EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

To use the EdgeCAM system, you should be experienced in CAD/CAM methods and the appropriate
equipment and terminology. You also need to have some experience of the Microsoft™ Windows NT™
graphical user environments.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Entering Manufacture Mode

EdgeCAM starts up in Design mode so that you can start to create a part.

Once you have created or loaded a part, you need to switch to Manufacture mode to machine it. You then
see a different set of commands, appropriate to machining.

To switch to Manufacture mode click the Manufacture button at the top right-hand corner of the
EdgeCAM window (or in the Options menu).

To switch back to Design mode select the Design button next to the Manufacture button (or in the
Options menu).

See a demonstration video.

The buttons indicate the current mode:

Manufacture Mode

Design Mode

(Note that this is the default setup; you might have a non-default setup where only one button is visible, or
no buttons are visible; see Mode Buttons for details.)

On first entering Manufacture mode after starting EdgeCAM, you are prompted for details on what type of
machining you want to use. This information defines a new “machining sequence” or machining
worksession. You also specify which Code Generator file you want to use. A Code Generator provides
appropriate manufacturing commands and contains the data on converting an EdgeCAM machining
sequence into CNC code for a specific machine tool type.

You may enter Manufacture mode with a new executable file (for example, a PDI) or a new Code Generator
file. If you do, you are prompted to enter the text for the machine-specific commands that appear in the M-
Functions menu.

On switching between Design and Manufacture modes you can opt for automatic checks to be made for
deleted geometry (if this does not cause too much delay - see Deleted Geometry Checking for details).

About Creating Wire Toolpaths
Before you try to create wire toolpaths, you should already have created a Wire Profile. Whichever method
you used to create the profile, simply select the command Machine Design (Wire Cycles menu). This
command uses whatever information is stored in the profile to generate the appropriate toolpaths. Also see
Creating the Design Intent.

See Also

About Machining Sequences

Defining/Editing a Machining Sequence

Selecting an Existing Machining Sequence

Building the Instruction List

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Setting the Machine Datum Position

When you use File menu New Sequence...

...in the General tab of the Machining Sequence dialog you set the Machine Datum position.

Here are details on this setting in the dialog's help (you can also access this help by clicking the Help button
in the dialog):

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Setting the Initial CPL

When you use File menu New Sequence...

...in the General tab of the Machining Sequence dialog you set the Initial CPL.

Here are the details on this setting in the dialog's help (you can also access this help by clicking the Help
button in the dialog):

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

About Machining Sequences

A machining sequence is a set of machining information for an EdgeCAM part. Depending on the
environment, it specifies the:

machine tool (the Code Generator to be used to provide machining commands and to create CNC
code from the instruction list)

machine datum for the machine tool

axis system being used

turret configurations

machine tool specific functions available (M-Function category commands)

units to be used in the CNC output

sequential list of machining instructions and/or operations.

If a part has been saved, the default sequence is the sequence in use when the part was saved. This
sequence is used for the part at the start of a new Manufacture session.

A new sequence can be defined at any time in Manufacture using the command New Sequence (File
menu)

An existing sequence can be selected using the command Select Sequence (File menu)

Parts can contain multiple sequences, for example two milling operations on the same model. Also, more
than one discipline (mill, inspection, turning, and so on) can be used with the same model.

If you have to physically move the workpiece from one setup to another, you should consider using
separate sequences, as the output will be for machine tools used in that setup.

If the part is complex, the redraw time may get quite long, so you may want to break it down. However, you
must then merge the files together with an editor (the EdgeCAM Editor is recommended).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Defining/Editing a Machining Sequence

When creating a sequence you use the Machining Sequence dialog. This opens:

When you enter the manufacture mode for the first time.

Or as a result of selecting the New Sequence (File menu) command.

The Machining Sequence dialog contains:

General tab

General settings such as Discipline (Mill, Turn etc.), the Machine Tool (the code generator to
use), and the Initial CPL and Machine Datum.

Job Data tab

Job settings such as the Job Name and Customer.

Lathe Setup tab

For preparing for sub-spindle turning (turning only). You specify the main to sub spindle datum
distance for example (note that you must specify a sub-spindle (if appropriate) when using
Machine Tool Simulation, otherwise the machine tool graphics will not appear correctly).

