ProCAM Installation Guide

PROCAM 2D & PROCAM II

2006 INSTALLATION

& QUICK-START GUIDE

License Agreement In receiving a software product described herein, you are granted a nonexclusive license to use that software on one computer. TekSoft, Inc. retains full title to and ownership of the product. Use of the product constitutes acceptance of this agreement. Duplication of the software product for any purpose, other than backup protection, including duplication for any commercial purpose, is prohibited by law. TekSoft, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the specifications and information contained herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product development, specifications and capabilities described in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Warranty TekSoft, Inc. will replace defective software for a period of 90 days from date of delivery, at no charge. TekSoft, Inc. makes no other warranty, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, regarding any product described herein. In no event shall TekSoft, Inc. be liable to anyone for special, collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the purchase or use of these products. The sole and exclusive liability of TekSoft, Inc., regardless of form of action, shall not exceed the purchase price of the software described herein.

Trademarks The following and other product names and corporate references herein are registered or proprietary trademarks of their respective owners. TekSoft™ and ProCAM™ are trademarks of TekSoft, Inc.

Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

OpenGL® is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc.

Pentium® is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

Nvidia® and GeForce™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Nvidia Corporation.

Any and all other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Copyright ©2005 TekSoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PC28e April, 2005

i

Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 INSTALLATION 1-1

Installing ProCAM .......................................................................................... 1-2 Steps to Install ProCAM 2D and ProCAM II............................................ 1-2 Uninstalling ProCAM................................................................................ 1-3

Back Up Customized Files................................................................... 1-3 Procedure to Uninstall ProCAM .......................................................... 1-3

ProCAM System Requirements ...................................................................... 1-4 ProCAM II............................................................................................ 1-4 ProCAM 2D ......................................................................................... 1-4 Additional Software for Solids Machining .......................................... 1-5 Optional Hardware: Printer and/or Plotter ........................................... 1-5 Optional Internet Access ...................................................................... 1-5

ProCAM II Video Card Compatibility............................................................ 1-6 Getting Help .................................................................................................... 1-7

Defective Software or Equipment ........................................................ 1-7 Where to Find Information................................................................... 1-7 Still have a Problem?............................................................................ 1-8

CHAPTER 2 GETTING STARTED IN PROCAM 2D 2-1 Starting ProCAM 2D and Opening a Part File................................................ 2-2 Understanding the ProCAM Window............................................................. 2-3

Toolbars ..................................................................................................... 2-3 Insert Toolbars...................................................................................... 2-4 Modifier Toolbar .................................................................................. 2-4 Snap Toolbar ........................................................................................ 2-5 Utility Toolbar...................................................................................... 2-5 System Toolbar..................................................................................... 2-5

Menus......................................................................................................... 2-6 InfoBar ....................................................................................................... 2-6 Work Area.................................................................................................. 2-6 Prompt Line ............................................................................................... 2-7 Cursor Coordinates .................................................................................... 2-7 Zoom All Button........................................................................................ 2-7 Finding Answers and Learning More About ProCAM 2D ....................... 2-7

Online Help .......................................................................................... 2-7 Tutorials................................................................................................ 2-8

Learning the Basics ......................................................................................... 2-9 Using the Mouse ........................................................................................ 2-9

Button Functions .................................................................................. 2-9

Table of Contents

ii

Keyboard Operation................................................................................. 2-10 Providing Information ........................................................................ 2-10 Shortcut Keys ..................................................................................... 2-10

Correcting Mistakes ................................................................................. 2-10 Erasing Entities and Using Oops........................................................ 2-10

Selecting Entities ..................................................................................... 2-11 Window Picking Multiple Entities..................................................... 2-11

Controlling the Part Display .................................................................... 2-11 Zooming ............................................................................................. 2-12 Saving and Restoring a View............................................................. 2-13 Moving a Part Horizontally and Vertically ........................................ 2-14 Redrawing the Part Display................................................................ 2-14

Calculating ............................................................................................... 2-14 Using Auto-Calculation...................................................................... 2-14 Using the Calculator........................................................................... 2-15

Customizing ProCAM ............................................................................. 2-16 Changing the Screen Display ............................................................. 2-16 Resizing the ProCAM Window ......................................................... 2-17 Controlling the Axis Labels, Display and Mode................................ 2-17 Specifying Units of Measurement...................................................... 2-17

Steps to Generate an NC Program................................................................. 2-20 Generating Mill Tool Paths and NC Code............................................... 2-20

Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM 2D ............................ 2-20 Step 2: Start 2D Mill ......................................................................... 2-20 Step 3: Set the Setup Information ..................................................... 2-21 Step 4: Insert a Boundary .................................................................. 2-22 Step 5: Define the Operations ........................................................... 2-23 Step 6: Generate Tool Paths .............................................................. 2-24 Step 7: Post Process the Part ............................................................. 2-25

Generating Punch, Plasma and Laser Tool Paths and NC Code ............. 2-26 Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM 2D ............................ 2-26 Step 2: Start Punch, Laser or Plasma ................................................ 2-26 Step 3: Set the Setup Information ..................................................... 2-27 Step 4: Define the Tools.................................................................... 2-28 Step 5: Define the Cutting Conditions .............................................. 2-30 Step 6: Generate Tool Paths and Hits ............................................... 2-32 Step 7: Post Process the Part ............................................................. 2-32

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iii

CHAPTER 3 GETTING STARTED IN PROCAM II 3-1 Starting ProCAM II and Opening a Part File.................................................. 3-2 Understanding the ProCAM Window............................................................. 3-3

Toolbars ..................................................................................................... 3-3 Insert Toolbars...................................................................................... 3-4 Modify Toolbar .................................................................................... 3-4 Snap Toolbar ........................................................................................ 3-5 Utility Toolbar...................................................................................... 3-5 CAD/CAM Toolbar.............................................................................. 3-5 System Toolbar..................................................................................... 3-5 View Toolbar........................................................................................ 3-6

Menus......................................................................................................... 3-6 Part Manager.............................................................................................. 3-7 Work Area.................................................................................................. 3-8 Prompt Line ............................................................................................... 3-8 Cursor Coordinates .................................................................................... 3-8 Zoom Buttons ............................................................................................ 3-8 Finding Answers and Learning More About ProCAM II ......................... 3-8

Online Help .......................................................................................... 3-9 Tutorials................................................................................................ 3-9

Learning the Basics ....................................................................................... 3-10 Using the Mouse ...................................................................................... 3-10

Button Functions ................................................................................ 3-10 Keyboard Operation................................................................................. 3-11

Providing Information ........................................................................ 3-11 Shortcut Keys ..................................................................................... 3-11

Correcting Mistakes ................................................................................. 3-12 Erasing Entities and Using Oops........................................................ 3-12

Selecting Entities ..................................................................................... 3-12 When There are Multiple Entities at a Pick Location ........................ 3-12 Window Picking Multiple Entities..................................................... 3-13 Using the Unselect Command............................................................ 3-14

Controlling the Part Display .................................................................... 3-14 Zooming ............................................................................................. 3-15 Rotating .............................................................................................. 3-16 Panning............................................................................................... 3-17

Calculating ............................................................................................... 3-17 Using Auto-Calculation...................................................................... 3-17 Using the Calculator........................................................................... 3-18

Customizing ProCAM ............................................................................. 3-19 Changing the Screen Display ............................................................. 3-19 Arranging Toolbars ............................................................................ 3-19 Resizing the Window and Part Manager............................................ 3-20

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Controlling the Axis Display.............................................................. 3-20 Interactively Changing the Surface Display ...................................... 3-20 Specifying Units of Measurement...................................................... 3-21

Steps to Generate an NC Program................................................................. 3-24 Generating 2½ Axis Mill Toolpaths and NC Code ................................. 3-24

Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM II............................... 3-24 Step 2: Start 2½ Axis Mill and Select the Controller........................ 3-24 Step 3: Set the Setup Information ..................................................... 3-25 Step 4: Put Cross Section Entities on What will be Cut ................... 3-26 Step 5: Define the Operations ........................................................... 3-27 Step 6: Generate the Toolpaths ......................................................... 3-29 Step 7: Post Process the Part ............................................................. 3-30

Generating Surface Machining Toolpaths and NC Code ........................ 3-32 Step 1: Draw or Open the Part and Create Surfaces ......................... 3-32 Step 2: Change to the Operation Tree ............................................... 3-33 Step 3: Set the Setup Information ..................................................... 3-33 Step 4: Define the Operations ........................................................... 3-33 Step 5: Generate the Toolpaths ......................................................... 3-36 Step 6: Post Process the Part ............................................................. 3-37

INDEX

Installation 1-1

Chapter 1 Installation

ProCAM is a fully integrated CAD/CAM system that supports complete CAM functions including 2½ axis milling, multi-surface machining, solids machining, multi-axis lathe, fabrication and wire EDM. This chapter explains how to install ProCAM on a single PC. If you are installing ProCAM to run on a network, the installation directions are provided in the Help file on the ProCAM CD.

Installing ProCAM

1-2 Installation

Installing ProCAM

Steps to Install ProCAM 2D and ProCAM II The steps to install ProCAM are listed below. If you are installing ProCAM to run on a network, the installation directions are provided on the ProCAM CD.

1 Verify that you have the hardware and software required to run ProCAM (page 1-4). These steps assume that your PC is running a supported version of Windows and your mouse

and video card are functioning correctly in Windows. In addition, make sure all critical operating system updates and driver updates are installed.

If you are going to run Solids Machining, Access 2000, 2002, 2003 or Access 2000 Runtime must be installed before running the ProCAM setup program.

2 Start Windows and insert the ProCAM CD in the drive. After a brief pause, the Setup program should run automatically and the Setup menu should

display. If the menu does not display automatically, select Start on the Taskbar and choose Run. In the Run dialog box, type d:\setup (or the letter of the CD drive) and click OK. You can also start the program from Windows Explorer by opening the CD folder and double-clicking setup.exe.

3 Click the Release Notes button on the Setup menu and read the Release Notes. This file contains important information you need to know before installing.

4 Click the Win 2000/XP Driver button on the Setup menu to install the license/security key driver.

Install this driver if you are installing ProCAM for the first time or if you have upgraded the operating system to 2000 or XP. Without this driver, ProCAM cannot read the key and will run in Demo mode. If you install the driver, reboot your PC before starting ProCAM.

5 Click the ProCAM II button on the Setup menu and follow the prompts to install the software. 6 Click the applicable buttons on the Setup menu to install supplemental TekSoft and third-party

products that you are licensed to run. CAUTION! If you install supplemental programs (e.g., ProNest, Verify version 5.1) that you

have not purchased, these programs will not run. If you would like to purchase a license for any of these programs, contact your TekSoft reseller.

7 Activate your ProCAM license. ProCAM uses a key (also called a copy protection block or dongle) for licensing and protection

against unauthorized use. A key is a small hardware device that fits on the parallel port or the USB connector of the PC. The key is programmed for the modules and versions you are licensed to run and if the key is not attached, ProCAM will run in Demo mode.

Installing ProCAM

Installation 1-3

If you have a 25-pin block for a parallel port, attach the male 25-pin connector on the key to the female 25-pin connector on the PC. If you have other keys, attach the ProCAM key last. If necessary, you can try the keys in a different sequence.

If you have a USB block, plug the block into the USB connector on the PC. If all the USB connectors are being used, you can purchase a USB hub to add additional connectors.

IMPORTANT! The key is essentially your license and you may want to insure it against loss. If the key is lost or stolen, you will be required to purchase a new license.

8 When you are finished installing the software from the CD, click the Close button to close the Setup program.

9 Install the post processor software in the \procad\ctl folder. − If your ProCAM package includes a Post disk, insert the disk in a floppy drive. Choose Run

on the Windows Start menu, then type a:setup (or the letter of the floppy drive you are using) and click OK. Instead of running the setup, you can also use Windows Explorer and copy the files from the disk to the \procad\ctl folder.

− If you received the post processor files through another media (e.g., email), follow standard Windows procedures to copy the files into the \procad\ctl folder.

10 Start ProCAM 2D or ProCAM II. Select Start on the Taskbar, then select Programs on the Start menu and TekSoft CAD_CAM on

the Programs menu. Then select the version of ProCAM you want to start (ProCAM II or ProCAM 2D).

If you are updating a previous version of ProCAM, select Help on the menu bar, then click What's New to find out about the new features and enhancements in this release.

Uninstalling ProCAM Back Up Customized Files

If you remove a version of ProCAM, first make sure you have backed up any files you want to keep including: parts, NC program files, punch tool libraries (.lib), special tools and shapes (.spt), special lathe inserts and tool holders (.spi, .hld, and .bar), Mill and Lathe tool libraries (.mtl, .ttl), Mill/Lathe feeds and speeds (.mfs), Mill operations (.mop), operation defaults (.mdf, .tmd, .tdf, .edf), tool files (.mtf, .ptf, .ltf, .ttf, .ftf), laser database files (.mdb), Solids Machining Technology Database files (TechDB.mdb, ReportDatabase.mdb) and post processor files in the \procad\ctl folder. These files may have been customized for your installation.

Procedure to Uninstall ProCAM IMPORTANT! The Setup program for ProCAM modifies the Windows Registry. If you want to uninstall ProCAM, use the Add/Remove Programs function in the Windows Control Panel to make sure the software is completely uninstalled. If ProCAM is not in the list of programs that can be uninstalled, open the Windows Explorer, back-up parts, NC programs, post processors and any other custom files, then delete the procamii200x\procad folder.

ProCAM System Requirements

1-4 Installation

ProCAM System Requirements IMPORTANT! Make sure your system meets at least the minimum requirements below. While ProCAM and ProCAM II run on the minimum configuration, the recommended configuration provides a significant increase in speed and performance.

ProCAM II Minimum Recommended Optimum

CPU (1) Intel® Pentium® III or AMD Athlon™

Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon or Dual Processor

Fastest Intel or AMD Dual Processor available

RAM (1) 256MB 512MB 512MB - 1GB

Video Card (2) 32MB OpenGL® card True Color

64MB OpenGL AGP (ATI or Nvidia Chipset)

Nvidia GeForce FX 5900 XT

Monitor (3) 1024x768 (small fonts) 1024x768 (small fonts) 1024x768 (small fonts)

Hard Disk 200MB of free space As large as possible As large as possible

CD ROM Drive Required for installation only

Required for installation only

Required for installation only

Parallel or USB port

Required for license/security key



Mouse (4) 2-button mouse 3-button mouse 3-button mouse with scroll wheel

OS (5) Windows 2000 or XP Windows 2000 or XP Windows 2000 or XP

(1) ProCAM benefits significantly from a faster processor and more RAM especially when cutting complex parts. (2) Make sure you have a supported video card installed with the latest update to the driver. See the Video Card

Compatibility table on page 1-6. (3) Resolutions using large fonts are not supported. (4) For a 2-button mouse, middle button functions are supported with the Space Bar. (5) The most current service packs and critical updates for Windows OS's are required. They can be downloaded from

the Microsoft web site.

ProCAM 2D The minimum recommended PC system configuration for running ProCAM 2D is a 450Mhz Intel Pentium II with 128MB RAM, Windows 2000 or XP, 200MB of free space, a standard video card, a 2-button mouse (right button functions are supported using Ctrl + right button), and a CD-ROM drive (for installation). Note that all modules benefit from a faster processor and more RAM. For more information on operating system support, see Note 5 above.

ProCAM System Requirements

Installation 1-5

Additional Software for Solids Machining Microsoft® Access 2000, 2002 or 2003 is required to run Solids Machining. We recommend that you purchase and install a full version of Access before installing ProCAM; however, a runtime version of Access 2000 is included on the ProCAM CD (in the Access2000Runtime folder). The runtime version can be used at no charge, but this version has the following limitations: • The runtime version is not fully supported by Microsoft. Updates to the runtime version are not

always available. • The runtime version does not allow you to customize setup sheets using the Setup Sheet command

on the NC Manager shortcut menu. • It has been reported that on some systems, the runtime version does not install all the files required

by Solids Machining. Unpredictable results may occur. If you are going to run Solids Machining, Access must be installed before running the ProCAM setup program.

Optional Hardware: Printer and/or Plotter Windows supports an extensive number of printers and plotters. You can set up a printer or plotter to work with Windows, then print or plot a drawing that is displayed in the ProCAM work area. For ProCAM 2D, TekSoft plotter drivers are provided in case you are unable to set up your plotter to plot accurately using a Windows driver or if a Windows driver is not available for your specific plotter. For more information, see the ProCAM 2D online Help.

