PM7 - WhatsNew

Beta What's New in

PowerMILL 7.0

By Delcam plc

Beta Release Issue 2

Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that all the results from the software should be checked by a competent person, in accordance with good quality control procedures. Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment by Delcam plc. The software described in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be used or copied in accordance with the terms of such licence. No part of this manual my be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express permission of Delcam plc. Copyright © 1996-2006 Delcam plc. All rights reserved. Acknowledgements This documentation references a number of registered trademarks and these are the property of their respective owners. For example, Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United Stated and/or other countries. Patents The Raceline smoothing functionality is subject to patent applications.

Patent pending: GB 2374562 Improvements Relating to Machine Tools Patent granted: US 6,832,876 Machine Tools

Some of the functionality of the ViewMill and Simulation modules of PowerMILL is subject to patent applications.

Patent pending: GB 0504073.8 Surface Finish Prediction

PowerMILL Version: 7.0 Date: 25/05/2006 12:10

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Contents • i

Contents

Introduction 1

Toolpath Preparation...............................................................1 Toolpath Generation ...............................................................4 Toolpath Verification..............................................................6 Toolpath Output ......................................................................7 User Interface..........................................................................8 General ....................................................................................9

Toolpath Preparation 10

Interface to Modelling...........................................................10 Surface Modelling ......................................................13 Wireframe Modelling .................................................13 Curve Modelling.........................................................14

Block .....................................................................................15 Edit a Block Graphically ............................................15

Routing Tools........................................................................18 Routing Tool Dialog...................................................21

Point Distribution..................................................................23 Point Distribution - Output Point Distribution ...........23 Point Separation..........................................................25 Point Distribution - Mesh ...........................................26

Automatic Verification .........................................................27 Automatic Collision Avoidance............................................31

Tool Axis - Collision Avoidance................................32 Constant Z Collision Avoidance Example .................35 Raster Collision Avoidance Example.........................38

Setup Sheets ..........................................................................41 Setup Sheets Options ..................................................43 Additional Variables available on Setup Sheets.........44

Tool Axis Limits ...................................................................46 Model Enhancements............................................................48

Modifying Models Retains Thickness........................48 Reference Model.........................................................50 Deferred Models .........................................................51

ii • Contents Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Boundary Enhancements ......................................................52 Stock Model Rest Boundaries ....................................53 Transform Copy..........................................................54

Pattern Enhancements ...........................................................55 Workplane Enhancements ....................................................56 Tool Notes.............................................................................57 Feature Sets ...........................................................................58

Hole Creation..............................................................58 Hole Index ..................................................................60

Options ..................................................................................62

Toolpath Generation 63

Interleaved Constant Z..........................................................63 Surface Finishing ..................................................................67

Surface Finishing Example.........................................68 Surface Projection Finishing.................................................72

Smoothing...................................................................72 Parametric Offset Finishing ..................................................74 Port Machining......................................................................78

Port Area Clearance....................................................80 Port Plunge Finishing .................................................86 Port Spiral Finishing...................................................89

Area Clearance Enhancements .............................................91 Spiral Offset Area Clearance......................................91

New Multi-Axis Strategies ...................................................93 Projection Finishing Enhancements......................................94

Point Projection ..........................................................94 Line Projection............................................................95 Plane Projection ..........................................................96

Toolpath Editing Enhancements ...........................................97 General Toolpath Enhancements ..........................................98 Variable Feed Rates ..............................................................99 Drilling Enhancements....................................................... 100

Use Drilling Cycles ................................................. 101 Multi-Axis Drilling.................................................. 101 Gouge Checking ...................................................... 101 Retract Feed Rate..................................................... 101 Subsidiary Peck ....................................................... 103 Profile ...................................................................... 104 Chamfer ................................................................... 105 Drilling Method Enhancements............................... 105

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Contents • iii

Status Toolbar .................................................................... 107

Toolpath Verification 108

Stock Models...................................................................... 108

Toolpath Output 110

Additional Coolant Options ............................................... 111

User Interface 112

General 113

Folders................................................................................ 113 Dynamic Sectioning........................................................... 116

Example Using Dynamic Sectioning....................... 119 Copy and Paste................................................................... 122

Copying Between Entities ....................................... 122 Copying Data from Information Dialogs ................ 123

PowerMILL Licences ........................................................ 124 Changes to the Thickness Dialog....................................... 125 Selecting Similar coloured items ....................................... 126

Preview 127

Preview - Caution............................................................... 127 Enabling Preview Software................................................ 128

PowerMILL Buttons 129

Main Toolbar Buttons ........................................................ 130 Boundary Toolbar Buttons................................................. 132

Boundary Types Buttons ......................................... 133 Pattern Toolbar Buttons ..................................................... 134 Simulation Toolbar Buttons............................................... 135 Tool Toolbar Buttons......................................................... 136

Tool Dialog Buttons ................................................ 137 Toolpath Toolbar Buttons .................................................. 138

Reorder Toolpath Buttons ....................................... 139 View Toolbar Buttons........................................................ 140

Shading Toolbar Buttons ......................................... 140

iv • Contents Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

ViewMill Toolbar Buttons................................................. 142 Block Dialog Buttons......................................................... 144 Toolpath Strategy Buttons ................................................. 145

Drilling Strategies.................................................... 145 2.5D Area Clearance Strategies............................... 145 3D Area Clearance Strategies.................................. 146 Finishing Strategies ................................................. 146 Ports ......................................................................... 148 Toolpath Strategy Dialog Buttons ........................... 148 Sorting Buttons ........................................................ 149

Transform Dialog Buttons ................................................. 151

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Introduction • 1

PowerMILL 7.0 offers all the original features of PowerMILL 6.0, but with numerous improvements. This document is still in the process of being written. This is not a complete list of all the improvements. A complete What's New will be available in time for the full release of PowerMILL 7.0. The most significant improvements are:

Toolpath Preparation The interface to Modelling has been improved and is integrated inside PowerMILL. This means that you can use the standard PowerMILL interface (such as the View Toolbar). There are three types of modelling available:

Surface Modelling (on page 13). Wireframe Modelling (on page 13). Curve Modelling (on page 14).

You can now Edit a Block Graphically (on page 15). Routing Tools (on page 18) are now supported in PowerMILL. They are defined in a similar way to Form Tools. You can create a toolpath using a routing tool and then simulate the toolpath to its effect.

A new Main toolbar button of Point Distribution (on page 23) controls the point distribution of every toolpath. A new Main Toolbar button of Automatic Verification (on page 27)

enables automatic verification of toolpaths on creation. Automatic Collision Avoidance (on page 31) is a new 5-Axis option that will automatically tilt the tool axis, in a user defined way, to avoid collisions between the shank / holder of the tool assembly and the model.

Introduction

2 • Introduction Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

There are several enhancements to Setup Sheets (on page 41). You can control the number of toolpaths shown in each page of the

summary sheet. You can specify which set of setup sheets you want to generate. The axis preview graphic (bottom left hand corner) is no longer

included in the setup sheet snapshot images. A Project header sheet is now available. The variable, {project.notes}, has had its meaning changed, now

refers to project level notes rather than NC Program notes. Several additional variables (see "Additional Variables available on

Setup Sheets" on page 44) are now available. The export pathname is now saved between PowerMILL sessions. Variables can now use either curly brackets { } or percent symbol

and square brackets %[ ]. Word wrapping (the splitting of long words over several lines) of

toolpath names, NC Program names and file names is now the default behaviour.

You can now control the translucency of the Tool Axis Limits (on page 46). There are a couple of Model enhancements (on page 48):

If a model is deleted and reimported (say for a design change) the component thickness information is retained.

Less memory is required to machine large models. A new model type of Reference Model (on page 50) allows you

to have a model containing reference surfaces which will NEVER be considered for machining or collision checking.

Deferred Models (on page 51) are represented in the explorer with a .

There are a couple of Boundary enhancements (on page 52). There are several changes to Stock Model Rest Boundaries. A new option of Transform Copy (on page 54) is now available

on the Transform Boundary dialog. Improved quality and faster calculation times for Shallow

Boundaries that don't use ball nosed tools.


Automatic collision checking is available for Shallow Boundaries.

A new option of Transform Copy (on page 54) is now available on the Transform Pattern and Transform Workplane dialog. You can now have Tool Notes (on page 57). There are several enhancements to Feature Sets (on page 58).

Hole Creation (on page 58) now allows you to select whether you create compound holes and holes from partial geometry as well as Multi-Axis.

Compound Holes have a Hole Index (on page 60) which allows you to select the relevant portion.

A new option of Copy Holes to Pockets converts a holes to pockets so that you can machined the holes using Area Clearance strategies. The colour of holes can now be either the Model colour or the Feature Set colour.

The Tools - Options - Tolerance (see "Options" on page 62) dialog has been simplified.


Toolpath Generation A new finishing strategy of Interleaved Constant Z (on page 63) is available. This creates Constant Z toolpaths in the steep areas of a model and 3D Offset toolpaths in the shallow areas. this differs from Optimised Constant Z Finishing as you can specify when to change from 3D Offset machining to Constant Z machining and you can specify an overlap.