To see full details click the dialog's Help button, or click here.

You can subsequently edit most of the settings (you can also check the values for the current machining
sequence). To edit all but the Lathe Setup you can:

In the Sequence Window, right-click on the sequence name and click Edit in the shortcut menu. Then
complete the Machine Parameters dialog that opens. (This dialog has extra settings over and above
the New Sequence dialog, such as Spindle Priority Mode).

To see full details click the dialog's Help button, or click here.

To edit the Lathe Setup you can (note that you can only do this for parts created in EdgeCAM Version 9 or
later):

Click the M-Functions menu and click Lathe Setup. Then complete the Lathe
Setup Dialog that opens.

Note that this command is unavailable if there is no existing sub-spindle setup.

If you regenerate the sequence after the edits, then all adjustments are made automatically and the
results are as if you had used the new setup originally. So if you change Machine to Sub Spindle
Datum (Z) for example, the sub-spindle component geometry and any related features, boundary
entities and so on are moved to the new position.

To see full details click the dialog's Help button, or click here.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Selecting an Existing Machining Sequence

To use a machining sequence other than the current one you can:

use the Select Sequence (File menu) command and in the subsequent dialog select the sequence

from the drop down list.

In the Sequence Window click on the sequence.

In the Sequence Window right-click on the sequence and select Select from the shortcut menu.

If you want to use a new sequence, use the New Sequence (File menu) command. See Defining a
Machining Sequence.

You can remove a machining sequence in a similar manner using the Delete Sequence command. If you
delete the current sequence, you are prompted to pick an existing sequence. If there are no existing
machining sequences, the New Sequence dialog is displayed, allowing you to define one.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Building the Instruction List

The Instruction List is, simply, the list of all machining commands for the current part. Each time a new
machining command is used on the part, it is added to the bottom of the list.

Commands that cannot be converted into CNC code (for example, viewing and editing commands) do not
appear on the list.

Example Instruction List:

You can also group instructions together as operations using Operation
(Instructions menu)

This means that when editing the instruction list you could edit individual commands or entire operations.
Do not confuse these with the operation commands (such as the 'Roughing') in the Operations menu.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Specifying and Editing Tools

Before you can start machining you need to load a tool. This allows the correct tool offsets and positioning
from the work to be calculated. (Note that the exception to this is when you are using an operation, when
the tool is chosen as part of the operation set-up.)

Before loading a tool you can position the turret and select M-Functions commands. After loading a tool, all
cycles appropriate to that tool type can be used.

(Turn, Thread, Bore, Groove and Parting Off are considered to be fixed tooling, while Milling Cutters can be
either driven (powered tooling) or fixed. You could also use a fixed drilling tool for making holes on the
spindle centreline.)

You can:

Select a tool from the Toolstore by clicking Toolstore in the Tooling menu.

Or you can:

Define a tool directly in the toolchange (dialog) by clicking Milling Cutter in the Tooling menu.
There are other tool type options such as Thread and Groove. (You can also click the Find
button in the toolchange dialog, as another way to open the Toolstore.)

Or you can

Load tools from an AutoTAS database.

You can subsequently edit a tool:

Double-click the toolchange instruction for the tool in the Sequence Window.

This opens the same dialog that you use for defining the tool directly, even if you originally selected
the tool from the Toolstore. You can also edit tools within the Toolstore.

For indexing turrets you can assign tools to station numbers - see Specifying Tool Positions.

Whenever you are specifying or editing a tool, you can obtain full details of the tool parameters by clicking
the dialog's Help button.

See Also

Saving Tool Graphics

Automatic Speeds and Feeds

Selecting a Safe Distance for the Tool

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Selecting a New Tool Datum

Use the Tool Datum (Tooling menu) command to select a gauge point and offset for the insert of a fixed
tool.

Offset - Select the offset register for the tool, as specified by the machine tool controller. This is only valid if
you are using controller compensation.

Usually, the turret number is used to determine the offset register. However, you may want to use multiple
registers, for example when turning a part with different diameters, using different offsets to compensate for
tool deflection.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Selecting the Wire

Click Select Wire in the Cycles menu to set the parameters for the Wire Machine.

The Select Wire dialog opens, allowing you to specify the wire diameter and guide heights for example.

