VERO UK TRAINING MATERIAL

Version 20

Open profiles

Open Profiles from Solid data

Note: Creating open profiles using solid models is usually more time consuming than when using line/arc data, for this reason you must always consider whether it would be quicker/easier to first extract lines/arcs from the model then work on these only.

The method of creating open profiles from line/arc data will be covered at the end of this chapter

From the menu select file > Open

Open the file - open.wkf

To begin with, we need to extract features from the model.

Select Machining > CAM Navigator from the menus at the top of the screen

Right hand click on Model manager and highlight Run recognition

Tip! - pressing the “R” key on the keyboard also runs the recognition.

A Boss feature is created but as we require an `open' profile we first need to convert the Boss into a Pocket. (Bosses are always closed so cannot be used for open profiles)

From the features tab, right hand click the feature and select `Convert pocket < > boss', a new `pocket' feature is created.

The pocket feature is still `closed' so highlight the feature and select `properties', click the Icon `Edit open / closed sides'

Highlight the elements shown below, right hand click and select `Set to open'

Apply the changes to return to the CAM Navigator features tab, highlight the feature and select `add operation'

The system will now open the Operations dialog box. In the Operations window, select Wire erosion operations, and on the right hand side select 2 axis and click the OK button.

The open operation is created

The start and end points are correct but the approach and retract points will need to be moved to start from the outside of the block

From the Wire tab, right hand click the operation and select `Edit geometry'

From the edit geometry dialog, right hand click on the profile and select `Start/end points

Double click on the box `Approach', move your pointer to the screen position shown below and do the same for the `Retract'

When you have done, press the `esc' key to return you to the `'Edit geometry' dialog then press the Ok button your profile should now be as shown below.

When using open profiles it is common practice to move the start and end positions `off' the profile as shown below, this will allow for any additional stock that may be on the un-cut faces.

From the Wire tab, right hand click the operation and select `Edit geometry'

From the edit geometry dialog, right hand click on the profile and select `Start/end points

Double click on the box `stop' then select the snap icon `sliding'

Move your pointer to select the edge of the model

You will then be able to `slide' the marker off the part to the position shown, do the same for the start point, and press esc to exit.

Your finished part should look similar to this

This concludes the open profile from a solid section.

Open Profiles from Line/Arc Data

From the menu select file > Open

Navigate to the following location and open the file -

C:\Visi19\Workf\Sample\wire\opengear.wkf

This file consist of line/arc data only, create an open profile, ensuring that the `Quick Profiles Attributes' icon is active

Enter 35 into the positive thickness box and click Ok

Select the material side as being toward the center of the gear (right hand click to confirm), your profile is then put into the `CAM profile repository' in the features tab of the CAM Navigator

Right hand click the profile and select `Add operation' Wire erosion operations, and on the right hand side select 2 axis and click the OK button.

Your part should look like the one shown below

Note: The `sliding' option used in the previous example can also be used in this example but it is more common to extend the lines at each end prior to creating the profile

Note: Avoid putting approach points `in-line' with the starting element as shown on the left below, this can cause confusion about which side of the line the offset is applied.

Offsets are automatically applied in the direction of the approach point as shown on the right.

VERO UK

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