of the inner chains
of edges at the top of the
pocket, as shown.
• Press SHIFT and select
another edge in the loop, as
shown.
• Notice that the tangent chain
of edges highlights on the
model, as shown.
8. Click Resume Feature .

• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath roughs out the pocket with a 25 millimeter
flat end mill.
10. Review the simulation and click Close in the Play Path dialog box.
Task 3: Create a re-roughing NC sequence and reference the previous

roughing sequence.
1. Ensure that the Roughing 1 sequence is selected.

• Click Re-Rough from the Milling group.
2. Click Tool Manager in the Re-roughing dashboard.
3. Select the 15_FEM tool, then right-click and select Select tool and
return.

• Click Play .
Notice that the tool machines only the areas where the previous
roughing sequence could not reach.

Roughing Scans and Entry and Exit Parameters
For roughing sequences, there are a number of parameters that
control the roughing scan type. You can also vary the entry and
exit methods for closed and open areas.
High Speed Roughing Scans
• OPEN_AREA_SCAN and
CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
– CONSTANT_LOAD (default for
closed areas)
– MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE
– MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION Figure 1 – CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
= CONSTANT_LOAD
– FOLLOW_CONTOUR (default
for open areas)
– TYPE_SPIRAL
– TYPE_3
Entry and Exit Methods
• OPEN_AREA_ENTRY
– Tool enters from open side. Figure 2 – CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
= MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE
• CLOSED_AREA_ENTRY
– TANGENT_HELIX or RAMP
Figure 3 – CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
= TYPE_SPIRAL
High Speed Roughing Scans

A number of parameters enable the selection of different high speed scans for
open and closed areas. These scans are assessed on a slice-by-slice basis.
• The controlling parameters are OPEN_AREA_SCAN and
CLOSED_AREA_SCAN. You can configure them with the following values.
– CONSTANT_LOAD (default for closed areas) – Creates a cutter path
that produces an approximately constant tool load.
– MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE – Creates a spiral cutter path with reverse arc
connections between cuts. This option minimizes retracts.
– MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION – Creates a spiral cutter path with
S-shape connections between cuts. This option minimizes retracts.
– FOLLOW_CONTOUR (default for open areas) – The shape of each cut
follows the shape of the hard walls, maintaining fixed offset between the
respective points of two successive cuts.
– TYPE_SPIRAL – Creates a spiral toolpath around all islands.

– TYPE_3 – Lace type toolpath where cutter machines zone by zone.
Entry and Exit Methods

• These provide different entry and exit methods for open and closed areas.
The tool enters open areas from the side. For closed areas, you can
specify either a helical or ramp top entry method.
• The controlling parameters are CLOSED_AREA_ENTRY and
OPEN_AREA_ENTRY.
– For CLOSED_AREA_ENTRY, you can edit the approach and exit move
to TANGENT_HELIX or RAMP.

PROCEDURE - Roughing Scans and Entry and Exit
Parameters
Milling\Roughing_Scan ROUGH_SCAN.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to rough scanning in an existing roughing

sequence.

ROUGHING NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Note, for the manufacturing parameter CLOSED_AREA_SCAN,
the default value is CONSTANT_LOAD. This produces a toolpath
with an approximately constant tool load. Alternatively, you can
use MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE and MAINTAIN_CUT_DIR values to
minimize retract moves during the toolpath.
3. Click Step Parameters from

the Update group.
• Select MAINTAIN_
CUT_TYPE from the
CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
drop-down menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the retract moves have been minimized.

• Select MAINTAIN_CUT_DIR
from the CLOSED_AREA_
SCAN drop-down menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the cut direction has been maintained.

• Select TYPE_SPIRAL from
the CLOSED_AREA_SCAN
drop-down menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice a spiral scan is created.

10. Click Done Seq.

Step Depth and Tolerance Control Roughing
Parameters
For roughing sequences, there are a number of parameters that
control the step depth and tolerance control.
Step Depth Calculations Improved Tolerance Control

• Based on the maximum and • Tolerance options
minimum Z-heights in the mill – INSIDE_TOLERANCE
window
– OUTSIDE_TOLERANCE
• MAX_STEP_DEPTH
• MIN_STEP_DEPTH
Figure 1 – Step Depth Figure 2 – Tolerance Control

Calculation
Step Depth Calculations

• You perform additional step depth calculations for roughing and
re-roughing. The step depth calculation is based on the maximum and
minimum Z-heights in the mill window and the MAX_STEP_DEPTH
parameter value.
• MAX_STEP_DEPTH – Specifies the maximum allowed step depth.
– After finding the positions of the highest and lowest slices, the system
calculates the actual step depth, which is less than or equal to the
specified MAX_STEP_DEPTH and results in a minimum number of
uniformly spaced slices.
• MIN_STEP_DEPTH – Enables you to specify the minimum step depth
allowed between the slices.
Improved Tolerance Control

• Tolerance defines the maximum distance that the straight line path of the
tool can deviate from the curved geometry.
• The tolerance band is normally symmetric. In roughing and re-roughing,
you can specify different tolerance values for INSIDE_TOLERANCE and
OUTSIDE_TOLERANCE.

PROCEDURE - Step Depth and Tolerance Control
Roughing Parameters
Milling\Roughing_Depth DEPTH_TOL.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to step depth and tolerance control in

an existing roughing sequence.

Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
The MAX_STEP_DEPTH is currently equal to 25. You can reduce
this value to reduce the step depth in the NC sequence, and
increase the number of slices in the NC sequence.

• Edit MAX_STEP_DEPTH to
15.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the number of slices has increased, and the step depth
is now no more than 15 millimeters.

• Edit INSIDE_TOLERANCE to 0.04.
• Edit OUTSIDE_TOLERANCE to 0.07.
• Click OK.
Notice that you can independently modify the inside and outside
tolerance values. This is not possible with volume milling
sequences.
6. Click Done Seq.

Additional Scallop Height Control Roughing
Parameters
Scallop height control enables you to generate a semi-finishing
toolpath with the same tool and during the same roughing
sequence.
Additional Scallop Height
Control
• Optional extra slices
• ROUGH_SCALLOP_
CONTROL
– NO
– DURING
– DURING_BOTTOM_UP
– AFTER
• ROUGH_SCALLOP Figure 1 – Scallop Height Control
Figure 2 – No Scallop Height Figure 3 – With Scallop Height Control

Control
Additional Scallop Height Control

• After the first roughing sequence, the resulting scallop height does
not always leave a constant thickness of material to remove for any
subsequent finishing toolpaths. Rough scallop control enables you to
generate a semi-finishing toolpath with the same tool and during the
same NC sequence. This results in a smaller scallop height, and leaves
a uniform thickness of remaining material that you can use to create
subsequent finishing toolpaths.
• ROUGH_SCALLOP_CONTROL – Controls whether extra slices are
created between regular roughing slices, and defines the machining order.
– NO – No extra slices are generated to control the scallop height.
– DURING – Creo Parametric generates the extra slices and inserts them
between the regular slices.
– DURING_BOTTOM_UP – Creo Parametric generates the extra slices
and inserts them between the regular slices, machining them from the
bottom up to optimize the tool load.

– AFTER – Creo Parametric generates the extra slices. The tool machines
all the regular slices first, and then machines the extra slices to reduce
the scallop height, where needed.
• ROUGH_SCALLOP – Maximum scallop height for the steps between the
regular slices.

PROCEDURE - Additional Scallop Height Control
Roughing Parameters
Milling\Scallop_Height SCALLOP_HGT.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to scallop height control in an existing

roughing sequence.

Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool makes two passes in the pocket. The pocket
has a draft angle of 5 degrees, which means there is an uneven
thickness of material remaining in the pocket. You can use
the scallop height control parameters to create a more uniform
thickness of remaining material to create subsequent finishing
toolpaths.

• If necessary, click All.
• Select DURING from the ROUGH_SCALLOP_CONTROL
drop-down menu.
• Edit ROUGH_SCALLOP to 0.5.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
• If necessary, drag the Display
Speed slider to the left to slow
down the toolpath simulation.
Notice that the number of slices has increased, because the step
depth is now controlled by the ROUGH_SCALLOP parameter.
Notice also additional slices are taken during the roughing toolpath.
You can control when the additional slices are taken by editing the
ROUGH_SCALLOP_CONTROL parameter value.

• Select AFTER from the ROUGH_SCALLOP_CONTROL drop-down
menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
• If necessary, drag the Display
Speed slider to the left to slow
down the toolpath simulation.
Notice that although the toolpath is essentially the same, the

additional slices are made after the first roughing passes are made.
8. Click Done Seq.

Roughing Corner Options
When you rough a surface, you can add a filleting move to a
sharp corner. You can also create slowdown motions before a
corner and ramp up motions after a corner.
Toolpath Filleting
• Add a filleting move to a sharp
corner
• SMOOTH_SHARP_
CORNERS
– NO
– CONSTANT_RADIUS Figure 1 – No Toolpath Filleting
– RADIUS_BY_ANGLE
– MAX_RADIUS
• SMOOTH_RADIUS
Progressive Slowdown for
Corners
• Slowdown motions and ramp
up motions
• CORNER_SLOWDOWN
• SLOWDOWN_LENGTH
• SLOWDOWN_PERCENT
• NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_
STEPS Figure 2 – Toolpath Filleting Applied
Toolpath Filleting
• You can add a filleting move to a sharp corner. This option is available for
roughing, re-roughing, volume milling, and local milling.
• SMOOTH_SHARP_CORNERS – Specifies the way sharp toolpath corners
are rounded while machining. The options are:
– No – A rounding radius is not used while machining sharp toolpath
corners. This is the default.
– CONSTANT_RADIUS – Rounds sharp corners using a rounding radius
having a value equal to that of the SMOOTH_RADIUS parameter.
– RADIUS_BY_ANGLE – Rounds sharp corners using a rounding
radius having a value based on the angle of the sharp corner and the
SMOOTH_RADIUS value.
– MAX_RADIUS – Rounds sharp corners using the largest possible radius
between 10% and 100% of the SMOOTH_RADIUS value.
• SMOOTH_RADIUS – Specifies the radius for filleting or smooth corner

machining.