For full details click the dialog's Help button, or click here.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Loading Tools at an Angle

Turning tools loaded at an angle

The tool on the left shows a radial loaded tool displaying the orthogonal gauge point. The tool on the right
has been loaded at an angle and shows the orthogonal gauge point. When a turning tool is loaded at an
angle the program coordinates continue to be from the currently selected ZX turn CPL .

Driven milling tools loaded at an angle

When a driven milling tool is loaded at a B-angle (B-axis configurations only) it is the same as performing a
Move Angular B command. Having loaded a tool at an angle planar mode is forced and the program
coordinates are XYZ milling. Link to Move Angular.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Specifying Indexing Turret Tool Positions

When specifying tools for indexing turrets you can assign tools to stations around the turret, using the
Position setting in the toolchange dialog.

You can set this on initially specifying the tool, or edit it subsequently.

For ToolStore tools, you will need to edit (if necessary), changing the initial value that comes from the
ToolStore or toolkit. The toolkit value, if specified, overrides the ToolStore value.

You should specify a Position that is 1 or greater, and less than or equal to the number of stations on the
turret.

If Position is left blank, it defaults to the last used position (this will probably not be valid, so you should set a
position), or it defaults to 1 for the first toolchange in the sequence.

If Position is higher than the number of stations, the tool is positioned at the highest station number.

Station numbers increase moving clockwise or anti-clockwise around the turret depend on how the turrets
'indexing vector' was set up in Code Wizard; the numbering increases anti-clockwise when looking along
the vector from its end towards its start point, at 0,0,0. For more details see 'Lower Turret' in the Code
Wizard Help.

Specifying a position is especially important for Machine Tool Simulation, so that you can check for
collisions against all the tools in the turret.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Using Sandvik Coromant Wiper Inserts

When using a dialog to edit or specify a tool, to use a Sandvik Coromant Wiper insert you make the
appropriate Wiper Style setting in the dialog's General tab.

This is in the Turning Tool dialog and the Boring Tool dialog.

Note that:

To maintain surface finish there is a reduction in the feedrate when the tool is not cutting on the
wiping portion of the profile. This can happen when cutting tapers for example. See %Feed non Wiper
in the illustration above; the default value of %30 (%70 reduction) is recommended. The Finish Turn
cycle toolpath is shaded where the wiping portion of the profile is in contact.

Only valid combinations of (insert) Symbol, Nose Radius, Edge Length/Inscribed Circle and Wiper
Style settings can be made. A table of valid combinations is provided in the online help - see below.
(Invalid combinations result in a 'No Wiper match found' message.)

To machine with a Wiper insert, Radius Compensation (Type) must be set to Pathcomp. The Finish
Turn cycle will then generate the correct offset for the wiper insert.

For full details click the dialog's Help button (or click here). The details include the valid setting
combinations.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Saving Tool Graphics

Saving tool graphics in the ToolStore

The Save Tooling Graphics

command in the File menu allows you to save a tool/holder graphic as a

.csv file.

The parameters for the command are:

Tool Graphics – Saves current tool graphics data to a .csv file. Click Browse to look for an existing file.

Holder Graphics – Saves current holder graphics data to a .csv file. Click Browse to look for an existing
file.

Further information on how to create tool graphics can be found in the ToolStore help. To find the

relevant topics:

Open the ToolStore application and click the Help button.

Go to the Overview tab.

Select the User Defined Graphics link in the See Also list.

You cannot create tool graphics with EdgeCAM in Student Edition mode.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Displaying the Tool and Tool Holder

In the Display toolbar there is Tool Display:

Click here to

activate the next

option in the menu

Click on a menu

option to activate it

Click here to display
the menu (as shown)

Drag here to
undock the menu

You can also use the View Properties dialog (Tool tab).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Specifying Safe Distance

Use M-Functions menu Safe Distance to specify a safe distance for the tool in each of three
dimensions (or two dimensions for non-Y Axis turning). EdgeCAM ensures that the tool maintains these
distances from the component between machining passes.

The default value is 1mm/0.05 inch.