Optional Internet Access To access the TekSoft web site on the Internet (www.teksoft.com) and for email, we recommend that you have Internet access using any of the popular connections (phone-based or cable modem, T-1, DSL, etc.) through an ISP or online service. With Internet access, you can download or receive via email updated files including revised system files and post files or files for updating the license/security key.

Download ProCAM II Patch Updates Patch updates are supplied as needed to provide you with the latest build of ProCAM II. If you are connected to the Internet, you can use the ProCAM II Update Utility, which is installed when you install ProCAM II from the CD. This program includes options to check for, download and install the patch. To start the ProCAM II Update utility, select Start on the Taskbar, then select Programs|ProCAM II 200x|ProCAM II 200x Update Utility. The Check for Update command on the ProCAM II Help menu allows you to check for and download a patch from the TekSoft web site. The file is downloaded into the \Procad\Patch folder and can be installed by closing ProCAM II , then running the Update Utility.

ProCAM II Video Card Compatibility

1-6 Installation

ProCAM II Video Card Compatibility Video cards differ in their functions, capabilities and performance. Cards that may work well for gaming may not work well with other applications. If you encounter display problems or system instability when running ProCAM II, first make sure you have the most current video driver for your operating system. If the driver does not correct the problem, you may need to purchase a different card. The list of cards below has been compiled from in-house testing and reports from users. However, other cards may work well. If you are considering other cards, make sure that they support a full set of OpenGL APIs. The most important issue is to have the most current video driver for your OS.

Cards Tested

Recommended

Not Recommended

Comments

Nvidia GeForce FX 5900 XT

Nvidia GeForce FX 5700

ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

Nvidia GeForce Ti4200

Nvidia GeForce2 Ultra

Nvidia GeForce2 GTS/GeForce2 Pro

Nvidia GeForce2 FX 5200 Issues in Solids Machining

Nvidia GeForce 5600 Ultra Issues in Solids Machining

Nvidia GeForce Go5200 notebook

Nvidia Quadro FX Go1000 notebook

Nvidia Quadro4 500 Go notebook

Getting Help

Installation 1-7

Getting Help Defective Software or Equipment

The TekSoft Warranty warrants that for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, the software and the hardware key will perform substantially in accordance with the description in the documentation. If any part of this product is not as warranted, the remedies are explained in the Warranty. Make sure you read the Warranty and Software License. If you are reasonably certain your problem is covered under the TekSoft Warranty, please contact your TekSoft reseller. If you have a problem with any other equipment, such as a printer, mouse or the computer, please contact the appropriate manufacturer.

Where to Find Information License/security Key (block, dongle)

Run the Setup program on the ProCAM CD, click the Help button on the main menu and read the Key Manager topic.

Installation and system requirements

Run the Setup program on the ProCAM CD and click the READ FIRST button on the main menu.

What's new in this release

Online help: Install and start ProCAM 2D or ProCAM II. Click Help on the menu bar and select What’s New.

How to use ProCAM The tutorials are in PDF files that can be viewed, searched and printed using the Adobe Reader (version 5.0 or higher). If you do not have the Reader, you can install it from the ProCAM CD or from the Adobe web site (www.adobe.com). When you install ProCAM, the manuals are copied into folders on your PC. The default path is \program files\procamii200x\procad\Manuals. To start the Reader and open a file:

On your desktop, click Start on the Windows taskbar. Select Programs|ProCAM II 200x. Select Installation & Quick-Start Guide or select ProCAM 2D Manuals or ProCAM II Manuals and pick the desired manual.

Tutorial Parts The parts for the ProCAM 2D tutorials are installed in the \Parts\Learn folder. The parts for ProCAM II are installed in sub-folders in the \pcii\learn folder. The default path to these folders is \program files\procamii200x\procad, however, you may have installed ProCAM in a different folder.

Specific functions, tips and troubleshooting

ProCAM online help: Install and start ProCAM. Click Help on the menu bar and select one of the topics.

Video card drivers To download the latest update to your video card driver, check the manufacturer's web site. Some of these sites are:

Nvidia: www.nvidia.com ATI: www.ati.com 3Dlabs: www.3dlabs.com

Getting Help

1-8 Installation

Still have a Problem? When you have questions about the operation of ProCAM or you cannot find a solution to a problem that you are reasonably certain is caused by the ProCAM, contact your reseller.

Contact Your Reseller TekSoft products are sold and distributed by dealers and distributors who are trained by TekSoft to provide technical support. These resellers have in-house professional support staffs that have a thorough knowledge of the product and provide friendly and timely support. Please be able to provide as much of the information listed below as you can. This information will be used to analyze your problem. If you encounter a problem when using ProCAM II, information about your computer is easily available through the System Information command on the Help menu. Information to Assist Technical Support • Product name and version • Customer I.D. # and License/security key # • Windows version and service pack (e.g., Windows 2000 SP4) • Description of hardware (CPU, RAM, Video card) • Additional Windows applications in your system (e.g., MS Word) • Exact error message, if any • Steps to re-create the problem • Part in which problem occurred (if you have email capability)

Getting Started in ProCAM 2D 2-1

Chapter 2 Getting Started in ProCAM 2D

ProCAM 2D uses the graphical user interface of Microsoft® Windows® to provide an intuitive, efficient work environment for designing and drafting parts and generating NC code. Before you start using ProCAM 2D, you should be comfortable navigating in the Windows graphical environment. If you are a new Windows user, you should learn basic Windows skills first before attempting to understand ProCAM 2D.

Starting ProCAM 2D and Opening a Part File

2-2 Getting Started in ProCAM 2D

Starting ProCAM 2D and Opening a Part File When you install ProCAM 2D, the Setup program creates a folder that contains the ProCAM 2D program and lists the ProCAM programs on the Start menu. The following steps are one method for starting programs. You may prefer to use a different method. For more information, see the Microsoft Windows documentation or the Windows online help. 1. Select Start on the taskbar. The Start menu displays. 2. Select Programs. The Programs menu displays. 3. Select ProCAM II 200x. 4. Select ProCAM 200x 2D from the list. The ProCAM window displays. 5. Select Open on the File menu. 6. In the Open dialog box, change the current folder to \parts\learn. When you run the Setup program to install ProCAM, the program automatically creates a

\parts\learn folder that contains sample parts. The default path to this folder is \Program Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn.

7. Make sure the File of type option is set to prt (2D ProCAM part). In addition to drawing and saving parts in ProCAM 2D format, you can also

import part files that are in AutoCAD Drawing Exchange (DXF), AutoCAD Drawing File (DWG), Initial Graphics Exchange (IGES) and CADKey Exchange (CDL) format.

8. Select Trim.prt in the file list, then press ENTER or click the Open button. At the top of the ProCAM window, the left side of the title bar identifies the

file name when you open or save a part. Also on the left is the TekSoft icon, which can be used to access the Control menu. The Minimize, Maximize/Restore and Exit buttons are on the right.

9. Position the mouse pointer on the Point button on the CAD toolbar and click the left mouse button (called BUTTON 1 in this manual).

10. Position the mouse pointer in the work area and click BUTTON 1. 11. Move the pointer in the work area and click BUTTON 1 several times to insert

more points (see the figure on the next page).

EXERCISE

Understanding the ProCAM Window


Understanding the ProCAM Window The ProCAM window is divided into several areas as shown in the figure. Each area is explained briefly below. You will learn how to use all the features and functions as you go through the exercises in this manual and in the tutorials. Note that the layout of your ProCAM window may be different from the layout shown in the figure. The Screen Display command on the Setup menu provides several layouts you can choose from.

Toolbars ProCAM toolbar buttons show a picture of a command. For example, you inserted points in the previous exercise by clicking the button with the picture of a point. The toolbars are used to access the ProCAM functions for inserting and editing CAD and CAM entities.

Toolbar

InfoBar

Prompt line

Work area

Mouse pointer



Everything you need for ProCAM functions is presented on four toolbars: Use to . . . Insert toolbar commands (CAD, Mill,

Lathe, Punch, Plasma, Laser, EDM) insert CAD or CAM entities.

Modifier toolbar commands specify more options on how to complete the current command (which type of entity). Not all commands have modifiers.

Snap toolbar commands select the method of locating positions (where to place the entity).

Utility toolbar commands modify what you have inserted (manipulate entities after they are inserted).

Insert Toolbars 1. Position the mouse pointer on the button next to the Point button

on the CAD toolbar and let the pointer rest there for a second. The function of the button displays.

2. Move the pointer across the CAD toolbar buttons pausing to view the functions. These buttons are used to insert CAD entities.

3. Click the Line button.

Modifier Toolbar 1. Locate the Modifier toolbar shown on the right. When you clicked the Line button on the CAD toolbar, buttons

displayed on the Modifier toolbar, which was previously blank. If there is more than one way to execute a command, the Modifier toolbar displays the options when you select the command. If no options are available, the Modifier toolbar remains blank.

2. Position the mouse pointer on the first button on the Modifier toolbar and let the pointer rest there for a second. The function of the button displays.

3. Move the pointer across the toolbar buttons pausing to view the options you can use with the Line command.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE



Snap Toolbar 1. Locate the Snap toolbar shown on the right and move the pointer

over the buttons to view the functions. The Snap commands are used to define the position of entities.

Digitize allows you to select a coordinate using point and click. This method does not provide accurate input and is normally used for sketching purposes. Typically, when you are working with parts, you need to pick the appropriate Snap command for input.

Utility Toolbar 1. Locate the Utility toolbar shown on the right and move the pointer

over the buttons to view the functions. These commands change or edit entities after they have been drawn in the work area. For example, you can use these buttons to move, rotate, copy and scale entities. Did You Know ... You have been using ScreenTips to identify the functions of the toolbar buttons. A ScreenTip ending in two greater than symbols (>>) indicates the button is a toggle that has additional options. Click the button again to view the next modifier. When you click a toggle button, move the pointer off the button, then back on to display the ScreenTip.

System Toolbar The System toolbar contains the items explained below.

Shape button and selection box

The Shape button is used to define or select a shape. The selection box to the right of the button either indicates the current shape or is blank if no shape is selected. When a shape is selected, the abbreviation displays to the right of the box.

Ang Identifies the angle ProCAM will use to insert the shape. You can change the angle by double-clicking the box and typing a new angle.

AutoFix AutoFix/AutoCalc is used in the Fabrication system. Off/On Turns the shape function on and off. If you insert a pattern or point when On

is selected, ProCAM inserts the shape displayed in the Shape selection box instead of the pattern or point.

Line Type Shows the line style ProCAM will use to display entities you insert. To change the line type, click the down arrow and click a style from the list. You can use the Edit utility to change the line type of entities after inserting.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE



Color box Indicates the color ProCAM will use to display entities you insert. To change the color, click the arrow to the right of the box, then click one of the colors. You can use the Edit utility to change the color of entities after inserting.

Layer box Indicates the current layer that entities will be inserted on. To change the layer, click the down arrow then select a number. You can also display the Layers dialog box to define layers, turn layers on and off and change the current layer. To display this dialog box, either position the cursor in the Layer box and click the right mouse button, press CTRL + L, or select Set Layers on the View menu.

Pick Mask button

Allows you to turn the Pick Mask function on (highlighted) and off. Right click the button to display the Pick Mask dialog box.

Menus The menu bar provides access to ProCAM commands that display dialog boxes and activate some functions.

1. Click each of the menu names and look at the commands on the menus. 2. Select some of the commands and look at the dialog boxes. The online Help contains

complete information for each of the commands.

InfoBar The InfoBar is used whenever ProCAM requires you to enter a system parameter or graphic value (such as X and Y coordinates). The keyboard input displays in the InfoBar at the I-beam cursor location. When you clicked the Point button on the CAD toolbar and inserted points, the InfoBar displayed the X,Y origin of each point as it was inserted. In addition to keyboard input, the InfoBar also displays the X,Y values and parameters for graphic entities when you create a drawing.

Work Area The work area is where all entities are inserted. This area encompasses the inside of the ProCAM window. You can select the commands on the Setup menu to customize the work area. For example, the Screen Display command allows you to change the background color of the work area and the color ProCAM uses to highlight entities. Later in this chapter, you learn how to customize the ProCAM interface.

Prompt Line At the bottom of the work area, the prompt line tells you what you need to do to start or complete an action. Whenever the prompt line says ENTER, type the requested information, then press the ENTER key.

EXERCISE



Any time you are not sure what ProCAM is looking for or what you should do next, READ THE PROMPT LINE.

Cursor Coordinates ProCAM uses the Cartesian coordinate system. The cursor coordinates are located to the right of the prompt line at the bottom of the ProCAM window. 1. Move the pointer around the work area. The numbers that display are the coordinates of

the pointer position relative to X0,Y0. The intersection of the axes is called the origin or zero position.

Zoom All Button The Zoom All button is located to the right of the horizontal scroll bar. This button fits all the entities you have drawn into the work area.

Finding Answers and Learning More About ProCAM 2D The information and exercises in this chapter are an introduction to ProCAM 2D. Comprehensive online Help and tutorial manuals are provided to answer your questions and to help you learn the ProCAM features and functions. • Information is available when you are working in ProCAM 2D by selecting Help on the

menu bar. • The tutorials are provided in Adobe PDF files.

Did You Know ... Mill, Punch, Plasma and Laser exercises are included in this manual. For Turning and Wire EDM, you can find a similar exercise by selecting Help on the ProCAM menu bar, then clicking either Lathe Help Topics or Wire EDM topics. The first topic that displays is a QuikTour exercise.

Online Help Online Help in ProCAM is similar to Help in other Windows applications. Help supplies information about commands, dialog boxes, keys and basic procedures for various tasks. 1. Click Help on the menu bar and select the CAD/Surf Help command. The Help Topics window displays. The Contents tab provides a tree-structured

arrangement of books and topics. The Index tab provides a keyword search. The Find tab enables a full-text search of the Help system.

2. Double-click one of the books on the Contents tab, then double-click one of the topics in

the list of topics. − The topic window displays. The menus and buttons at the top of the Help window

allow you to find specific information quickly; move easily to related topics; and print, annotate or bookmark the topic.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE



− You can access additional information by clicking on text (hyperlinks) or graphical "hot spots". When you click words or phrases underlined with a solid line, the topic explaining those words displays. When you click words or phrases with a dotted underline, a pop-up window displays the definition. Click the mouse button again or press any key to return to the topic.

− To print the current help topic, click the Print button or choose Print Topic on the File menu. If the information you want to print is in a pop-up window, place the cursor in the window, then click the right mouse button and select Print Topic.

3. Because Help is an application, you need to close the window when you are done. Either click the Close button in the right corner of the title bar, double-click the Help icon in the left corner of the title bar, or press Alt + F4.

Tutorials When you install ProCAM from the ProCAM CD, a complete set of ProCAM 2D manuals is copied to a folder on your PC. These tutorials are PDF files that can be viewed, searched and printed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The following manuals are provided:

− 2D Mill User's Guide.pdf − 2DCAD Getting Started Guide.pdf − Laser-Plasma Getting Started Guide.pdf − Punch Getting Started Guide.pdf − Turning Getting Started Guide.pdf − Wire EDM Getting Started Guide.pdf

To start the Reader and open a tutorial file: 1. On the desktop, click Start on the Windows taskbar. 2. Select Programs|ProCAM II 200x|ProCAM 2D Manuals. 3. Pick the desired manual from the list. If the file opens, you can search and print the exercises as required. If the file does not

open, you need to install the Adobe Reader either from the ProCAM CD or from the Adobe web site (www.adobe.com).

Learning the Basics


Learning the Basics This section explains some of the basic procedures you will use repeatedly, such as correcting mistakes, selecting entities, zooming, rotating and panning. Exercises also show you how to customize the interface to suit your requirements.

Using the Mouse The operation of the mouse is similar in all Windows applications. Note that if you are using a left-handed mouse, the buttons described below are reversed. The mouse actions you need to know are described below.

Action Description click Quickly press and release the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) once while the

mouse pointer is on an object, such as a menu, command, icon, or button. double-click Position the pointer on an item, then quickly press and release the left mouse

button (BUTTON 1) twice. This action is often a shortcut for carrying out a command.

drag Position the pointer, then hold down the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) while moving the mouse, and then release the button.

point Move the mouse pointer directly to a specific location, such as a menu command, icon, or button.