– The minimum value must be 10% of the tool diameter if the
SMOOTH_SHARP_CORNERS parameter is defined and not set to
CONSTANT_RADIUS.
– The maximum allowable value is 50% of the step-over distance.
Progressive Slowdown for Corners

• You can create slowdown motions before a corner and ramp up motions
after a corner. A number of parameters control the tool movement.
– CORNER_SLOWDOWN – Specifies the use of a progressive slowdown
in the feed rate before a corner followed by an acceleration to the cut
feed rate after the corner. The default is NO.
– SLOWDOWN_LENGTH – Specifies the length of the move for the
slowdown. The same length is used for the acceleration after the
corner. The length is measured from the sharp edge or the beginning of
the rounding fillet, if any. If one of the edges is an arc, the distance is
taken along the arc.
– SLOWDOWN_PERCENT – Specifies the feed rate at the end of the
slowdown. For example, if the cut feed rate is 300 millimeters per minute
and the value of the SLOWDOWN_PERCENT is 10, then the feed rate
at the end of the slowdown is 30 millimeters per minute.
– NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_STEPS – Specifies the number of steps in
which the slowdown takes place. A larger number of steps results
in a smoother slowdown. At each step, the feed rate is reduced by
(100–SLOWDOWN_PERCENT)/NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_STEPS.
During acceleration after the corner, the number of steps is halved.

PROCEDURE - Roughing Corner Options
Milling\Roughing_Corner CORNER_OPTIONS.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to corner options in an existing roughing

sequence.

Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Sharp corners are currently configured in this toolpath. You can add
smooth corners by editing corner option parameters.

• Select CONSTANT_RADIUS from the SMOOTH_SHARP_
CORNERS drop-down menu.
• Edit SMOOTH_RADIUS to 6.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the sharp corners have now been rounded, and the
smooth radius value is equal to 6 millimeters. You can also
configure progressive slowdown for corners.

• Select YES from the CORNER_SLOWDOWN drop-down menu.
• Edit SLOWDOWN_LENGTH to 10.
• Edit SLOWDOWN_PERCENT to 0.5.
• Edit NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_STEPS to 4.
• Click OK.

• Click the CL Data bar to make
the CL data visible.
• Click Next Record
repeatedly to step through the
toolpath one move at a time.
Observe the feed rate slows down when approaching corners and
increases when moving out of corners, as shown.
7. Click Play to reviewing the toolpath.

9. Click Done Seq.

Module 19
Creating Finishing Sequences
Module Overview
You can use finishing sequences to machine components after roughing
and re-roughing. Finishing sequences create optimized toolpaths that use a
combination of horizontal and vertical slicing motions.
In this module, you learn about the finishing process, and review the key
finishing manufacturing parameters. You create and edit finishing sequences.
Objectives
• Describe the finishing sequence process.
• Describe the key finishing sequence manufacturing parameters.
• Create and edit finishing sequences.

Basic Finishing
You can use finishing sequences to machine components after
roughing and re-roughing. You can also use them to directly
machine models containing non-solid geometry.
Finishing Sequences
• Reference mill windows.
• Create after roughing and
re-roughing.
• Directly machine STL data.
Figure 1 – Basic Finishing Toolpath
Cut Types
• Vertical Slices
• Horizontal Slices
• Combined
Slope Angle Parameter
• Specify areas for machining. Figure 2 – Steep and Shallow
– Steep Machining Areas
– Shallow
Finishing Sequences
• Finishing sequences reference mill windows and you can use them
to machine components after roughing and re-roughing. They create
optimized finishing sequences that use a combination of horizontal and
vertical slicing toolpaths.
• You can also use them to machine models containing faceted data in STL
format.
Cut Types
• Finishing functionality provides an automated method to create
combinations of vertical and horizontal slicing toolpaths within specific
manufacturing constraints.
– Vertical slice machining produces straight, curved, or circular cuts
projected onto the geometry being machined.
– Horizontal slicing toolpaths are in the form of Z-profile cuts.
– You can specify whether only one of these techniques is used or a
combination of both.
Slope Angle Parameter
• The SLOPE_ANGLE parameter specifies the angle dividing all the surfaces
being machined into two areas, steep (near vertical) and shallow (near
horizontal).

• You can then use other manufacturing parameters, specific to finishing NC
sequences, to further control the resulting toolpath, specifically:
– To machine just the steep or the shallow area or both.
– To include flat (horizontal) surfaces into the shallow area.
– To configure the slicing algorithm used in each area.
– To configure how to perform connections and entry moves.

PROCEDURE - Basic Finishing
Milling\Finish BASIC_FINISH.ASM
Task 1: Create a finishing NC sequence and edit parameter values.

3. Click Finishing from the Milling group.
4. Click Tool Manager from the Finishing dashboard.
5. Select the 14_BEM tool, and then right-click and select Select tool
and return.
• Click in the Mill Window
collector to activate it.
• Select the Mill Window 1
shown.

• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath finishes the surface at the bottom of the
pocket first and then finishes the side walls of the pocket.

Editing Finishing Parameters
You can use finishing sequence parameters to specify how the
vertical and horizontal slicing toolpaths are created within a
finishing sequence.
Finishing Parameters
• SLOPE_ANGLE – Divides steep and shallow areas.
• FINISH_OPTION – Specifies machining method.
– STRAIGHT/PROFILE/SHALLOW/COMBINED
• SHALLOW_AREA_SCAN – Scanning method for shallow areas.
• STEEP_CONNECT_OPTION – Method for connecting profile slices.
• FINISHING_ORDER – Shallow/steep area.
• FLAT_AREA – Method of machining flat areas.
Figure 1 – Finish Option: Figure 2 – Finish Option:

PROFILE_CUTS SHALLOW_CUTS
Finishing Parameters
The following is a list of key manufacturing parameters that control finishing
sequences.
• SLOPE_ANGLE – The angular value with respect to the XY plane that
divides the surfaces to be machined into steep (near vertical) and shallow
(near horizontal) areas. The default is 45 degrees.
• FINISH_OPTION – This specifies the machining method for creating the
optimized toolpath.
– STRAIGHT_CUTS_WITH_CROSSCUT – Creates a crosscut toolpath,
machining both the steep and shallow areas in a series of straight cuts,
in the direction controlled by the CUT_ANGLE parameter.
– PROFILE_CUTS – Machines the steep areas only, using the profile cuts.
– SHALLOW_CUTS – Machines the shallow areas only, according to the
SHALLOW_AREA_SCAN parameter value.
– COMBINED_CUTS (default) – Uses a combination of cuts. Machines
the steep areas using the profile cuts. Machines the shallow areas
according to the SHALLOW_AREA_SCAN parameter value.
• SHALLOW_AREA_SCAN – Specifies the scanning algorithm for
the shallow area if FINISH_OPTION is set to COMBINED_CUTS or
SHALLOW_CUTS.

– SPIRAL_SCAN (default) – Uses connected concentric loops that start
along the perimeter of the area and move toward the center, with
S-shaped connections between the loops.
– STRAIGHT_SCAN – Uses straight cuts in the direction controlled by the
CUT_ANGLE parameter.
– SPIRAL_3D_EQUIDISTANT – Uses constant 3-D STEP_OVER, that
is computed based on the curve or curves limiting the shallow area,
along the surface.
• STEEP_CONNECT_OPTION – Specifies the method of connecting profile
slices when machining the steep area.
– S_CONNECT (default) – The tool makes an S-shaped movement while
connecting two consecutive slices.
– LINE_CONNECT – The tool moves in a straight line from the end of the
previous slice to the start of the next slice.
– RETRACT – The tool retracts between slices.
• FINISHING_ORDER – If you are machining both the steep and the shallow
areas, this specifies the order of machining.
– SHALLOW_AREA_FIRST (default) – Machines the shallow area first.
– STEEP_AREA_FIRST – Machines the steep area first.
• FLAT_AREA – If the geometry to be machined contains a flat area (parallel
to the XY plane of the NC Sequence coordinate system), you can specify
how to machine it by using the following options.
– FLAT_INCLUDED (default) – Machines the flat area together with the
shallow area.
– FLAT_EXCLUDED – Does not machine the flat area.
– FLAT_ONLY – Machines only the flat area by applying the algorithms
specified for the shallow area.

PROCEDURE - Editing Finishing Parameters
Milling\Finish_Parameters FINISH_PARAMS.ASM
Task 1: Edit finishing parameters in an existing finishing sequence.


FINISHING NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath finishes the surface at the bottom of the
pocket with a spiral scan and then finishes the side walls of the
pocket with profile cuts. You can change the way the pocket is
machined using various parameters.

• Select STEEP_AREA_FIRST from the FINISHING_ORDER
drop-down menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath now machines the side walls first.

• Select SHALLOW_CUTS from the FINISH_OPTION drop-down
menu.
• Select STRAIGHT_SCAN from the SHALLOW_AREA_SCAN
drop-down menu.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath now machines only the shallow area,
and scans the shallow area using straight cuts. Note that the
SLOPE_ANGLE parameter divides the surfaces to be machined
into steep and shallow areas. The default value is 45 degrees.

• Select PROFILE_CUTS from the FINISH_OPTION drop-down
menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
• Zoom in to the toolpath, as
shown.
Notice that the toolpath now machines only the steep area. The tool
makes S-shaped moves between connecting slices.

• Select LINE_CONNECT from the STEEP_CONNECT_OPTION
drop-down menu.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
• Zoom in to the toolpath, as
shown.
Notice that the tool makes straight line moves between connecting
slices.