A new finishing strategy of Surface Finishing (on page 67) is now available. Surface Finishing is similar to Surface Projection Machining except there is no projection. Surface Finishing just machines the selected surface and will not attempt to machine any other surfaces. A new algorithm produces better Surface Projection Finishing (on page 72) toolpaths. A new finishing strategy of Parametric Offset Finishing (on page 74)

is now available. Parametric Offset Toolpath machines between two curves. This strategy takes the rulings between two curves to generate the parametric offset toolpath. A new Port Machining (on page 78) strategy is available on the Toolpath Strategies New dialog. There are three types of Port Machining available.

Port Area Clearance (on page 80) .

Port Plunge Finishing (on page 86) .

Port Spiral Finishing (on page 89) . There are a few Area Clearance enhancements (on page 91).

There is now a Spiral (see "Spiral Offset Area Clearance" on page 91) option on the Offset Area Clearance strategy.

Faster creation of offset toolpaths which contain many contours. Improved ordering to reduce air time.

All 3-Axis strategies (except Plunge Milling and Drilling) can now be used in 5-Axis (see "New Multi-Axis Strategies" on page 93) mode when using a ball nosed tool.


The Pattern (see "Projection Finishing Enhancements" on page 94) frame of the Point, Line and Plane Projection Finishing strategy dialogs have changed to improve consistency. Move Start Points (see "Toolpath Editing Enhancements" on page 97) has been improved so that it works on more toolpath segments. There are several General Toolpath enhancements (on page 98): When a toolpath has Variable Feed Rates (on page 99), you can display an information dialog that shows a key to the various colours. The philosophy of Drilling (see "Drilling Enhancements" on page 100) has changed to be more consistent with the other machining strategies. There are many Drilling enhancements:

Use Drilling Cycles (on page 101) is now available on the Drilling dialog.

PowerMILL knows when a drilling toolpath is Multi-Axis (see "Multi-Axis Drilling" on page 101) and defines the appropriate toolpath.

Gouge Checking against a model is optional Several enhancements to Profile Drilling. There are several new drilling factors: You can now create a Chamfer with a tool large than the hole

without having to define the hole as a tapered hole. There are several Drilling Method enhancements (on page 105).

The Status Toolbar (on page 107) always shows the Tolerance and Thickness for the active toolpath.


Toolpath Verification There are various enhancements to Stock Models (on page 108).

When you create a Stock Model Rest Boundary PowerMill automatically selects values from the active stock model.

By default the Stock Model state is NOT locked this makes it easier to invalidate the stock model without explicitly unlocking each state and then invalidating each state.

The representation of stock models in the explorer has changed. You can now apply new toolpaths to a Stock Model entity so that

its state appears after an output reference in the stock model tree. The Stock Model Object right click menu has an additional item

of Volume. The Stock Model Object right click menu has an additional item

of Edit - Make Invalid.


Toolpath Output There are several enhancements to NC Programs:

There are three additional Coolant (see "Additional Coolant Options" on page 111) options.

Skim Distance is now output as a CL record for drilling cycles. The Project Name is now output as a CL record. NC Program Commands/ Comments are remembered from

one PowerMILL session to the next. This is the same behaviour as all other NC Program preferences.

Tool Change Position are remembered from one PowerMILL session to the next.


User Interface All the buttons have changed in this release. Tables comparing all the PowerMILL Buttons in PowerMILL 7.0 and 6.0 are shown in PowerMILL Buttons (on page 129).


General Folders (on page 113) give you an easy way to organise your data. You can create a Folder in any of the explorer entities, but they are probably of greatest use for organising tools and toolpaths. Dynamic Sectioning (on page 116) gives you the ability to quickly section through the current view. This can be particularly useful when analysing a portion of a toolpath. You can Copy and Paste (on page 122) entities between models, patterns and boundaries. This is available from the explorer right click menus. PowerMILL now automatically releases Flex licences (see "PowerMILL Licences" on page 124) after 5 minutes of inactivity. There are several changes to the Thickness (see "Changes to the Thickness Dialog" on page 125) dialog .

The General tab has been removed. The Area Clearance, Finishing and Boundary thicknesses can now

only be edited on the toolpath strategy and boundary dialogs. The Automatic Collision Checking options are now available on

the new Automatic Verification (on page 27) dialog. Using Ctrl + Alt during selection selects all similar coloured items (see "Selecting Similar coloured items" on page 126), of the same entity.

10 • Toolpath Preparation Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Interface to Modelling The interface to Modelling has been improved. The modelling capability now starts inside PowerMILL and you can use the standard PowerMILL interface (such as the View Toolbar). There are three types of modelling available and PowerMILL chooses the most appropriate type depending on where you access the modelling functionality. PowerMILL Modelling Version 7.0 is available on the PowerMILL installation CD or the Delcam web site (accessible from Help - Check for PowerMILL Updates menu).

Surface Modelling - previously this functionality was available from PS-Surfacer.

Toolpath Preparation

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Toolpath Preparation • 11

This is available from the Model Object right click menu.

Wireframe Modelling - previously this functionality was available from PS-Sketcher. This is available from the Boundary and Pattern toolbar and the Create Boundary dialogs.

Curve Modelling - this is a new option and is a subset of the Wireframe Modelling options.


This is available from the Boundary and Pattern toolbar and the Create Boundary dialogs.

Curve Modelling option.

Wireframe Modelling option.


Surface Modelling Clicking on the Surface Modelling option on the Model Object right click menu displays PowerMILL's surface modelling functionality.

Once you have created what you want click on the to accept the changes and return to the PowerMILL main window.

Wireframe Modelling Clicking on the Wireframe Modelling button displays PowerMILL's wireframe modelling functionality.


Once you have created what you want click on the to accept the changes and return to the PowerMILL main window.

Curve Modelling Clicking on the Curve Modelling button displays PowerMILL's curve modelling functionality.

Once you have created the relevant curves click on the Save button and then to accept the changes and return to the PowerMILL main window.


Block The Block Enhancements are:

You can modify a block graphically. (see "Edit a Block Graphically" on page 15)

the Block - Defined By now has Box as its default option. In previous versions this was called Min/Max Limits.

Edit a Block Graphically When you select a block it is surrounded by a blue cuboid with double headed arrows on all faces. This is an Instrumented Block.


Place the mouse over the double arrow at the side of the block. This turns the double arrow white. Now clicking and dragging the mouse changes that dimensions. You can either drag it to the appropriate length:

Or you can click on a feature of the model to define a specific dimension of the block. So, in this case clicking on the edge of the hole in the model,


Automatically changes the width of the block.

Clicking in the graphics area (or on another entity) de-selects the block and removes the instrumentation.


Routing Tools Routing Tools are now supported in PowerMILL. They are defined in a very similar way to Form Tools. Routing tools often have a ballrace on the end which is used to guide the tool against the edge of a workpiece. The toolpath produced with a routing tool is a kind of profile or swarf cut, generated using a standard End Mill with diameter selected to match the position of the actual (or imaginary) ballrace used to guide the tool. You can create a toolpath using a routing tool and then simulate the toolpath to see the effect of the routing tool. Initially define your routing tool.

1. From the Create Tool pull-down list on the Tool Toolbar select the Create a Routing Tool option. This displays following dialog:


2. In this case you can use Tool_Routing.dgk from the Examples directory. So click on , move to the Examples directory and select Tool_Routing.dgk:

3. Now create a simple Pattern toolpath.

4. In this case create a Block . 5. From the Model right click menu select the Plane - From Block

menu option and enter a suitable Z limit.

6. Create a Pattern and Insert Model into Active Model .

7. Create a Pattern Finishing toolpath .


8. If you simulate the toolpath you can see the effect of the routing tool. Click on the Toggle button on the Simulation toolbar and then Play the simulation.


Routing Tool Dialog You can create your own routing tools. This is achieved by defining a half-profile of your Routing Tool in terms of line and arc spans. The Routing Tool option is available from the Create Tool pull-down list on the Tool Toolbar.

This dialog is very similar to the Form Tool dialog except that there is one additional option of End Mill Diameter. Name - defines the name of the tool. As with other entities, the default name is a number. Geometry - this area allows you to create your own tool. End Mill Diameter - this is the effective diameter that PowerMILL uses when creating the toolpath. Tool ID - user defined name allocated to the tool and added to the cut file. By default this is the same as the Name. Number of Flutes - the number of flutes on the tool. Tool Assembly - displays the defined tool tip, tool shank and tool holder. For more information see the Tool Tip Dialog.


For more information as to how to create a routing tool see Creating a Form Tool and Creating a Form Tool, Shank and Holder.

Unlike a Form Tool a Routing Tool can be concave.


Point Distribution A new Main Toolbar button of Point Distribution is now available. In previous versions of PowerMILL the Mesh frame was on the Tolerance tab of the Options dialog (available from the Tools - Options menu option).

The Point Distribution dialog controls the point distribution of every toolpath in PowerMILL.

Output Point Distribution (see "Point Distribution - Output Point Distribution" on page 23) - controls the point distribution of a toolpath. Point Separation (on page 25) - allows you to enter the maximum distance between toolpath points. Mesh (see "Point Distribution - Mesh" on page 26) - defines the size of the mesh relative to the machining tolerance. The smaller the Mesh Factor the finer the mesh and consequently the toolpath takes longer to calculate but it is more accurate.

Point Distribution - Output Point Distribution Output Point Distribution

Output Type - controls the point distribution of a toolpath.


Tolerance and Keep Arcs - automatically removes unnecessary points in the toolpath whilst maintaining tolerance.