Button Functions For normal Windows operation, the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) is used. For example, you can use the left mouse button to choose toolbar buttons and menu commands, select options in dialog boxes, and manipulate windows (move, resize, maximize, etc.). When you are working with parts in ProCAM, each mouse button has a specific function:

Button Function Description BUTTON 1 left button

Pick Picks items in the work area (e.g., CAD entities, tool paths). Use BUTTON 1 whenever the prompt line at the bottom of the window says PICK.

BUTTON 2 middle button

Done Indicates you are finished with a particular function. This button also tells ProCAM to accept the input or execute a command.

Right-handed mouse BUTTON 3 right button

Zoom Recenter

Zooms in on the selected portion of the drawing when you hold down the right button and window pick. Right clicking a location on the part centers the drawing on that location.

If you are using a two-button mouse, use CTRL + BUTTON 2 for the BUTTON 3 functions. You can also use the zoom scroll bar and the Zoom All button for zooming and the horizontal and vertical scroll bars for centering the part.

Learning the Basics


Keyboard Operation Providing Information

The keyboard is used to provide information and to carry out some menu commands or actions. Keyboard input is required for many operations in ProCAM. When you need to provide information, the prompt line at the bottom of the window indicates what you must enter. The I-beam cursor in the InfoBar indicates a text area. A blinking vertical bar identifies where the data you type will display. Press ENTER to move from field to field in the InfoBar. Keyboard input in dialog boxes is similar to all Windows applications.

Shortcut Keys Shortcut Keys for Menu Commands Shortcut keys are listed to the right of some ProCAM menu commands. You can use these key combinations to carry out the command instead of opening the menu and choosing the command. For example, pressing CTRL + U is a shortcut to display the Units dialog box. If you use these keys, make sure the focus is in the work area. You may have to click in the work area before pressing shortcut keys.

Correcting Mistakes

The Erase Utility allows you to erase something you put in the work area either by selecting individual entities or putting a window around them.

The Oops Utility allows you to undo the last sequence of steps you did one step at a time. Whenever you start a particular command, ProCAM opens an Oops file. This file keeps track of what you did and in what order for the current function only. When you click the Oops button, the last step you did is undone. When you select another command, the Oops file is cleared and starts recording again.

Erasing Entities and Using Oops 1. Open the part file Trim.prt in the \parts\learn folder. The default path is \Program

Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn. If a message displays asking if you want to save changes, click No.

2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Pick line 1 by positioning the pointer over the line and clicking the left mouse button (BUTTON 1). The selected entity is erased.

4. Pick line 2, then line 3. The lines are erased.

5. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar. Line 3 is put back in the work area.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


6. Click the Oops button again. Line 2 is put back in the work area.


8. Click the Oops button again. ProCAM beeps to inform you that there is nothing else to undo.

Selecting Entities The term "pick" is used in ProCAM when referring to selecting an individual entity or a group of entities in the work area. In the previous exercise using the Erase Utility, you picked an individual entity by positioning the pointer over a line in the work area and clicking the left mouse button (BUTTON 1). This is the procedure for selecting an individual entity.

Window Picking Multiple Entities As you work in ProCAM, you will need to select multiple entities to perform a function on them. In most cases, you can do this with window picking. 1. Continue using the part in the work area.


3. Position the pointer in the upper left corner of the work area.

4. Press and hold down BUTTON 1 and drag the pointer to the lower right corner. As you move, you see a selection rectangle.

5. End the window so that some of the entities are not completely in the selection rectangle. 6. Release BUTTON 1. All entities that are completely within the selection rectangle are

erased. When you window pick entities, the entities must be completely within the selection rectangle or they will not be picked.

7. Click the Oops button. The entities you just erased are put back in the work area. In this exercise, the entities are all put back in the work area at the same time. Oops is an "undo." If you erase entities one at a time, Oops will undo them one at a time. If you erase a group of entities, Oops puts the group back in the work area.

Controlling the Part Display ProCAM provides a choice of tools that you can use to dynamically change the display of the part in the work area.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


Zooming ProCAM includes a number of features for viewing parts in the work area. You can zoom in and out using several methods. The zoom functions do not physically alter the size of entities, only how they are displayed in the work area. This exercise shows you how to use the mouse to zoom into an area of a part and then click the Zoom All button to restore the entire part in the work area. 1. Open the part file Trim.prt in the \parts\learn folder. The default path is \Program

Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn. Do not save the entities in the work area. 2. Position the pointer in the upper left corner of the work area. 3. Press and hold down BUTTON 3 (the right mouse button), then drag the selection window

until it encloses the large circle. If you are using a two-button mouse, use CTRL + BUTTON 2. 4. Release the button. The area that you window-picked should be enlarged in the work area.

5. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

− This command fits all the entities into the work area. You will use this button frequently to restore a complete view of the part after zooming in on a section and to display entities that are inserted outside the currently displayed work area.

− You can also press CTRL + A or choose Zoom All on the View menu to display all the entities in the work area.

Work Area After Zooming

Selection Rectangle for Zoom Area

Start Here

EXERCISE

End Here

Learning the Basics


The zoom scroll bar at the bottom left of the ProCAM window can be used to magnify and reduce a part. 1. Position the pointer on the lower left scroll bar button. 2. Hold down the left mouse button and slide the scroll bar button to the left. 3. Release the button. The part is reduced. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 and slide the button to the right. The part is enlarged. 5. Click the left and right arrow buttons at the ends of the scroll bar several times. Additional commands on the View menu provide flexibility when viewing a part in the work area. 1. Select the Zoom Last command on the View menu (or press CTRL + Z). The last view you had in the work area displays. This command is a toggle between

views. 2. Press CTRL + Z to see how this function toggles between views. 3. Select Zoom Out on the View menu (or press CTRL + X). The part display is reduced by 50%. This command allows you to reduce the size of a

drawing. The entities appear smaller; however, more of the drawing is visible. 4. Press CTRL + X. The part is reduced by an additional 50%.

Saving and Restoring a View The View menu provides a command that allows you to save the view of the part that is currently displayed in the work area. The view can include the entire part or a section you have zoomed in on. You can use the Restore View command to recall views that have been saved. When you are drawing large parts, you can move around the part faster using views instead of zooming. Divide your drawing into sections and save each section as a view. Then, to switch to another part of the drawing, use the Restore View option to restore the desired view. This eliminates having to zoom out and in on large drawings that may take time to redraw. Continue using the part in the work area and save a view: 1. With BUTTON 3 (right mouse button), window pick a section of the part to magnify. 2. Select Save View on the View menu. The Save View dialog box displays. Type section for the view and click OK. The current screen display is saved as a view. View names can be up to 8 characters in length. Allowable characters for view names

include all letters (A - Z), numbers (0-9), hyphens (-) and blank spaces.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


To restore the view at a later time: 1. Click the Zoom All button. 2. Select Restore View on the View menu. The Restore View dialog box displays. 3. Highlight section in the list of views and click OK. The view is restored in the work area.

Moving a Part Horizontally and Vertically In the ProCAM window, the vertical and horizontal scroll bars allow you to move the part in the work area. When you use the scroll bars, you are changing only the location of the part as it is displayed, not the coordinate locations of the entities. Continue using the part in the work area. 1. Click the Zoom All button. 2. On the vertical scroll bar on the right side of the ProCAM window, click the up arrow

several times, then click the down arrow. 3. On the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the ProCAM window to the right of the

Zoom scroll bar, click the arrows several times.

Redrawing the Part Display You can use the Redraw Utility to refresh a drawing in the work area. For example, after you trim or erase entities, you may find that some parts of the remaining entities appear to be broken or may show gaps. The Redraw Utility removes these gaps. Continue using the part in the work area. 1. Click the Zoom All button.

2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar. 3. Pick the two circles and notice that the lines appear to be broken.

4. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar. The part is redrawn in the work area.

Calculating ProCAM provides an InfoBar auto-calculation feature and a Calculator utility that help you eliminate the chance of a math error.

Using Auto-Calculation You can use the InfoBar auto-calculate feature to let ProCAM do the math to calculate endpoints, diameters, etc. If the print drawing is a diameter, let the system do the work. This way you eliminate the chance of a simple math error or transposed numbers.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


You can have ProCAM add, subtract, multiply and divide to calculate information requested in the InfoBar including diameter, radius, X and Y start, end, center, and origin. Use the keys on the right to indicate the operation you want ProCAM to perform. 1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area. Do not save the entities in the work area.

2. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. 4. Type 8.0149+2.437/2 in the X Start text box. ProCAM calculates the numbers. Including spaces to separate numbers and function

symbols is optional. If you were using the value that is currently in the text box, you would not have to retype the number. Instead, click at the end of the number either before or after the unit type indicator (" or mm) and type the function symbol and numbers.

5. Press ENTER. ProCAM performs the calculation and displays 9.2334" in the InfoBar.

Using the Calculator

The Calculator button on the Utility toolbar activates the Microsoft Calculator utility with standard and scientific functions. The View menu on the Calculator's menu bar allows you to select either Standard or Scientific. Values can be transferred directly to the InfoBar using the copy and paste commands on the Calculator’s Edit menu. For more information on operating the Calculator, you can click Help on the Calculator menu bar. In the following exercise, you copy and paste between the Calculator and the InfoBar tab. Copy the calculate result from the Calculator to a text box in the InfoBar:

1. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar. The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start.

2. Click the Calculator button on the Utility toolbar. The keypad displays. 3. Add 1.3468 + 3.5721.

Key Function + addition - subtraction * multiplication / division

EXERCISE

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


4. Click Edit on the Calculator menu bar and select Copy.

The calculated result is copied temporarily to the Clipboard.

5. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. The Calculator is minimized on the Windows

Taskbar. 6. Right click in the X start text box in the InfoBar and

select Paste on the shortcut menu. The value 4.9189 is inserted (pasted). Copy a number from the InfoBar to the Calculator. 1. Press enter. 2. Type 5.2597 for the Y start. 3. Double-click the Y start text box, right click in the text box and select Copy on the

shortcut menu. The number is copied temporarily to the Clipboard. 4. Click the Calculator button on the Taskbar to restore the Calculator window. 5. Select Edit on the Calculator menu bar, then select Paste. The number is inserted into the

Calculator. 6. Click the Close button in the top right corner of the calculator’s title bar to close the

Calculator.

Customizing ProCAM The Setup menu contains commands for customizing the ProCAM work environment for your requirements including the arrangement of the toolbars and InfoBar on the screen, the background and highlight colors, and the output format for units of measurement. You can save your customized setup so that ProCAM uses these settings every time it starts.

Changing the Screen Display 1. Click New on the File menu to clear the work area. 2. Select Screen Display on the Setup menu. The Screen Display dialog box displays. The Top layout is the default. Optionally, you

can change the layout and find one you are comfortable using. 3. Select the desired background and highlight colors.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


4. Make sure the Save Preview Bitmap option is checked. When you save a part file, a small graphic of the part is saved in a bitmap file. When you click on the file name in the Open File, Insert File or Delete File dialog box, the graphic displays in the Preview area as shown in the figure. This helps you locate a part file quickly.

5. Optionally, you can turn off the display of the scroll bars, prompt line and System toolbar. Normally, you should not turn off the display of these items.

6. Check the Save Settings option. When this option is checked, the selections you make in this dialog box are saved permanently and will be used every time ProCAM starts.

7. When you have selected the options you want to use, click the Apply button.

Resizing the ProCAM Window You can use standard Windows procedures to adjust the size of the ProCAM window.

Controlling the Axis Labels, Display and Mode When you work with some parts, especially turning parts, you may find it easier to display the axis lines to see the labels and to have an entity to mirror around. Since lathes typically use X and Z coordinates and diameters instead of radial dimensions, the screen axis labels and input need to be changed when you draw a new turn part. 1. Select Setup on the menu bar, then select the Axis command. The Axis dialog box contains options for specifying the labels and the axis mode

(diameter or radial). The Axis On option controls the display of the axis lines in the work area.

2. Click Cancel to close the dialog box without making any changes.

Specifying Units of Measurement The distance between two coordinate points is measured in units. You can specify the output format for these units as English decimal, metric decimal, engineering, architectural or scientific. The output format determines how numerical values are displayed for the coordinates and distance values in the InfoBar and dialog boxes.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


You can also choose the degree format (decimal degrees or degrees/minutes/seconds), the number of decimal places used, and the largest denominator desired.

Changing the Units Type 1. Open the part file Trim.prt in the \parts\learn folder. The default path is \Program

Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn. Do not save the entities in the work area. 2. Choose Units on the Setup menu. 3. In the Units dialog box, make sure the English Decimal option is selected, then click OK.

4. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar. 5. Pick a line on the part and notice that the values in the InfoBar are in English Decimal. 6. Move the pointer around the work area and notice that the coordinates at the bottom of

the work area are in English Decimal. 7. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select Metric Decimal, then click OK. 8. Pick the line again and notice that the values in the InfoBar are now metric. 9. Move the pointer around the work area and the coordinates at the bottom of the work area

now display in metric. Did You Know ... You can change the Units Type at any time. For example, if you have a print that is in units that you normally do not use, change the Units Type to correspond to the print, draw the part, then change the Units Type back to your normal setting. ProCAM performs the conversion automatically.

Using the InfoBar Auto-convert Feature If you have mixed units (e.g., several metric units have been included on a print with mostly English decimal units), you can type the number from the print in the InfoBar and have ProCAM convert the units to the current system units. This eliminates doing the conversion manually. Type the number on the print followed by a lowercase mm to convert metric to English decimal or type a double quotation mark (") to convert English decimal to metric. Your system should be set to Metric Decimal from the previous exercise.


2. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. 3. For the X start, type 1" and press ENTER. ProCAM converts the value and displays the metric equivalent in the InfoBar. 4. For the Y start, type 2" and press ENTER. The metric value displays.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


5. If you were drawing a part from a print, you would continue entering the English decimal values to insert the line.

6. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select English Decimal and click OK.

Changing the Degree Format When you type degrees, minutes and seconds, use the following symbols: • Degrees: Use a carat ( ^ ) to indicate degrees. To input the degrees: type the numbers,

then press the carat (^) key or hold down the shift key on the keyboard, and press the number 6 key on the main keyboard. DO NOT USE the 6 key on the numeric keypad.

• Minutes: Use an apostrophe (') to indicate minutes. To input the minutes: type the numbers, then press the apostrophe (') key.

• Seconds: Use a double quotation mark (") to indicate seconds. To input the seconds: type the numbers, then hold down the shift key and press the apostrophe/quotation mark key.

1. Choose Units on the Setup menu. 2. Make sure the Deg Min Sec option is selected, then click OK.

3. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar twice. The first click turns off the function, the second click selects it.

4. Click the Angle modifier button. The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of line. 5. Type 33.56 and press ENTER. In the InfoBar, the 33.56 Decimal Degrees now displays as 33^ 33' 36''. Even though you currently have Deg Min Sec selected, you can still input an angle as

decimal. 6. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select Decimal Degrees in the Units dialog box, then

click OK.

7. Click the Angle modifier button twice. 8. Type 15^ 26' 30" and press ENTER. The InfoBar reads 15.4417^. 9. If you want the default setting to be Deg Min Sec, choose Units on the Setup menu,

change the option to Deg Min Sec, then click OK.

EXERCISE

Steps to Generate an NC Program



Generating Mill Tool Paths and NC Code The following steps are used to generate NC programs:

1. Draw the part in the CAD system. 2. Start the appropriate CAM module. 3. Specify the Setup Information. 4. Put boundaries on what will be cut. 5. Define the operations. 6. Generate tool paths. 7. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to do a simple cut around the outside of a part using a .5" diameter end mill.

Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM 2D 1. Open the part file Skcad1.prt in the \parts\learn folder. The default path is \Program

Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn. This part was drawn in ProCAM 2D.

Step 2: Start 2D Mill

1. Click the CAM button. The CAM button on the CAD toolbar starts a CAM system, in this case the Mill system. The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of processors. This

figure shows a sample list. The list that displays for your system depends on the post processors that are installed.

When you select a combination machine, an additional dialog box displays the applicable choices for the machine. For example, for a combination mill/lathe, you can select mill face, mill OD, lathe or CAD.

2. Select FANTUTM and click OK. When you create your own parts, pick the post processor that will

be used to cut the part. If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the Setup

Information dialog box displays. You can click OK to continue. This dialog box is explained on the next page.