In some circumstances, the safe distance must be a vector instead of X, Y and Z distances. In these cases,
the vector sum of the safe distances is used:

For Rough Turning cycles, a Safe Distance move is added to the end of a pass:

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Automatic Speeds and Feeds

In a cycle's dialog, the default Feedrate and Speed entries can be automatically calculated, based on the
specified material and insert.

You can override these with your own values if necessary.

For the automatic values to be calculated:

In Technology Assistant:- Create entries for your material and insert. Then for the combination of
material and insert make sure there specified values for Speed (m/min for example) and Feed
(mm/tooth for example). For more details refer to the Technology Assistant help.

In ToolStore, find the entry for the tool you are to use and start to edit it. In the edit dialog switch to the
Technology tab and for the Insert Link setting, select your created insert.

In EdgeCAM, use Options menu Model to and select your created material. Select the tool.

Now start to create the cycle. In the cycle's dialog you should see automatically calculated Feedrate
and Speed values. The Speed (RPM) value, for example, will have been calculated from the specified
insert linear Speed and the specified tool diameter.

See Also

Selecting values from technology tables in the Tool Library

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Using Miscellaneous (M-) Functions

The commands available in the M-Functions menu, and their parameters, depends on the code generator
and your current machining setup (for example in Mill/Turning you need a driven tool selected before Planar
Mode and Rotary Mode can be available).

Some of the commands are listed below. For more details click the command dialog's Help button.

Spindle Control

For setting spindle Direction, Gear and so on. Use instead of the Toolchange dialog Spindle control tab
settings if you are not changing tools.

Select Spindle

Switches between Main and Sub spindle.

Synchronise Turrets

Use when using two turrets independently (as opposed to using Four Axis cycles). For later 'adaptive'
code generators, you also use this to set turret priority (rather than using the Turret Priority command
below).

Turret Priority

In twin turret turning, only one turret can be controlling the spindle speed. This is the turret with 'priority'.
Priority defaults to the Upper turret. To give priority to another turret you use this command, selecting
'Upper' or 'Lower' in the dialog. This only applies to the earlier 'non-adaptive' code generators. For the
later adaptive ones, you use the Reset Priority option in the Synchronise Turrets command (above).

Stop Type

Creates a Program or Optional stop instruction.

Coolant

Provides Mist/Flood/Off or more advanced settings, depending on code generator.

Dwell

Pauses tool movement.

Feed Type

Set to 'Per Minute' or 'Per Rev'.

Input Mode

Use to switch co-ordinate systems for entering positional data, when creating geometry or specifying
machining cycles.

Tool Local - Specifies the Z axis as equivalent at all times to the tool axis. This allows you to easily
specify distances relative to the tool's current position.

Machine Tool - (Default) Any co-ordinate data input is in terms of the Machine Tool Co-ordinate
System.

CSS

Switches to Constant Surface Speed mode.

Update Stock/Fixtures

For updating stock and fixtures.

See Also

Checking the Miscellaneous Functions

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Checking the Miscellaneous Functions

You can check the selections that have been made using M-Function menu
commands using the M_Functions (Verify menu) command.

A message similar to this will be displayed in the feedback window:

The actual items that appear depend upon your current Code Generator file.

Each Code Generator can add extra functions to the M-Functions menu. These functions can be switches
(for example, Coolant On/Off) or values (for example, New Offset). The Code Generator assumes one of
the options as a default (Coolant is assumed to be on unless otherwise specified). Therefore, if the function
has not been used, the machine status reports -DEFAULT as shown above.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Verifying the Machining Parameters

To check the values for the current machining sequence, use the Machine
Parameters (Verify menu) command.

You see the information in the Feedback window (or in a dialog):

The actual items that appear depends upon your current Code Generator file. This is listed here as the
Machine Tool.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Viewing Information on the Part

You can view information on the current part by switching on the Status Bars, Part Information option from
the View menu.

Milling Example

Turning Example

If Override Angles have been specified for the tool, these are shown in place of the clearance angles, in { }
brackets:

Wire Example

The numbers in brackets are the Upper and Lower Guide heights (see Selecting the Wire for details).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Tool

The type of tool movement available depends the machining discipline used.

In the Milling environment, the type of movement also depends on whether the 2D
Snap button is selected. When selected the tool can only move in the workplane at
the current height. This is the default.

