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Getting to know...

7
VISI-Machining 3D
Within this chapter we will look at using the This chapter looks at
operation manager and manipulating the 3D
machining strategies.
• Operation Manager

• 3D Machining strategies

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Using Machining Strategies


The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when
trying to create 3D machining toolpaths on specific models within VISI-Machining (see Fig-
ure 7.1).

Figure 7.1: The ‘3D Machining Example.wkf’ file.

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Step 1 - Opening a file


You can also create a
new file by pressing the To open a file select the File | Open option from the main-menu
[Control] and [N] keys (see Figure 7.2).
on your keyboard.

! When creating a new


file, you may be asked
to delete all databases.
By choosing ‘Yes’ you
will loose any additional
information added to
your file from the last
‘Save’ (unless it has
been saved recently).

Figure 7.2: Opening a file.

Locate the ‘Samples’ directory on the VISI-Series® CD, and


open the required work file (see figure 7.1).

 You can use the [F2]


and [F3] keys on your NOTE
keyboard to move
through the available When you open a file, the system will automatically set the view
views. to the view that the file was originally saved with.

By pressing the [F2] or [F3] keys on your keyboard, you can cy-
For more information cle through your available views until you reach a view that suits
? press the [F1] key on your needs (i.e. the ‘Dynamic’ view).
your keyboard.

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Step2 - Using ‘Roughing’

We will now use the ‘Roughing’ strategy to create a machining


toolpath around the solid model located in area 1 of ‘3D Machin-
ing Examples.wkf’ file

Before we do this we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

1. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.3: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

2. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-


Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Roughing’ &
‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.3).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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3. Select the Window | View | Include All option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.4: The ‘Roughing’ example window.

4. Select the Machining | Operations Manager option


from the main-menu.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.5).

Machining Selection
Icons Window

Explorer
Window

Data
Window

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.5: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Explorer Window - As we select and create new machining op-


erations these will appear inside the ‘explorer’ style window.
From here we can see each part of the operation structure and
with a left hand mouse click, edit the operation as desired.

Selection Window - The selection window will show the break-


down of the operation selected within the explorer window. i.e.
model & tool selection.

Data Window - The data window will show all parameters of


each operation that has been selected in the selection window,
i.e. tool diameter & tool length. If the tool parameters option is
selected, the cutting speeds and depths of cut will be highlighted.

You will notice that there are already entries and icons in the ex-
plorer window (see figure 7.6). These are default settings that
will automatically be created when the operations manager is se-
lected for the first time.

Figure 7.6: The ‘Explorer’ window.

Project - A project is created everytime you select the operations


manager for the first time. This project is simply a way of group-
ing your machining strategies together. For instance project 1
could contain all the roughing strategies and you could create a
new project for all the finishing strategies. You can create as
many projects as you like. Selecting the project will update the
other two windows with the current project information.

NC Machine - The NC machine parameter within the list de-


scribes the configuration of your machine tool. The default is al-
ways a 3-axis vertical machining centre. The ‘Post Processor’ is
For more information also defined within the NC machine parameters. The NC ma-
? press the [F1] key on chine setup parameters can be altered using the right hand mouse
your keyboard. button.

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Local Library - The local library parameter within the list de-
tails the tools that are currently available within the local library
on this machine. It is possible to define a new local library your-
self or use the default one. At any time you can update your local
library with a new tool and then save the new configuration. This
allows the setup of many tool configurations for each machining
centre.

5. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure


7.5), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.7).

New Operation

Figure 7.7: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.8).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on Figure 7.8: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.
your keyboard.

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2D and 3D machining strategies are grouped together and can be


accessed via the ‘Machining Group’ icons. On selection the ma-
chining strategy window will update with the different machin-
ing options available for each group. Depending on which
strategy is highlighted a graphical picture will show an example
toolpath.

3D
Operation

Figure 7.9: The machining group toolbar.

6. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.8), select the ‘Roughing’ option and then
O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.10).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on Figure 7.10: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.
your keyboard.

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The ‘Local Library’ selects which tools library you wish to


choose, you can create more then one local library for each
project.

The filter options will allow us to show only certain types of


tools depending on what filter check boxes are selected. If you
only require ballnose tools and you would like to see what is
available then select the subtype option and check the ballnose
box. You will then only see ballnose tools in the active window.
Tool creation icons allow us to create new tools that are not
available. We can import tools from a global library or manually
create tools when required.