You can see the points are not equispaced as unnecessary points have been deleted. Also some of the points are blue, these indicate the arc centres. The red points either side of the blue ones are the arc ends. Tolerance and Replace Arcs - this is similar to Tolerance and Keep Arcs except that all arcs are replaced by straight line segments (polylines). This option is good for machine tools which don't handle arcs well. Redistribute - allows the insertion of new points. This ensures a constant distance between points, only inserting extra points if they are necessary to keep tolerance. This can be especially useful when using the Maximum Point Separation option. Redistribute may increase toolpath creation time but reduce time on the Machine Tool. This option is good for machine tools that can handle large numbers of equispaced points.


Fit Arcs - produces toolpath with arcs inserted wherever possible. This option is good for machine tools which handle arcs well. This option is only available for 3-Axis toolpaths.

The blue points indicate the arc centres.

The end points of the arcs are the red points either side of a blue point. Attach the tool and step through the toolpath to see this clearly.

Tolerance Factor - determines the number of points removed. This must have a value greater than 0 (a minimum number of points are removed) and 1 (maximum point removal whilst maintaining tolerance, so that the toolpath contains the minimum number of points).

Point Separation

Limit Point Separation - when checked, allows you to enter the maximum distance between toolpath points. Maximum Point Separation - maximum distance between consecutive toolpath points.

These options are not available if you select an option of Fit Arcs.


Point Distribution - Mesh

Mesh Factor - this effects the triangulation tolerance and must have a value between 0 and 1 The smaller the Mesh Factor the finer the mesh and consequently the toolpath takes longer to calculate but it is more accurate. Checking the Limit Maximum Triangle Length checkbox then enables the Maximum Triangle Length field where you can enter your value. Maximum Triangle Length - the maximum length of the hypotenuse of the triangle.

Limiting the maximum triangle length will decrease the faceting on gently curved surfaces. But, it will also increase machining time as more triangles are generated. So, only limit the triangle length where faceting causes a problem.


Automatic Verification A new Main Toolbar button of Automatic Verification is now available.

Automatic Verification enables automatic verification of toolpaths on creation. It displays the Automatic Verification dialog.

Head Clearance - represents the length of the tool, holder and machine head combined. The default value is set to 600 mm. This value can be set even if you do not define a shank or holder. If the height of the tool is less than the Head Clearance value then an additional component is added to the tool assembly. This component has the same diameter as the last item in the tool assembly and a length such that the total tool assembly length specified is the same as the Head Clearance value. The height of the tool is just the cutter if Automatic Collision Checking is Off and is the cutter, shank and holder if Automatic Collision Checking is On. For disc cutters, if a shank holder is defined, then additional components are added to give the total tool assembly a length equal to the Head Clearance value. If you define a tool assembly which is longer than the Head Clearance value then the Head Clearance value is ignored. In previous versions of PowerMILL Head Clearance was on the Tool - Options - Toolpath dialog. Automatic Collision Checking - controls collision checking of toolpaths during toolpath calculation.

When checked the tool shank and holder are collision checked. The resulting toolpath only contains the non-colliding (safe) moves. This can lead to gaps in the toolpath.


If unchecked the tool shank and holder are not collision checked. only creates the non-colliding (safe) moves. This can lead to gaps in the toolpath.

Collision checking using the Toolpath Verification dialog will check against shank and holder regardless of this option.

Shank Clearance - represents a specified “safe” area around the tool shank which is taken into account when checking for collisions.

Holder Clearance - represents a specified “safe” area around the tool holder which is taken into account when checking for collisions.

The shank clearance is used even if no shank is defined to add a tapered clearance on the cylindrical or tapered section of the tool as shown below.


Buttons Apply - applies the values entered, but leaves the dialog displayed. Accept - applies the values entered and closes the dialog. Cancel - closes the dialog without applying the values. In previous versions of PowerMILL Automatic Collision Checking was on the General tab on the Thickness dialog .



Automatic Collision Avoidance Automatic Collision Avoidance is a new 5-Axis option that will automatically tilt the tool axis, in a user defined way, to avoid collisions between the shank / holder of the tool assembly and the model. This only works when machining with the tip of the tool. Automatic Collision Avoidance is available for all Finishing strategies except for:

Offset - including 3D Offset, Interleaved Constant Z, Offset Flat, Optimised Constant Z, Parametric Offset.

Profile. Rotary. Swarf - including Swarf and Wireframe Swarf.

Constant Z and Corner finishing strategies can only use Automatic Collision Avoidance when using tools with hemispherical cutting ends. this is the same limitation as described in New Multi-Axis Strategies (on page 93).

Automatic Collision Avoidance is NOT available for any toolpath strategies on the Drilling, Area Clearance or Ports tabs.

When using Automatic Collision Avoidance a toolpath is created using the original tool axis for as long as possible. When a collision is detected the tool is automatically tilted towards the Tilt Tool Axis until the collision is avoided (by a user defined clearance around the tool) and continues creating the toolpath. Again on collision the axis will be changed and so on across the model. There are several important things to remember when using this option:

It is very important to set appropriate tool axes (both original and tilt). Set a Tool Axis that will machine as much as possible before having to tilt to a new one.

The Tool Axis will tilt the least amount possible, in the direction specified, to avoid colliding with the tool assembly (tip, shaft, shank and holder), and will return to its original axis whenever possible.

You can only machine with the tip of the tool. The tilting will respect any tool axis limits.


Initially it is advisable to deselect the Automatic Collision Checking on the Automatic Verification dialog until you are sure that you can produce a good toolpath. This will avoid problems caused by different clearances on the Automatic Verification dialog and the Tool Axis Direction - Collision Avoidance dialog.

The benefits of this approach are: It allows you to use a shorter tool than you otherwise could if you

were only using 3-Axis strategies.

Tool Axis - Collision Avoidance This area of the dialog automatically tilts the tool axis, in a user defined way, to avoid collisions between the shank / holder of the tool assembly and the model. This tab is only available if you check the Automatic Collision Avoidance checkbox on the Definition tab.

Tilt Tool Axis - specifies how the tool will move to avoid any collisions.

Lean - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis (specified on the Definition tab) in the Lean direction until the collision is avoided.


Lead - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis in the Lead direction until the collision is avoided.

Towards Point - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis, in the direction of the Point, until the collision is avoided, to become a Toward Point Tool Axis.

From Point - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis, in the direction of the Point, until the collision is avoided, to become a From Point Tool Axis.

Towards Line - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis, in the direction of the Line, until the collision is avoided, to become a Toward Line Tool Axis.

From Line - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis, in the direction of the Line, until the collision is avoided, to become a From Line Tool Axis.

Surface Normal - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis and move towards the Surface Normal direction until the collision is avoided.

Fixed Direction - if a collision is detected the tool axis will move from the original axis and move towards the Fixed Direction until the collision is avoided.

For more information see Tool Axis. Tool Clearances (on page 34) - specifies the clearance around the tool shaft, shank and holder. Point - defines the fixed point. Direction - defines the direction of the line from the fixed point. Draw Tilt Direction - displays the direction you have specified.

If you specify a Towards Point or From Point then you can see the specified point.


If you specify a Towards Line or From Line then you can see the specified line.

If you specify a Fixed Direction then you can see the specified line with an arrow on it to indicate the direction.

If you specify a Lead, Lean or Surface Normal it does nothing.

Tool Clearances The tool clearances specifies the clearance around the tool shaft, shank and holder.

Shank Clearance - represents a specified “safe” area around the

tool shank which is taken into account when checking for collisions.


Holder Clearance - represents a specified “safe” area around the tool holder which is taken into account when checking for collisions.

Holder Clearance

Shank Tolerance

Tool Shaft Clearance

PowerMILL automatically adds a small tapered clearance around the shaft of the cutter.

Constant Z Collision Avoidance Example This is a slightly more complex example. It uses a Constant Z toolpath on the bucket.dgk model. The toolpath has been limited to just the inside of the bucket.


The Tool Axis Direction has a Definition with a Tool Axis of Vertical.

Make sure that the Automatic Collision Avoidance is checked. On the Collision Avoidance tab set the following:

Tilt Tool Axis - Lean Shank Clearance - 1.0 Holder Clearance - 3.0


If you look at the Constant Z toolpath the tool starts off vertical.

Then a lean angle is applied so that the tool holder just clears the model.

As the toolpath proceeds down the model the lean angle changes so that the tool holder just clears the model.


And so on down the model.

Raster Collision Avoidance Example This simple example uses a raster toolpath over a step to show the effect of Collision Avoidance.

If you create a simple Raster toolpath over this you will get collisions of the shank as it climbs or descends the step.

One way round this is to increase the length of the tool.


Another is to change the toolpath strategy The third is to use Collision Avoidance. In this case the initial Tool Axis is Vertical.

1. Check the Automatic Collision Avoidance checkbox and then

select the Collision Avoidance tab.

2. Enter a Tool Tilt Axis of Lead, a Shank Clearance of 1.0 and

a Holder Clearance of 1.0.


3. Create a new raster toolpath. You can see that the toolpath now tilts on the steep portions to avoid the tool holder colliding.

4. However, the toolpath is still 3-Axis on the flat portions where the

tool holder doesn't collide.

In summary the tool tries to respect the original Tool Axis Definition for as much of the toolpath as possible. Only when this isn't possible does the tool axis change, in the direction specified in the Collision Avoidance Tilt Tool Axis, until the tool assembly no longer collides.


Setup Sheets There are several enhancements to setup sheets.