EXERCISE

EXERCISE



There are several changes in the ProCAM window when you start 2D Mill: The Mill toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. This toolbar displays the 2D Mill commands. The System toolbar displays information and functions related to 2D Mill:

− The Tool button is used to define or select tools. The box next to the Tool button indicates the current tool and allows you to change a tool quickly. The diameter of the current tool is shown to the right of the box.

− The Operation button is used to define a new operation, edit a previously defined operation, and change the operation that is currently selected.

− The two options to the right of the Operation button control tool compensation for arc, linear and circular tool paths.

3. Click Setup on the menu bar, then select the CAM Display command. The CAM Display dialog box contains options that apply to the various CAM modules.

These options are explained in the Online Help. 4. Click Cancel to close the dialog box. 5. Click CAM on the menu bar. The CAM menu commands that apply to 2D Mill are

enabled. These commands are explained in the Online Help.

Step 3: Set the Setup Information The Setup Information command on the CAM menu is used to provide information required to generate the NC program. The Setup options vary depending on the machine. This dialog box also provides information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program file is generated. The Setup Information dialog box displays when you select a post processor in the Controller Type dialog box (if you have the Feed and Speed Library installed) or when you select Setup Information on the CAM menu. The parameters shown in the figure are required for most NC programs. Additional parameters may display if they are required by the controller. 1. Select the Setup Information command on the CAM menu. 2. In the Setup Information dialog box, type 100 for the Program Number and click OK. You can use the defaults for the other parameters.

EXERCISE



Step 4: Insert a Boundary The next step is to identify the entities to be machined and the path the cutter will take. This is done using the Boundary command. Any entities that are to be machined, except drilled holes, must have a boundary put on them. The steps below show how to put a single boundary on a part.

1. Click the Boundary button on the Mill toolbar. − The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

− The Endpoint button is highlighted automatically on the Snap toolbar. 2. Pick the left side of the top line as shown

in the figure. This part will be machined around the

outside starting at the top left. The prompt line changes to: PICK entity for

CAM boundary. This means to pick the first entity in the boundary to give the boundary direction.

3. Pick anywhere on the top line. The top line highlights and an arrow

showing the direction of the boundary displays at its midpoint. The prompt line continues to read: PICK entity for CAM boundary.

4. Pick the .25 radius arc at the top left of the part for the last entity in the tool path. You do not have to pick each entity in order because ProCAM automatically chains the

boundary to the arc. 5. Click BUTTON 2. The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for

end of boundary. 6. Pick the endpoint of the arc nearest to

the top line. ProCAM inserts a boundary only on

entities that are displayed in the work area. All the entities you want to insert a boundary on must be displayed for chaining.

EXERCISE



Step 5: Define the Operations ProCAM uses operations to define each cutting cycle. If you had a part that had a pocket to be cut, a profile to be cut, and some holes to be drilled, you would have three operations. In this example, you have one operation. The operation contains all the information to cut the profile of the part. In the following exercise, you use the Profile Tool Path command to insert a profile tool path on the boundary. You use the default modifiers for this part.

1. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the Mill toolbar. The Set Operation - Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display. ProCAM uses

operations to define each cycle. Each operation contains the cut information for that cycle. As you work with different cycles, the parameters in the Set Operation dialog box change to reflect the operation you are defining.

2. Click the Tool button in the Set Operation dialog box. The Mill Tools dialog box

displays the information for the tools that are currently defined. Initially, the tools are all defined as end mills. In this exercise, you define a .5" diameter end mill. Note that you can also define tools by clicking the Tool button on the System toolbar.

3. Click the first tool in the list to highlight it, then click the Edit button.

The Set Tool dialog box displays. The Tool Name identifies the Station # of the tool you selected in the Mill Tools dialog box. This number is the tool number that is output in the NC program during post processing.

4. Define the tool using the following information: Tool Type = End mill Tool Material = use the default # Teeth = 4 Length = .875 Diameter = .50 Comment = Hogging Mill 5. Click OK. The Mill Tools dialog box lists the information for Tool 01 as you have

defined it.

EXERCISE



6. Click OK to close the Mill Tools dialog box. The Tool selection box in the Set Operation dialog box and on the System toolbar show

01 as the current tool. The tool diameter displays to the right of the tool number on the System toolbar.

7. Make sure Z Single Depth is selected for the Z Cycle Type. The Z Single Depth selection is used when you want the cutter to go to the Z depth

defined in one pass. In this operation, you are taking only one pass with the .5" end mill. This is also the default selection.

8. For the Z Depth, type -.50. This is the depth of cut the Z axis feeds down into the work. 9. For Z Clearance, type .10. Z Clearance is the height above the Z Face the Z axis rapids to before feeding down in

the Z axis. It is also the height the Z axis positions to during rapid moves to get from one cut to another with the same tool.

10. For Z Rapid Plane, type 2.00. The Z Rapid Plane is the distance above Z 0.000 that the Z axis rapids to in the Tool

Length Offset line in the program. Specifying a value of 2.000 causes the tool length offset line in this generic post to read: G00 G43 Z2.000 M08. This parameter is also the height the Z axis returns to when the operation is complete.

11. For the Post Process parameter, make sure the check box is selected. This parameter determines whether or not this operation will be part of the NC program.

12. Click OK. The Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box displays. These parameters are specific to

your post processor, not to ProCAM. 13. Click OK to accept the input and close the dialog box.

Step 6: Generate Tool Paths When you click OK to exit the Set Operation Post Parameters dialog box, the prompt line reads: PICK boundary for tool path. You are ready to generate the tool paths. 1. Pick the boundary anywhere on the part. Since boundaries are actually one entity, you can pick the boundary anywhere along the

path. The boundary is highlighted. 2. Click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you are done picking. The first line in the boundary remains highlighted and the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE

compensation side of boundary. ProCAM is asking you which side of the highlighted line you want the tool path to be on.

EXERCISE



3. Position the pointer above the highlighted line and click BUTTON 1.

The profile tool path is generated. The prompt line again asks you to pick the boundary for the tool path. If you had multiple tool paths, you would pick the next one and all the Operation information would remain the same.

4. Choose Save as on the File menu and save the part as 2dmill1.

The ProCAM 2D file extension is .prt. The additional file formats that are supported as listed on the Save as type pulldown.

Step 7: Post Process the Part The Post Process command on the Mill toolbar translates tool path and operation information into NC code that can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC code for each tool path in the part, in the order the operations are listed in the Operation List dialog box. Post processing is the final step in generation the NC program.

1. Click the Post Process button on the Mill toolbar. The Save Post File dialog box displays.

Naming the Post file the same as the Part file is the most common way of saving parts and NC programs. Both files can have the same name because they have different extensions.

2. Click Save. The Post dialog box and modifier toolbar display.

3. Click the Run button. − As ProCAM generates the NC program, the program displays in the dialog box. This

is a short program so it goes very quickly. − When you click the Run button, ProCAM creates two files: 2Dmill1.txt and

2Dmill1.set. The .txt file is the NC program file that contains the CNC commands for the machine control unit to activate the tool functions and cutting tool movements for the part. The .set file is a text file that contains information the operator can use to set up the machine tool (e.g., the machine, the controller, estimated machine time, the part material, and the tool type and size). This file is located in the same folder as the NC program file. The NC program and Setup Sheet are text files that can be read or printed using a word processor or text editor.

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Generating Punch, Plasma and Laser Tool Paths and NC Code The following steps are used to generate NC programs:

1. Draw or open a part file. 2. Start Punch, Laser or Plasma. 3. Specify the Setup Information. 4. Define the tool. 5. Select the cutting conditions. 6. Generate tool paths and hits. 7. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to cut around a simple part. This exercise is intended to introduce you to Punch, Laser, or Plasma system operation and may not correspond to actual machining practices.

Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM 2D In addition to drawing parts in ProCAM, you can also import parts that are in AutoCAD Drawing Exchange (DXF), AutoCAD Drawing File (DWG), Initial Graphics Exchange (IGES) and CADKey Exchange (CDL) format. 1. Punch: Open expun1.prt in the \parts\learn folder. Laser/Plasma: Open exlas1.prt in the \parts\learn folder. The default path is \Program Files\procamii200x\procad\parts\learn.

Step 2: Start Punch, Laser or Plasma

1. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar. The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of machine tool

controllers or post processors. The list that displays for your system depends on the number of controllers or post processors you have installed. If only one post processor is installed, ProCAM automatically selects that controller.

When you select a combination machine (punch/plasma or punch laser), an additional dialog box displays the applicable choices for the machine.

2. Select FANTUTP (Punch), FANTUTLP (Laser) or FANTUTPL (Plasma) and click OK.

When you create your own parts, pick the post processor that will be used to cut the part.

Punch: When you select a Punch post processor, the Set Library Name dialog box displays. This dialog box displays each time to select a post processor unless you create an optional tool library file. Click OK to accept FANTUTP.

3. Notice that there are several changes in the ProCAM window:

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The work area displays two large rectangles. The solid rectangle represents the sheet. The dashed line rectangle represents the over travel zone.

The Punch, Plasma or Laser toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. The System toolbar displays applicable information and functions. The Laser System

toolbar is shown below. Additional information displays for Punch. − The Tool button is used to define or select tools. The box next to the Tool button

indicates the current tool and allows you to change a tool quickly. The diameter of the current tool is shown to the right of the box.

− The two options on the right side control tool compensation for arc, linear and circular tool paths.

4. Click Setup on the menu bar, then select the Fabrication Display command. The Fabrication Display dialog box contains options that apply to the Punch, Plasma and

Laser modules. These options are explained in the Online Help. 5. Click Cancel to close the dialog box. 6. Click CAM on the menu bar. The CAM menu commands that apply to Punch, Plasma or

Laser are enabled. These commands are explained in the Online Help.

Step 3: Set the Setup Information The Setup Information command on the CAM menu is used to provide information required to generate the NC program. The Setup options vary depending on the machine. This dialog box also provides information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program file is generated. The parameters that are listed in this dialog box are required for most NC programs. The figure on the right shows the Plasma parameters. 1. Select the Setup Information

command on the CAM menu. 2. In the Setup Information dialog box,

type 100 for the Program Number and click OK.

You can use the defaults for the other parameters.

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Step 4: Define the Tools Punch In order to punch a part, a tool has to be in the turret. Tools are put in the turret in the following ways: • You can define the tools directly in the turret for each part. • You can define a standard tool load in the turret for a specific machine, then save these

tools in a tool file. You can open the tool file and use the tools on any subsequent job without having to redefine them.

• Optionally, you can define your inventory of punches and dies in a tool library file. When you define tools in the library, you can move them to the turret manually or you can have ProCAM automatically search the library and move the required tools from the library to the turret.

In the following exercise, you define tools directly in the turret. 1. Click the Tool button on the System toolbar. The Punch Tools dialog

box displays. This dialog box represents the machine configuration and is referred to as the turret.

2. Click anywhere on the

information line for Station 5 to highlight it, then click the Edit button.

The Set Tool dialog box displays. The parameters that are enabled depend on the Tool Type you select. All of the parameters are described in the Punch Online Help.

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3. Use the information in the Punch Inventory table below to input the punch tool.

Station Tool Type Sub Type X Size Y Size Diameter Angle Comments 5 Rectangle Flat Bottom 1.500 .250 0 6 Rectangle Flat Bottom 1.500 .250 90 23 Round Flat Bottom .250 Test Comment 24 Round Flat Bottom .375 26 Round Flat Bottom .500

4. When you finish entering the information, click OK. The Punch Tools dialog box displays the punch information on the Station 5 line. 5. Use the information in the table above to input the other four punches in the specified

stations. When you finish, the Punch Tools dialog box should list the five tools in the appropriate

stations. 6. Click OK to exit the Punch Tools dialog box. 7. Go to the steps to define cutting conditions on page 2-30.

Laser/Plasma Tools are defined using the Laser Tools and Set Tool dialog boxes. 1. Click the Tool button on the System toolbar. "Tool" is used in this exercise as a generic term for the plasma/laser cutting diameter and

definition. The Laser Tools or Plasma Tools dialog box

displays. This dialog box represents the cutting definitions.

Name: Identifies which tool definition will be used. The tutorial post processor has 3 tool definitions that are numbered sequentially.

Type: This column displays RO, an abbreviated form of the round tool type in the tool definition.

Diameter: The size of the flame or beam you will be compensating for.

2. Click anywhere on the information line for the first tool, then click the Edit button. The Set Tool dialog box

displays. Diameter: Defines the size of

the flame or beam you will be compensating for.

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Comment: You can enter a maximum of 25 characters (text and numbers) to identify the tool. Tool comments are included with the tool information in the Setup Sheet, which is output at the end of the NC program.

3. Double-click the Diameter text box, type .250, then click OK. The Tools dialog box shows a .250 diameter for Tool 01. For most of the exercises in this

manual, a large tool diameter is used to make it easier to see the cut. 4. Click OK to exit the Laser Tools or Plasma Tools dialog box.

Step 5: Define the Cutting Conditions The Toolfit command is used to automatically insert CAM entities to cut a part. You can toolfit a group of parts, a single part, or portions of a part. 1. Click Setup on the menu bar and click Fabrication Display on the Setup menu. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, click the Stock Display On, Over Travel Display

On and Clamps Display On options to remove the check marks, then click OK. 2. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window. Turning off the sheet, over travel zone and clamp displays makes it easier to work with

parts.

3. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch, Laser or Plasma toolbar. The modifier toolbar displays the options you can use to customize the tool path. Punch 4. Make sure only the following modifiers are highlighted:

− Search Turret

− Toolfit Outside (This modifier tells ProCAM that the outside entities selected should be punched outside and the entities within should be punched inside.)

− The prompt line reads: SELECT entity to toolfit. 5. Go to the steps to generate hits on page 2-32.

Laser/Plasma

4. Use the default Closed modifier. This modifier should be used when the tool boundary is closed (when cutting completely around a part or opening). When this modifier is selected, the modifiers shown on the toolbar can be used.

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5. Make sure the following modifiers are displayed:

Outside Toolfit. This modifier is the most commonly used. When selected, ProCAM considers outermost loops as outside edges of parts and profiles to the outside of these closed loops. Closed loops inside these outer loops are treated as internal edges and profiling is performed to the inside of these loops. If there are entities inside the inner loops, ProCAM cuts around the outside of them.

Round Corner. On sharp corners, ProCAM inserts an arc with a radius the same size as the tool radius tangent to the two entities leading up to the corner.

Open Area Avoidance. If this button is highlighted, you can pick the tool path leadin/leadout locations or ProCAM can automatically locate the locations on the entities to be cut to best avoid rapiding across open areas, which could result in damage to the laser head.

The prompt line reads: SELECT entities to toolfit (button 2 when done). 6. Window pick all the entities in the part, then click BUTTON 2. The Laser Toolfit Parameters dialog box displays. This dialog box allows you to modify

cutting conditions for a specific part. The default values that display are taken from the cutting conditions database that can be customized for different materials.

7. Use the default Material on the General tab. 8. Click the External Boundary tab. 9. Use Clockwise for the Toolpath Direction. 10. Use Auto for the Start Position. When you select this option and use automatic toolfitting, ProCAM applies the leadin

prior to the first entity of the boundary and the leadout after the last entity of the boundary.

11. For the leadin and leadout, specify these values: − Type = Arc Length = 0 − Leadin/Leadout Angle = 0 Leadin/Leadout Overlap = 0 − Arc Radius = .25" Arc Sweep Angle = 90

12. Click OK. The prompt line reads: PICK highlighted entity to toolfit (or button 2 to optimize all).



Step 6: Generate Tool Paths and Hits You are now ready to generate the tool paths. Punch 1. Window pick the entire part, then click

BUTTON 2. ProCAM toolfits the part using the

tools from the turret. Notice the five holes along the top of

the part. These are .373" diameter holes. Since ProCAM could not find a .373" diameter punch, it used the .250" diameter and removed all the material.

Laser/Plasma 1. Click BUTTON 2 to allow ProCAM to

generate an optimized tool path. When you use the Toolfit command,

you can either manually pick the entities individually or allow ProCAM to automatically generate an optimized tool path.

The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for optimization start. This prompt applies when cutting multiple parts and allows you to determine the first part to toolfit.