The tools in the ‘Local Library’ window show us the curreny


available tools. We will use one of the tools to machine our first
part.

7. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure


7.10), select a 10mm diameter Endmill (Tool No. 2) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.11).

Figure 7.11: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
and to reduce ambiguity.
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
8. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.12).

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Select
Model

PF1

Figure 7.12: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

9. We are going to ‘Rough’ part 1 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.13)

Part
Boundary

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
Figure 7.13: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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10. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.12)

Operation
Parameters

Figure 7.14: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.14).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.15).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.15: The ‘Roughing Parameters’ dialogue box.

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11. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘0.5’ and a ‘Z Step’ value of
‘4’ (see Figure 7.15).

Features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the ‘Roughing


Parameters’ dialogue box are:

(i) Stock Oversize - Allows you to specify the amount of


stock or material left on the component for finishing.

(ii) Z Step - Allows you to specify the amount in which the


tool steps down in Z in order to cut the next pass.

(iii) Step Over/Percentage Value - Allows you to specify the


amount in which the tool will traverse across the compo-
nent. The percentage value refers to a percentage of the
tool diameter (i.e. 0.5 is the equivalent of 50% of the tool
diameter).

(iv) Stroke Angle - Allows you to specify a stroke angle in


which to machine your component. Any angle can be en-
tered, and there is also the ability to use the ‘Pick Ele-
ments’ icon to automatically select an angle from other
geometry.

(v) Add Finish Contour Pass - Will automatically add an


additional finishing pass around the component at the
current Z level. This function is used to remove peaks of
material when using ‘ZigZag’ machining

(vi)) Machining Strategy Selects whether you require the


toolpath to spiral in or outwards or to go across the part
in a linear direction.

(vii) Path Type - Allows you to specify the type of machining


paths the tool will make. ‘Inside Out’ will machine the
component from the inside and spirally rough to the out-
side, ‘Outside In (Feed)’ will machine the component
For more information from the outside and spirally rough to the inside and ‘Out-
? press the [F1] key on side In (Rapid)’ will machine the component from the
your keyboard. outside and spirally rough to the inside, but travels out-

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side the component and then rapids up and across to the


next start position of the roughing operation.

(viii) Auto Rebuild. Will automatically recalculate the ma-


chining operation if any parameter in here is changed

(ix) Planar Area Management. This option is only available


when using bullnose tools and a large step over. The step
over is automatically adjusted so that no material is left
unmachined.

Features available within the ‘Approach/Retract’ tab of the


‘Roughing Parameters’ dialogue box are:

(i) Approach/Retract Mode - Allows you to specify how


the tool approaches and retracts from the component.
‘Axial’ will move the tool in the Z axis, ‘Circular’ will
move the tool at a radius and ‘Tangential’ will move the
tool tangentially to an edge of the component.

(ii) Use Start Point - Allows you to specify the actual start
point of the machining operation, and there is also the
ability to use the ‘Pick Elements’ icon to automatically
select a start point.

(iii) Plunge Mode - Allows you to specify how the tool feeds
to the next cut in the operation. ‘Axial’ will move the tool
in the Z axis to the next machining level, ‘Helical’ will
move the tool in a helical feed motion along the Z axis to
the next machining level and ‘Ramp’ will move the tool
in a feed motion along the Z axis, but also ramps down to
the next machining level.

Features available within the ‘Transitions’ tab of the ‘Roughing


Parameters’ dialogue box are:

For more information (i) Z Step Management - Allows you to specify how the
? press the [F1] key on tool moves along the Z axis. ‘Constant’ will calculate all
your keyboard. Z levels at a constant step value which has been entered
by you, ‘Auto’ will calculate the Z levels automatically

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using the Z Step Down as a guide and automatically re-


duces the Z Step when it comes to a planer face, it then
generates a toolpath at that Z level and ‘Optimized’ will
calculate the Z levels in a similar way as ‘Auto’, but will
cut to the bottom of the component using the constant
step value and additionally generate another set of Z level
toolpaths for the planar (flat) faces. There is also the abil-
ity to machine only planar (flat) faces when using this
strategy.