12. Click Done Seq.

Module 20
Creating Trajectory Milling Sequences
Module Overview
Trajectory milling enables you to sweep a tool along any user-defined
trajectory. During the trajectory milling process, you must configure the
trajectory for the tool to follow. You can use trajectory milling sequences for
milling slots where the shape of the tool corresponds to that of the slot. You
can also use them to chamfer edges. You can either use an edited tool or you
can sketch your own tool for the sequence. This enables you to specify the
tool control point anywhere on the tool.
In this module, you learn the different methods used to create trajectory
milling sequences and review the key trajectory milling parameters. You
create trajectory milling sequences using different methods and learn how to
create and use sketched tools in trajectory milling sequences.
Objectives
• Describe the trajectory milling process.
• Describe different methods of creating trajectory milling sequences.
• Describe how to create sketched tools.
• Create trajectory milling sequences using different methods.
• Create sketched tools.

Understanding Trajectory Milling
Trajectory milling enables you to sweep a tool along any
user-defined trajectory. You can use it for milling slots or
chamfers.
Trajectory Milling
• Two Types
– 2-Axis Trajectory Milling
♦ Select or sketch a curve.
♦ Curve must be planar.
♦ Simple to use.
Figure 1 – 2-Axis Trajectory Milling
♦ Automatic material removal.
– 3- to 5-Axis Trajectory Milling
♦ Interactively configure
trajectory.
♦ Create cut motions.
♦ More advanced options.
Sketched or Edited Tools
Figure 2 – 3-Axis Trajectory Milling
• Edited Tools
• Sketched Tools – User-defined
tool control point.
Figure 3 – Sketched Tool
Trajectory Milling
There are two types of trajectory milling sequences:
• 2-Axis Trajectory Milling
– To configure the toolpath for 2-axis trajectory milling, you sketch or select
a curve that represents the final trajectory of the control point of the tool.
– The curve must lie in the plane normal to the Z-axis of the NC sequence
coordinate system.
– In the simplest case, the tool makes just the one cutting pass along this
trajectory, with or without tool offset.
– This type of trajectory milling sequence also benefits from automatic
material removal.
• 3- to 5-Axis Trajectory Milling
– To configure the toolpath for 3- to 5-axis trajectory milling, you must
interactively specify the trajectory of the control point of the tool by
creating cut motions using the customize functionality.

Sketched or Edited Tools
• You can use either edited tools or sketch your own tool for the NC
sequence.
• If you sketch a tool, you can create a user-defined control point for the tool.

Creating Sketched Milling Tools
Trajectory milling sequences enable you to sketch a tool. This
enables you to create a user-defined tool cross-section and
specify a non-standard control point for the tool.
Sketched Tools
• Create a sketch during tool
configuration.
• Tool Features
– Sketch as revolved solid.
– Half tool cross-section.
– Right side of axis of symmetry.
– Sketch must be closed.
– Tool control point:
♦ Sketcher coordinate system.
Tool Offset – Tool control point offset
from trajectory Figure 1 – Sketched Tool
• Specify during tool configuration.
• Left, right, or none.
• Offset half cutter diameter.
• Tool center or tool edge cutter
compensation.
Figure 2 – Tool Offset
Sketched Tools
• You create sketched tools by configuring a sketch within the Tools Setup
dialog box.
• The following features describe sketched tools.
– You sketch the tool as a revolved protrusion.
– The sketch represents half of the tool cross-section.
– The whole sketch must lie on one side of the axis of symmetry.
– The axis of symmetry must be vertical, with the sketch lying on the right.
– The sketch must be closed.
– You can specify a control point other than its tip by adding a Sketcher
coordinate system to the tool sketch. For edited tools, and for sketched
tools with no control point specified, you use the tip of the tool.
Tool Offset
You can specify whether the tool control point is offset from the trajectory,
depending on your requirements. The following features describe the tool
offset.
• You can specify the offset during cut motion creation.

• The offset can be left/right or none.
• The offset is equal to half the cutter diameter.
• You can also change cutter compensation from tool center to tool edge
when configuring the Work Center.

PROCEDURE - Creating Sketched Milling Tools
Milling\Sketch_Tool SKETCH_TOOL.ASM
Task 1: Create a sketched key way tool.
1. Enable only the following Datum Display type:

2. Click Cutting Tools from the Machine Tool Setup group.
3. Click Edit > Sketch in the Tools Setup dialog box.
• Type KEY_WAY_35_0 in the Name text box.
• Click the Sketcher, from the Tools setup dialog box to open
Sketcher.
4. Select Centerline from the

Centerline types drop-down
menu in the Sketching group.
• Sketch a vertical centerline, as
shown.
• Select Line Chain from the
Line types drop-down menu.
• Sketch the tool outline, as
shown.
• Middle-click to stop sketching
lines.
5. Dimension the sketch as shown.

6. Add a Sketcher coordinate
system to specify the tool tip.
• Click Coordinate System
from the Sketching group.
• Select a location for the
coordinate system on the
sketch, as shown.
• Middle-click to stop creating
Sketcher coordinate systems.
• Click Save from the Quick
Access toolbar.
• Click OK .

click Apply.
• Click OK to complete the tool
configuration, as shown.
You can save the sketched tool configuration with the Work Center
ready for future use, or save it with the manufacturing model.

Basic 2-Axis Trajectory Milling
In 2-Axis trajectory milling, you specify the tool trajectory by
sketching or selecting a curve that represents the final trajectory
of the tool.
2-Axis Trajectory Milling
Configuration
• Specify a curve to represent the
final tool trajectory.
• Configure
– Depth
– Multiple Passes Figure 1 – Datum Curve and Height
– Multiple Slices Same
• Options
– Datum Curve
– Start Height
– Height
– Direction
– Offset
Figure 2 – Alternate Height
– Material Side
Specified
Parameter Configuration
• Lead In and Lead Out
• Cutter Compensation
Figure 3 – Offset – Left, Right, or

None
2-Axis Trajectory Milling Configuration

• In 2-axis trajectory milling, you specify the tool trajectory by specifying a
curve that represents the final trajectory of the tool.
• You can adjust the depth of the final pass and specify multiple cutting
passes with a vertical offset. You can also create multiple trajectory milling
slices that are horizontally offset from the final tool trajectory.
• You can specify a number of options when you configure a 2-axis trajectory
milling sequence.
– Datum Curve – You need to select or create a datum curve that lies in
a plane normal to the Z-axis of the NC sequence coordinate system.
You can create the datum curve before or during the creation of the
trajectory milling sequence.
– Start Height – Select the height from which you want the tool tip to start.

– Height – Adjust the depth of the final pass of the tool by selecting a
plane. By default, Creo Parametric uses the datum curve plane.
– Direction – You can specify the direction of trajectory.
– Offset – Specify the direction in which the cut motion is offset (none, left,
or right). The offset distance is half of the cutter diameter.
♦ The direction of the offset corresponds to the direction of trajectory.
When you select an offset option, the arrow shows the offset direction.
– Material Side – If the offset direction is none, then you can specify the
material side to be left or right.
Parameter Configuration
You can configure many parameters to control the toolpath; however, there
are a number of important parameters that control lead in and lead out
motions and the application of cutter compensation.
• Lead In and Lead Out
– LEAD_IN/LEAD_OUT – If configured to YES, then the tool makes lead
in and lead out motions.
– TANGENT_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the tangent section of a
lead in or lead out motion.
– NORMAL_LEAD_STEP – Linear distance of the normal section of a
lead in or lead out motion.
– LEAD_RADIUS – Radius value of the tangent circle move for lead-in
or lead-out.
• Cutter Compensation
– CUTCOM – Turns cutter compensation on or off in the CL data file.
♦ You can configure the Work Center to specify whether the cutter
compensation is toward the tool center (default) or the tool edge.

PROCEDURE - Basic 2-Axis Trajectory Milling
Milling\2-Axis 2_AXIS_TRAJ.ASM
Task 1: Create a 2-axis trajectory milling sequence and configure

sequence options.

3. Select 2 Axis Trajectory from the Trajectory Milling drop-down menu
in the Milling group.
4. Click Tool Manager in the Curve Trajectory dashboard.
5. Ensure that the 20_0_FEM tool is selected, then right-click and select
Reference collector to activate
it.
• Select the datum curve on the
model, as shown.
• Select the Offset Cut check
box.
You can also create a datum curve when configuring a 2-axis

trajectory milling sequence.

• Click Play .
Notice that the toolpath makes one pass at the curve depth. You
can specify an alternate depth if required.

11. Click in the Height collector.
12. Select the datum plane OFFSET
in the model tree.

• Click Play .
Notice that the height of the toolpath has updated. You

can configure lead in and lead out motions and apply cutter
compensation to the toolpath.

• Select YES from the LEAD_IN drop-down menu.
• Select YES from the LEAD_OUT drop-down menu.
• Edit TANGENT_LEAD_STEP to 30.
• Edit NORMAL_LEAD_STEP to 30.
• Select ON from the CUTCOM drop-down menu. Click OK.

• Click the CL data bar to make
• Click Next Record
repeatedly to step through the
toolpath one move at a time.
Notice that the lead in and lead out motions have been added to
the toolpath. Notice also cutter compensation is applied during the
lead in motion, and removed during the lead out motion.

18. Click Play to complete reviewing the toolpath.

2-Axis Trajectory Milling Depth Control
Parameters
There are many parameters that control the depth of cut when
creating 2-axis trajectory milling sequences.
• NUMBER_LAST_FINPASSES
• NUMBER_FIRST_FINPASSES
• LAST_FINPASS_OFFSET
• FIRST_FINPASS_OFFSET
• WALL_FINISH_CUT
• PERCENT_LENGTH
Figure 1 – Depth Control
Parameters

The following group of parameters controls the number of cutting passes of
the tool, offset in the vertical (Z-axis) direction from the final tool trajectory,
and the offsets between the passes. You can have two groups of passes
with different offset values.
• NUMBER_LAST_FINPASSES – Specifies the number of cutting passes
offset in the vertical direction from the final tool trajectory. The default is 1,
in which case the tool makes just the one cutting pass along the trajectory
curve. If you increase the number, the vertical offset between the passes is
defined by the LAST_FINPASS_OFFSET parameter value.
• NUMBER_FIRST_FINPASSES – Specifies additional cutting passes,
made prior to the last passes and with a different vertical offset. The default
is 0. If you specify a number, the vertical offset between the passes is
defined by the FIRST_FINPASS_OFFSET parameter.
• LAST_FINPASS_OFFSET – Specifies the vertical offset between the
cutting passes in the final group. The default is 0.
• FIRST_FINPASS_OFFSET – Specifies the vertical offset between the
cutting passes in the first group, and between the last of these passes and
the first of the passes in the final group. The default is 0. Specify a value if
you set a non-zero number of first passes.