2. Click anywhere in the work area. The tool path is inserted on the part.

Step 7: Post Process the Part The Post Process command on the Punch, Plasma and Laser toolbars translates tool path and operation information into NC code that can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC code for each tool path in the part, in the order the tool path appears in the part. Post processing is the final step in generation the NC program. 1. Choose Save As on the File menu. The Save As dialog box displays. 2. Type 2D ex1 in the File Name text box, then click OK. You do not have to type the .prt extension. ProCAM adds the extension automatically.

3. Click the Post Process button on the Punch, Plasma or Laser toolbar. 4. Follow the steps on page 2-25 to generate the NC program.

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Getting Started in ProCAM II 3-1

Chapter 3 Getting Started in ProCAM II

ProCAM II uses the graphical user interface of Microsoft® Windows® to provide an intuitive, efficient work environment for designing and drafting parts and for generating NC code. Before you start using ProCAM II, you should be comfortable navigating in the Windows graphical environment. If you are a new Windows user, you should learn basic Windows skills first before attempting to understand ProCAM II.

Starting ProCAM II and Opening a Part File

3-2 Getting Started in ProCAM II

Starting ProCAM II and Opening a Part File When you install ProCAM, the Setup program creates a folder that contains the ProCAM II program and lists the ProCAM II programs on the Start menu. The following steps are one method for starting the program. You may prefer to use a different method. For more information, see the Microsoft Windows documentation or the online help. 1. Select Start on the taskbar. The Start menu displays. 2. Select Programs. The Programs menu displays. 3. Select ProCAM II 200x. A list of programs displays. 4. Select ProCAM II 200x. The ProCAM II window displays.

5. Click the Open button on the File toolbar. 6. In the Open dialog box, change the current folder to \pcii\learn\CAD-Surf. When you run the Setup program to install ProCAM, the program creates a \pcii\learn

folder with sub folders that contain sample parts. The default path to this folder is \Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn.

7. Make sure the File of type option is set to ProCAM Files (*.pcii). In addition to drawing and saving parts in ProCAM II format (.pcii), you can also import

files that are in other formats such as ProCAM format prior to ProCAM II (.3d), ProCAM 2D format (.prt), Parasolid® solid model (x_t, x_b), ACIS® solid model (sat, sab), AutoCAD® Drawing Interchange File (.dxf), and AutoCAD® Drawing File (.dwg), Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (.igs).

8. Scroll through the list of files and double-click Surface Curve1.pcii. At the top of the ProCAM window, the left side of the title bar identifies the file name

when you open or save a part. Also on the left is the TekSoft icon, which can be used to access the Control menu. The Minimize, Maximize/Restore and Exit buttons are on the right.

9. Locate the CAD toolbar shown on the right and click the Point button.

10. Position the pointer in the work area where the part is displayed and click the left mouse button (BUTTON 1).

A point displays. 11. Move the pointer and click again. 12. Insert several points (see the figure on the next page).

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Understanding the ProCAM Window The ProCAM window is divided into several areas. Each area is explained briefly below. You will learn how to use the features and functions as you go through the exercises in this manual and in the tutorials. Note that the layout in the figure below has been customized and may look different from your ProCAM window. You will learn how to customize the layout later in this chapter.

Toolbars ProCAM toolbar buttons show a picture of a command. For example, you inserted points in the previous exercise by clicking the button with the picture of a point. Some of the toolbars are used to access the ProCAM functions for inserting and editing CAD and CAM entities. Others toolbars are used to set up ProCAM so you can insert entities and work with parts, view parts and manage files. The ProCAM toolbars that are used to access the ProCAM functions for inserting and editing entities are shown in the second and third row of toolbars in the above figure.

Toolbars

Prompt line Zoom buttons Cursor coordinates

Work area

Part Manager

Axis, Origin, Cplane



Everything you need for ProCAM functions is presented on five toolbars: Use to . . . Insert toolbar commands (CAD, Surfacing,

2X Milling, 3X Milling, 3X Advanced Milling)insert CAD or CAM entities.

Modify toolbar commands specify more options on how to complete the current command (which type of entity). Not all commands have modifiers.

Snap toolbar commands select the method of locating positions (where to place the entity).

Utility toolbar commands modify what you have inserted (manipulate entities after they are inserted).

CAD/CAM toolbar commands start another module and display the applicable Insert toolbar (CAD, Surfacing, 2X Milling, 3 X Milling, 3X Milling Advanced)

Insert Toolbars 1. Position the mouse pointer

on the first button of the CAD toolbar and let the pointer rest there for a second. The function of the button displays.

2. Move the pointer across the CAD toolbar buttons pausing to view the functions. These buttons are used to insert CAD entities.

Modify Toolbar 1. Locate the toolbar shown on the right. After you clicked the Point button on the CAD toolbar, two

buttons displayed on a toolbar that was previously blank. This is the Modify toolbar, which currently displays the options you can use with the Point command. The first button is highlighted indicating this option is selected.

Modifiers are used to enhance a command. If there is more than one way to execute a command, a Modify toolbar displays when you select the command. For example, you can use the Point modifiers shown here to insert a point at a coordinate or to insert multiple points on existing entities. If no options are available for an insert command, the Modify toolbar remains blank.

2. Position the mouse pointer on the first button and let the pointer rest there for a second. 3. Click the next modifier button. A series of additional modifiers display on the toolbar.

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Snap Toolbar 1. Locate the Snap toolbar shown on the right and

move the pointer over the buttons to view the functions. The Snap commands are used to define the position of entities.

Utility Toolbar 1. Locate the Utility toolbar shown on the

right and move the pointer over the buttons to view the functions. These commands change or edit entities after they have been drawn in the work area. For example, you can use these buttons to move, rotate, copy and scale entities. Did You Know ... You have been using ScreenTips to identify the functions of the buttons. A ScreenTip ending in two greater than symbols (>>) indicates the button is a toggle that has additional options. Click the button again to view the next modifier. When you click a toggle button, move the pointer off the button, then back on to display the ScreenTip.

CAD/CAM Toolbar 1. Locate the Cad/CAM toolbar shown on the right and move the

pointer over the buttons to view the commands. These commands provide access to the ProCAM modules. If a button is grayed out, either you are not licensed to use the module or the format of the part file that is currently open does not support the module. For example, since the part in the work area is not a solid model, the Solids Machining button is grayed out.

System Toolbar The System toolbar contains the items explained below.

MCS Identifies the current Machine Coordinate System (G-code program zero point). The use of an MCS is optional.

Cplane

Identifies the current construction plane. A construction plane is a two dimensional plane that entities can be constructed on. This plane can lie anywhere in 3D space at any orientation. ProCAM provides 8 permanent Cplanes. You can select a different Cplane by clicking the down arrow and selecting a Cplane from the list. ProCAM also includes tools to create, modify and delete up to 256 Cplanes.

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Cplane View

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View

Identifies the current View (the perspective the part is looked at from your vantage point). You can select a different View by clicking the down arrow and selecting a View from the list. Views allow you to visualize parts from different angles. Every Cplane has an associated View. Cplanes and Views can be set independently of each other. In other words, you can be viewing the part from one View while working on a different Cplane.

Line Type

Shows the line style ProCAM will use to display entities you insert. To change the line type, click the down arrow and click a style from the list. You can use the Edit utility to change the line type of entities after inserting.

Color

Indicates the color ProCAM will use to display entities you insert. To change the color, click the arrow to the right of the box, then click one of the colors. You can use the Edit utility to change the color of entities after inserting.

Pick Mask

Allows you to turn the Pick Mask function on (highlighted and indented) and off. The Pick Mask dialog box is accessed by right clicking in the work area and selecting Pick Mask on the shortcut menu.

1. Click the down arrow to the right of the current View (7 ISO 1), select 1 Top and notice the part display in the work area.

2. Change the View several times to see the difference in the part display. 3. Click the down arrow to the right of the current color selection and select a different

color. 4. Insert several points (click the Points button on the CAD toolbar again, if necessary). The

points are inserted in the color you selected.

View Toolbar ProCAM provides numerous methods for changing the display of the part in the work area. The View menu provides a complete list of the commands. The View toolbar contains the most frequently used commands. 1. Locate the View toolbar and move the pointer over the buttons to view the functions. You

will use these commands later in this chapter.

Menus The menu bar provides access to ProCAM commands that display dialog boxes and activate some functions. Some of the frequently used menu commands are also available on toolbars.

1. Click each of the menu names and look at the commands on the menus. Note that the Solids menu is enabled when you open a solid model file as a solid and you

have a license for Solids Machining. 2. Select some of the commands and look at the dialog boxes. The online Help contains

complete information for each of the commands.

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Part Manager The Part Manager on the left side of the window is a Windows Explorer-style panel that contains three tabs: InfoBar, Layers, and Operations. When you clicked the Point button on the CAD toolbar and inserted points, you were digitizing (sketching) and the InfoBar tab displayed the X,Y,Z origin of each point as it was inserted. InfoBar Tab

The InfoBar tab displays the parameters when ProCAM requires you to enter a system parameter or graphic value (such as X, Y and Z coordinates). The keyboard input displays in the InfoBar tab at the I-beam cursor location. When you right click in an input box, the shortcut menu lists the available functions (e.g., Cut, Copy, Paste). The InfoBar tab displays the X,Y,Z values and parameters of all graphic entities when you insert entities. The InfoBar tab also contains the 3D/2D button and the Depth input box. These options are explained in the CAD/Surf online Help. Layers Tab

1. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager. The layers defined for the active part display and the current

layer is identified by a red box around the layer icon. This is the layer that entities will be inserted on.

2. Right click in the Layers tab. A shortcut menu displays commands that allow you to quickly create a new layer, change the current layer, turn a single layer or all layers on or off and delete unused layers. These commands are the same as the options in the Layers dialog box.

3. Click the check box next to the Cross Sections layer. The entities on this layer display on the part in the work area.

4. Click the check box again to remove the check mark. The entities are removed from the part display.

Operations Tab

1. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager. The Operation tree displays. The graphical display in the tree makes it easy to define

operations and see how the part will be machined. The tree provides an outline view of the controller, tools and operations you set up to machine the part using 2½ Axis Mill or Surface Machining.

2. Right click anywhere in the tree. A shortcut menu provides a list of applicable commands. After you define operations,

right clicking an operation in the tree will display a list of applicable commands: New Operation, Edit Operation, Rerun Current, etc.

Note that in Solids Machining, you work with a different Operation tree.

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Work Area To the right of the Part Manager is the work area where the part displays. The default background color is black. You can customize the background color. In the figure on page 3-3, the axis marker displays at the origin point and identifies the direction for the X, Y and Z axes. The current Cplane (construction plane) displays beneath the axis marker. If the axis does not display on your screen, the display may be turned off. You learn how to customize the ProCAM interface on page 3-19.

Prompt Line At the bottom of the Part Manager, DIGITIZE coordinate for point displays. This is the prompt line, which tells you what you need to do to start or complete an action. Whenever the prompt line says ENTER, type the requested information, then press the ENTER key. Any time you are not sure what ProCAM is looking for or what you should do next, READ THE PROMPT LINE.

Cursor Coordinates ProCAM uses the Cartesian coordinate system. The cursor coordinates are located to the right of the prompt line at the bottom of the ProCAM window. 1. Move the pointer around the work area. The numbers that display are the coordinates of

the pointer position relative to X0,Y0,Z0. The intersection of the axes is called the origin or zero position. The coordinates are dependent on the construction plane (Cplane) in which you are working.

Zoom Buttons The In, Out and All buttons, located on the right side at the bottom of the ProCAM window provide quick ways to change the display of entities in the work area. 1. Click the All button. The All button fits all the entities into the work area. 2. Click the In and Out buttons. These buttons enlarge or reduce the display.

Finding Answers and Learning More About ProCAM II The information and exercises in this chapter are an introduction to ProCAM II. Comprehensive online Help and tutorial manuals are provided to answer your questions and to help you learn the features and functions available in ProCAM II. • Information is available when you are working in ProCAM II by selecting Help on the

menu bar or clicking the Help button in a dialog box. • The tutorials are provided in Adobe PDF format and the files can be opened and read

using the Adobe Reader.

Did You Know ... ProCAM 2.5 Axis Mill and Surface Machining exercises are included in this manual. For Solids Machining, you can find exercises in the ProCAM II Solids Machining Tutorial on your PC in electronic format, as explained on the next page.

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Online Help Online Help in ProCAM is similar to Help in other Windows applications. Help supplies information about commands, dialog boxes, keys and basic procedures for various tasks. 1. Click Help on the menu bar and select the CAD/Surf Help command. The Help Topics window displays. The Contents tab provides a tree of books and topics.

The Index tab provides a keyword search. The Find tab enables a full-text search. 2. Double-click one of the books on the Contents tab, then double-click one of the topics.

− The topic window displays. The menus and buttons at the top of the Help window allow you to find specific information quickly; move easily to related topics; and print, annotate or bookmark the topic.

− You can access additional information by clicking on text (hyperlinks) or graphical "hot spots". When you click words or phrases underlined with a solid line, the topic explaining those words displays. When you click words or phrases with a dotted underline, a pop-up window displays the definition. Click the mouse button again or press any key to return to the topic.

− To print the current help topic, click the Print button or choose Print Topic on the File menu. If the information you want to print is in a pop-up window, place the cursor in the window, then click the right mouse button and select Print Topic.

3. Because Help is an application, you need to close the window when you are done. Click the Close button in the right corner of the title bar, double-click the Help icon in the left corner of the title bar, or press Alt + F4.

Tutorials When you install ProCAM II from the ProCAM CD, a complete set of ProCAM II manuals is copied to a folder on your PC. These tutorials are PDF files that can be viewed, searched and printed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The manuals include:

− ProCAM II Getting Started Guide ProCAM II CAD-Surf Tutorial − ProCAM II 2.5 Axis Mill Tutorial ProCAM II Surface Machining Tutorial − ProCAM II Solids Machining Tutorial

To start the Reader and open a tutorial file: 1. On the desktop, click Start on the Windows taskbar. 2. Select Programs|ProCAM II 200x|ProCAM II Manuals. 3. Pick the desired manual from the list. If the file opens, you can search and print the exercises as required. If the file does not

open, you need to install the Adobe Reader either from the ProCAM CD or from the Adobe web site (www.adobe.com).

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Learning the Basics


Learning the Basics This section explains some of the basic procedures you will use repeatedly, such as correcting mistakes, selecting entities, zooming, rotating and panning. Exercises also show you how to customize the interface to suit your requirements.

Using the Mouse The operation of the mouse is similar in all Windows applications. Note that if you are using a left-handed mouse, the buttons described below are reversed. The mouse actions you need to know are described below.

Action Description click Quickly press and release the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) once while the

mouse pointer is on an object, such as a menu, command, icon, or button. double-click Position the pointer on an item, then quickly press and release the left

mouse button (BUTTON 1) twice. This action is often a shortcut for carrying out a command.

right-click Position the pointer on an item in the tree or in the work area, then quickly press and release the right mouse button (BUTTON 3) to display a shortcut menu.

drag Position the pointer, then hold down the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) while moving the mouse, and then release the button.

point Move the mouse pointer directly to a specific location, such as a menu command, icon, or button.

Button Functions For normal Windows operation, the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) is used. For example, you can use the left mouse button (BUTTON 1) to choose toolbar buttons and menu commands, select options in dialog boxes, and manipulate windows (move, resize, maximize, etc.). When you are working with parts in ProCAM II, each mouse button has a specific function:

Button Function Description BUTTON 1 left button

Pick Picks items in the work area (e.g., CAD entities, tool paths). Use BUTTON 1 whenever the prompt line at the bottom of the window says PICK.

BUTTON 2 middle button

Done Indicates you are finished with a particular function. This button also tells ProCAM to accept the input or execute a command.

Right-handed mouse BUTTON 3

right button Zoom Display menu

Zooms in on the selected portion of the drawing when you hold down the right button and window pick. Displays a shortcut menu when you right-click in the work area, on items on the Part Manager tabs and on toolbars.

Learning the Basics


Did You Know ... The Space Bar is used for the middle mouse button when you are using a 2-button mouse. When using a 3-button mouse, the Space Bar serves as a shortcut key for the middle mouse button functions.

Keyboard Operation Providing Information

The keyboard is used to provide information and to carry out some menu commands or actions. Keyboard input is required for many operations in ProCAM. When you need to provide information, the prompt line at the bottom of the Part Manager indicates what you must enter. The I-beam cursor on the InfoBar tab indicates a text area. A blinking vertical bar identifies where the data you type will display. Press ENTER to move from field to field on the InfoBar tab. Keyboard input in dialog boxes is similar to all Windows applications.