(ii) Transition Method - Allows you to specify how the tool


machines the pockets (cavities) of your component. ‘By
Depth’ will machine each pocket (cavity) individually
and ‘By Z Levels’ will machine each pocket (cavity) as
the tool move along in the Z axis (not individually).

(iii) Search Cavities - This setting performs an advanced


search on the component to identify cavities and
cores.The finer the search the longer the calculation time.

(iv) Min step over without lift off This will not lift off the
tool if the step over between each pass is less then this
amount.

(v) Optimized Pocket On some occasions using a tool


where the step over is close to its diameter will leave ‘up-
stands’of material in the corners of the part. This option
will counter this anomaly by inserting extra feed moves.
This option is only available when using spiral roughing
and a large step over.

(vi) Small Pockets management. Here you can tell the soft-
ware to avoid pockets of a given diameter. This option is
only available when using a helical or ramping approach.

Features available within the ‘Boundary’ tab of the ‘Roughing


Parameters’ dialogue box are:
For more information
? press the [F1] key on (i) Max/Min Z Level - Allows you to specify the maximum
your keyboard. (start) and minimum (end) Z levels for the machining of
your component. There is also the ability to use the ‘Pick

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Elements’ icon to automatically select a start and end


point.

(ii) Clearance plane. Sets the first rapid height

(iii) Safe Distance. Sets the secondary rapid height

(iv) Overall Dimensions. Allows you to specify a rectangular


boundary or use a selected one.

(v) Boundary Mode - Allows you to specify how the tool


machines across your component. ‘On’ will machine to
the selected boundary using the centre of the tool, ‘To’
will machine to the selected boundary using the inside of
the tool and ‘Past’ will machine to the outside of the se-
lected boundary using the side of the tool.

(vi) Rapids Management- Tells the software that you re-


quire the tool to either rapid at clearance or safe distance

Features available within the ‘Additional settings’ tab of the


‘Roughing Parameters’ dialogue box are:

(i) Smooth corners. This option allows the user to specify


radiuses on corners or toolpaths

(ii) Internal Corners. This option will apply radiuses on


corners of internal toolpaths of pockets

(iii) Radius. Specifies the corner radius

NOTE

The corner values (i - iii) cannot be larger than 1/4 of the step
over value.
For more information
? press the [F1] key on (iv) Skip Undercuts - Will automatically skip all undercuts
your keyboard. (un-machinable areas) on the component.

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(v) Stop On Collisions - Will automatically stop the tool ma-


chining the component if any potential collisions are de-
tected.

(vi) Collision Check. Will detect any collisions associate with


undercuts

(vii) Collision Tolerance Will define a collision if greater than


this tolerance.

Features available within the ‘Cutting Conditions’ tab of the


‘Roughing Parameters’ dialogue box are:

(i) Machining Tolerance - Allows you to specify a


machinng tolerance for the component (small values will
always give more accurate results).

(ii) Spindle Speed - Allows you to specify the spindle speed


(rpm).

(iii) Engage Feed - Allows you to specify the feedrate at


which the tool plunges or ramps onto the required depth.

(iv) Feed Rate - Allows you to specify the actual cutting feed.

(v) Transition Feed - Allows you to specify the feed value


for the tool step over.

(vi) Retract Feed - Allows you to specify the feedrate at


which the tool retracts to the clearance plane or safety
distance value which has been entered by you.

(vii) Length comp No. - Allows you to specify the length


compensation number for the post processor.

(viii) Tool Position - Allows you to specify the tool position


For more information number for the post processor.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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(ix) Inclined Tool Allows the use of tools on machines tipped


at an angle.

Tool Angle( x relative) Angle of tool in the x axis


Tool Angle( y relative) Angle of tool in the y axis

(x) Cutting Mode - Allows you to specify the type of


machining action, which is either ‘Climb’ or ‘Conven-
tional’ milling.

(xi) Coolant (only required for the post processor) - Allows


you to specify if you would like to use coolant for use
with your toolpath, and if so, what type.

(xii) Comment (only required for the post processor) - Allows


you to enter message information that will be displayed
in the CNC program.

(xiii) PP Info (only required for the post processor) - Allows


you to generate special functions or routines associated
with certain key words within the post processor.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.14) and calculate the toolpath.

12. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.16).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
Figure 7.16: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.
your keyboard.

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To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.16).

Figure 7.17: The ‘Roughing’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Step 3 - Using ‘Constant Z ’


Keep the working area
 clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘Constant Z’ strategy to create a machin-
tine, delete the previous ing toolpath around the solid model located in area 2 of the ‘3D
strategy. Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

13. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main-menu

14. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the


‘Set Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Constant
Z’ & ‘Layer 1’ layers (see Figure 7.18).

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.18: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

15. Select the Window | View | Include All option from


the main-menu.
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Figure 7.19: The ‘Constant Z’ example window.

16. Select the Machining | Operations Manager option


from the main-menu.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.20).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.20: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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17. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure 7.20),


select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.21).

New Operation

Figure 7.21: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see figure
7.22).

Figure 7.22: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

18. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box, (see
Figure 7.22), select the ‘Constant Z’ option and then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following dia-
logue box (see figure 7.23).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Figure 7.23: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

19. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.23), select a 10mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 4) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.24).

Figure 7.24: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


For more information is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
? press the [F1] key on and to reduce ambiguity.
your keyboard.

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20. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.25).

Select
Model

PF1

Figure 7.25: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

21. We are going to ‘Constant Z’ part 2 to a machining


boundary. Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse but-
ton’ on the boundary icon in the selection window (see
figure 7.26)

NOTE

A boundary can be used to either prevent a machining cycle from


entering an area or to keep a machining cycle within a defined
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
area depending on the number of boundaries selected
your keyboard.

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Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

Figure 7.26: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

22. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.25)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.26).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.27).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.27: The ‘Constant Z Parameters’ dialogue box.

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23. We will change the number of passes used to machine


this part. Alter the ‘Z Step’ to 1.

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘Constant Z Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining strate-
gy are:

(i) Angular Control - Allows you to specify an angle value


which will restrict the tool to machining areas at that val-
ue or greater. For example, an angle of 45° would only
machine steep walls.

(ii) Machining Strategy - Allows you to specify the move-


ment type of the tool. ‘Unidirectional’ will set the tool to
travel in only one direction around the Z level and ‘Zig-
Zag’ will set the tool to travel one way, feed down to the
next level, then travel back in the opposite direction.

(iii) Transition Method - Allows you to specify how the tool


machines the pockets (cavities) of your component. ‘By
Z Levels’ will machine each pocket (cavity) as the tool
move along in the Z axis (not individually), ‘By Depth’
will machine each pocket (cavity) individually and ‘Hel-
ical’ will machine each pocket (cavity) using a helical
step as the tool moves along in the Z axis.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.26) and calculate the toolpath.

24. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.28).

Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
Figure 7.28: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

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To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.28).

Figure 7.29: The ‘Constant Z’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

 Keep the working area


clear. Before defining
Step 4 - Using ‘Parallel Plane’
the next machining rou-
tine, delete the previous We will now use the ‘Parallel Plane’ strategy to create a machin-
strategy. ing toolpath around the solid model located in area 3 of the ‘3D
Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

25. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main-menu

26. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Parallel Plane’ &
‘Layer 1’ layers (see Figure 7.30).

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.30: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

27. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
main-menu.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Figure 7.31: The ‘Parallel Plane’ example window.

28. Select the Machining | Operations Manager option


from the main-menu.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.32).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
Figure 7.32: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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29. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure


7.32), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.33).

New Operation

Figure 7.33: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.34).

Figure 7.34: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

30. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.34), select the ‘Parallel Plane’ option and
then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
For more information alogue box (see figure 7.35).
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Figure 7.35: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

31. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.35), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.36).

Figure 7.36: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

For more information When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’
? press the [F1] key on is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
your keyboard. and to reduce ambiguity.

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32. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.37).

Select
Model

PF1

Figure 7.37: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

33. We are going to ‘Parallel Plane’ part 3 to a machining


boundary. Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse but-
ton’ on the boundary icon in the selection window (see
figure 7.38).

NOTE

A boundary can be used to either prevent a machining cycle from


entering an area or to keep a machining cycle within a defined
area depending on the number of boundaries selected

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

Figure 7.38: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

34. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.37)

NOTE

In this example there is more than one machining boundary. If


more than one is selected the geometry will be automatically
nested. The outer boundary will be used to limit the toolpath, the
inner boundary shapes we be seen as islands and the toolpath
will not enter these regions.