Two other parameters relate to depth control.
• WALL_FINISH_CUT – Determines whether the tool makes multiple cutting
passes when machining along walls. By default (AT_EACH_DEPTH),
the finish passes are made at each cutting depth, that is, the last slice
machining the walls contains the same number of passes as any other
slice. If set to LAST_CUT_DEPTH, then the last slice contains only one
cutting pass made at final depth.
• PERCENT_LENGTH – Provides a control point mechanism for the tool by
indicating the percentage of taper cutting length below the tool control
point. The value can be any number between 0 and 1. A value of 0 means
tip machining, 1 is shoulder machining, and an intermediate value provides
an intermediate control point. The default is 0.

PROCEDURE - 2-Axis Trajectory Milling Depth Control
Parameters
Milling\2-Axis_Depth DEPTH_TRAJ.ASM
Task 1: Edit the depth control parameter values in a trajectory milling

sequence.

2. In the model tree select the
TRAJECTORY MILLING NC
sequence, right-click and select
Edit Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that one pass is made at the same depth as the datum curve
selected for this sequence.

• Edit NUMBER_LAST_FINPASSES to 3.
• Edit LAST_FINPASS_OFFSET to 5.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now makes three passes. One is at the same
depth as the datum curve, and two are offset from the final pass by
5 millimeters, as shown.

• Edit NUMBER_FIRST_FINPASSES to 3.
• Edit FIRST_FINPASS_OFFSET to 10.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .

• Select the named view
FRONT.
• Click Repaint to review the
toolpath.
Notice that the tool now makes three additional passes, offset from
each other by 10 millimeters, as shown.
10. Click Done Seq.

2-Axis Trajectory Milling - Cutting Slices
Parameters
There are many parameters that control the number of cutting
slices when creating 2-axis trajectory milling sequences.
Cutting Slices Parameters – Control
cutting slices and offset values.
• SLICE_PASS_SCAN – Machining
order
• NUMBER_LAST_FINCUTS
• NUMBER_FIRST_FINCUTS
• LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET
• FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET Figure 1 – Cutting Slices
Parameters
Figure 2 – Cutting Slices Parameters
Cutting Slices Parameters

• These parameters control the number of cutting slices, offset in the
horizontal direction from the final tool trajectory, and the offsets between
the slices. Each slice may contain multiple vertically offset cutting passes,
with their number and offsets the same in each slice and defined by the
depth control parameters.
– If you specify both multiple slices and multiple passes, the order of
machining is controlled by the SLICE_PASS_SCAN parameter.
• NUMBER_LAST_FINCUTS – Specifies the number of cutting slices offset
in the horizontal direction from the final tool trajectory. The default is 1.
If you increase the number, the system generates multiple horizontally
offset slices, with each slice containing the same number of vertically offset
cutting passes, as specified by the appropriate parameters. The horizontal
offset between the slices is defined by the LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET
parameter value.
• NUMBER_FIRST_FINCUTS – Specifies additional cutting slices, made
prior to the last slices and with a different horizontal offset. The default is 0.

If you specify a number, the horizontal offset between the slices is defined
by the FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET parameter value.
• LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET – Specifies the horizontal offset between the
cutting slices in the final group. The default is 0.
• FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET – Specifies the horizontal offset between the
cutting slices in the first group, and between the last of these slices and the
first of the slices in the final group. The default is 0. Specify a value if you
set a non-zero number of first slices.

PROCEDURE - 2-Axis Trajectory Milling-Cutting Slices
Parameters
Milling\2-Axis_Slices SLICES_TRAJ.ASM
Task 1: Edit cutting slices parameter values in a trajectory milling

sequence.

TRAJECTORY MILLING NC
sequence, right-click and select
Edit Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that one pass is made offset by half the tool diameter from
the datum curve selected for this sequence.

• Edit NUMBER_LAST_FINCUTS to 3.
• Edit LAST_FINCUT_OFFSET to 5.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now makes three passes. One is offset by half
the tool diameter from the datum curve, and two are offset from
each other by 5 millimeters, as shown.

• Edit NUMBER_FIRST_FINCUTS to 2.
• Edit FIRST_FINCUT_OFFSET to 10.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .

• Click Refit .
toolpath.
Notice that the tool now makes two additional cutting slices, offset
from each other by 10 millimeters, as shown.
8. Press CTRL+D to return to the standard orientation.
10. Click Done Seq.

Basic 3-Axis Trajectory Milling
In 3-axis trajectory milling, you specify the tool trajectory by
creating cut motions using the customize functionality.
3-Axis Trajectory Milling

Configuration
• Create cut motions
• Trajectory Options
– Sketch/Edge/Curve/Surface Figure 1 – Sketch
• Cut motion Options
– Specify Trajectory
– Direction
– Offset
– Start Height
Figure 2 – Edge
– Height
– Material Side
• Customize Options – Low-level
control
Figure 3 – Curve
Figure 4 – Surface
Figure 5 – Customize Approach

and Exit Moves
3-Axis Trajectory Milling Configuration

• To configure the toolpath, you must specify the trajectory of the control
point of the tool by creating cut motions using the customize functionality.
• You can specify the trajectory type using the following options.
– Sketch – Sketch a trajectory.
– Edge – Use model edges.
– Curve – Use datum curves.
– Surface – Use surfaces (at a specified height).
• After you specify the trajectory type, you then need to configure the cut
motion options from the following list. Note, you can configure some or all
of these options depending on the selected trajectory type.
– Configure Trajectory
♦ You can configure a sketch, edge, curve, or surface.
– Direction – You can specify the direction of trajectory.

– Offset – Specify the direction in which the cut motion is offset (none, left,
or right). The offset distance is half of the cutter diameter.
♦ The direction of the offset corresponds with the direction of trajectory.
When you select an offset option, the arrow shows the offset direction.
– Start Height – Select the height from which you want the tool tip to start.
– Height – Adjust the depth of the final pass of the tool by selecting a
plane. By default, Creo Parametric uses the height of the configured
trajectory reference.
– Material Side – If the offset direction is none, then you can specify the
material side to be left or right.
• Within the Customize dialog box, there are many options to provide more
low-level control over the toolpath. For example:
– You can add or remove cut motions.
– You can modify feed rates.
– You can add user-defined approach and exit motions.

PROCEDURE - Basic 3-Axis Trajectory Milling
Milling\3-Axis 3_AXIS_TRAJ.ASM
Task 1: Create a 3-axis trajectory milling sequence and configure cut

motion options.

3. Click Custom Trajectory from the Milling group.
• Notice that 3 Axis is selected in the MACH AXES menu manager.
• Click Done.
• Notice that in the SEQ SETUP menu, the Tool and Parameters
check boxes are automatically selected.
• Click Done.
4. Ensure that the FEM_15 tool is selected, and then right-click and
5. Edit the required parameters for the NC sequence.
• Click OK.
6. Specify the cut motion configuration.
• Click Insert in the Customize dialog box to insert an automatic cut
motion.
• Click Edge > Done.
• Ensure that the Edge, Direction, and Offset check boxes are
selected.
• Click Done.

7. Create the cut motion.
three edges of the slot on the
model, as shown.
• Click OK > Done.
• Click Okay to specify the
direction.
• Click Right > Done to specify
the offset.
• Notice a cut motion appears,
as shown.
• Click Done Cut.
8. Add approach and exit moves.
• Select cut motion 3: Follow
Cut, as shown.
• Select Tangent Approach
from the Cut Motion drop-down
list.
• Type 10 in the Approach
Distance text box.
• Click OK in the Tangent
Approach dialog box.
• Select <end of tool path> in
the Customize dialog box.
• Select Tangent Exit from the
Cut Motion drop-down list.
• Type 10 in the Exit Distance
text box.
• Click OK in the Tangent Exit
dialog box.
• Notice the cut motion list in
the Customize dialog box, as
shown.
• Click OK in the Customize
dialog box.
• Click Play .
You can configure a sketch, a curve, and surface trajectories using

a similar procedure.

11. Click Done Seq.

3-Axis Trajectory Milling Multi-Step and
Multi-Pass Parameters
There are a number of parameters that enable you to create
multi-step and multi-pass 3-axis trajectory milling sequences.
Multi-Step Configuration
• NUMBER_CUTS
• STEP_DEPTH
• Final pass along specified
trajectory
• Start Height
• Height
Multi-Pass Configuration Figure 1 – Multi-Step Parameters
• NUM_PROF_PASSES
• PROF_INCREMENT
• Final pass along specified
trajectory
Figure 2 – Multi-Pass Parameters
Multi-Step Configuration
• You can create multi-step trajectory milling by specifying the desired
STEP_DEPTH and NUMBER_CUTS.
• The last pass coincides with the specified trajectory.
• Start Height – You can use Start Height to specify an alternative start height
to the top of the workpiece.
• Height – You can use Height to specify an alternative final height of the
toolpath.
Multi-Pass Configuration
• You can perform multi-pass trajectory milling (a succession of trajectory
passes with horizontal offset) by using the NUM_PROF_PASSES and
PROF_INCREMENT parameters.
• The last pass coincides with the specified trajectory.

PROCEDURE - 3-Axis Trajectory Milling Multi-Step and
Multi-Pass Parameters
Milling\3-Axis_Step-Pass STEP_PASS.ASM
Task 1: Edit multi-step parameter values in a trajectory milling sequence.