Shortcut Keys Shortcut Keys for Menu Commands Shortcut keys are listed to the right of some ProCAM menu commands. You can use these key combinations to carry out the command instead of opening the menu and choosing the command. For example, pressing CTRL + U is a shortcut to display the Units dialog box. If you use these keys, make sure the focus is in the work area. You may have to click in the work area before pressing the shortcut key. Shaded / Wire Frame Display Shortcut Keys When working with a part in Surfacing, Surface Machining or Solids Machining, quickly toggle between shaded and wire frame display by pressing the W (wire frame) and S (shaded) keys on the keyboard. Note that you may have to click in the work area first to set the focus.

Cplane and View Shortcut Keys Function keys are assigned to the permanent Cplanes and corresponding Views to provide a quick and easy way to change Cplanes and Views. Orientation Cplane Key View Key 1 Top Ctrl + F9 F9 2 Front Ctrl + F2 F2 3 Back Ctrl + F3 F3 4 Bottom Ctrl + F4 F4 5 Right Ctrl + F5 F5 6 Left Ctrl + F6 F6 7 ISO 1 Ctrl + F7 F7 8 ISO 2 Ctrl + F8 F8

Shortcut Keys for Viewing There are a number of shortcut keys for viewing parts quickly and easily. These are explained in the Controlling the Part Display section.

Learning the Basics


Correcting Mistakes The Erase Utility allows you to erase something you put in the work area either by selecting

individual entities or putting a window around them.

The Oops Utility allows you to undo the last sequence of steps you did one step at a time. Whenever you start a particular command, ProCAM opens an Oops file. This file keeps track of what you did and in what order for the current function only. When you click the Oops button, the last step you did is undone. When you select another command, the Oops file is cleared and starts recording again.

Erasing Entities and Using Oops 1. Open the part file Basic.pcii in the \pcii\learn\CAD-Surf folder. The default path is

\Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\CAD-Surf. If a message displays asking if you want to save changes, click No.


3. Pick line 1 by positioning the pointer over the line and clicking the left mouse button (BUTTON 1). The selected entity is erased.

4. Pick line 2, then line 3. The lines are erased.

5. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar.

Line 3 is put back in the work area.



8. Click the Oops button again. ProCAM beeps to inform you that there is nothing else to undo.

Selecting Entities The term "pick" is used when referring to selecting an individual entity or a group of entities in the work area. In the previous exercise using the Erase Utility, you picked an individual entity by positioning the pointer over a line in the work area and clicking the left mouse button (BUTTON 1). This is the procedure for selecting an individual entity.

When There are Multiple Entities at a Pick Location The Pick Entity function is enabled whenever you are required to pick an entity (moving, erasing, editing, etc.). This function enables you to select an entity when there are multiple entities at a pick location.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


For example, when a part has a cross section entity inserted on CAD entities, using the Pick Entity function enables you to quickly select either the cross section entity or a CAD entity without having to set up the Pick Mask. 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar. 3. Position the pointer on the intersection of two of the lines. 4. Hold down the ALT key and click the left mouse button. The Pick Entity dialog box displays the list of entities at the pick location. 5. Highlight one of the entities in the list. The corresponding entity is highlighted in the work area. 6. Click OK to exit the dialog box. The entity you selected is erased.

7. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar to restore the entity.

Window Picking Multiple Entities As you work in ProCAM, you will need to select multiple entities to perform a function on them. In most cases, you can do this with window picking. 1. Continue using the part in the work area.


3. Position the pointer in the upper left corner of the work area.

4. Press and hold down BUTTON 1 and drag the pointer to the lower right corner. As you move, you see a selection rectangle.

5. End the window so that some of the entities are not completely in the selection rectangle. 6. Release BUTTON 1. All entities that are completely within the selection rectangle are

erased. When you window pick entities, the entities must be completely within the selection rectangle or they will not be picked.

7. Click the Oops button. The entities you just erased are put back in the work area. In this exercise, the entities are all put back in the work area at the same time. Oops is an "undo." If you erase entities one at a time, Oops will undo them one at a time. If you erase a group of entities, Oops puts the group back in the work area.

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Learning the Basics


Using the Unselect Command The Unselect command on the Options menu allows you to exclude (unselect) entities that are selected when you window pick multiple entities. 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar. 3. Window pick all the entities, then click the middle mouse button (BUTTON 2). Clicking BUTTON 2 indicates you are finished with a particular function. This button also

tells ProCAM to accept the input or execute a command. Note that you can press the Space Bar instead of clicking BUTTON 2.

4. Select Unselect on the Options menu (you can also use the shortcut key: CTRL + E). The prompt line reads: PICK entity to unselect (button 2 when done). 5. Pick one of the lines, then click BUTTON 2. The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate to move from. 6. Click the work area near the lines. 7. For the coordinate to move to, click anywhere on the right side of the work area. All the entities are moved except the one line that you unselected.

Controlling the Part Display ProCAM provides a choice of tools that you can use to dynamically change the display of the part in the work area. • CTRL and the Mouse: You can dynamically rotate, pan and zoom by holding down the

CTRL key and a mouse button: CTRL + Function Description Button 1 (left button) Rotate View Turn a part around in the work area. Button 2 (middle button) Pan View Move the part horizontally or vertically. Button 3 (right button) Scale View Scale View (Zoom in and out).

• Hold down BUTTON 3 (right button) and window pick area: The quickest method to

zoom in on an area of a part is to use BUTTON 3 (the right button) to window pick the area you want to enlarge.

• Work Area Shortcut Menu: When you right-click in the work area, a shortcut menu displays commands to rotate, pan and zoom.

• View toolbar: This toolbar contains frequently used zoom, rotate and pan commands. • Zoom buttons at bottom of ProCAM window: The All button located at the bottom

right of the ProCAM window restores a complete view of the part. In and Out buttons enlarge or reduce the display of the entities in the work area.

• View menu: The View menu contains zoom, rotate and pan commands and associated shortcut keys.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


Zooming The zoom functions do not physically alter the size of the entities, only how they are displayed in the work area. 1. Open the part file Basic.pcii in the \pcii\learn\CAD-Surf folder. The default path is

\Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\CAD-Surf. If a message displays asking if you want to save changes, click No. 2. Position the pointer in the upper left corner of the work area. 3. Press and hold down BUTTON 3 (the right mouse button), then drag the selection rectangle

until it encloses the large circle. 4. Release the button. The area that you window-picked should be enlarged in the work

area.

5. Click the Zoom All button on the View toolbar. − The Zoom All command fits all the entities you have drawn into the work area. You

will use this option frequently to restore a complete view of the part after zooming in on a section and to display entities that are inserted outside the currently displayed work area.

− You can also click the All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window, press CTRL + A, choose Zoom All on the View menu or right click in the work area and select Zoom All on the shortcut menu.

6. Click the Last View button on the View toolbar. The previous view displays. You can also press CTRL + F or choose Zoom Last on the View menu.

7. Click the Last View button again on the View toolbar. The previous view displays.

8. Click the Zoom button on the View toolbar.

Selection Rectangle for Zoom Area

Start Here

EXERCISE

End Here

Learning the Basics


9. With the pointer in the work area, hold down the left mouse button and move the pointer upward. The part is enlarged.

10. Continue holding down the button and drag the pointer downward. The part is reduced. 11. Press CTRL + X (or choose Zoom Out on the View menu). The part display is reduced by

50%. 12. Press CTRL + X (or choose Zoom Out again on the View menu) to reduce the part display

by an additional 50%. 13. Right click in the work area and select Zoom All on the shortcut menu.

Rotating The following exercises show some of the methods you can use to dynamically turn a part around in the work area. View toolbar Rotate button: 1. Continue working with the part in the work area (Basic.pcii).

2. Click the Rotate button on the View toolbar.

3. With the pointer in the work area, hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse up and down. The part is rotated about a horizontal axis.

4. Move the mouse left and right to rotate the part about a vertical axis. 5. Move the mouse diagonally. The part is rotated diagonally. 6. On the System toolbar, change the View from Non-Std to 1 Top. The part displays in the

original orientation. Ctrl key and the mouse: 1. With the pointer in the work area, press and hold down the CTRL key, press mouse button

1 (the left button).

2. Move the pointer in the work area.

Coordinates at the bottom of the ProCAM window: 1. To rotate the entities around a fixed axis, click the X coordinate at the bottom right of the

work area. 2. Position the pointer in the work area and press mouse button 1 (left button).

3. Move the pointer in the work area to rotate the entities about the X axis.

Rotate Entity command on View menu: 1. Select Rotate Entity on the View menu. 2. Pick a line in the work area. 3. Hold down mouse button 1 (left button) and move the pointer in the work area. The part

rotates around the selected line.

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Learning the Basics


You can also use the following shortcut key combinations to rotate the part: Up/Down Arrow = Rotate about a horizontal axis through the center of the work area. Right/Left Arrow = Rotate about a vertical axis through the center of the work area. Shift + Up/Down

Arrow = Rotate 90 degrees about a horizontal axis through the center of the

work area. Shift + Right/Left

Arrow = Rotate 90 degrees about a vertical axis through the center of the

work area.

Panning The Pan commands allow you to dynamically move the part around in the work area: 1. Continue working with the part in the work area or open the part file Basic.pcii. 2. With the pointer in the work area, hold down the CTRL key and press BUTTON 2 (middle

button).

3. Move the pointer in the work area. The part moves in the direction of the pointer. You can also select one of the following, then hold down mouse BUTTON 1 (left button) and move the pointer around the work area:

• The Pan button on the View toolbar • The Pan command on the View menu • The Pan shortcut key: CTRL + H • The Pan View command on the work area shortcut menu (right click in the work area)

Calculating ProCAM provides an InfoBar auto-calculation feature and a Calculator utility that help you eliminate the chance of a math error.

Using Auto-Calculation You can use the InfoBar tab auto-calculate feature to let ProCAM do the math to calculate end points, diameters, etc. If the print drawing is a diameter, let the system do the work. This way you eliminate the chance of a simple math error or transposed numbers. You can have ProCAM add, subtract, multiply and divide to calculate information requested on the InfoBar tab including diameter, radius, X and Y start, end, center, and origin. Use the keys on the right to indicate the operation you want ProCAM to perform. 1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area. Do not save the entities in the work area.


Key Function + addition - subtraction * multiplication / division

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EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. 4. Type 8.0149+2.437/2 in the X Start text box. ProCAM calculates the numbers. Note that including spaces to separate numbers and

function symbols is optional. If you were using the value that is currently in the text box, you would not have to retype the number. Instead, click at the end of the number either before or after the unit type indicator (" or mm) and type the function symbol and numbers.

5. Press ENTER. ProCAM performs the calculation and displays 9.2334" in the InfoBar.

Using the Calculator The Calculator button on the Utility toolbar activates the Microsoft Calculator utility

with standard and scientific functions. The View menu on the Calculator's menu bar allows you to select either Standard or Scientific. Values can be transferred directly to the InfoBar tab using the copy and paste commands on the Calculator’s Edit menu. For more information on operating the Calculator, you can click Help on the Calculator menu bar. In the following exercise, you copy and paste between the Calculator and the InfoBar tab. Copy the calculate result from the Calculator to a text box in the InfoBar tab:

1. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar. The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start.

2. Click the Calculator button on the Utility toolbar. The keypad displays. 3. Add 1.3468 + 3.5721. 4. Click Edit on the Calculator menu bar and select

Copy. The calculated result is copied temporarily to the

Clipboard.

5. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. The Calculator is minimized on the Windows

Taskbar. 6. Right click in the X start text box on the InfoBar and

select Paste on the shortcut menu. The value 4.9189 is inserted (pasted). Copy a number from the InfoBar tab to the Calculator. 7. Press ENTER. 8. Type 5.2597 for the Y start. 9. Double-click the Y start text box, right click in the text box and select Copy on the

shortcut menu. The number is copied temporarily to the Clipboard.

EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


10. Click the Calculator button on the Taskbar to restore the Calculator window. 11. Select Edit on the Calculator menu bar, then select Paste. The number is inserted into the

Calculator. 12. Click the Close button in the top right corner of the calculator’s title bar to close the

Calculator.

Customizing ProCAM The ProCAM user interface can be customized to suit your needs. The following are some of the items that can be changed: • Toolbar layout • Work area background and highlight colors • Size of the window and width of the Part Manager • Axis display • Surface display • Units type When you exit ProCAM, the current settings are saved and restored automatically when you start ProCAM again.

Changing the Screen Display 1. Click the New button on the File toolbar to clear the work area. 2. Select Screen Display on the Setup menu. The Screen Display dialog box displays. The Top layout is the default. Optionally, you

can change the layout and find one you are comfortable using. You can also move the toolbars after selecting one of these layouts as explained below.

3. Select the desired background and highlight colors. 4. When you have selected the options you want to use, click the Apply button.

Arranging Toolbars ProCAM provides flexibility for positioning and displaying the toolbars to customize your working environment. Toolbars can be docked or floating and you can show or hide individual toolbars to suit your needs. You can use one of the standard toolbar layouts provided with ProCAM or you can move the toolbars as desired. Initially, the ProCAM toolbars are docked at the top of the window. You can dock a toolbar below the title bar or to the left, right, or bottom edge of the window. When you drag a toolbar to an edge, the toolbar outline snaps into place along the length of the window edge. Toolbars can also be floating. A floating toolbar is not attached to a window edge. 1. Position the pointer on an area of the View toolbar where there is no button. This toolbar

is currently docked. 2. Hold down the left mouse button, drag the toolbar to the work area,

then release the button.

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Learning the Basics


The outline of the toolbar displays to help you position the toolbar. The View toolbar is now a floating toolbar with a title bar. 3. Click the X button in the right corner of the title bar. This is a

quick way to hide a floating toolbar. 4. Select Tools on the menu bar. The list of toolbars displays. There is no check mark next

to the View toolbar. 5. Pick the View toolbar to show it. 6. Drag the View toolbar to different locations. Note that when you move a docked toolbar, the move might affect the location and size

of other toolbars in the same row. 7. Select Screen Display on the Setup menu. 8. Pick the Top layout and click Apply.

Did You Know ... You can double click in a blank area of a docked toolbar to undock it or double-click in the title bar of an undocked toolbar to dock it.

Resizing the Window and Part Manager You can use standard Windows procedures to adjust the size of the ProCAM window and the width of the Part Manager.

Controlling the Axis Display When you work with some parts, you may find that turning off the axis display in the work area or changing the axis color makes it easier to see entities. 1. Select Setup on the menu bar, then select the Axis command. The Axis dialog box displays the following options:

− Axis Color - Allows you to change the color of the axis display in the work area. − Axis On - Allows you to turn on the axis display in the work area. When this option is

selected, the axis marker displays at the current 0,0,0 location. − Display Cplane Name - Allows you to turn on/off the Cplane name display in the

work area. When this option is selected, the Cplane name displays only when Axis On is also selected.

2. Select the options you want, then click OK.

Interactively Changing the Surface Display When you work with parts that have surfaces, the options in the Surface Display dialog box allow you to customize the surface display. 1. Open the part file Surface Curve1.pcii in the \pcii\learn\CAD-Surf folder. The default

path is \Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\CAD-Surf. Do not save the entities in the work area.

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Learning the Basics


2. Position the pointer in the work area and click the left mouse button, then press the W and S keys on the keyboard. You can switch the surface display quickly between Wire Frame and Shaded mode using these shortcut keys.

3. Select Display Options on the Options menu. 4. Change the Display Options to see the result on the part. The controls in the Surface

Display dialog box are interactive and the part is updated immediately to reflect the changes you make in the dialog box. − Wire Frame displays the complete wire frame that simulates the surfaces with lines,

arcs and splines. − Hidden Line displays only the wire frame and toolpaths that are visible at the current

angle (this option cannot be selected if Shaded is checked). − Shaded displays the surfaces shaded. − Display Arrows controls the display of surface arrows. Surface arrows define the side,

direction and corner to start cutting for UV finishing and which side to place a fillet on intersecting surfaces.

− Pick Arrows displays surface arrows only when a function requires you to pick a surface and you move the pointer over the surface.

5. Change the Light Position slide bars and notice the light changes on the part.

These options determine the location of the light source, which controls the amount and angle of light striking the surface. Use the slide bar to locate the light source at X,Y, and Z positions.