You can now control the number of toolpaths shown in each page of the summary sheet. This is controlled on the Options (see "Setup Sheets Options" on page 43) tab on the Setup Sheets dialog.

You can now specify which set of setup sheets you want to generate. By checking the relevant Write checkbox in the Templates frame in the Setup Sheets - Paths dialog.

The axis preview graphic (bottom left hand corner) is no longer included in the setup sheet snapshot images. This will avoid confusion with the workplane.


A Project header sheet is now available. This is available from the Setup Sheets - Settings menu option and selecting the Paths tab. This enables you to collate the information that is common to all NC Programs in the project into a single setup sheet. Typically this is information such as Customer Name, Order number, Project Notes and so on.

One variable has had its meaning changed, {project.notes} now

refers to project level notes rather than NC Program notes. Several additional variables (see "Additional Variables available on

Setup Sheets" on page 44) are now available. The export pathname is now saved between PowerMILL sessions. Variables can now use either curly brackets { } or percent symbol

and square brackets %[ ]. You no longer have to remember which variables need which type of brackets.


Word wrapping (the splitting of long words over several lines) of toolpath names, NC Program names and file names is now the default behaviour. This is controlled by the style.css style sheet. The style sheet contains the line: word-break: break-all; /* N.B. This is a proposed extension to the CSS standard! */ to disable word wrapping simply comment out this line: /* word-break: break-all;*/ /* N.B. This is a proposed extension to the CSS standard! */

Anything starting with /* and ending with */ is a comment. So in the first case word-break: break-all; is not commented out, whereas it is in the second.

Setup Sheets Options


Summary Page Breaking Pagination Mode - controls the pagination for Summary pages.

Automatic - PowerMILL determines the optimum number of toolpaths on a page.

Off - toolpaths are placed on a single summary page. There is no pagination.

User - you determine the number of toolpaths on each summary page. Selecting this option enables the Toolpaths on a Page field.

Toolpaths on a Page - defines the number of toolpaths you want on each summary page. This option is only available if you have a Mode of User.

Additional Variables available on Setup Sheets The following new variables are now available: Variable Description

{ncprogram.notes} NC Program level notes. {ncprogram.tool_datum} Tool tip (or Tool Centre)

depending on the Tool Value setting on the NC Program dialog.

{ncprogram.model.limits.x.min}

The minimum value in X of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.

{ncprogram.model.limits.x.max}

The maximum value in X of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.

{ncprogram.model.limits.y.min}

The minimum value in Y of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.

{ncprogram.model.limits.y.max}

The maximum value in Y of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.


{ncprogram.model.limits.z.min}

The minimum value in Z of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.

{ncprogram.model.limits.z.max}

The maximum value in Z of the Model Limits with respect to the NC Program output workplane.

{setupsheets.model.file_path} Model file path. This should be used in preference to {PD_CADModel}.

{setupsheets.model.file_name} Model file name {workplane.ncangle.x} X angle of the toolpath

workplane axis relative to the respective NC Program output workplane axes.

{workplane.ncangle.y} Y angle of the toolpath workplane axis relative to the respective NC Program output workplane axes.

{workplane.ncangle.z} Z angle of the toolpath workplane axis relative to the respective NC Program output workplane axes.

{height_above_model} Distance along the Z axis between the lowest point in the toolpath and the top of the model.

{movement_type} Toolpath movement type of either 3-Axis, 3+2 Axis or 5-Axis.

{ncprogram.statistics.tool_lifts} Number of tool lifts in the NC Program.

{ncprogram.statistics.cut_time} Cutting time of an NC Program.


Tool Axis Limits You can now control the translucency of the Tool Axis Limits.

Checking the Draw Limits enables the Translucency (Percentage) field. A value of 0 gives the same result as before:


However, a value of 50 gives the following:

This is very similar to the Block Translucency and can be useful to help you create the correct Tool Limits..


Model Enhancements There are a couple of Model enhancements:

If a model is deleted and reimported (say for a design change) the component thickness information is retained. For more information see Modifying Models Retains Thickness (on page 48).

Less memory is required to machine large models. A new model type of Reference Model (on page 50) allows you

to have a model containing reference surfaces which will NEVER be considered for machining or collision checking.

Deferred Models (on page 51) are represented in the explorer with a .

Modifying Models Retains Thickness If a model is deleted and reimported (say for a design change) the component thickness information is retained. In previous versions it would have been lost.


This functionality is available from the Reimport Model option from the Models Object right click menu.

The reimport applies the original thickness information based on the component names.


Reference Model A new model type of Reference Model allows you to have a model containing reference surfaces which will NEVER be considered for machining or collision checking.

1. Selecting the Import Reference Surfaces from the Models

right click menu displays the Import Reference Surfaces dialog. This is a standard File Open dialog.

2. Move to the correct directory and select the required model. The reference model is imported into PowerMILL. You can see the difference between a Reference Surfaces Model and a Model.

Model is shown in blue in the explorer.

Reference Surfaces shown in grey in the explorer.


The Reference Surface Model has all the functionality of an ordinary model except for:

The surfaces are set to Ignore so they are never considered for machining or collision checking.

You cannot apply a Thickness to the model.

A Reference Surface Model can be particularly useful when trying to create complex toolpaths requiring reference surfaces. This allows you to replace one set of reference surfaces with another without having to reprocess all of the toolpaths.

Deferred Models As before you have the option not to load a model on importing a project (from the Tools - Options - Import - Defer Loading menu option). You can see the difference between a Deferred Model and a Model.

Deferred Model is shown with a in the explorer.

Model.

Clicking on loads the model.

Calculating a toolpath or boundary also loads any deferred models.


Boundary Enhancements There are a couple of enhancements to Boundaries.

There are several changes to Stock Model Rest Boundaries (on page 53).

A new option of Transform Copy (on page 54) is now available on the Transform Boundary dialog.

Improved quality and faster calculation times for Shallow Boundaries that don't use ball nosed tools.

Automatic collision checking is available for Shallow Boundaries.


Stock Model Rest Boundaries

There are several changes to Stock Model Rest Boundaries.

Default values are picked up from the active Stock Model. By default the Stock Model and Tolerance are the values set in the active Stock Model and the Detect Material Thickness is the same as the Rest Thickness in the active Stock Model.

There is a new option of Detect Material Thicker Than on the dialog. Detect Material Thicker Than - the calculation ignores rest material thinner than the value specified here.

Although the Detect Material Thicker Than value has a default value of the Rest Thickness in the active Stock Model you can change this to any other value. If you do change the value PowerMILL will internally calculate the appropriate Stock Model.

The tolerance of the Stock Model no longer needs to be the same as the Stock Model Rest Boundary (although it is by default). If you do change the value PowerMILL will internally calculate the appropriate Stock Model.


Transform Copy A new option of Transform Copy is now available on the Transform Boundary dialog (available from the Edit - Transform menu option on the Boundary Object right click menu). this offers the same functionality as Transform Copy on the Transform Toolpath dialog.

Transform Copy - when checked the boundary specified above is

copied when transformed and is given the name of the original boundary with the addition of _1. When unchecked the current boundary is replaced by the new transformed boundary which has the same name as the original toolpath.


Pattern Enhancements A new option of Transform Copy (on page 54) is now available

on the Transform Pattern dialog.


Workplane Enhancements A new option of Transform Copy (on page 54) is now available

on the Transform Workplane dialog.


Tool Notes You can now attach notes to tools. You can output Tool Notes to the tap file and display them in setup sheets.

The Description field on the Cutting Data tab on the Tools dialog allows you to enter tool notes. Text entered here is written in the cutfile as a 29000 record.


Feature Sets There are several enhancements to Feature Sets.

Hole Creation (on page 58) now allows you to select whether

you create compound holes and holes from partial geometry as well as Multi-Axis.

Compound Holes have a Hole Index (on page 60) which allows you to select the relevant portion.

A new option on the Edit - Feature Sets Object right click menu of Copy Holes to Pockets converts a holes to pockets so that you can machined the holes using Area Clearance strategies.

The colour of holes can now be either the Model colour or the Feature Set colour. This is controlled from the Tools - Option - View menu which has an additional option of Use Model Colour for Holes. Use Model Colour for Holes - when checked the holes are the Model colour. When unchecked they are the Feature Set colour.

Hole Creation


Multi-Axis - this only has any effect when you use the Recognise Holes in Model menu option. If checked all the holes are placed in one feature set. If unchecked the holes are sorted into feature sets by workplane. This is only available if Hole is selected in the Type field. Compound Holes - If checked one compound hole containing several components is created. If unchecked several individual holes are created (superimposed on each other). Taking this example:

If you create a Compound Hole you will create one hole

containing two components.

The fist component has a length and diameter . This has a Hole Index of 0.

The second component has a length and diameter . This has a Hole Index of 1.

If you create a individual holes you will create two holes.

The fist component has a length and diameter .

The second component has a length and diameter .


You can see the difference between the representation of a compound hole in the explorer.

A compound hole can have a Top, Bottom and Component Top.

The fist component has a Top and Bottom . This has a Hole Index of 0.

The second component has a Top , Component Top and Bottom . This has a Hole Index of 1.

Create From Partial Holes - enables the creation of holes from a model that has poorly or incomplete holes defined.

This option should always be used as a last resort as it may find many unwanted (or unexpected) holes.

Hole Index This topic has not been fully documented yet.


Hole Index - allows you to select each individual component of a compound hole. This has a numeric value starting from 0.