CUSTOM TRAJECTORY
MILLING NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that one pass is made at the same depth as the trajectory
edge selected for this sequence.

• Edit NUMBER_CUTS to 3.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now makes three passes, one at the final depth
of the trajectory, and two offset from the final pass by 10 millimeters,
as shown.

• Edit NUM_PROF_PASSES to 2.
• Edit PROF_INCREMENT to 10.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .

toolpath.
Notice that the tool now makes one additional pass at each step
depth, offset from the final pass by 10 millimeters, as shown.
8. Press CTRL+D to return to the standard orientation.
10. Click Done Seq.

Module 21
Creating Holemaking Sequences
Module Overview
Holemaking sequences enable you to create many different types of drilling
cycles for machining. During the holemaking process, you need to select
the appropriate cycle type. These include standard drilling, boring, tapping,
reaming, and countersink drill cycles. It is important to understand when you
should use each type of drill cycle. Another important stage in the holemaking
process is creating hole sets that define the holes to be drilled. If you need to
perform a series of holemaking sequences on the same set of holes, you can
configure a drill group that simplifies the selection process.
In this module, you learn about the holemaking process and review the key
holemaking parameters. You also understand the different drill cycle types
and hole selection methods. You create holemaking sequences and learn
how to create drill groups relevant to holemaking.
Objectives
• Describe the holemaking process.
• Describe the key holemaking manufacturing parameters.
• Describe different drill cycle types and hole selection methods.
• Create holemaking sequences.
• Create drill groups relevant to holemaking.

Understanding Holemaking
Holemaking enables you to create many different types of drilling
cycles including standard, countersink, tapping, and reaming.
Holemaking Process Cycle Types
• Select the drill cycle type. • Output CYCLE/XXXX in CL data
• Select a tool. • Drill
• Configure holemaking parameters. – Standard/Deep/Break
• Configure the set of holes to be Chip/Web/Back
machined. • Face
• Customize hole connections • Bore
(optional). • Countersink
• Tap
– Fixed/Floating
• Ream
• Custom
Figure 1 – Holemaking Example
Figure 2 – Drill Cycle Types
Holemaking Process
You can create holemaking sequences by completing the following steps:
• Select the appropriate holemaking cycle type, for example, deep drilling
or reaming.
• Select an appropriate holemaking tool.
• Configure the holemaking manufacturing parameters.
• Configure the set of holes to be machined, by selecting the holes and
specifying depth options.
• If required, specify the method for connecting the holes.
Cycle Types
Depending on the cycle type you select, a different CYCLE/XXXX statement is
output in the CL data file. You can configure a number of different cycle types.
• Drill – Drill a hole. Depending on the additional option you select, the
following statement is output to the CL file.
– Standard (default) – CYCLE/DRILL.

– Deep – CYCLE/DEEP.
– Break Chip – CYCLE/BRKCHP.
– Web – CYCLE/THRU (for multiple plates).
– Back – GOTO and SPINDLE statements for back spotting.
• Face – Drill a hole with an optional dwell at final depth to help ensure a
clean surface at the bottom of the hole. The CYCLE/FACE statement is
output to the CL file.
• Bore – Bore a hole to create a finish hole diameter with high precision. The
CYCLE/BORE statement is output to the CL file.
• Countersink – Drill a chamfer for a countersunk screw. The CYCLE/CSINK
statement is output to the CL file. If you select the Back option together
with Countersink option, the system performs back countersinking.
• Tap – Drill a threaded hole. Pro/NC supports ISO standard thread output.
The CYCLE/TAP statement is output to the CL file. Two additional options
are available:
– Fixed – The feed rate is determined by the combination of thread pitch
and spindle speed.
– Floating – Enables you to modify the feed rate using the parameter
FLOAT_TAP_FACTOR.
• Ream – Create a precision finish hole. The CYCLE/REAM statement is
output to the CL file.
• Custom – Create and use your own customized cycles for the current
machine tool.

Basic Drilling
You can create many different types of drilling sequences by
selecting the holes for drilling and configuring the drill depth
options.
Configure Hole Sets
• Selecting Holes
– Axes
– Points
– Diameters
– Surfaces Figure 1 – Selecting Holes
– Parameters
– Groups
• Depth Options
– Blind
– Auto
– Thru All
– Shoulder/Tip Figure 2 – Depth Options
• Countersink Drilling
– Start Surface
– Countersink Diameter
– Auto Chamfer
Figure 3 – Countersink Drilling
Configuring Hole Sets

• When creating drilling sequences, you need to configure the hole sets for
drilling. This involves specifying a number of options.
• Selecting holes – You can select the holes to drill using any combination of
the following methods.
– Axes – Specify holes by selecting individual hole axes.
– Points – Specify drill locations by selecting datum points or reading in a
file with datum point coordinates.
– Diameters – Specify holes by selecting diameter value(s).
– Surfaces – Specify holes by selecting surfaces of the reference part or
workpiece.
– Parameters – Select holes with a certain parameter value.
– Groups – Select predefined drill groups. You can define groups of holes
at setup time for later use in Holemaking NC sequences. This simplifies
later hole selection.
• Depth options – You need to configure depth options as part of the hole set
configuration process. You can configure many different depth options.

– Blind – Drill from the start surface (or Z-height) to specified depth.
Specify the start and end surfaces (by either selecting a surface or
typing a Z-depth).
– Auto – Depth of drilling is determined automatically, by referencing
hole geometry.
– Thru All – Drill a through hole from the retract surface all the way through
the workpiece(s) or reference part(s) that the hole intersects.
– The Tool Depth option buttons, Shoulder and Tip, available for blind
and auto drilling, determine whether the drilling depth references the
shoulder or the tip of the tool.
• Countersink Drilling – A number of specific options enable you to configure
countersink drilling cycles.
– The depth for countersink drilling is defined by the start surface and
the countersink diameter value, specified at the time of configuring the
hole set.
– The countersink diameter is the final diameter of the hole after drilling.
This diameter is measured on the start surface.
– Auto Chamfer – Instead of typing a countersink diameter, you can
specify that Creo Parametric automatically finds all the applicable
chamfers and makes the necessary calculations.

PROCEDURE - Basic Drilling
Milling\Drilling BASIC_DRILL.ASM
Task 1: Create a countersink drilling sequence.

3. Select Countersink from the Countersink types drop-down menu
in the Holemaking Cycles group.
4. Click Tool Manager in the Countersinking dashboard.
5. Select the SPOT_DRILL_20 tool, and then right-click and select
7. Configure the holes for
countersinking.
• Select the References tab.
• Click in the Start collector.
model as the start surface, as
shown.
• Type 20 in Countersink
diameter value field, and press
ENTER.
• Select the Auto Chamfer
check box. Notice four axes
and the holes highlight on the
model, as shown.

• If necessary, click the CL
data bar to make the CL data
visible. Click Play .
Notice that the four holes are drilled and a CYCLE/CSINK statement
is output in the CL data.

Task 2: Create a standard drilling sequence.
1. Click Standard in the Holemaking Cycles group.

2. Click Tool Manager in the Drilling dashboard.
3. Select the 10_0_DRILL tool, and then right-click and select Select
tool and return.
5. Configure the holes for drilling.
• Select Details below the Holes
collector.
• Select the 10 diameter in the
available list and click Add
.
• Select the Depth tab in the
Holes dialog box.
• Notice in the Depth tab that
the Auto and By Shoulder
depth options are configured
by default, as shown.
• Click OK in the Holes dialog
box.

• Click Play .
Notice that the four holes are drilled and a CYCLE/DRILL statement
is output in the CL data.

Editing Drilling Toolpaths
You can edit drilling toolpaths by configuring holemaking
manufacturing parameters. You can also use customize
functionality to specify the tool movement between drilling
holes.
Holemaking Parameters
• SCAN_TYPE
– TYPE_1
– TYPE_SPIRAL
– TYPE_ONE_DIR
– PICK_ORDER
– SHORTEST (default)
• BREAKOUT_DISTANCE
• PECK_DEPTH
• CLEAR_DIST
• RAPTO_DIST Figure 1 – Holemaking Parameters
• PULLOUT_DIST
Connect Motions
• Insert connect motions between
holes.
Holemaking Parameters
The following is a list of key manufacturing parameters that control
holemaking sequences.
• SCAN_TYPE – Calculates the order for drilling selected holes. Options
available are:
– TYPE_1 – Increments the Y-coordinate and goes back and forth in the
X-direction.
– TYPE_SPIRAL – Goes clockwise starting from the hole nearest to the
coordinate system.
– TYPE_ONE_DIR – Increments the X-coordinate and decrements the
Y-coordinate.
– PICK_ORDER – The holes are drilled in the same order as they are
selected.
– SHORTEST – Creo Parametric determines which order of holes results
in the shortest machine motion time. This is the default value.
• BREAKOUT_DISTANCE – This adds the BREAKOUT_DISTANCE value to
the Z-depth in the CYCLE statements associated with holes drilled with the
Thru All option, and with through-holes drilled using the Auto Depth option.
• PECK_DEPTH – The depth increment for each drilling pass. Default
value is 0. If you select DEEP drilling, you have to specify a non-zero
PECK_DEPTH.

• CLEAR_DIST – The clearance distance above the top of the hole at which
the PLUNGE_FEED ends and the CUT_FEED begins.
• RAPTO_DIST – Enables further rapid advance from CLEAR_DIST toward
the top of the hole.
• PULLOUT_DIST – Enables the tool to return to a point other than that
defined by CLEAR_DIST.
Connect Motions
• You can use the Connect cut motion in the Customize dialog box to
configure specific connection moves between holes during drilling.

PROCEDURE - Editing Drilling Toolpaths
Milling\Drilling_Editing EDIT_DRILL.ASM
Task 1: Edit parameters relating to holemaking in an existing holemaking

sequence.