6. Change the Shading Quality slide bars. 7. Change the Shade Color options. You can use the surface color or you can

click the Use Shade Color option and click the Edit Color button to select a shade color.

8. When you are finished, click Default to return to the original settings, then click OK.

Specifying Units of Measurement The distance between two coordinate points is measured in units. You can specify the output format for these units as English decimal, metric decimal, engineering, architectural or scientific. The output format determines how numerical values are displayed for the coordinates and distance values in the InfoBar tab and dialog boxes. You can also choose the degree format (decimal degrees or degrees/minutes/seconds), the number of decimal places used, and the largest denominator desired.

Learning the Basics


Changing the Units Type 1. Open the part file Basic.pcii in the \pcii\learn\CAD-Surf folder. The default path is

\Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\CAD-Surf. Do not save the entities in the work area. 2. Choose Units on the Setup menu. 3. In the Units dialog box, make sure the English Decimal option is selected, then click OK.

4. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar. 5. Pick a line on the part and notice that the values on the InfoBar tab are in English

Decimal. 6. Move the pointer around the work area and notice that the coordinates at the bottom of

the work area are in English Decimal. 7. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select Metric Decimal, then click OK. 8. Pick the line again and notice that the values on the InfoBar tab are now metric. 9. Move the pointer around the work area and the coordinates at the bottom of the work area

now display in metric. Did You Know ... You can change the Units Type at any time. For example, if you have a print that is in units that you normally do not use, change the Units Type to correspond to the print, draw the part, then change the Units Type back to your normal setting. ProCAM performs the conversion automatically.

Using the InfoBar Auto-convert Feature If you have mixed units (e.g., several metric units have been included on a print with mostly English decimal units), you can type the number from the print in the InfoBar tab and have ProCAM convert the units to the current system units. This eliminates doing the conversion manually. Type the number on the print followed by a lowercase mm to convert metric to English decimal or type a double quotation mark (") to convert English decimal to metric. Your system should be set to Metric Decimal from the previous exercise.


2. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar. 3. For the X start, type 1" and press ENTER. ProCAM converts the value and displays the metric equivalent in the InfoBar tab. 4. For the Y start, type 2" and press ENTER. The metric value displays. 5. If you were drawing a part from a print, you would continue entering the English decimal

values to insert the line. 6. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select English Decimal and click OK.

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EXERCISE

Learning the Basics


Changing the Degree Format When you type degrees, minutes and seconds, use the following symbols: • Degrees: Use a carat ( ^ ) to indicate degrees. To input the degrees: type the numbers,

then press the carat (^) key or hold down the shift key on the keyboard, and press the number 6 key on the main keyboard. DO NOT USE the 6 key on the numeric keypad.

• Minutes: Use an apostrophe (') to indicate minutes. To input the minutes: type the numbers, then press the apostrophe (') key.

• Seconds: Use a double quotation mark (") to indicate seconds. To input the seconds: type the numbers, then hold down the shift key and press the apostrophe/quotation mark key.

1. Choose Units on the Setup menu. 2. Make sure the Deg Min Sec option is selected, then click OK.

3. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar twice. The first click turns off the function, the second click selects it.

4. Click the Angle modifier button. The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of line. 5. Type 33.56 and press ENTER. In the InfoBar tab, the 33.56 Decimal Degrees now displays as 33^ 33' 36''. Even though you currently have Deg Min Sec selected, you can still input an angle as

decimal. 6. Choose Units on the Setup menu, select Decimal Degrees in the Units dialog box, then

click OK.

7. Click the Angle modifier button twice. 8. Type 15^ 26' 30" and press ENTER. The InfoBar tab reads 15.4417^. 9. If you want the default setting to be Deg Min Sec, choose Units on the Setup menu,

change the option to Deg Min Sec, then click OK.

EXERCISE




Generating 2½ Axis Mill Toolpaths and NC Code This section introduces you to the features of the ProCAM 2½ Axis Mill system and the process to generate 2½ axis mill toolpaths and NC code. The 2½ Axis Mill Tutorial and the online Help provide comprehensive exercises and information. The following steps are used to generate NC programs:

1. Draw or open the part in ProCAM II. 2. Start 2½ Axis Mill and select the controller. 3. Set the Setup Information. 4. Put cross section entities (boundaries) on what will be cut. 5. Define operations. 6. Generate toolpaths. 7. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to generate a Profile toolpath on a simple part. This exercise is designed to introduce 2½ Axis Mill and may not correspond to actual machining practices.

Step 1: Draw or Open a Part File in ProCAM II Parts can be drawn in ProCAM II or imported from other design systems in a number of different formats. 1. Open the part file 2AxMill1.pcii in the pcii\learn\mill folder. The default path is

\Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\mill. This part was drawn in ProCAM II.

Step 2: Start 2½ Axis Mill and Select the Controller

1. Click the 2X Milling button on the CAD/CAM toolbar. The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of post processors.

The list that displays for your system depends on the number of post processors you have installed.

2. Double-click FANTUTM or highlight FANTUTM and click OK. − When you create your own parts, pick the post processor that

will be used to cut the part. − If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the Setup

Information dialog box displays. This dialog box is explained on the next page.

− If the Setup Information dialog box does not display automatically, click CAM on the menu bar and select the Setup Information command on the CAM menu.

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EXERCISE



3. Notice the following changes in the ProCAM window when you start 2½ Axis Mill: − The Part Manager changes to the Operation tree. The Operation tree provides an

outline view of the controller, tools and operations you set up to machine the part. The graphical display in the tree makes it easy to define operations and see how the part will be machined. When you right-click on an operation, a shortcut menu provides a list of applicable commands: New Operation, Edit Operation, Rerun Current, etc. The Operation tree also contains a controller item that identifies the current controller (FANTUTM) and a Tool item that lists the tools that are used in the operations. Right-clicking the Tool item displays the Mill Tools dialog box. Note that any time you want to display the Operation tree, you can click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.

− The 2X Milling toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. This toolbar displays the 2½ Axis Mill commands. The cutting cycle commands are also easily accessible from the shortcut menu in the Operation tree.

Step 3: Set the Setup Information The Setup Information dialog box is used to provide information required to generate the NC program. The Setup options vary depending on the machine. This dialog box also provides information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program file is generated. The Setup Information dialog box displays when you select a post processor in the Controller Type dialog box (if you have the Feed and Speed Library installed) or when you select Setup Information on the CAM menu. The parameters shown in the figure are required for most NC programs. Additional parameters may display if they are required by the controller. 1. In the Setup Information dialog box, type 100 for the Program Number and press TAB. 2. Type 1212 for the Material and press TAB. 3. Type 1.5 for the Part Thickness and click OK.

EXERCISE



Step 4: Put Cross Section Entities on What will be Cut The next step is to identify the entities to be machined and the path the cutter will take. This is done using the Cross Section Entity command. The exercise below shows how to put a single cross section boundary on a part. 1. Select Axis on the Setup menu. 2. In the Axis dialog box, if the Axis On and Display Cplane Name options are checked,

remove the check marks, then click OK. Turning off the axis display makes it easier to work with this part. 3. Make sure the Cplane is set to 1 Top on

the System toolbar. The FANTUTM post processor, which is used for most of the exercises in this manual,

supports cutting only from the top plane. ProCAM also supports multi-plane machining.

4. Click the Cross Section Entity button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar. The prompt line reads: PICK entity for cross

section start. This part will be machined around the

outside starting at the top left. 5. Pick the left side of the top line. The prompt line changes to: PICK next

entity for cross section. 6. Pick the .25" radius arc at the top left for the

last entity. You do not have to pick each individual

entity in order because ProCAM has an automatic chaining function.

7. Click BUTTON 2. The middle mouse button (BUTTON 2) tells

ProCAM you are finished with a particular function. This button also tells ProCAM to accept the input or execute a command. Note that you can press the Space Bar instead of clicking the middle button.

The part should look like the figure on the right.

EXERCISE

Pick here to start

Pick arc for last entity in boundary



Step 5: Define the Operations ProCAM uses operations to define each cutting cycle. If you had a part that had a pocket and a profile to be cut and a hole to be drilled, you would define three operations. In this example, you have one operation. The operation contains all the information necessary for cutting the perimeter of the part. During the definition of the operation, the defaults are used for a number of parameters. All of these parameters are explained in the online Help.

1. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager on the left side of the window.

2. Double-click layer 2 to make it the current layer to generate the toolpaths on. Did You Know ... This is a shortcut to turn on a layer and make it current. You can also right click the layer and select Make Current on the shortcut menu.

3. Change the color by clicking the arrow next to the color selection box on the System toolbar. You can select a standard color or click the Other button to select a custom color.

4. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager. 5. Right click in the Operation tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select

2X Machining and pick Profile on the list of operations. − The Set Operation – Profile dialog box displays. Each operation contains the cut

information for that cycle. As you work with different cycles, the parameters in the Set Operation dialog box change to reflect the cutting cycle you are defining.

− The tool text box on the Tool tab is highlighted and the prompt line reads: ENTER tool number.

In this exercise, you define a .50" diameter end mill cutter. 6. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab. The Mill Tools dialog box displays. When you

define an operation, you specify the tool in the Mill Tools dialog box that will be used to generate the toolpaths.

The Turret in the Mill Tools dialog box represents the tools that will be loaded into the machine tool turret. For ease of use, the tools in the turret can be saved in tool files and used for multiple jobs.

EXERCISE



In addition, ProCAM allows you to create a tool library, which is a database that can represent all the tools in your current inventory. Tool libraries are more powerful and flexible than tool files. You can create a library for all the tools in your shop or for all the tools for a job. Tool libraries are created without regard to the number of stations in a turret. Sample tool libraries are provided and can be opened by clicking the Show Library button. For more information on tool libraries, see the online Help.

7. Double-click on the first tool station in the list (you can also highlight the tool, then click the Edit button).

The Set Tool dialog box displays.

The Tool Name identifies the Station # or Record # of the tool you selected in the Mill Tools dialog box. If you are defining a tool in the Turret, this is the Station # listed in the Turret section of the Mill Tools dialog box and in the Set Operation dialog box when you define an operation. This number is the tool number that is output in the NC program during post processing. If you are defining a tool in the Tool Library, this is the Record # for the tool in the database.

8. Define the tool using the following information: − Tool Type = End mill − Diameter = .50" − Length = .875" − Comment = .50" End Mill

9. Click OK. The Mill Tools dialog box lists the information for Station #01. This is one way to define tools. In addition, you can use tool files and tool libraries to

eliminate having to define the tools for every part. 10. Click OK to close the Mill Tools dialog box. 11. In the Set Operation dialog box, set the parameters on the tabs as listed below, then click

OK. You can use the defaults for all other parameters. Tab Parameter Value Description Tool Operation

Name Profile Cut This name displays in the Operation tree.

Profile Rapid Plane 2.0" This is the distance above Z0.000 that the Z axis rapids to in the Tool Length Offset line in the program. Specifying a value of 2 causes the tool length offset line in this generic post to read: G00 G43 Z2.000 M08. This parameter is also the height the Z axis returns to when the operation is complete.

Profile Clearance Plane

.10" This is the height above the Z Face that the Z axis rapids to before feeding down in the Z axis. It is also the height the Z axis positions to during rapid moves to get from one cut to another with the same tool.



Tab Parameter Value Description Finish Depth

Parameters Single Depth

Single Depth is used when you want the cutter to go to the Z depth defined in one pass. In this operation, you are taking only one pass with the .5" end mill.

Z Depth -.50" This is the depth of the cut the Z axis feeds down into the work. XY

Allowance 0.0 The amount of material to leave on the part. This value is the

actual distance the cutter stays away from the finished part. The amount is defined per side.

Post Post Operation

checked This parameter determines whether this operation will be part of the NC program.

Step 6: Generate the Toolpaths When you click OK to close the Set Operation dialog box, the prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries to profile (button 2 when done). You are now ready to generate the toolpaths. 1. Pick the cross section boundary anywhere on the part. The boundary is highlighted. Since cross

section boundaries are actually one entity, you can pick anywhere along the path.

2. Click BUTTON 2. Two circles display at the start of the cross

section boundary. The prompt line reads: PICK highlighted circle to

indicate which side. ProCAM is asking you which side of the highlighted line you want the toolpath to be inserted on.

3. Pick the circle on the outside. ProCAM generates the Profile toolpath. ProCAM includes ProVerify, which allows you to graphically simulate material removal from stock. You can see the material being removed from the stock as the cutter proceeds along the toolpath. 4. On the System toolbar, change the View to

7 ISO 1.

5. Click the Verify button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar. If your license/security key is not programmed for Sirius Verify ( an optional third party

application that runs as a separate program outside ProCAM), ProVerify starts automatically.

If your license/security key is programmed for Sirius Verify, the Modify toolbar displays two buttons to select between running the external Sirius Verify and the integrated ProVerify.

If the Modify toolbar displays, click the ProVerify button.

EXERCISE

Pick outside circle



When ProVerify starts, the stock part displays as a rendered solid and the ProVerify toolbar displays.

6. Make sure the Tool Display button is highlighted. When the Tool Display button is selected, the tool steps through the part showing each cut and the stock is updated after each cut.

7. Click the Go to End button on the ProVerify toolbar. 8. To exit the simulation, right click in the work area and select Close ProVerify on the

shortcut menu.

Step 7: Post Process the Part

The Post Process command translates toolpath and operation information into NC code that can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC code for each toolpath in the part in the order the operations are listed in the tree. The machining sequence can be changed by re-ordering the operations in the tree using drag and drop. Post processing is the final step in generating the NC program. 1. Select Save As on the File menu and save the part as Mill1.pcii. The ProCAM II file extension is .pcii. The additional file formats that are supported are

listed on the Save as type pulldown.

2. Click the Post Process button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar. The Save Post File dialog box displays. The \procad\txt folder is provided for NC

program and Setup Sheet files. You can use this folder or a different folder. 3. If Mill1.txt is not in the File Name text box, type Mill1. You do not have to type the extension. Naming the Post file the same as the Part file is

the most common way of saving parts and NC programs. Both files can have the same name because they have different extensions.

4. Click OK. The Post Window dialog box and Modify toolbar display.

5. Select only the View Code button. During post processing, ProCAM will display the code in the Post Window dialog box.

Note that you can decrease posting time significantly by using the Fast Posting modifier or by turning off the Highlight Cut, Display Cutter and View Code modifiers.

6. Click the Run button. − ProCAM generates the NC program and displays the program in the Post Window

dialog box.

EXERCISE



− You can stop post processing at any time by pressing any key. This puts ProCAM in Step mode. In Step mode, you can position the pointer in the work area, then click BUTTON 2 or press the Space Bar to continue one step at a time. You can change modifiers, zoom in on an area of the part, then resume post processing by clicking the Run button.

− When you click the Run button, ProCAM creates two files: Mill1.txt and Mill1.set. The .txt file is the NC program file that contains the CNC commands for the machine control unit to activate the tool functions and cutting tool movements for the part. The .set file is a text file that contains information the operator can use to set up the machine tool (e.g., the machine, the controller, estimated machine time, the part material, and the tool type and size). This file is located in the same folder as the NC program file. The NC program and Setup Sheet files are text files that can be read or printed using a word processor or text editor.



Generating Surface Machining Toolpaths and NC Code This section introduces you to the features of the ProCAM Surface Machining system and the process to generate toolpaths and NC code. The ProCAM II Surface Machining Tutorial in the \procad\manuals\ProCAM II folder on your computer and the online Help provide comprehensive exercises and information. The following steps are used to generate NC programs in Surface Machining:

1. Draw or open the part and create surfaces. 2. Change to the Operation tree. 3. Select the Controller and set the Setup Information. 4. Define operations. 5. Generate toolpaths. 6. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to generate finish toolpaths for a surface using a .25" diameter ball nose cutter. The exercise is designed to introduce you to Surface Machining and may not correspond to actual machining practices. Some of the steps are explained in more detail in the previous exercise for 2½ Axis Mill and we recommend that you go through that exercise first.