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.38).

For more information You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
? press the [F1] key on ure 7.39).
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.39: The ‘Parallel Plane’ dialogue box.

35. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘0’ and a ‘Step Over’ value of
‘2.5’ (see Figure 7.39).

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘Parallel Plane Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining
strategy are:

(i) Step Over Mode - Allows you to specify how the tool
machines the component. ‘Constant’ will set the tool to
machine at a constant step over value which has been en-
tered by you and ‘Scallop’ will set the tool to machine at
a value which has been adjusted by the software. Using
this function will maintain a constant scallop height
across the component.
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. (ii) Roughing Mode - Allows you to use the ‘Parallel Plane
Finishing’ machining strategy as a roughing strategy.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

(iii) Angular Control - Allows you to specify areas that you


do not wish to be machined. This option works in an op-
posite fashion to the ‘Angular Control’ for the ‘Constant
Z Finishing’ machining strategy. This function can be
used to prevent the machining of steep walls.

(iv) Optimized Cross Machining - Will automatically add


an additional toolpath that is perpendicular to the first,
but only on areas of the component where the desired sur-
face finish is unacceptable.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.38) and calculate the toolpath.

36. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.40).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.40: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.40).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Figure 7.41: The ‘Parallel Plane’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 5 - Using ‘Pocketing’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘Pocketing’ strategy to create a machining
tine, delete the previous toolpath around the solid model located in area 4 of the ‘Machin-
strategy. ing Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

37. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.42: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

38. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Pocketing’ &
‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.42).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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39. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
main-menu.

Figure 7.43: The ‘Pocketing’ example window.

40. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.44: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

41. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure


7.44), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.45).

New Operation

Figure 7.45: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.46).

Figure 7.46: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

42. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.46), select the ‘Pocketing’ option and then
O.K.

For more information After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
? press the [F1] key on alogue box (see figure 7.47).
your keyboard.

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Figure 7.47: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

43. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.47), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.48).

Figure 7.48: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’
your keyboard. is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
and to reduce ambiguity.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

44. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.48).

Select
Model

PF1
Figure 7.49: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information


in the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

45. We are going to ‘Pocket’ part 4 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.50).

NOTE

A boundary can be used to either prevent a machining cycle


from entering an area or to keep a machining cycle within a de-
fined area depending on the number of boundaries selected

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Drive
Curve

Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

Figure 7.50: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

46. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.49)

NOTE

In this example there two boundary profiles. As in previous ma-


chining examples the profiles can be used to limit the toolpath. In
this example the boundary geometry can also be used as a ‘Drive
Curve’ to control the toolpath shape.
If no ‘Drive Curve’ is selected the toolpath we be generated fol-
lowing a rectangular shape. If a ‘Drive Curve’ is selected the gen-
erated toolpath will follow the ‘Drive Curve’.

47. We are going to guide the ‘Pocketing’ toolpath on part 4


For more information
? press the [F1] key on
using a ‘Drive Curve’. Double click with the ‘Left hand
your keyboard. mouse button’ on the ‘Drive Curve’ icon in the selection
window (see figure 7.50).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

48. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ re-select the yel-
low profile - PF1. This will be used as the ‘Drive Curve’
(see figure 7.49)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.49).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.51).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.51: The ‘Pocketing’ dialogue box.

49. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘0’ and a ‘Step Over’ value of
‘1’ (see Figure 7.51).

For more information Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the
? press the [F1] key on ‘Pocketing Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining strategy
your keyboard. are:

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

(i) Climb Mode - Allows you to specify how the tool climbs
the component. ‘UpDown’ will set the tool to climb both
up and down the component, ‘UpWard’ will set the tool
to only climb up the component and ‘DownWard’ will set
the tool to only climb down the component.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.50) and calculate the toolpath.

50. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.52).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.52: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.52).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.53: The ‘Pocketing’ toolpath.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 6 - Using ‘1 Leading Curve’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘1 Leading Curve’ strategy to create a ma-
tine, delete the previous chining toolpath around the solid model located in area 5 of the
strategy. ‘3D Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

51. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.54: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

52. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘1 Drive Curve’ &
‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.54).