Display type:
HOLEMAKING NC sequence,
Definition .
Play.
• Click Play .
Notice that the four holes are drilled, and the CYCLE/DRILL
statement is output with a clearance of 5 millimeters, as shown. You
can change the CYCLE/DRILL statement by editing manufacturing
parameters.
3. Edit parameters relating to rapid moves and pullout distances.
• In the ribbon, click Step Parameters from the Process group.
• Edit PULLOUT_DIST to 10.
• Edit RAPTO_DIST to 2.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the DRILL/CYCLE statement is now output with RAPTO

and RETURN information added, as shown.
5. Edit the SCAN_TYPE parameter to change the order of drilling the
holes.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now drills the holes in a different order. It
increments the Y-coordinate and goes back and forth in the
X-direction.

• Edit SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_ONE_DIR.
• Click OK.
• Click Play .
Notice that the tool now drills the holes in a different order. It
increments the X-coordinate and decrements the Y-coordinate. You
can specify which holes are drilled and change the order that the
holes are drilled using the Customize functionality.
9. From the NC SEQUENCE menu,
click Customize.
10. Select the cut motion 1:
Automatic Cut and click Delete.
11. Click Yes to confirm deletion.
12. Enable Axis Display .
13. Select Connect from the Cut
Motion drop-down list.
14. Select axis A_2 and A_4 from
the model, as shown.
15. To complete the selection,
middle-click in the graphics
window.
16. Notice the two connect cut
motions listed in the Customize
dialog box, as shown.
17. Click OK.

18. Click Play Path > Screen Play.
• Click Play .
• Notice that only two holes are
drilled.
20. Click Done Seq.

Creating and Using Drill Groups
You can configure groups of hole axes within drill groups.
You can then select drill groups when creating holemaking
sequences. This simplifies the hole selection process.
Drill Groups
• Simplify hole selection.
• Drill group updates.
Configuring Drill Groups
• Selecting holes:
– Axes
– Diameters
– Surfaces
– Parameters
Figure 1 – Drilling Group Dialog

Box
Figure 2 – Highlighted Selection
Drill Groups
• You can configure groups of hole axes either before creating holemaking
sequences or during the creation of holemaking sequences. Drill groups
have the following features.
– Simplify hole selection – Once you configure a drill group, you can
select it for any holemaking sequence by just selecting its name from a
name-list menu.
– Drill group updates – Modifying a drill group updates all NC sequences
that reference the modified group.
Configuring Drill Groups

• Selecting holes – You can select the holes for a drill group using any
combination of the following methods.
– Axes – Specify holes by selecting individual hole axes.
– Diameters – Specify holes by selecting diameter value(s).
– Surfaces – Specify holes by selecting surfaces of the reference part or
workpiece.
– Parameters – Select holes with a certain parameter value.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Using Drill Groups
Milling\Drilling_Groups PLATE.ASM
Task 1: Create a drill group for a center-drilling sequence.

• Click Drill Group from
the Manufacturing Geometry
group.
• Select the Properties tab in
the Drilling Group dialog box.
• Type Center_Drill in the Name
field.
• Select the Definition tab.
• Select the Patterned Axes
from the Subsets list.
• Select the hole on the plate
model, as shown.
• Notice that 4 axes are added
next to the Patterned Axes.
• Select the Rule: diameters
from the Subsets list.
• Select the 8.000000 diameter
from the Available list and click
Add .
• Notice six axes highlight on
the model, as shown.
• Click Apply Changes in
the Drilling Group dialog box.
Task 2: Create a center-drilling sequence.
1. Click Standard from the Holemaking Cycles group.

2. Click Tool Manager in the Drilling dashboard.
3. Ensure that the C_DRILL_01 tool is selected, and then right-click and

• Click Details .
• Ensure that CENTER_DRILL
group is available in the
Selected list.
• Select the Depth tab in the
Holes dialog box.
• From the Start drop-down list,
click Select Start Surface .
• Select the top surface on the
model, as shown.
• From the End drop-down list,
click Blind .
• Type 4 in the End Value field,
and press ENTER.
• Select By tip from the Measure
drop-down list.
• Click OK in the Holes dialog
box.

• Click Play .
• Notice that the six holes are
center-drilled, as shown.

• Click Details.
• Select Individual Axes.
• Select the hole at the center of
the plate model, as shown.
• Click OK.

• Click Play .
• Notice that seven holes are
now center-drilled, as shown.

Module 22
Creating Engraving Sequences
Module Overview
Engraving enables you to add logos, part numbers, or text information to a
model. Engraving can be done on flat or complex surfaces. Engraving can
be accomplished using 3-axis or 5-axis milling. During engraving, the center
of the tool follows the geometry of the feature to be engraved. The geometry,
usually consisting of lines, arcs, or cosmetic features will lie on the surface
to be engraved. This type of toolpath is considered a finishing or detailing
toolpath, and is generally done last.
In this module, you will learn about the engraving process and review the key
engraving milling parameters. You will create engraving sequences on both
flat and complex surfaces.
Objectives
• Describe the engrave milling process.
• Describe the key engrave milling parameters.
• Create engrave milling sequences on both flat and complex surfaces.

Engraving on Flat and Complex Surfaces
Engraving NC sequences are generally created by the tool
following a curve or a Groove cosmetic feature. The tool
diameter determines the width of cut.
Engraving:
• Flat or Complex Surfaces
• Use Cosmetic Groove or Curve
features
• For logos or part numbers
Figure 1 – Engraving
Engraving on Flat and Complex Surfaces

Engraving NC sequences are generally created by the tool following a curve
or a Groove cosmetic feature. The tool diameter determines the width of
cut, and the GROOVE_DEPTH parameter determines the depth of cut. You
can perform engraving in multiple step increments if you set the parameter
STEP_DEPTH to a value that is smaller than the value of GROOVE_DEPTH.
You can also select multiple Groove features or curves to be machined within
a single engraving NC sequence.
For 3-axis engraving, there are two ways to specify the tool trajectory:
• By selecting a reference Groove feature to follow.
• By selecting one or more curves to follow. The current tool axis is used to
drive the tool along the curve. You can select the curve individually in the
graphics window or from the model tree.
Parameters
• GROOVE_DEPTH – This parameter sets the depth of the engraved feature
and is measured from the surface. A positive value is specified for this
parameter.
• STEP_DEPTH – This parameter is used to set the maximum depth the
tool will take per each pass.
• CUT_FEED – This parameter is used for cutting speed, normally slower
because a much smaller tool is used.
• SPINDLE_SPEED – This parameter sets the RPMs for the cutter, usually
higher than normal, to keep the chip load down for smaller tools.

PROCEDURE - Engraving on Flat and Complex Surfaces
Milling\Engraving CAP_CUT.ASM
Task 1: Create an Engraving Sequence on a Flat Surface.

• Click Engraving from the Milling group.
3. Click Tool Manager from the

Engraving dashboard.
4. Ensure that the GRV_0020 tool
is selected, then right-click and
• Click in the reference collector,
then select the logo in the
bottom of the center pocket,
as shown.
The engraving feature, in this case, a logo, was developed as a
cosmetic groove feature, during design. The feature could also
have been curves.
• Edit GROOVE_DEPTH to 1.
• Edit the VALUE from 40 to 20.
8. Click Display Toolpath from

the dashboard.
• Click Play .
dialog box.
• Click Complete Feature
from the dashboard.

Task 2: Create an Engraving Sequence on a Complex Surface.
1. Click Engraving .
• Click in the reference collector,
then select the cosmetic
groove feature, as shown.

• Edit GROOVE_DEPTH to 1.
• Edit the VALUE to 30.

• Click Play .
dialog box.

Module 23
Using the Process Manager
Module Overview
The process manager is based on the process table, which lists all the
manufacturing process objects, such as Work Centers, operations, fixture
setups, tooling, and NC sequences. Each NC sequence listed in the process
table is called a step. The process manager enables you to create new
manufacturing objects such as Work Centers and NC sequences and modify
the properties of existing objects.
You can also configure manufacturing templates based on existing NC
sequence steps. You can then use these templates to create new NC
sequence steps in different models. The process manager is an important
tool that streamlines creating and managing toolpaths.
In this module, you learn about the capabilities of the process manager. You
create and edit process steps using the process manager. You also create
and use manufacturing templates using the process manager.
Objectives
• Describe the capabilities of the process manager.
• Create and edit process steps using the process manager.
• Create and use manufacturing templates using the process manager.

Using Process Manager Tools
The process manager enables you to create new manufacturing
objects such as Work Center and NC sequences and modify the
properties of existing objects.
Process Manager Process Table Tools:
• Process Table – Table-based view • Highlighting References
of manufacturing model. • Show Step Parameters
• NC Sequences = process steps. • Toolpath Simulation
• Create and edit manufacturing • Compute Step Time
objects.
• Printable Reports
• Process Table Features:
• CSV Files
– View Types
– Custom Views
– Sorting and Filtering Views
Figure 1 – Process Table Figure 2 – Printable Reports
Process Manager
• The process manager functionality is based on the process table,
which lists all the manufacturing process objects, such as Work Center,
operations, fixture setups, tooling, and NC sequences.
– When NC sequences are listed in the process table, they are called
steps.
• The process table provides tools for creating new objects and editing
existing objects. Objects that you can create and edit include Work Center,
operations, fixtures, and NC sequences.
• The process table has many features including the following:
– View Types – Selecting a table view enables you to display specific
process information in the process table. There are three categories
of views.
♦ Process – Views of the current process order.
♦ Step Info – Customized layouts enabling process engineers to
perform selections or make decisions.
♦ Resources – Views of the current resources defined in the process.
– Custom Views – For each category, the main view is a default view
generated by Creo Parametric. You can modify the default views,
as well as define additional custom views, by using the View Builder
functionality.
♦ The View Builder functionality enables you to define custom views
of the process table by selecting process elements and parameters
to display, and specifying the column layout.