0 - the component with the largest diameter. 1 - the component with the second largest diameter. 2 - the component with the third largest diameter.


Options The Tools - Options - Tolerance dialog has been simplified. Version 7.0 Version 6.0

The Toolpath Points area is now on the Point Distribution (on page 23) dialog . The Mesh area is now on the Point Distribution - Mesh (on page 26) dialog .

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Toolpath Generation • 63

Interleaved Constant Z A new finishing strategy of Interleaved Constant Z Finishing is now available. Interleaved Constant Z Finishing strategy creates Constant Z toolpath in the steep areas of a model and 3D Offset toolpath in the shallow areas. This differs from Optimised Constant Z Finishing as you can specify when to change from 3D Offset machining to Constant Z machining using the Threshold Angle field and you can specify an Overlap where both 3D Offset and Constant Z toolpaths are created. Also Optimised Constant Z Finishing only uses whole segments whereas Interleaved Constant Z Finishing will split segments at the shallow boundary. This means that Interleaved Constant Z Finishing toolpaths have far more retracts than Optimised Constant Z toolpaths.

Toolpath Generation

64 • Toolpath Generation Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Threshold Angle - the surface slope, measured from the horizontal, that determines the split between Constant Z and 3D offset machining.

Shows the 3D Offset toolpath in the shallow areas.

Shows the Constant Z toolpath in the steep areas.


Offset Overlap - the size of the overlap area where Constant Z and 3D Offset machining occur. This minimises marks on the model caused by a sudden switch from Constant Z to 3D offset machining.

Shows the 3D Offset toolpath overlapping into the steep areas.

Shows the Constant Z toolpath. Direction - defines whether you want Climb, Conventional or Any (both climb and conventional milling). Use Separate Offset Stepover - allows you to define a different stepover for the steep and shallow portions of the toolpath. Normally the stepover is defined by the Stepover field on the left hand side of the dialog. If you check this option then only the steep (or Constant Z) portion of the toolpath is defined by the Stepover field on the left hand side of the dialog.


Shallow Stepover - defines the stepover of the shallow (or 3D Offset) portion of the toolpath.

Shows the 3D Offset toolpath stepover in the steep areas.

Shows the Constant Z toolpath stepover in the shallow areas.


Surface Finishing A new finishing strategy of Surface Finishing is now available. Surface Finishing is similar to Surface Projection Machining except there is no projection. Surface Finishing just machines the selected surface and will not attempt to machine any other surfaces.

These options are very similar to the Surface Projection toolpath options. Surface - determines how the selected surface is machined.

Surface Units - describes how the stepover and limits are defined. Surface side - defines whether the Outside


or the Inside is machined.

Pattern - defines the limits and orientation of the toolpath.

Surface Finishing Example This example compares the results of Surface and Surface Projection finishing using SurfaceFinishing.dgk from the Examples file. The results of Surface Finishing can be particularly beneficial when wanting to machine a single surface in a cavity.


1. Select the surface you want to machine.

2. Click on the Strategies button and from the Finishing tab select the Surface Finishing option.


3. Accept the default options on the Surface Finishing dialog and click on Apply. Click on Cancel to close the dialog. You can see the toolpath that is created.

4. Looking in detail:


5. You can now repeat the process but use a strategy of Projection Surface Finishing again using the default options. In this case the following toolpath is created:

6. Obviously you can spend time changing the limits so that no

toolpath is created on the top surface. 7. Looking in detail you can see that, using the defaults, not as much

of the selected surface is machined using the Projection Surface Finishing strategy as opposed to the Surface Finishing strategy.


Surface Projection Finishing A new algorithm produces better toolpaths. They have:

Less fragmentation. Regions are no longer missed. Improved surface finish. The Stepover field is now respected.

In previous versions there was a problem in some passes which were almost twice the width of the stepover value between passes. This topic has not been fully documented yet.

Two new parameters of Smoothing Tolerance and Angular Smoothing Tolerance (see "Smoothing" on page 72) are now available.

Smoothing Surface Projection Finishing has two new options:

Smoothing Tolerance Angular Smoothing Tolerance


Smoothing Tolerance - the tolerance to which the splined curve must follow the surface pattern. If this is set to 0 then an automatic tolerance is used. Angular Smoothing Tolerance - the tolerance to which the surface normals of the splined curve must match the normals of the surface pattern. If this is set to 0 then an automatic tolerance is used. This strategy initially generates a pattern on the surface (to the specified limits) and then splines the pattern and generates the toolpath from this pattern by projecting it onto the surface.


Parametric Offset Finishing A new finishing strategy of Parametric Offset Finishing is now available. Parametric Offset Toolpath machines between two curves. This strategy takes the rulings between two curves to generate the parametric offset toolpath.

Start Curve - a pattern defining the start of the toolpath.


End Curve - a pattern defining the end of the toolpath.

Shows the End Curve.

Shows the Start Curve. Offset Direction - determines how the two curves are joined.

Across - the toolpath goes from a point on the start curve to one on the second curve. An example of an Across toolpath is shown below


Along - the toolpath is more like an offset toolpath radiating out from the start curve to the end curve. An example of an Along toolpath is shown above.

Limiting Method - determines how the pattern limits the toolpath Tip Position - the tip of the tool follows the pattern. Contact Position - the contact point of the tool follows the pattern

Maximum Stepover - this strategy determines its own stepover based on the tool radius and tolerances used. However, if the automatically generated stepover is too large you can restrict it by specifying a Maximum Stepover. Maximum Offsets - controls the maximum number of offsets.


Checking this option and then entering a value of 10 produces this result:

Direction - defines whether you want Climb, Conventional or Any (both climb and conventional milling).


Port Machining A new Port strategy tab is available on the Toolpath Strategies New dialog. There are three types of Port Machining available.

Port Area Clearance (on page 80). Port Plunge Finishing (on page 86). Port Spiral Finishing (on page 89).

The Ports tab on the Toolpath Strategy New dialog defines how the model will be port machined.

In all cases the strategies create toolpaths in a port (or tube) and the toolpath retracts back safely up the port. An approximate centreline of the port is required.

Port Machining strategies only work with spherical tools (ball nosed and spherical tipped disc tools)


Selecting one of the options from this dialog and then clicking on the OK button creates a batch toolpath and then displays the Port Machining dialog.

The left side of the dialog is standard for all toolpaths and defines the parameters used to create the toolpath (such as the tool, tolerance, stepover, boundary, leads and links required for toolpath). The right hand half of the dialog contains data that is specific to one type of toolpath or a particular strategy type. The batch toolpath is automatically created in the Explorer.

you can tell that it is a batch toolpath because of the .


This is converted to a complete toolpath once you enter the relevant values on the finishing dialog and click on the Apply button on the Machining dialog. For more information on the New dialog see Toolpath Strategies.

Port Area Clearance Port Area Clearance enables rapid removal of material inside a port.

Pattern - the pattern serves three purposes:

1. Indicates the port to machine. The pattern must be entirely within the port you want to machine.

2. Controls the orientation of the slices. The slices are normal to the pattern. If you use Workplane Limits then the workplanes override the pattern.

3. Determines which end of the port is machined first.


A typical pattern can be seen in below.

Clearance - the tool shank and holder clearance. This is used to determine whether the tool position is sufficiently clear of the model. Port Machining uses a series of 3+2 Axis machining strategies wherever possible. The clearance value dictates when PowerMILL needs to change from one axis to the next. Limits (on page 81) - determines what portion of the model is machined. By default the whole model is machined. Ramping - determines how the tool descends into the block.

Slope Angle - the angle of descent as the tool ramps into the block. Ramp Diameter (TDU) - the ramp moves are made in a circle

spiralling down into the block. The Ramp Diameter controls the maximum circle diameter in Tool Diameter Units (on page 84).

Machining Options (on page 82) - determines which ends of the ports are used and how far you machine down each end of the port.

Limits


Limits - determines what portion of the model is machined and controls the direction of the slices. By default the whole model is machined.

The limits are at the tool centre (sphere centre) not the tool tip position.

Workplane Limits - if checked the toolpath is limited to the workplanes specified below. If workplane limits are used then the plane of the slices is interpolated between the XY planes of th two workplanes.

Upper Limit - select a workplane to define the upper machining limit (say in the figure below).

Lower Limit - select a workplane to define the lower machining limit (say in the figure below).

Limits are useful when:

1. The pattern extends beyond the end of the port. 2. The orientation of the port doesn't match the plane normal to the

pattern. Port machining only machines closed slices. 3. You only want to machine part of the port.

Machining Options

Machining Options - determines which ends of the ports are used and how far you machine down each end of the port.


Machine - determines which ends of the ports are used and how far you machine down each end of the port. One end of the port is called End (say in the figure below) and the other Start (say in the figure below).

Maximum from End - machines as far as possible down one end of

the port before machining down the other end of the port. Using the diagram above PowerMILL would machine as far as possible from

before trying to machine from . Maximum from Start - machines as far as possible down the other

Start end of the port before machining down the other end of the port. Using the diagram above PowerMILL would machine as far as possible from before trying to machine from .

Equally from Ends - machines equally down both ends of the port. From End Only - machines as far as possible down one end of the

port only. Using the diagram above PowerMILL would machine as far as possible from .

From Start Only - machines as far as possible down the other Start end of the port only. Using the diagram above PowerMILL would machine as far as possible from .

The Start and End are determined by the direction of the Pattern. Workplane limits override the Pattern direction.