For more information 53. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
? press the [F1] key on main-menu.
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.55: The ‘1 Leading Curve’ example window.

54. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.56: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 55. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
7.56), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.57).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

New Operation

Figure 7.57: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.58).

Figure 7.58: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

56. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.58), select the ‘1 Leading Curve’ option and
then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.59).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.59: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

57. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.59), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.60).

Figure 7.60: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

For more information When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’
? press the [F1] key on is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
your keyboard. and to reduce ambiguity.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

58. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.61).
Model
Selection
PF1

C1
Figure 7.61: Model Selection.

59. Select the ‘Machining Leading Curve’ - Select the yellow


leading curve C1 (see figure 7.61).

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.
Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.62: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

60. We are going to machine part 5 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.61).

61. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.61)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.62).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.63).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.63: The ‘1 Leading Curve’ dialogue box.

63. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Step Over’ value of ‘1’ (see Figure 7.63).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘1 Leading Curve Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining
strategy are:

(i) Perpendicular Mode - Allows you to specify the ma-


chining direction relative to the ‘Drive Curve’. Using this
option you can force the toolpath parallel or perpendicu-
lar to the ‘Drive Curve’.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.62) and calculate the toolpath.

64. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.64).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.64: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.64).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.65: The ‘1 Drive Curve’ toolpath.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Step 7 - Using ‘2 Leading Curve’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘2 Leading Curve’ strategy to create a ma-
tine, delete the previous chining toolpath around the solid model located in area 6 of the
strategy. ‘3D Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

65. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.66: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

66. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘2 Drive Curve’ &
‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.66).

67. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
For more information main-menu.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Figure 7.67: The ‘2 Leading Curve’ example window.

68. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.68: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
69. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
7.68), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.69).

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

New Operation

Figure 7.69: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.70).

Figure 7.70: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

70. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.70), select the ‘2 Leading Curve’ option and
then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.71).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Figure 7.71: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

71. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.71), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.72).

Figure 7.72: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
For more information
and to reduce ambiguity.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 72. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.73).

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

C1
Model
Selection

C2
Figure 7.73: Model Selection.


To select multiple indi-
vidual edges or entities,
73. Select the ‘2 Leading Curves’ - Select the yellow leading
you can either press curves C1 & C2 (see figure 7.73).
and hold the [Control]
key on your keyborad or The operation manager will now return with more information in
use the ‘Muliple Selec- the selection window. The selection window will now contain
tion’ icon.
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.74: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.74).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.75).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.75: The ‘2 Leading Curve’ dialogue box.

74. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Step Over’ value of ‘1’ and select the ‘Perpendicular
Mode’ switch (see Figure 7.75).

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.74) and calculate the toolpath.

75. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


For more information and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
? press the [F1] key on 7.76).
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.76: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.76).

Figure 7.77: The ‘2 Drive Curve’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 8 - Using ‘Contour Projection’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘Contour Projection’ strategy to create a
tine, delete the previous machining toolpath around the solid model located in area 7 of
strategy. the ‘3D Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

76. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.78: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

77. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Contour’ & ‘Lay-
er 1’ layer (See figure 7.78).

78. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
main-menu.
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.79: The ‘Contour Projection’ example window.

79. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.80: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on 80. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
your keyboard. 7.80), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.81).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

New Operation

Figure 7.81: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.82).

Figure 7.82: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

81. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.82), select the ‘Contour Projection’ option
and then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.83).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.83: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

82. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.83), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.84).

Figure 7.84: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
For more information and to reduce ambiguity.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 83. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.85).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

 To select multiple indi-


vidual edges or entities,
you can either press
and hold the [Control]
Model
key on your keyborad or Selection
use the ‘Muliple Selec-
tion’ icon.

PF1 - PF6
Figure 7.85: Model Selection.

84. Select the ‘Machining Curves’ - Select the yellow ma-


chining letter profiles PF1 - PF6. The selection order will
dictate the machining order. (see figure 7.85).

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.86: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.86).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.87).
Play around with differ-
" ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.87: The ‘Contour Projection’ dialogue box.

85. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘-0.5’ (see Figure 7.87).