♦ When working with View Builder, you can create and modify views
only in the current view category (Process, Steps, or Resources).
– Sorting and filtering of view information – This is possible in the Steps
view and Resources view.
Process Table Tools

• Various tools are available within the process table that provide users with
useful information. These tools include:
– Highlighting References – Selecting a step in the process table and
clicking Highlight References edisplays the references used to
create the step, for example, retract plane and geometry references.
– Show Step Parameters – You can show step parameters in an
information window.
– Toolpath Simulation – You can display the toolpath for an operation, a
single step, or multiple steps. You must completely define all steps.
When you display a toolpath for an operation, only steps that are
completely defined are included.
– Compute Step Time – You can compute machining time and machining
distance for a step only if it is completely defined. To view the results
of step time computation, make sure to include the machining time
column in your table view.
– Printable Reports – You can create printable reports based on any view
in the process table. The reports appear in the browser window, and you
can print them using standard browser print functionality.
– CSV Files – You can export process table views in CSV format (as a
comma delimited text file), which is a standard format for Microsoft
Excel. You can then import CSV files into Microsoft Excel and format
them further, as required.

PROCEDURE - Using Process Manager Tools
Milling\Process_Tools PLATE_NC.ASM
Task 1: Review NC sequence steps using the process manager.

2. Click Process Manager from
the Process Group.
3. In the Manufacturing Process
Table dialog box, select the
operation row, as shown.
4. Click Show Toolpath .
simulation, drag the display
speed slider to the left.
• Click Play .
• Notice that both holes are
drilled with three tools: center
drill, drill, and countersink drill.
dialog box.
5. Highlight step references.
• Select the CDRILL_20_1 step,
as shown.
• Click Highlight References
.
• Notice that the references for
this step appear, as shown.

• Review the parameters in the
Information window.
• Click Close from the
Information window.
You can configure custom views to display other manufacturing
information.

7. Create a custom process view.
• Click View Builder .
• Click New View .
• Type View_1 in the View Name field.
8. Select Tool in the Not Displayed area and click Add Column .
9. Select Mfg Info Parameters from the Group drop-down list.
10. Select Machining Time (Min.) and click Add Column .
11. Select 2 for the decimal places field.
12. Click OK to save the view.
13. In the Machining Process Table
dialog box, click File > Create
Printable Version.
• Notice that in the browser
window, a printable version of
the table appears, as shown.
• Minimize the browser window.
14. To change the main steps view,
click Steps .
15. Click View Builder .
16. Select the Sort Setup tab.
17. Select Tool and click Add
Column .
18. Select the Filter Setup tab.
19. Select Axes.
20. Type 3 Axes in the field below
the values area.
21. Click Add.
22. Click OK to update the Steps
Info Main View.
• Notice that the table has
updated, as shown.

23. Click File > Export table (CSV).
24. Click OK to create a CSV file.
25. Click Process to return to the process view.
26. Click Close in the Manufacturing Process Table dialog box.
You can export process table views in CSV format, which is a
standard format for Microsoft Excel. You can then import CSV files
into Excel and format them further, as required.

Editing Process Items
The process table enables you to reorder and merge steps. You
can also modify the configuration of an existing step in the
process table.
• Reordering Steps
– Process view only
– Cut/Copy/Paste
• Merging Steps
– Holemaking Steps
Figure 1 – Editing Steps

• Edit Existing Steps
– Tool
– Parameters
– Geometry References
– Retract Plane
– Steps supported include: Figure 2 – Editing Tools
♦ Facing
♦ Profiling
♦ Roughing
♦ Re-roughing
♦ Finishing
♦ Corner Finishing
♦ Holemaking
♦ Trajectory Milling

• Reordering steps – In the process view, you can reorder steps using the
Cut, Copy, and Paste tools.
– You can select multiple steps, but they must be consecutive in the
process view.
– When pasting steps, the limits of where you can insert them are
highlighted (in red) in the process table. This is dependent on the
interdependencies between steps.
• Merging steps – You can merge several holemaking steps together to
optimize the toolpath.
– The resulting merge group generates a toolpath that machines all the
holes included in all the merged steps.
– The steps must be consecutive in the process view and must be
completely configured. The steps must also be in the same operation
and use the same tool.

• Editing existing steps – You can modify the configuration of an existing step
in the process table.
– You can edit many items including tools, manufacturing parameters,
geometry references, and NC sequence retract planes.
– Editing of steps applies to some NC sequences including facing,
profiling, roughing, re-roughing, finishing, corner finishing, holemaking,
and trajectory milling.
– Editing of other step types such as volume milling opens the menu
manager.

PROCEDURE - Editing Process Items
Milling\Process_Edit-Steps EDIT_STEPS.ASM
Task 1: Reorder and merge steps using the process manager.

2. Open the process table.
• In the ribbon, click Process
Manager from the Process
Group.
• Observe the order of the steps,
as shown.
3. Reorder the center drill steps.
right-click, and select Cut.
right-click, and select Paste.
• Notice that the order of steps
updates, as shown.
4. Reorder the standard drill steps.
• Select the DRILL_20_2 step,
right-click, and select Cut.
right-click, and select Paste.
• Notice that the order of steps
updates, as shown.
5. Merge the center drill steps.
press CTRL, and select the
CDRILL_20_2 step.
• Right-click and select Merge.
• Notice that the two steps have
been merged into a single
step, as shown.
6. Merge the standard drill steps.
DRILL_20_2 step.
• Notice the two steps have
step, as shown.

7. Merge the countersink drill steps.
• Select the CSINK_20_1 step,
CSINK_20_2 step.
• Notice that the two steps have
step, as shown.
• Click Play .
• Notice each tool is used to drill
both holes before changing to
the next tool.
dialog box.
10. Click Close in the Manufacturing Process Table dialog box.

Creating New Items in the Process Manager
You can insert and configure many different types of items in the
process table, including operations, Work Center, fixtures, and
NC sequences (steps).
Creating New Items
• Inserting Items
– Operations Figure 1 – Inserting a Work Center
– Fixtures
– Work Center
• Inserting NC Steps
– Facing and Profiling
– Roughing and Re-roughing
– Finishing and Corner
Finishing
– Holemaking
– Trajectory Milling
• Editing NC Steps Figure 2 – Inserting a Milling Step
– Tool Configuration
– Manufacturing Parameters
– Reference Geometry
– Review Toolpath
– Compute Step Time
• Other Milling Steps
– Insert
– Configure using menu
manager Figure 3 – Face Milling Configuration
Tools
Creating New Items in the Process Manager

• Inserting Items – In the process view, you can insert and configure
operations and fixtures. In the resources view, you can insert and configure
Work Centers.
• Inserting NC Steps – In the process view, you can insert and configure
many different types of NC steps, including:
– Facing and Profiling – You can create and configure facing and profiling
steps.
– Roughing and Re-roughing – You can create and configure roughing
and re-roughing steps.
– Finishing and Corner Finishing – You can create and configure finishing
and corner finishing steps.
– Holemaking – You can create and configure any type of holemaking
step, including standard drilling, center drilling, and countersink drilling.

– Trajectory milling – You can create and configure 3-axis trajectory milling
steps and 2-axis curve trajectory milling steps.
• Editing Steps – You can directly configure all of the previously mentioned
steps directly within the process table.
– Tools enable you to specify cutting tools, edit manufacturing parameters,
and specify step reference geometry such as holes to drill or surfaces
to machine.
– You can also review the resulting toolpath and compute step time.
• Other Milling Steps – You can also insert other milling steps in the process
table including volume milling and surface milling.
– However, you cannot directly configure these steps within the process
table. Editing of these steps invokes the menu manager, enabling you to
complete the step configuration using normal menu manager selections.

PROCEDURE - Creating New Items in the Process
Manager
Milling\Process_New-Items NEW_ITEMS.ASM
Task 1: Create a new face milling step in the process manager.

the Process Group.
• Notice that a fixture and an
operation step have been
created, as shown.
• Notice that a Work Center
and tooling have also been
configured.
Table dialog box, click Insert >
Step > Milling step.
• Notice that the Create Milling
Step dialog box is configured,
as shown.
• Click OK.
• In the Face Milling dashboard,
click Complete Feature .
5. Click Edit in the

Manufacturing Process Table
dialog box.
• Notice that the configuration
tools appear in the Face Milling
dashboard.
• Notice also that the status
column indicates the current
status of the mill step.
6. Click Tool Manager from the dashboard.

• Ensure that the 30_0_FEM tool is selected, and then right-click and

Notice that the status column in the process table indicates missing
surfaces.
machining.
• In the dashboard, select the
Reference tab.
• Ensure that in the Type
drop-down menu, Surface is
selected.
• In the Graphics window,
right-click and select
Machining References.
Table dialog box, click Show
Toolpath .
• Click Play .
• Notice that the selected
surface is machined, as
shown.
dialog box.

10. Verify the manufacturing model.
• Click Close in the
dialog box.
• Notice that a face milling
sequence is added to the
model tree listing, as shown.

Creating and Using Manufacturing Templates
In the process manager, you can configure manufacturing
templates based on existing steps, and then use these templates
to create manufacturing steps in different models.
Manufacturing Templates
• Based on existing NC steps.
– Use in different
• Work Center templates.
• Stored as XML files.
Using Manufacturing Templates Figure 1 – Creating an NC Step
Template
• Insert new NC steps.
– Step information taken from
template.
– Configure missing items.
• Insert Work Center templates. Figure 2 – Configuring Missing Items
Manufacturing Templates
• You can configure manufacturing templates based on existing steps, and
then use these templates to create manufacturing steps in different models.
• Similarly, you can create Work Center templates based on existing Work
Centers, and then use these templates to create Work Center in different
models.
• Manufacturing templates are stored as XML files and contain information
about NC steps or Work Center.
Using Manufacturing Templates

• You can use manufacturing templates to insert new NC steps into the
process table. The step names, tools, and parameters are derived from
the template.
• You need to select geometry references, although existing operation
coordinate systems and retract planes are used by default. You can
configure missing elements after the step has been inserted.
• In the resources view, you can use Work Center templates to insert new
Work Center. The Work Center names, tools, and parameters are derived
from the template.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Using Manufacturing
Templates
Milling\Templates TEMPLATE.ASM
Task 1: Create an NC step manufacturing template.

the Process Group.
• Notice that a standard drilling
step has been created, as
shown.
• Note the first NC step creates
a center drilling toolpath.
3. Select the operation row.
• Click Show Toolpath .
• Click Play .
• Notice the center drilling
toolpath, as shown.
dialog box.
4. Create the NC step template.
• Select the CDRILL_20 step.
• Click Create Template .
• Accept the default name of cdrill_20.xml in the Template Name field.
• Click OK.
• Click Yes in the confirmation window.
• Click Close in the Manufacturing Process Table dialog box.
5. Click Open .
• Select TEST.ASM, and click Open.
6. Click Process Manager .