Step 1: Draw or Open the Part and Create Surfaces Parts can be drawn in ProCAM or imported from other design systems in a number of different formats. Surfaces can be created in ProCAM Surfacing or imported in ProCAM 3D (3d), IGES, Parasolid (x_t, x_b), ACIS (sat, sab) and VDA file formats. For more information on creating surfaces, open the ProCAM II CAD-Surf Tutorial.pdf file in the \manuals\ProCAM II folder inside the ProCAM folder on your computer. 1. Open the part file Adv Slice.pcii in the pcii\learn\mill folder. The default path is

\Program Files\procamii200x\procad\pcii\learn\mill. This part was drawn in ProCAM CAD

and has a surface created in ProCAM Surfacing.

2. Position the pointer in the work area and click the left mouse button.

3. Press the W key on the keyboard, then press the S key.

These keys are shortcuts for changing between wire frame and shaded display.

Use shaded display for this exercise.

EXERCISE



Step 2: Change to the Operation Tree 1. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager on the left

side of the window. The Operation tree displays. The tree provides an outline view of the controller, tools and

operations you set up to machine the part. The graphical display in the tree makes it easy to define operations and see how the part will be machined. When you right-click on an operation, the shortcut menu provides a list of applicable commands: New Operation, Edit Operation, Rerun Current, etc. The Operation tree also contains a controller item that identifies the current controller and a Tool item that lists the tools that are used in the operations. Right-clicking the Tool item displays the Mill Tools dialog box. Initially, the controller item at the top of the tree indicates that no controller is selected.

2. Right click anywhere in the tree. When you right click in the tree, a shortcut menu displays a list of commands.

3. Select the Select Controller command. The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of post processors. The list that displays

for your system depends on the number of post processors you have installed. 4. Double-click FANTUTM or select FANTUTM and click OK. This is a sample post processor and is not intended for production use. When you create

your own parts, pick the post processor that will be used to cut the part. If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the Setup Information dialog box

displays. You can click OK to continue.

5. Click the 3X Milling Advanced button on the CAD/CAM toolbar. Clicking the 3X Milling Advanced button is the manual method to display the 3X Milling

Advanced toolbar and you will only use this method occasionally. When you are defining operations, the toolbar displays automatically.

The 3X Milling Advanced toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. The cutting cycle commands on this toolbar are also easily accessible from the shortcut menu in the Operation tree.

Step 3: Set the Setup Information The Setup Information is explained on page 3-25. For this exercise, you do not have to change any parameters in the Setup Information dialog box.

Step 4: Define the Operations Surface Machining uses operations to define each cutting cycle. If you had a part that had to be roughed using Advanced Rough Cut, finish contoured using Advanced Slice and engraved using Advanced Curve Projection Cut, you would define three operations.

EXERCISE



In this example, you have one operation, a finish Slice cut. The operation contains all the information necessary for finishing the surface of the part. During the definition of this operation, the defaults are used for a number of parameters. For an explanation of these parameters, click the Help button in the Set Operation dialog box. 1. Right click anywhere in the Operation

tree on the left side of the window, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then s select 3X Advanced and pick Slice in the list of operations.

The Set Operation – Adv. Slice Cut dialog box displays. Each operation contains the cutting information for that cycle. As you work with different cycles, the parameters in the Set Operation dialog box change to reflect the cutting cycle you are defining.

The Active Tool text box on the Tool tab is highlighted and the prompt line reads: ENTER tool number.

In this exercise, you define a .25" diameter ball nose cutter. 2. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab. The Mill Tools dialog box displays (shown on page 3-27). 3. Double-click the first tool station in the list. You can also highlight the tool, then click the Edit button. The Set Tool dialog box displays (shown on page 3-28). 4. Define the tool using the following information:

− Tool Type = Ball nose − Diameter = .25" − Comment = 0.25" Dia 4 Flute BN

5. Click OK. This is one way to define tools. In addition, you can use tool files and tool libraries to

eliminate having to define the tools for every part. 6. Click OK to close the Mill Tools dialog box. Tool 1 displays on the Tool tab and under the Tools item in the Operation tree.

EXERCISE



7. In the Set Operation dialog box, set the parameters on the tabs as listed below. You can use the defaults for all other parameters. Tab Parameter Value Description Tool Operation

Name Finish Cut

You can enter up to 24 characters to describe the operation.

Slice Rapid to Rapid Plane

Rapid Plane 1.00" The absolute Z location at which the end of the tool is clear of any material. This is the height in the Z axis where all rapid moves are executed.

Clearance 0.10" Max Deviation .002" ProCAM approximates the surfaces of the part by

generating facets. Facets are small triangles that are generated within a tolerance. This tolerance can be set using the Max. Deviation in each operation dialog box. The Max. Deviation is applied separately for each Adv. Machining operation. The Max. Deviation also provides control over how closely the toolpath is calculated with respect to the triangles representing the model.

Surface

XYZ Allowance

0.0 The amount of material the cutting cycle leaves on the surface after generating toolpaths. For a finish cutting cycle, set this amount to zero.

Cut Amount .004" The stepover distance between any two successive Slice cuts.

Pattern Cutting Options

Planar Cut This strategy provides a series of linear, parallel cuts across the model.

Cut Angle 0.00 The length of the leadin line ProCAM uses to feed the tool along to get to the start of the cutting cycle. The orientation of the line depends on the type of Leadin.

Pattern Type Zigzag Generates alternating parallel cuts that follow the contour of the surface. The Feed Between parameter on the Links tab controls whether the tool remains on the surface or retracts when moving from the end of one cut to the beginning of the next cut.

Leadin/Out Leadin/Leadout Type

Arc

Leadin Amount .375" The length of the leadin line ProCAM uses to feed the tool along to get to the start of the cutting cycle. The orientation of the line depends on the type of Leadin.

Leadin/Leadout Radius

0.10"

Links Link Type Smooth This provides a smooth transition between passes when

the tool direction is changing. This is optimal when using faster feed rates as applied in high speed machining.

Feed Between 1.00"

Post Post Operation Checked This parameter determines whether this operation will be part of the NC program.

8. Click OK to accept the changes. The prompt line reads: PICK surface to cut (button 2 when done).



Step 5: Generate the Toolpaths 1. Pick the surface anywhere, then click the middle mouse button (referred to as BUTTON 2). The prompt line reads: PICK surface to

avoid (button 2 when done). 2. Click BUTTON 2 (there are no surfaces

to avoid). The planar Slice toolpath is generated.

All machining is done to exact tolerances as specified by the operation parameters.

3. Choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as Mill1.pcii.

The ProCAM II file extension is .pcii. ProCAM includes ProVerify, which allows you to graphically simulate material removal from stock. You can see the material being removed from the stock as the cutter proceeds along the toolpath.

4. Click the Verify button on the 3X Milling Advanced toolbar. If your license/security key is not programmed for Sirius Verify ( an optional third party

application that runs as a separate program outside ProCAM), ProVerify starts automatically.

If your license/security key is programmed for Sirius Verify, the Modify toolbar displays two buttons to select between running the external Sirius Verify and the integrated ProVerify.

If the Modify toolbar displays, click the ProVerify button. When ProVerify starts:

− The stock part displays as a rendered solid. − The ProVerify toolbar displays.

5. Make sure the Tool Display button is highlighted. When the Tool Display button is selected, the tool steps through the part showing each

cut and the stock is updated after each cut.

6. Click the Go to End button on the ProVerify toolbar. 7. To exit the simulation, right click in the work area and select Close ProVerify on the

shortcut menu.

EXERCISE



Step 6: Post Process the Part

The Post Process command on the 3X Machining Advanced toolbar translates generalized toolpath and operation information into NC code that can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC code for each toolpath in the part in the order the operations are listed in the tree. The machining sequence can be changed by re-ordering the operations in the tree using drag and drop. The steps are explained on page 3-30.



Index

i

Index .pcii, ProCAM II file extension 3-2, 3-30, 3-36 .pdf, file extension for manuals 2-8, 3-9 .prt, ProCAM 2D file extension 2-2 .set, Setup Sheet file 2-25, 3-31 .txt, NC program file extension 2-25, 3-31 2X Milling toolbar 3-25 3X Milling Advanced toolbar 3-33 A / B Adobe Acrobat Reader 2-8, 3-9 Adv. Slice cutting cycle 3-34 axis

color 3-20 customizing display 2-17, 3-20 labels 2-17, 3-8 mode 2-17

Axis dialog box 2-17, 3-20 boundary, inserting 2-22 C CAD toolbar 2-2, 3-2 CAD/CAM toolbar 3-5 calculating

using auto-calculation feature 2-14, 3-17 using Calculator utility 2-15, 3-18

Calculator utility 2-15, 3-18 CAM Display dialog box 2-21 CAM menu, Setup Information command 2-21, 2-27,

3-25 color

changing axis 3-20 changing highlight 2-16, 3-19 changing work area background 2-16, 3-19

color, selecting 2-6, 3-6 construction plane See Cplane Controller Type dialog box 2-20, 2-26, 3-24, 3-33 controller, changing 2-20, 3-24, 3-33 coordinate system 2-7, 3-8 correcting mistakes 2-10, 3-12 Cplane

current on System toolbar 3-5 shortcut keys 3-11

cross section entity, inserting 3-26 cursor coordinates 2-7, 3-8

D / E degree display, changing format 2-19, 3-23 entities

picking 2-11, 3-12 unselecting 3-14 zooming 2-12

Erase utility 2-10, 3-12 F Fabrication Display dialog box 2-27, 2-30 FANTUTLP, tutorial laser post processor 2-26 FANTUTM, tutorial post processor 2-20, 3-24, 3-33 FANTUTP, tutorial punch post processor 2-26 FANTUTPL, tutorial plasma post processor 2-26 File menu, Open command 2-2, 3-2 files

NC program 2-25, 3-31 opening/importing 2-2, 2-26, 3-2, 3-32 setup sheet 2-25, 3-25, 3-31

finish cutting cycles, Adv. Slice Cut 3-34 H / I help

contacting your reseller 1-8 finding information 1-7

InfoBar 2-6 InfoBar tab 3-7 Insert toolbars 2-4, 3-4 installation

directions 1-2 Win 2000/XP driver 1-2

K keyboard

shortcut keys 2-10, 3-11 using in ProCAM 2-10, 3-11

L Laser Toolfit Parameters dialog box 2-31 Laser Tools dialog box 2-29 layers

on System toolbar 2-6 Part Manager tab 3-7

license, activating 1-2 license/security key 1-2 line type, option on System toolbar 2-5, 3-6

Index

ii

M menu bar 2-6, 3-6 menus, shortcut keys 2-10, 3-11 Mill toolbar 2-21 Mill Tools dialog box 2-23, 3-27, 3-34 mistakes, correcting 2-10, 3-12 Modifier toolbar 2-4, 3-4 mouse

button functions 2-9, 3-10 using 2-button mouse 2-9, 3-11 using in ProCAM 2-9, 3-10

move part display 2-14 N NC program

generating 2-25, 3-30 setup information 2-21, 2-27, 3-25 steps to generate 2-20, 2-26, 3-24, 3-32 verifying 3-29, 3-36

O online help 2-7, 3-9 Oops utility 2-10, 3-12 operation

defining 2-23, 3-27, 3-33 generating toolpaths 2-24, 3-29, 3-36 selecting new 3-34

Operation tree 3-25, 3-33 Operations tab on Part Manager 3-7, 3-33 P panning 2-14, 3-17 part display

controlling 2-11, 3-14 panning 2-14, 3-17 redrawing 2-14 rotating 3-16 zooming 2-12, 3-15

Part Manager 3-7 InfoBar tab 3-7 Layers tab 3-7 Operations tab 3-7

Part Manager, Operation tree 3-25, 3-33 Parts, opening/importing 2-2, 2-20, 3-2, 3-24 parts used in exercises

2axmill1.pcii 3-24 Adv Slice.pcii 3-32 basic.pcii 3-12, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-22 exlas1.prt 2-26

skcad1.prt 2-20 surface curve1.pcii 3-2, 3-20 trim.prt 2-2, 2-10, 2-12, 2-18

Pick Entity dialog box 3-12 pick mask, turning on 2-6, 3-6 picking entities 2-11, 3-12 Plasma Tools dialog box 2-29 plotter, setting up in Windows 1-5 Post dialog box 2-25 post process 2-25, 3-30, 3-37

NC program file 2-25, 3-31 setup sheet 2-21, 2-25, 3-25, 3-31

Post Window dialog box 3-30 printer, setting up in Windows 1-5 ProCAM

activating license 1-2 finding information 1-7 hardware key 1-2 installing 1-2 path to tutorial parts 1-7 Setup program 1-2, 2-2, 3-2 system configuration requirements 1-4 uninstalling 1-3

ProCAM 2D customizing interface 2-16 manuals 2-8 starting 2-2 window 2-3

ProCAM II customizing interface 3-19 manuals 3-9 starting 3-2 System Information command 1-8 update utility 1-5 video card compatibility 1-6 window 3-3

Profile toolpath generating 2-23, 3-27 Set Operation – Profile dialog box 2-23, 3-28

prompt line 2-7, 3-8 ProVerify simulation 3-29, 3-36 Punch Tools dialog box 2-28 R Redraw utility 2-14 removing ProCAM 1-3 requirements, hardware and software 1-4 Restore View, View menu 2-13

Index

iii

rotating about an entity 3-16 about an X,Y,Z coordinate 3-16 shortcut keys 3-16

S Save Post File dialog box 2-25, 3-30 Save Preview Bitmap option, Screen Display dialog

box 2-17 Save View, View menu 2-13 Screen Display dialog box 2-16, 3-19 screen display, customizing 2-16, 3-19 ScreenTips 2-5, 3-5 scroll bars 2-14 Select Controller command 3-33 Set Library Name dialog box, Punch 2-26 Set Operation – Adv Slice dialog box 3-35 Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box 2-24 Set Operation – Profile dialog box 2-23, 3-28 Set Tool dialog box 2-23, 2-28, 2-29, 3-28, 3-34 Setup Information dialog box 2-20, 2-21, 2-27, 3-24,

3-25 Setup menu

Screen Display command 2-16, 3-19 Units command 2-17, 3-21

Setup program 2-2, 3-2 setup sheet

file 2-25, 3-31 information 2-21, 2-27, 3-25

shading surfaces 3-21 shortcut keys 2-10, 3-11, 3-32 Snap toolbar 2-5, 3-5 start CAM module

2½ Axis Mill 3-24 2D Mill 2-20 3X Milling Advanced 3-33 Punch, Plasma, Laser 2-26

start ProCAM 2D 2-2 start ProCAM II 3-2 steps to generate an NC program 2-20, 2-26, 3-24,

3-32 Surface Display dialog box 3-21 surfaces

customizing display 3-20 shaded/wire frame shortcut keys 3-21

System toolbar 2-5, 3-5

T technical support, contacting your reseller 1-8 tool

button in Set Operation dialog box 2-23 defining 2-23, 2-28, 2-29, 3-27, 3-34 Laser Tools dialog box 2-29 library 3-28 Mill Tools dialog box 2-23, 3-27, 3-34 Plasma Tools dialog box 2-29 punch library 2-28 Punch Tools dialog box 2-28 Set Tool dialog box 2-23, 2-28, 2-29, 3-28, 3-34 tool files 2-28

tool boundary See cross section entity tool files 2-28 toolbars

2X Milling 3-25 3X Milling Advanced 3-33 arranging 2-16, 3-19 CAD 2-2, 3-2 description 2-3, 3-3 Mill 2-21

Toolfit, selecting cutting conditions 2-30 toolpath

generating 2-24, 2-32, 3-29, 3-36 verifying 3-29, 3-36

troubleshooting defective software or equipment 1-7 where to find information 1-7

U undo 2-10, 3-12 uninstalling ProCAM 1-3 Units dialog box 2-18, 3-22 units of measure

changing degree format 2-19, 3-23 changing type 2-18, 3-22 using auto-convert 2-18, 3-22

Unselect command (Options menu) 3-14 Utility toolbar 2-5, 3-5

Calculator 2-15, 3-18 Erase 2-10, 3-12 Oops 2-10, 3-12 Redraw 2-14

Index

iv

V video card compatibility, ProCAM II 1-6 View

changing 3-6 shortcut keys 3-11

View toolbar 3-6 pan 3-17 rotate 3-16 zoom 3-15

View, current on System toolbar 3-6 view, save/restore 2-13 W window picking options 2-11, 3-12 work area 2-6, 3-8 Z zooming

buttons at bottom of window 3-8 buttons on View toolbar 3-15 methods 2-12, 3-15 using button 3 2-9, 2-12, 3-10, 3-15 Zoom All button 2-7

Documents

ProCAM Installation Guide