See Also

Moving at the Rapid Rate - Milling and Turning

Moving at the Rapid Rate - Wire

Moving at the Feed Rate

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

Moving the Tool in an Arc at the Feedrate

Moving the Tool around a Co-ordinate Axis

Moving the Tool to the Toolchange Position

Moving the Tool to the Home Position

Moving to the Initial Plane

Freehand Milling

Exact Tool Positioning in Turning

Moving Relative to an Entity

Moving Constrained by Entities

Moving Relative to Two Entities

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving at the Rapid Rate

Use Rapid (Move menu) to move the tool in a straight line at the rapid rate. The command is
usually used to place the tool in a position to begin a new machining operation or toolchange.

You can change the tool movement at the rapid rate to be in all three axes. To do this, select the Machine
Parameters (M-Functions menu) command and in the dialog, click on the Rapid 3D parameter to put a
cross in its box.

Important Note

Machine tools can move from point to point in two ways (see example):

Resolved – When moving from point to point the toolpath is linear. This means that one axis may
move slower than the other, so that a straight line is achieved between points.

Unresolved – When moving from point to point both axes accelerate at the same rate until one axis
has reached its position. The other axis then completes its move, thereby producing a ‘dog-leg’ move.

The Code Generator has a parameter that sets the rapid type for your machine.

It is important that the correct display is shown so that you can see if the toolpath has inadvertently
collided with the part. Please refer to your machine tool manual for details.

In the Milling environment, if Rapid 3D is not selected, the default method depends on whether the tool is
moving:

Out of the work- the tool moves in the Z+ direction first, then in the workplane.

Into the work – the tool moves in the workplane first, then in the Z-direction.

Note that some machine tool controllers can override the programmed rapid in three dimensions, in
a similar manner to cases a and b described above. Please consult your machine tool manual for
details.

You can also specify a different colour for your rapid moves. Select the Colours (Options menu) command
and set the Rapids & Normals parameter.

See Also

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Wire at the Rapid Rate

Use the Move Rapid (Move menu) command to generate a toolpath for a move in a straight line at the
rapid rate.

Warning: Do not use this command while a wire is threaded.

Note that the Code Generator may already be configured to cut the wire and re-thread at the new location.

See Also

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving at the Feed Rate

Use Feed (Move menu) to move the tool or wire to a position at the feedrate. It
should be used when the tool may come into contact with the material.

Feed moves can also be used as “freehand” machining commands where more complex machining cycles
are unnecessary.

In the milling environment, if 2D Snap is off, the feed move ignores all Z information (for example, from an
entity digitise).

See Also

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Editing Co-ordinates of Rapid and Feed Moves

All rapid and feed moves are listed in the Sequence Window.

The entries can be expanded by clicking on the

sign.

As you select co-ordinates in the window, the node (a single position) in the toolpath is highlighted in the
graphics area. A right click on a co-ordinate in the window calls up the shortcut menu which allows you to
edit or delete individual existing co-ordinates or to insert new co-ordinates:

Editing co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the window and select Edit from the shortcut menu. You can now
specify new co-ordinates for this position by a using a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-
ordinate input and/or construction tools.

Note that ‘modal’ values inherited from the previous line are shown as blank.

Inserting new co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the window and select Insert from the shortcut menu. You can now
specify a new co-ordinate position by a using a free digitise, snapping to an entity or using co-ordinate input
and/or construction tools. The new position is inserted before the selected node.

If incremental values are input or if only some of the required co-ordinates are given, the inserted node will
be based on the position given in the previous node.

If a co-ordinate value which has dependants in subsequent co-ordinate nodes or move instructions is
changed then those dependent values (incremental or blank) will also update automatically.

(Milling only) Use of the 2D Snap option when creating co-ordinates will result in Z values being modal,
based on the last specified Z height.

Deleting co-ordinates

Right click on an existing co-ordinate in the window and select Delete from the shortcut menu. Multiple
nodes can be deleted by holding down the “shift” or “control” key when selecting a range or multiple
individual co-ordinates. If you select all of the co-ordinates of a rapid or feed move for deletion, the whole
instruction will be removed.

If you make changes to the instruction list, the display is not updated automatically. Use the Refresh option
to ensure that the instruction list is displayed correctly in the Sequence Window.