Spiral - spirals inside slices


Partial - if there are full slices which cannot be machined from either end then Partial machines the maximum possible area (while avoiding collisions). This calculation is slower and some rest material will remain.

Tool diameter Units Tool Diameter Units - is the distance relative to the tool diameter. So with a 10mm tool and a TDU of 2 gives an actual value of 20mm.

Port Machining PowerMILL will start machining the port with a 3-Axis strategy if it can.


Once it can no longer create the toolpath without a collision PowerMILL automatically creates a tool axis which will enable further 3+2 Axis machining. This continues down the port and PowerMILL will then create a 5-Axis strategy if necessary.

Once no further toolpath can be created whilst accessing one side of the port PowerMILL accesses the port from the other end and applies the same principle of machining with 3+2-Axis strategies wherever possible.


Port Plunge Finishing Port Plunge Finishing enables plunge machining inside a port.Plunge machining automatically creates good retract moves.All plunge toolpaths are continuous 5-Axis toolpaths.

Pattern - defines the location of the port and the orientation of the subsequent machining. For more information see Port Area Clearance (on page 80). Clearance - the tool shank and holder clearance.


Limits (on page 81) - determines what portion of the model is machined. By default the whole model is machined. Direction - defines whether you want Climb, Conventional or Any (both climb and conventional milling). Merge (on page 87) - determines how the machining from either end of the port meets.

Merge Merge - determines how the machining from either end of the port meets.

Merge Point - determines how far (as a percentage) you machine

down each end of the port. Lift Start - the distance before the Merge Point that the tool starts to

lift. Overlap - the distance centred on the Merge Point that the toolpaths

overlap. This is an actual value (not a percentage). Lift Height - the distance away from the port walls (into the centre)

that the tool lifts at the Merge Point. The lift at the end of the toolpath segment will be greater.


Lift Start and Lift Height are needed to minimise the effects of tool springback. When you machine the port from the first end the tool is plunging into thick material and the resulting forces push the tool away from the side of the port (leaving small amounts of material on the port). Now you machine from the other end. Initially there are similar forces on the tool (causing springback), but when the tool reaches the start of the overlap distance the forces suddenly change and the tool springback suddenly reduces. This looks like a "dig in" but is actually just machining to the required depth. The Lift Start and Lift Height values minimise this effect.


Port Spiral Finishing Port Spiral Finishing enables spiral machining inside a port.

Pattern - defines the location of the port and the orientation of the subsequent machining. For more information see Port Area Clearance (on page 80). Clearance - the tool shank and holder clearance. Limits (on page 81) - determines what portion of the model is machined. By default the whole model is machined.


Direction - defines whether you want Climb, Conventional or Any (both climb and conventional milling). Merge (on page 87) - determines how the machining from either end of the port meets.


Area Clearance Enhancements There are a few enhancements to Area Clearance.

There is now a Spiral (see "Spiral Offset Area Clearance" on page 91) option on the Offset Area Clearance strategy.

Faster creation of offset toolpaths which contain many contours. Improved ordering to reduce air time.

Spiral Offset Area Clearance There is now a Spiral option on the Offset Area Clearance strategy.

Clicking on the Arrow key displays the Offset Machining Advanced Settings. This has an additional option of Spiral.

Spiral - when selecting this option spiralling will occur (where the original offsets are closed and have one-to-one nesting).

It converts this:

To this:


The Spiral option is always available except when you select Minimise Air Moves or Restrict Tool Overload.

The Spiral option is best used in conjunction with a small Smoothing Allowance (no more than 10%).


New Multi-Axis Strategies All 3-Axis strategies (except Plunge Milling and Drilling) can now be used in 5-Axis mode when using tools with a hemispherical end. Ball Nosed Spherical

Tipped Disc

3-to-5-Axis conversion is only possible if you specify a Thickness . It is NOT possible if you specify a Radial and Axial

Thickness . This topic has not been fully documented yet.


Projection Finishing Enhancements The Pattern frame of the Point Projection (on page 94), Line Projection (on page 95) and Plane Projection (on page 96) Finishing strategy dialogs have changed to improve consistency. Only the changes to the dialogs are described here.

Point Projection

Direction - specifies the direction of the Spiral Style. It can be either either Clockwise or Anticlockwise. Ordering - replaces the Join Up and One Way fields on previous releases. Sequence - replaces the Order field on previous releases. Elevation Angle - this no longer has the Stepover field as this is available from the left hand side of the dialog. Azimuth Angle - this no longer has the Stepover field as this is available from the left hand side of the dialog. Angular Stepover - replaces the Stepover field in the Azimuth Angle frame in previous releases.


Line Projection

Direction - specifies the direction of the Spiral Style. It can be either either Clockwise or Anticlockwise. Ordering - replaces the Join Up and One Way fields on previous releases. Sequence - replaces the Order field on previous releases. Angular Stepover - replaces the Stepover field in the Azimuth Angle frame in previous releases. Height - this no longer has the Stepover field as this is available from the left hand side of the dialog.


Plane Projection

Pattern Direction - replaces the Style option in previous releases. The two options available are now U and V (the surface parametric directions) which are more meaningful than the previous Across and UpDown. Ordering - replaces the Join Up and One Way fields on previous releases. Sequence - replaces the Order field on previous releases. Height - this no longer has the Stepover field as this is available from the left hand side of the dialog. Width - this no longer has the Stepover field as this is available from the left hand side of the dialog.


Toolpath Editing Enhancements Move Start Points has been improved so that it works on toolpath segments:

Containing arcs Which appear closed but actually contain small (within tolerance)

gaps.

The Toolpath Listing dialog (available from on the Toolpath toolbar) can be resized, using , to allow you to display more toolpath segments.


General Toolpath Enhancements There are several general toolpath enhancements:

There is improved ordering of segments in Embedded Pattern Finishing Toolpaths.

There is an improved algorithm used in creating Corner Finishing toolpaths producing much improved toolpaths. Stitches now lie in planes so that in steep areas they are, in effect, Constant Z toolpaths and in shallow areas they lie in a plane. This minimises the numbers of crossing stitches.

There is a new algorithm which offers improved trimming of toolpaths inside 3D boundaries.

The Tool Axis Lean Angle on Swarf and Wireframe Swarf Finishing toolpaths is now limited to a maximum of 75°.

Circular Arc Links in multi-axis toolpaths now have a smooth change in the tool axis over the link.

When saving toolpath Templates, you must expressly specify the parameters you want to save. In previous versions all parameters were saved.


Variable Feed Rates When a toolpath has variable feed rates, clicking on the light bulb (by the toolpath) displays an information dialog that shows a key to the various colours.


Drilling Enhancements The philosophy of drilling has changed to be more consistent with the other machining strategies. You now:

Decided how to drill the holes (by filling in the Drill dialog) Apply the strategy to the currently selected holes (or all the holes if

none are selected). In previous versions you:

Selected the holes Decided how to drill the holes.

The drilling information was "attached" to the hole. There are many Drilling enhancements:

Use Drilling Cycles (on page 101) is now available on the Drilling dialog.

The Multi Axis option has been removed. PowerMILL knows when a drilling toolpath is Multi-Axis (see "Multi-Axis Drilling" on page 101) and defines the appropriate toolpath.

Gouge Checking against a model is optional Several enhancements to Profile Drilling. There are several new drilling factors:

A Retract Feed Rate (on page 101) for Single Peck and Deep Drilling Cycles.

A Subsidiary Peck (on page 103) for Deep Drilling Cycles.

An Overlap Angle (see "Profile" on page 104) Lead Distance and Final Profile Pass for Profile Drilling.

You can now create a Chamfer with a tool large than the hole without having to define the hole as a tapered hole.

There are several Drilling Method enhancements (on page 105). You can now select all diameters and lengths in Compound

Holes (see "Selection by Hole Index" on page 105).


Use Drilling Cycles This topic has not been fully documented yet. Use Drilling Cycles is now available on the Drilling dialog. This is particularly useful when Profile Drilling.

You can create a Drilling Template and select your Drilling Cycles option on the template.

The options you select on the the Drilling dialog (including the sate of the Use Drilling Cycles) are also selected on the NC Program dialog by default, but you can change your mind on th eNC Program dialog.

Multi-Axis Drilling The Multi Axis option has been removed. PowerMILL knows when a drilling toolpath is Multi-Axis and defines the appropriate toolpath.

All multi-axis drilling toolpaths are identified with a in the bottom right hand corner of the Drilling dialog.

Gouge Checking Gouge checking of drilling toolpaths is optional. There are times where holes are capped, partially capped, not modelled or partially modelled which all show the required drilling toolpath to be gouging. To avoid these problems you now have the opportunity to not Gouge Check the Drilling toolpath.

This option is available on all strategy dialogs raised by the Drilling Methods dialog. So you can now set up a drilling method which determines whether the drilling toolpath is gouge checked.

Retract Feed Rate You can now specify a Retract Feed Rate for Single Peck, and Deep Drilling Cycles and Break Chip.


Looking at the Feed Rate Reduction Factors frame on the Expert

Drilling dialog (available by clicking ) when you select a Cycle Type of Single Peck

Or looking at the Decreasing Pecks frame on the Expert Drilling dialog when you select a Cycle Type of Deep Drill or Break Chip.

Or looking at the Decreasing Pecks frame on the Expert Drilling dialog when you select a Cycle Type of Break Chip.