• Notice that no toolpaths have been created.
• Select the operation row.

7. Click Insert > Step > From
template
• Select CDRILL_20.XML, and
click Open.
• Notice that a step is inserted in
the process table, as shown.
8. Ensure that the CDRILL_20 row
is selected and click Edit .
9. Configure the holes for
machining.
• Click Hole Sets .
• Ensure that Holeset 1 is
selected.
• In the References collector,
right-click and select Add.
eight holes in the model, as
shown.
• Click OK from the Select
dialog box.
10. Configure the hole depth.
• Select Blind from the Hole
Depth drop-down list.
• Select Tool Tip from the
Measure by drop-down list.
• Double-click in the upper-right
cell of the Hole Depth table ,
as shown.
model.
• Double-click in the bottom
center cell and change Type
to Along Axis, then edit the
value to 4.
• Click OK.
11. Click Apply Changes from
the Manufacturing Process Table
dialog box.

• Click Play .
• Notice that all eight holes are
center drilled, as shown.
dialog box.
• Click Close in the
dialog box.
The holes in your model may be drilled in a different order.

Module 24
Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files
Module Overview
Post-processing is the final stage in the manufacturing process. When
toolpaths have been completed, you can create ASCII format cutter location
(CL) data files for operations or selected NC sequences. You can then
post-process CL data files into specific machine control data (MCD) files
using a post-processor. It is important to understand that changing NC
sequences requires you to recreate the CL data file for the operation and
post-process this file again to produce an updated MCD file.
In this module, you learn about the post-processing method. You create CL
Data files for operations and selected NC sequence sets. You also create
MCD files using a post-processor.
Objectives
• Describe the post-processing method.
• Create CL Data files for operations and selected NC sequence sets.
• Create MCD files using a post-processor.

Creating and Post-Processing CL Data Files
When toolpaths have been completed, you can use them to
create ASCII format Cutter Location (CL) data files. You can then
post-process CL data files into specific machine control data
(MCD) files using a post-processor.
Post-Processing
• CL data files generated from
toolpaths.
• Post-process CL data files into
machine-specific code.
• Machine-specific code used to
control machine tools. Figure 1 – CL Data File Simulation
Post-Processing Method
• Complete NC Sequences
• Create CL Data Files
– From one or more NC
sequences. Figure 2 – CL Data File
– ASCII format.
– Filename.ncl.
• Post-Process CL Data Files
– Create MCD files.
– Filename.tap.
Changes to NC Sequences
• Recreate CL data files and MCD
Figure 3 – MCD File
files.
Post-Processing
• Cutter Location (CL) data files are generated from the toolpaths specified
within NC sequences.
• These CL data files can then be processed by machine-specific or generic
post-processors for NC tape generation or DNC communications.
• You can then use the post-processed files to control machine tools such
as a 3-axis milling machine.
Post-Processing Method
The following steps describe the method of post-processing data to control
machine tools.
• Complete NC Sequences – You first need to complete the operation by
creating all necessary NC sequences.
• Create CL Data Files – When the operation is complete, you can create
CL data files.
– You can create CL data files of one or more selected NC sequences, or
a whole operation.

– The files are ASCII format files.
– The default filename format is filename.ncl.
• Post-Process CL Data Files – You can then post-process CL data files into
specific machine control data (MCD) files.
– You have the option of creating the CL and MCD files simultaneously.
– The default filename format is filename.tap.
Note, any subsequent changes made to NC sequences means you must
recreate the CL data files and MCD files.
Configuration Options
A number of configuration options control the post-processing method.
• Each Pro/NC module includes a standard set of NC post-processors that
you can use directly or modify using an optional module.
• ncpost_type – You can control which post-processing module to use by
setting the configuration option ncpost_type. The values are:
– gpost (default) – Use the G-Post™ post-processors provided by Intercim
Corporation.
– ncpost – Use the NC manufacturing post-processors.
• You can also use other post-processors capable of reading APT
(automatically programmed tools).
• gpostpp-_dir – Specifies the directory for gpost post-processors.
• pro_mf_cl_dir – Specifies the location to store CL data files.

PROCEDURE - Creating and Post-Processing CL Data
Files
Milling\Post_Process POST.ASM
Task 1: Create a CL data file and MCD file for operation op010.

2. Load a configuration file to specify the location of the post-processor.
• Click File > Options.
• Click the Configuration Editor and select Import configuration
file from the Import/Export drop-down menu.
• Click Working Directory .
• Select CONFIG.PRO and click Open.
• Click OK.
• Click No in the PTC Creo Parametric Options dialog box.
3. Display a CL data file.
• In the model tree, select
operation OP010 ,and then
right-click and select Play
Path .
• If necessary, click the CL
data bar to make the CL data
visible.
• Click Play .
• Observe the toolpath and
corresponding CL data file, as
shown.
4. Create a CL data file for the operation.
• In the Play Path dialog box, click File > Save As MCD.
• Select the Save CL File also check box.
• Select the Verbose and Trace check boxes.
• Click Output.
• Click OK to create a CL data file named op010.ncl.
5. Create an MCD file for the operation.
• From the menu manager, click UNCX01.P99 to select the
post-processor.
• When prompted, type 1001 for the program number, and press
ENTER.
• Click Close in the information window.
• Click Close in the Play Path dialog box.

6. View the contents of the browser.
• Click the Show Browser
icon from the Status toolbar,
and in the browser window
right-click and select Refresh.
• Notice that the listing for the
working directory contains
op010.ncl, and op010.tap, as
shown.
• Click Close to close the
browser.
You have created a CL data file named op010.ncl and an MCD file
named op010.tap.
Task 2: Create a CL data file and MCD file for the drilling sequences only.
1. Create a CL data file for a set of sequences.

• In the ribbon, select Save CL File for a Set from the Save a CL File
types drop-down menu in the Output group.
• Click Create from the menu manager.
• Type Drill_Only for the name, and press ENTER.
• Select the CSINK_HOLES and 10_0_HOLES check boxes.
• Click Done Sel.
• Click Drill_Only.
• Click File.
• Select the MCD File check box, and click Done.
• In the Save a Copy dialog box, click OK to create a CL data file
named drill_only.ncl.
2. Create an MCD file for a set of sequences.
• Click Done from the menu manager.
• Click UNCX01.P99 to select the post-processor.
• When prompted, type 1002 for the program number, and press
ENTER.
• Click Done Output.
• Click Close in the information window.

3. View the contents of the browser.
• Click the Show Browser
icon from the Status toolbar,
and in the browser window
right-click and select Refresh.
• Notice that the listing for the
working directory contains
drill_only.ncl and drill_only.tap,
as shown.
• Click Close to close the
browser.
You have now created a CL data file named drill_only.ncl and an
MCD file named drill_only.tap.

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Milling using Creo Parametric 3.

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Welcome to PTC University!

Precision Learning in the Classroom

Precision Learning After the Class

Milling using Creo Parametric 3.0

Course Handbook Layout:

Course Handbook Layout

The information in this course handbook is organized to help students locate

Procedure / Exercise Header

Close Window Erase Not Displayed

Step 1: Configure Creo Parametric to ensure the system is set up to run

3. Click Working Directory

Alternatively you can use the cascading folder path in the

Step 4: Open the file for this procedure.

1. Notice the lab model EXTRUDE_1.PRT is specified in the header

Step 5: Set the initial datum display options.

4. The model should now appear

This completes the procedure.

© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 1

Figure 1 – Creating the Figure 2 – Creating the

Figure 3 – Creating NC Sequences Figure 4 – Post-Processing CL

Creating the Manufacturing Model

Creating the Manufacturing Environment

Module 1 | Page 2 © 2014 PTC

Creating NC Sequences and CL Data

© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 3

This course covers the necessary steps for creating machine

Module 1 | Page 4 © 2014 PTC

Close Window Erase Not Displayed

Step 1: Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing

1. Create a new manufacturing

© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 5

Step 2: Create an operation, specify a Work Center, and assemble a

1. Select Mill from the Work Center types drop-down menu in

4. Select datum coordinate system

Module 1 | Page 6 © 2014 PTC

Fixtures are an optional element when configuring the

1. Select datum coordinate system

3. Click Complete Feature from the dashboard.

© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 7

1. Select Assemble Reference

Step 5: Create an NC sequence to machine a surface.

1. Select the Mill tab.

Module 1 | Page 8 © 2014 PTC

Step 6: Adjust the toolpath by editing manufacturing parameters.

1. Click Step Parameters from the Update Group.

© 2014 PTC Module 1 | Page 9

This completes the procedure.

Module 1 | Page 10 © 2014 PTC

© 2014 PTC Module 2 | Page 1

Figure 2 – Template Manufacturing

Template Manufacturing Models

Module 2 | Page 2 © 2014 PTC

© 2014 PTC Module 2 | Page 3

Task 1: Create a manufacturing model using a template manufacturing

1. Create a new manufacturing

Both metric and imperial manufacturing templates are available for

Module 2 | Page 4 © 2014 PTC

This completes the procedure.

© 2014 PTC Module 2 | Page 5

© 2014 PTC Module 3 | Page 1

Figure 2 – Machine Coordinate Figure 3 – Machine Tool