Note:

Double clicking on an a move or individual co-ordinate calls up the rapid/feed move dialog. Checking
the Coord Input box allows you to change the position of the toolpath(s) by using free digitises, entity
digitises and/or explicit co-ordinates. However, when this option is selected the original toolpath is
deleted and you need to re-specify all positions for the toolpath without reference to the originals.

If reference co-ordinates are used, the window shows both the reference point and the required offset
from it, e.g. (X 0.000 Y 50.000 Z 0.000) + X10.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Tool in an Arc at the Feedrate

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Arc (Move menu) command to move the tool in a circular motion in the workplane at the specified
feedrate.

Arc moves can also be used as “freehand” machining commands where more complex machining cycles
are unnecessary.

2 Point – This parameter controls how the arc move is defined.

If you check the box, you are prompted to digitise a midpoint and an endpoint for the arc move.

If you leave the box unchecked, you are prompted to digitise the endpoint of the arc. The arc leaves
the last move at a tangent and finishes at the endpoint.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Tool around a Co-ordinate Axis

Milling environment only

Use the Angular (Move menu) command to move the tool with reference to one or more co-ordinate axes.

These parameters specify the direction of motion:

X, Y, Z Co-ordinate – Specifies the movement along the X, Y or Z axis in part units.

A, B, C Co-ordinate – Specifies the movement around the X, Y or Z axis in degrees.

Your Code

Generator must be capable of supporting these movements for these to be displayed.

Move Type - Specifies whether the move is to be at the Rapid or Feed rate.

Coord System (only available in CY turning) - Specifies whether the move is to be with reference to the
machine datum or spindle datum.

You may also specify the feeds, speeds and whether the move is to be at the Rapid or Feed rate.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Tool to the Toolchange Position

Milling and Turning environment only

Use Toolchange in the Move menu or Main toolbar to return the tool to its
toolchange position.

You use the Move to Toolchange dialog that opens. This includes settings for constraining the move to the
X or Y axes, for example. For details click the dialog's Help button or click here (milling version).

These settings are remembered for when you next open the dialog (the settings are also remembered from
the Move to Home dialog; the same settings appear in both dialogs).

The default toolchange position is defined in the Code Generator file, and is specified relative to the
Machine Datum and in the orientation of the Initial CPL. To change the Home position, right-click on the
sequence name in the Sequence Window and in the shortcut menu that opens click Edit. In the Machine
Parameters dialog that opens, switch to the Toolchange tab and make your changes.

Automatic Moves to Toolchange

You can opt for moves to the Toolchange position to be inserted automatically. The moves are inserted
before toolchange instructions, on creating the toolchange instruction (but only if the tool is not already at
the Toolchange position).

Check Options menu Preferences Toolpaths tab Force Rapid to Toolchange .

The move uses the last settings you made in the Move to Toolchange dialog, when creating a move (or that
you made in the Move to Home dialog).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving the Tool to the Home Position

Use Home in the Move menu or the Main toolbar to move the tool to its home
position.

You use the Move to Home dialog that opens. This includes settings for constraining the move to the X or Y
axes, for example. For details click the dialog's Help button or click here (milling version).

These settings are remembered for when you next open the dialog (the settings are also remembered from
the Move to Toolchange dialog; the same settings appear in both dialogs).

The default home position is defined in the Code Generator file, and is specified relative to the Machine
Datum and in the orientation of the Initial CPL. To change the Home position, right-click on the sequence
name in the Sequence Window and in the shortcut menu that opens click Edit. In the Machine Parameters
dialog that opens, switch to the Home tab and make your changes. Note that you cannot change the Home
position if the sequence's code generator contains Machine Simulation graphics.

Automatic Moves to Home

You can opt for moves to the Home position to be inserted automatically. The moves are added to the end
of the sequence on generating CNC code for the sequence (but only if the tool is not already at the Home
position).

Check Options menu Preferences Toolpaths tab Force Rapid to Home .

The move uses the last settings you made in the Move to Home dialog, when creating a move (or that you
made in the Move to Toolchange dialog).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving to the Initial Plane

Milling environment only

Use the Initial Plane (Move menu) command to move the tool to the Initial Plane.