Retract Factor - the factor by which the drill retracts between one peck and the next. A value of 0.25 retracts the drill by 25% of the peck depth between successive pecks.

Retract Feed - the factor by which the feed rate is reduced (or increased) as he drill retracts up the hole. A value of 2 increases the retract feed rate to be twice the feed rate.

Retract at Rapid - when checked the drill retracts up the hole at the Rapid Feed Rate . When unchecked the drill retracts at the Retract Feed.


Subsidiary Peck You can now specify a Subsidiary Peck for Deep Drilling Cycles.

Subsidiary Peck - the distance between successive pecks. The drill

only retracts to the clear plane at the Peck Depth rather than the Subsidiary Peck distance. So, if you have a Peck Depth of 3 and a Subsidiary Peck of 1 the drill goes:

down 1 up 0.1 down 1.1 up 01. down 1.1 up to the clear plane down 4 up 0.1 down 1.1 up 01. down 1.1 up to the clear plane and so on...


Profile There Profile Drilling dialog looks different, but is very similar to the previous version.

One of the main differences is that the first profile takes place at Peck Depth rather than at the top of the hole. There are also several additional options on the Advanced Profile Drilling dialog.

Overlap Angle - the angle (between 0° and 90°) over which the

profile overlaps. Lead Distance - the length of the Lead move before (or after) the

drilling toolpath. Final Profile Pass - allows you to have a different allowance for the

final profiling pass. For more information see Profiling.


Chamfer You can create a Chamfer with a tool large than the hole without having to define the hole as a tapered hole by selecting an Operation of Chamfer. This then enables a Chamfer frame in the Advanced Drilling dialog. If you have a Cycle Type of either Single Peck the following Chamfer frame is displayed:

In this case the tool must be larger than the hole. If you have a Cycle Type of either Profile the following Chamfer frame is displayed:

In this case the tool must be smaller than the hole. Diameter - this is the diameter at the top of the hole. Initially this is the diameter of the hole without the chamfer. As you enter a width the Diameter changes to the width of the original hole plus twice the width value. Width - this is the increase in radius of the hole. Tooltip Clearance - the distance between the lower edge of the chamfer and the tip of the tool.

The tool used must be a Drill.

Drilling Method Enhancements You can now select all diameters and lengths in Compound

Holes (see "Selection by Hole Index" on page 105).

Selection by Hole Index This topic has not been fully documented yet.


In a drilling method, holes can be selected by depth and diameter. However in previous versions only the depth of th longest hole or the diameter of the largest hole could be selected for a compound holes. You can now select all diameters and lengths in Compound Holes using the Hole Index. You can select all holes with one hole index and then drill to another. For example you can select all compound holes with a diameter of say 20 and length of 5and then drill then drill them using another tool index with say a diameter of 12 and length of 25.


Status Toolbar The Status toolbar always shows the Tolerance and Thickness for the active toolpath. Previously this was only displayed when the strategy dialog was raised.

108 • Toolpath Verification Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Stock Models There are various enhancements to Stock Models.

When you create a Stock Model Rest Boundary PowerMill automatically selects values from the active stock model. For more information see Stock Model Rest Boundary (see "Stock Model Rest Boundaries" on page 53).

By default the Stock Model state is NOT locked this makes it easier to invalidate the stock model without explicitly unlocking each state and then invalidating each state.

The representation of stock models in the explorer has changed.

shows an input to the stock model.

shows an output from the stock model.

shows that a batch stock model exists. This means that PowerMILL knows all the relevant parameters to create the stock model at a later date. Each state node has if it hasn't been calculated.

You can now apply new toolpaths to a Stock Model entity so that its state appears after an output reference in the stock model tree.

Toolpath Verification

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Toolpath Verification • 109

The Stock Model Object right click menu has an additional item of Volume. This calculates the Stock Model's volume.

State - the active state of the stock model. Volume - volume of the stock model in the model units (in this case mm3).

The Stock Model Object right click menu has an additional item of Edit - Make Invalid. This invalidates all the calculations of the states and unlocks them. This enables you to resolve dependency issues between this stock model and other entities.

110 • Toolpath Output Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

There are several enhancements to NC Programs: There are three additional Coolant options. (see "Additional

Coolant Options" on page 111) Skim Distance (on the Z Heights tab of the Toolpath Lead

and Links dialog ) is now output as a CL record for drilling cycles.

The Project Name is now output as a CL record. NC Program Commands/ Comments (available from Edit

Selected on the NC Program object right click menu and click on the Comments button) are remembered from one PowerMILL session to the next. This is the same behaviour as all other NC Program preferences.

Tool Change Position (available from Preferences on the NC Program right click menu and then select the Toolpath tab) are remembered from one PowerMILL session to the next.

Toolpath Output

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Toolpath Output • 111

Additional Coolant Options There are three additional Coolant options available on the Edit Selected NC Programs dialog (available from the NC Program right click menu), on the NC Program dialog (available from the Settings option on the NC Program right click menu) and on the NC Preferences dialog (available from the Preferences option on the NC Program right click menu).

Air - air blast Through - coolant through spindle Double - two coolant codes are allowed.

Double requires a DUCTPost upgrade.

112 • User Interface Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

All the buttons have changed in this release. This is to maintain compatibility with PowerSHAPE and to introduce true colour (32 bit) buttons rather than 256 colour ones. Tables comparing all the PowerMILL Buttons in PowerMILL 7.0 and 6.0 are shown in PowerMILL Buttons (on page 129). It is now necessary to run PowerMILL in 32 bit graphics mode. If you run in 16 bit mode all the explorer icons "disappear".

User Interface

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 General • 113

Folders Folders give you an easy way to organise your data. You can create a Folder in any of the explorer entities, but they are probably of greatest use for organising tools and toolpaths.

General

114 • General Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Create Folder - creates a folder called Folder 1. You can rename this folder in the normal way. You can then drag and drop entities into the folder.

You can create Folders within Folders.

Once you have created a folder it then has its own right click menu allowing you to Create, Copy (Edit - Copy Folder) and Delete folders as well as all the standard options for that entity type.



Dynamic Sectioning Dynamic sectioning gives you the ability to quickly section through the current view. This can be particularly useful when analysing a portion of a toolpath. This is available from either the View - Dynamic Sectioning menu option or the Dynamic Sectioning option on the graphics right click menu.

Dynamic Sectioning gives you the ability to quickly section through the current view. This can be particularly useful when analysing a portion of a toolpath. It is a dynamic state and cannot be saved.

This displays the Dynamic Sectioning dialog.


Position - determines which clip plane is enabled and the position of the clip plane. Distance - details the distance of the clipping planes from the origin of the active workplane and allows you to create a workplane on the clipping plane. Axis - determines the orientation of the clipping planes in terms of the active workplane or the view. Draw Edges - draws the clipped edges of the shaded model. This behaviour is dependent on the graphics card.

Translucency - draws the clipped sections translucent. When you select this option it is often clearer if you check the Draw Edges option.

Dynamic Sectioning can also be controlled by keyboard shortcuts. These are defined in the table below.

Key Description

→ moves the front clipping plane forward

← moves the front clipping plane back

CTRL + → moves the back clipping plane forward

CTRL + ← moves the back clipping plane back


Key Description

Home moves the front clipping plane to the most positive axis position

CTRL + Home moves the back clipping plane to the most negative axis position

End moves the front clipping plane to the most negative axis position (this may not be possible if the planes are locked)

CTRL + End moves the back clipping plane to the most positive axis position (this may not be possible if the planes are locked)

Key: → right arrow key ← left arrow key anything in bold is a key

The keyboard focus has to be in the graphics window (click in the graphics window to give it the focus) for these shortcuts to work.


Example Using Dynamic Sectioning This example shows you the power of Dynamic Sectioning when used to help you analyse a toolpath. This uses the Flats.dgk example with a simple Are Clearance toolpath. The tool is on the toolpath at an area of interest (using the Attach Active Tool to Start from the Toolpath right click menu and then stepping through the toolpath to the area of interest).

1. From the Graphics right click menu select the Dynamic

Sectioning option.


2. This displays the Dynamic Sectioning dialog.

3. Change the Axis to Y so that the sectioning is done normal to the

Y axis of the global transform (as there is no active workplane).

4. Check the back option and move the slider immediately above this

option to display a dynamic section. You will see the model being "cut away".


5. If you change your View you can see the position of the tool on the model more clearly.

6. In certain cases Dynamic Sectioning can offer a much clearer

result than Translucency (from the Model right click menu) of the model.


Copy and Paste There are two new ways of copying and pasting data:

You can Copy and Paste entities (see "Copying Between Entities" on page 122) between models, patterns and boundaries.

You can Copy data from Information (see "Copying Data from Information Dialogs" on page 123) dialogs.

Copying Between Entities You can Copy and Paste entities between models, patterns and boundaries. This is available from the explorer right click menus.

You can copy and paste data within PowerMILL of from one

PowerMILL session to another. Only closed segments are pasted into boundaries. Only wireframe geometry can be pasted from models to boundaries

or patterns.


Copying Data from Information Dialogs When an Information dialog is displayed you can select any data within the dialog and then from the right click menu select Copy. This copies the data onto the clipboard which can then be pasted into other areas of PowerMILL or other applications.


PowerMILL Licences PowerMILL now automatically releases Flex licences after 5 minutes of inactivity. The licence will automatically be requested when when activity is resumed. If you request a licence which is no longer available then the program will wait until it becomes available.