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘Contour Projection Parameters’ dialogue box for this machin-
ing strategy are:

(i) Stock Oversize - Allows you to specify how far the tool
For more information machines into the component (by using a negative value).
? press the [F1] key on This option works in an opposite fashion to the ‘Stock
your keyboard. Oversize’ for the other machining strategies. The over-
size value cannot be greater than the tool radius.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

(ii) Multiple Passes - Allows you to specify whether you


want the tool to perform multiple passes on either side of
the profile geometry. The ‘Left’ distance must always be
greater than the ‘Right’ distance.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.86) and calculate the toolpath.

86. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.88).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.88: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.89).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.89: The ‘Contour projection’ toolpath.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Step 9 - Using ‘ISO Machining’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘ISO Machining’ strategy to create a ma-
tine, delete the previous chining toolpath around the solid model located in area 7 of the
strategy. ‘3D Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

87. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.90: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

88. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘ISO Machining’
& ‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.90).

89. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
For more information main-menu.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Figure 7.91: The ‘ISO Machining’ example window.

90. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

For more information Figure 7.92: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 91. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
7.92), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure 7.93).

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New Operation

Figure 7.93: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.94).

Figure 7.94: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

92. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.94), select the ‘Contour Projection’ option
and then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.95).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Figure 7.95: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

93. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.95), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.96).

Figure 7.96: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
For more information and to reduce ambiguity.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 94. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.97).

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

95. Select the Faces to machine. Whilst depressing the


<CTRL> key for multiple selection, select faces F1 - F8
To select multiple indi-
vidual edges or entities,
(see figure 7.97).
you can either press
and hold the [Control] F3
key on your keyborad or
use the ‘Muliple Selec-
tion’ icon.
F4
F2

F1 F5

PF1

F8 F6

F7

Figure 7.97: Face selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.
Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

Figure 7.98: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

96. We are going to machine part 7 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.98).

97. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.97)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.98).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.99).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.99: The ‘ISO Machining’ dialogue box.

98. Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Step Over’ value of ‘1’ and select the ‘Parallel to V
Mode’ switch (see Figure 7.99).
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.98) and calculate the toolpath.

99. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.100).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.100: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.101).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. Figure 7.101: The ‘ISO Machining’ toolpath.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 10 - Using ‘Rest Material’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘Rest Material’ strategy to create a machin-
tine, delete the previous ing toolpath around the solid model located in area 8 of the ‘3D
strategy. Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

100. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.102: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

101. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Rest Machining’
& ‘Layer 1’ layer (See figure 7.102).

For more information 102. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
? press the [F1] key on main-menu.
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.103: The ‘Rest Machining’ example window.

103. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.104: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on 104. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
your keyboard.
7.104), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure
7.105).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

New Operation

Figure 7.105: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.106).

Figure 7.106: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

105. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.106), select the ‘Rest Material’ option and
then O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
For more information alogue box (see figure 7.107).
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.107: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

106. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.107), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.108).

Figure 7.108: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
For more information and to reduce ambiguity.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 107. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.12).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Model
Selection

PF1

Figure 7.109: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on Figure 7.110: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

108. We are going to machine part 8 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.110).

109. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.109)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.110).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.111).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.111: The ‘Rest Machining’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

110.) Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘0’, a ‘Previous Tool Diameter’
value of ‘10’ and a ‘Step Over’ value of ‘1’ (see Figure
7.111). Also set the ‘ Slope data handling’ to ‘horizontal’.

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘Rest Machining Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining
strategy are:

(i) Previous Tool Diameter - Allows you to specify the last


tool diameter use to machine the component. The current
tool must have a diameter that is smaller than the previ-
ous tool.

(ii) Strategy - Allows you to specify how the tool machines


the component. ‘Longitudinal’ will limit the tool to ma-
chine in the X and Y directions. ‘Transversal’ will limit
the tool to machine in the X and Z or X and Y directions.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.110) and calculate the toolpath.

111. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.112).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.112: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-
your keyboard. path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.112).

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.113: The ‘Rest Machining’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 11 - Using ‘Pencil Milling’


 Keep the working area
clear. Before defining
the next machining rou- We will now use the ‘Pencil Milling’ strategy to create a machin-
tine, delete the previous ing toolpath around the solid model located in area 9 of the ‘3D
strategy. Machining Examples.wkf’ file.

Before we do this, we will display the specific geometry that is


required.

112. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option


from the main menu

 You can also select the


‘Set Drawing Filters’
function using the tool-
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface.

Figure 7.114: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

113. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Set-
Reset Layers’ button and highlight the ‘Pencil’ & ‘Layer
1’ layer (See figure 7.114).

114. Select the Window | View | Include All option from the
For more information
? press the [F1] key on
main-menu.
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.115: The ‘Pencil’ example window.

115. Select the Machining | Operation Manager option from


the main-menu.

Figure 7.116: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.


For more information
? press the [F1] key on 116. Using the ‘Operation Manager’ interface (see Figure
your keyboard.
7.116), select the ‘New operation’ icon (see Figure
7.117).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

New Operation

Figure 7.117: The ‘New operation’ icon.

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.118).

Figure 7.118: The ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box.

117. From within the ‘3D Machining Strategy’ dialogue box,


(see Figure 7.118), select the ‘Pencil’ option and then
O.K.

For more information After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
? press the [F1] key on alogue box (see figure 7.119).
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.119: The ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box.

118. From within the ‘Tool Selection’ dialogue box (see figure
7.118), select a 6mm diameter Ballnose (Tool No. 3) and
select O.K.

After selecting O.K. you will be presented with the following di-
alogue box (see figure 7.119).

Figure 7.119: The ‘Model Selection’ dialogue box.

When machining a solid or surface model a ‘Meshing Tolerance’


is used to create a meshed file. The meshed file is used for speed
For more information and to reduce ambiguity.
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard. 119. Select the model to machine - Select the solid (see figure
7.120).

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Model
Selection

PF1

Figure 7.120: Model Selection.

The operation manager will now return with more information in


the selection window. The selection window will now contain
icons that relate to the model to be machined.

Part
Boundary

Operation
Parameters

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
Figure 7.121: The ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

120. We are going to machine part 9 to a machining boundary.


Double click with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ on the
boundary icon in the selection window (see figure 7.121).

121. Now with the ‘Left hand mouse button’ select the yellow
profile - PF1 (see figure 7.120)

To activate and edit the machining parameters double click using


the ‘Left hand mouse button’on the ‘Operation parameters’ op-
tion within the selection window (see figure 7.121).

You will be presented with the following dialogue box (see fig-
ure 7.122).

" Play around with differ-


ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

Figure 7.122: The ‘Rest Machining’ dialogue box.

122.) Using the ‘Operation Parameters’ dialogue box, select a


‘Stock Oversize’ value of ‘0’, a ‘Previous Tool Diameter’
For more information
? press the [F1] key on value of ‘10’ (see Figure 7.122).
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Additional features available within the ‘Machining’ tab of the


‘Pencil Parameters’ dialogue box for this machining strategy
are:

(i) Multiple Passes - Allows you to specify whether you


want the tool to perform multiple passes at the selected ‘Z
Step’ value. The ‘Material Thickness’ is taken upwards
from the final tool-pass around the component.

After applying the desired machining parameters select O.K. to


return to the ‘Operations Manager’ dialogue box (see figure
7.121) and calculate the toolpath.

123. Highlight the roughing toolpath in the ‘Explorer’ window


and select the ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon (see figure
7.123).
Toolpath
Simulated
Display
Toolpath
Batch build

Figure 7.123: The ‘Toolpath batch build’ icon.

To display and simulate the calculated toolpath select the ‘Tool-


path Simulated Display’ icon from the machining icons (see fig-
ure 7.123).

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Using machining stratagies Chapter 7

Figure 7.123: The ‘Pencil’ toolpath.

For more information


? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.

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Chapter 7 VISI-Machining 3D

Step 12 - Saving data

To save data you will have to select the File | Save option from
the main-menu (see Figure 7.124).

 You can also save a file


by pressing the [Control]
and [S] keys on your
keyboard.

Figure 7.124: Saving data.

You can also use three other methods to save information:

(i) ‘Save As’ - This will allow you to specify a file name
when saving the on-screen data.

(ii) ‘Save Part As’ - This will allow you to select specific ge-
ometry you wish to save.

For more information (iii) ‘Export’ - This will allow you to save the file in a differ-
? press the [F1] key on ent format type (i.e. IGES, DXF, Parasolid).
your keyboard.

388 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

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