The Initial Plane is a height at which the tool is safe to move without any risk of colliding with any part of the
workpiece, clamps or fixtures. The default value is taken from the Code Generator file.

You can set the height of the Initial Plane by specifying a value for the Initial Plane parameter in the
Machine Parameters (M-Functions menu command.

Note that while toolchange and home positions are defined in world co-ordinates the initial plane is defined
from the initial CPL of the sequence. These two datum points may be different.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Freehand Milling

Rather than use specific commands listed under the Cycles menu, for simple machining tasks you may find
it easier to use commands for moving the tool at the feed rate.

You can use the Feed, Arc and Relative commands under the Move menu.

In this example, feed moves have been used to facemill a part:

As an alternative to the Profile (Cycles menu) command automatically positioning the tool, you may want
to manually move the tool to the required position. To do this, use the Relative (Move menu cycle.

Use an offset value to distance the tool from the profile, select the entity to offset from, and select feed as
the type of move. This generates an offset feed move running parallel to an existing profile section.

In this example, a tool is moved relative to a piece of geometry:

As the tool moves relative to the geometry, the angle of the geometry does not matter.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Exact Tool Positioning in Turning

If you are, for example, moving into position for a profiling operation, you must allow a safe distance:

if the face is rough (sawn, or generally rough)

f using Constant Surface Speed, to allow the spindle to adjust its speed

if the exact position of the component is variable

to avoid leaving marks on the final component.

You may encounter a problem when cutting a chamfer with a radiused tool. Normally the Gauge Point of the
tool insert is driven along the geometry and therefore the tool does not cut the correct profile. This example
shows that a toolpath based on the Gauge Point misses the profile geometry:

The solution is to use the Move menu commands Relative, Relative Two or Constrained with Pathtrace
Compensation selected. These cycles calculate the real position for the tool and place the tool correctly.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving Relative to an Entity

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Relative (Move menu) command to position the tool with respect to a selected entity.

In this example a tool has been moved at the Feedrate relative to a line entity, with the parameters Distance
and Offset specified, and the Side parameter = Left.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving Constrained by Entities

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Constrained (Move menu) command to move to a destination point, choosing from a variety of
ways to constrain this motion using another selected entity.

This milling example shows a Constrained feed move, using the parameters Method=Parallel to Entity and
To X=10.

When using the Constrained command, the move type can be set to either Feed or Rapid. Note, however,
that for non-linear moves the output will always be in Feed mode. Rapid moves will be subject to the same
“dog leg” restrictions that apply to all other rapid moves, depending on the characteristics of the selected
machine tool.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Moving Relative to Two Entities

Milling and Turning environment only

Use the Relative Two (Move menu) command to move the tool relative to two other selected entities. The
First and Second tabs display the movement parameters relative to the first and second entities
respectively.

Otherwise, Relative Two uses the same parameters as the other move commands, but with an important
exception – the side of an entity nearest to the tool is defined by which side you digitised the entity.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Selecting a Cycle

Once you have selected a tool and possibly used a rapid move to bring the tool closer to the work, you are
ready to select a machining cycle.

You can find all machining cycles permitted by the Code Generator file selected for the machining
sequence, and the current tool, in the Cycles menu.

Individual buttons provide another method of selecting the appropriate cycle (which of these are displayed
on the toolbar is also determined by the machining sequence and the current tool).

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Finishing a Command

The help refers to the action ‘Perform a Finish’ when describing how to use certain commands. In
EdgeCAM, selecting the right hand mouse button will finish a command.

Alternatively, selecting the Enter/Return key will also finish the command.

You can also use the Finish command.

In the standard configurations this command is not present in the User Interface, so you will need to add the
command button to a toolbar or menu yourself. The command is in the Input Options category.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Using Wire Compensation

EdgeCAM provides a powerful wire radius offset calculation. Many machine tool controllers also have a wire
radius compensation facility, so when using the Machine Design (Wire Cycles menu) command you need
to consider which method will work best for you.

The combination of the Radius Compensation and Compensation parameters in the Machine Design
and 2D Profile (Wire Cycles menu) cycles determines what information is to be output when you generate
the CNC code from your machining sequence:

Radius Compensation

Compensation

Pathtrace

Controller

None

Toolpath co-ordinates are to be output.

Recommended.

Design Intent co-ordinates to be output.

Not recommended.

Left/Right

Toolpath co-ordinates are to be output,
but the tool is instructed to use the
contents of an offset store.

Not recommended, as this changes the
actual size of the final component.

Design Intent co-ordinates are to be
output, but the tool is instructed to use the
contents of an offset store.

Recommended, especially where many
different wire diameters may be used.

Note that Radius Compensation is also available as a command from the Cycles menu.

See Also

Using No Compensation

Using Controller Compensation

Using Pathtrace Compensation

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Radius Compensation in Turning Cycles

What is radius compensation?

If the tooltip was a single point (that is with zero radius), the toolpath could coincide with the part outline.

Because tooltips are not single points, the toolpath must be adjusted. This is shown below, where the centre
of tooltip, shown in red, is not in contact with the sloping parts of the profile.

How you set the compensation depends on the particular cycle. First check the cycle dialog and if it
contains 'Compensation' settings, use these. If not use Radius Compensation in the Tooling menu.

For further help click the dialogs' Help button.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Displaying Toolpaths

You can use these methods to control how toolpaths appear on the graphics screen:

The colour for the toolpath is set by its tool. When specifying or editing the tool, set Colour in the
More tab of the tool's dialog. (You can also specify different colours and styles for different parts of
the toolpath (rapids for example); in the Options menu click Colours to open the Colour
Configuration dialog.)

Use the Mode (View menu) command.

Switch on the Simulation toolbar.

See Also

Controlling the Toolpath Mode

Simulating Tool Movement

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Controlling the Toolpath Mode

The Mode (View menu) command controls how tool motion is displayed on the
screen. You can restrict the simulation to only cover specific instructions in the
instruction list and control the speed of tool/wire motion.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Simulating Tool Movement

Once a cycle that moves the tool/wire has been fully defined, the system displays a simulated tool/wire in
the Graphics Area, moving along the toolpath generated by the cycle. This is controlled using the Simulation
toolbar:

Stop To Start Reverse Start To End Zoom

The top slider shows the progress of the simulation throughout the instruction list. The current cycle or
command is displayed (‘Profiling’ in this example). You can narrow the selection to a smaller portion off the
instruction list by dragging the slider while holding down the Shift key, then click Zoom. Click Zoom again to
return to the entire instruction list.

You can control the speed of the simulation by moving the bottom slider, left to slow down and right to
speed up.

The number to the right of the bottom slider acts as a multiplier to the speed set by the slider. Use the
buttons to the left of the number to change it.

Click the Constant button to activate it and set the simulated tool/wire to move at a fixed rate. Click the
button again to de-activate it, when the tool will move at a rate proportional to the rates generated for the
cycle.

Please note that the simulation of toolpaths in Four Axis Turning cycles is only correct when Constant is
OFF.

Using the Stop button halts the simulation for the current tool only.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Displaying Solid Models

Here is a simple way of displaying solid models:

Right click on the view status bar and select Properties.

Choose the Rendered option from the Display parameter on the General tab.

EdgeCAM User Guide

EdgeCAM Manufacture Mode

The following chapter helps you learn about and use the basic commands in EdgeCAM’s Manufacture
mode.

Copyright

Pathtrace and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no liability or responsibility to the licensee
or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused
directly or indirectly by this product, including but not limited to any interruption of service, loss of business
or anticipatory profits or consequent damages resulting from the use or operation of this software.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
MemoHASP is a registered trademark of Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd.
NetSentinel is a trademark of Rainbow Technologies, Inc.
OpenGL(r) and Optimizer are trademarks of Silicon Graphics Inc.
Parasolid is a trademark of Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
Autodesk Inventor (tm) is a trademark of Autodesk Inc.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.
AutoCAD and DXF are registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
MicroStation is a trademark of Bentley Systems Inc., an affiliate of Intergraph Corporation.
IGDS is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation.
EdgeCAM Simulator and EdgeCAM Verify use technology developed by Lightworks Designs Ltd.
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with Three-Space, Ltd.,
Cambridge, England, and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle, Washington.

Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a
licence agreement and may only be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Pathtrace

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Telephone +44 (0)118 975 6084 · Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143

http://www.edgecam.com

EdgeCAM User Guide

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