Changes to the Thickness Dialog The General tab has been removed from the Thickness dialog

.

The Area Clearance, Finishing and Boundary thicknesses can now

only be edited on the toolpath strategy and boundary dialogs. The Automatic Collision Checking options are now available on

the new Automatic Verification (on page 27) dialog.


Selecting Similar coloured items Using Ctrl + Alt during selection selects all similar coloured items, of the same entity.

This only selects Drawn items. Selecting holes of a particular colour can show the benefits of this feature. Using Ctrl + Alt to select one hole:

All the holes of that colour are selected.

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 Preview • 127

Preview - Caution Preview features are provided to offer new functionality in their early stages of development so that you can assess their functionality. Frequently these features offer new and enhanced functionality requested by users. They are placed in the program for your experimentation. Delcam recognises that they have a minimal user interface and could be incomplete or inconvenient to use. Preview features are designed to give you an insight into our development direction and we would appreciate constructive comments on how to improve functionality and how to present the user interface. Please provide feedback via your system supplier. Although it is Delcam's intention to integrate Preview features into the main functionality of the programme there is no guarantee that this will happen or that they will be implemented in exactly the same way. Preview features are under continuous development: their behaviour may have changed since this document was printed. For up-to-date information on the detailed workings of a preview feature please refer to the release notes. It is also possible that existing parameters may be interpreted by preview features in different ways to the main program, so that keying in the same data to the main and preview features may produce different results.

Preview

128 • Preview Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Enabling Preview Software Although it is very easy to enable the Preview software you must be aware that you are entering a development environment. This means that:

1. Preview software has NOT been tested to the same level as released software. Therefore always save your work prior to using preview functionality.

2. Existing functionality may be subtly changed in the Preview environment.

3. There is No guarantee of forward compatibility. 4. Macros written using Preview software will NOT work in future

releases and may cause unexpected behaviour. 5. Preview software is available for experimentation. It may provide

useful functionality. However, please do NOT use it for critical work as it is not as stable as released software and so may cause unexpected results.

Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0 PowerMILL Buttons • 129

The tables in the following sections show a complete list of the buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Toolbars

Main Toolbar Buttons (on page 130). Boundary Toolbar Buttons (on page 132).

Boundary Types Buttons (on page 133). Pattern Toolbar Buttons (on page 134). Simulation Toolbar Buttons (on page 135). Tool Toolbar Buttons (on page 136).

Tool Dialog Buttons (on page 137). Toolpath Toolbar Buttons (on page 138).

Reorder Toolpath Buttons (on page 139). View Toolbar Buttons (on page 140).

Shading Toolbar Buttons (on page 140). ViewMill Toolbar Buttons (on page 142).

Dialogs Block Dialog Buttons (on page 144). Toolpath Strategy Buttons (on page 145). Transform Dialog Buttons (on page 151).

PowerMILL Buttons

130 • PowerMILL Buttons Beta What's New in PowerMILL 7.0

Main Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Main toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.

Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Open Project

Save the PowerMILL Project

Print

Block

Feed Rates

Rapid Move Heights

Start and End Points

Leads and Links

Tool Axis

Not Available Point Distribution

Default Thickness

Toolpath Strategies

Create Toolpath - Raster Finishing

Collision Checking

Raise ViewMill toolbar

Calculator

Measure Model

Create Electrode



Launch AutoCAM

Launch PS-Exchange


Boundary Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Boundary toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Create a Block Boundary

Insert Saved Boundary into a Boundary

Save Boundary

Inserts a Boundary into active Boundary

Converts the active Pattern into a Boundary

Converts the active Toolpath into a Boundary

Converts the surface edges into a Boundary

Sketch a Boundary

Not available Model a boundary using Curve Modelling

Model a boundary using Wireframe Modelling

Edit the active Boundary

Deletes the geometry of the Boundary

Deletes the Boundary


Boundary Types Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Boundary toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Create a Block Boundary

Create a Rest Boundary

Create a Selected Surface Boundary

Create a Shallow Boundary

Create a Silhouette Boundary

Create a Collision Safe Boundary

Create a Stock Model Rest Boundary

Create a Contact Point Boundary

Create a Contact Conversion Boundary

Create a User Defined Boundary


Pattern Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Pattern toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Create a Pattern

Automatic Pattern Generation

Inserts a Saved Pattern into a Pattern

Save Pattern

Inserts a Boundary into a Pattern

Converts the active Toolpath into a Pattern

Converts the surface edges into a Pattern

Sketch a Pattern

Not available Model a boundary using Curve Modelling

Model a boundary using Wireframe Modelling

Edit the active Pattern

Deletes the geometry of the Pattern

Deletes the Pattern


Simulation Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Simulation toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Draw Machine Tool

Import Machine Tool

Viewpoint as if looking at the Machine Tool

Viewpoint from the Model

Viewpoint from the Tool

Toggles between ViewMill and PowerMILL

- play toolbar Version 7.0

- play toolbar Version 6.0


Tool Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Tool toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Create Tool

Edit the active Tool

Deletes the Tool

Tool Types Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

End Mill

Ball Nosed

Tip Radiused

Tapered Spherical

Tapered Tipped

Drill

Tipped Disc

Off Centre Tip Radiused

Tapping

Form Tool

Tool From Catalogue

Not available Routing Tool


Tool Dialog Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Tool dialog buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Assembly Creation Toolbar

Shank Holder

Holder Toolbar


Copy Tool

Delete Tool Assembly

Add Shank Component

Delete Shank Component

Add Holder Component

Delete Holder Component


Toolpath Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Tool toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Transform Toolpath

Limit Toolpath

Divide Toolpath

Move Toolpath Start Points

Update Region

Reorder

Copy Toolpath

Delete Toolpath

Draw Toolpath Links

Draw Toolpath Leads

Draw Toolpath Points

Draw Toolpath Axes

Draw Toolpath Contact Normals

Draw Toolpath Feeds


Reorder Toolpath Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Tool toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Delete Selected

Move to Start

Move Up

Move Down

Move to End

Reverse Order

Reverse Direction

Alternate Direction

Automatic Reorder

Automatic Reorder and Reverse


View Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the View toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


2D Views

ISO Views

Zoom Buttons

Last View

Refresh

Shading options

Wireframe

Shading Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Shade toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Shading options

Thickness Shade



Machining Mode Shade

Default Thickness Shade

Default Machining Mode Shade

Draft Angle Shade

Minimum Radius Shade

Multi Colour Shade

Plain Shade


ViewMill Toolbar Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Simulation toolbar buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Toggles between ViewMill and PowerMILL

Graphic Resolution - Low

Graphic Resolution - High

Open Block

Reset Block

Paint Block

Clean Block

Smooth Block

Save Block

Pause on error

Highlight Climb Cutting

Highlight Conventional Cutting

Wireframe Tool

Shaded Tool

Jump Refresh

Smooth Refresh

Volume Rate

Display Coordinates

ViewMill NC Program


- play toolbar Version 7.0.

- play toolbar Version 6.0.


Block Dialog Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Block dialog buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Block button

Block toolbar

Locks Block to World Coordinates

Block Lock

Block Unlock


Toolpath Strategy Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Toolpath Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Drilling Strategies (on page 145). 2.5D Area Clearance Strategies (on page 145). 3D Area Clearance Strategies (on page 146). Finishing Strategies (on page 146). Ports (on page 148). Toolpath Strategy Dialog Buttons (on page 148). Sorting Buttons (on page 149).

Drilling Strategies The table below shows a complete list of the Block buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Drilling

New Drilling Method

Drilling Methods

2.5D Area Clearance Strategies The table below shows a complete list of the 2.5 D Area Clearance Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

2D Machining Wizard

Offset Area Clear Feature Set

Profile Area Clear Feature Set



Raster Area Clear Feature Set

3D Area Clearance Strategies The table below shows a complete list of the 3D Area Clearance Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Offset Area Clearance Model

Plunge Milling

Profile Area Clear Model

Raster Area Clear Model

Finishing Strategies The table below shows a complete list of the Finishing Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

3D Offset Finishing

Constant Z Finishing

Corner Along Finishing

Corner Automatic Finishing

Corner Multi Pencil Finishing

Corner Pencil Finishing

Corner Stitch Finishing



Embedded Pattern Finishing

Not Available Interleaved Constant Z

Finishing

Offset Flat Finishing

Optimised Constant Z Finishing

Not Available Parametric Offset Finishing

Pattern Finishing

Profile Finishing

Projection Curve Finishing

Projection Line Finishing

Projection Plane Finishing

Projection Point Finishing

Projection Surface Finishing

Radial Finishing

Raster Finishing

Rotary Finishing

Spiral Finishing

Not Available Surface Finishing

Swarf Finishing

Wireframe Swarf Finishing


Ports The table below shows a complete list of the Ports Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Not Available Port Area Clear Model

Not Available Port Plunge Finishing

Not Available Port Spiral Finishing

Toolpath Strategy Dialog Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Toolpath Strategy buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0 Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Large Icons

List

Recycle Toolpath

Copy Toolpath

Thickness

Axial Thickness

Radial Thickness

Z Heights

Delete Z Heights by Picking

Boundary List

Machine Between

Remachine and Machine Between



Stepover Using Cusp

Delete A Specified Level

Delete A Specified Pocket

Delete A Specified Area

For information on the Toolpath Sorting Strategy buttons see Sorting Buttons (on page 149).

Sorting Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Sorting buttons used in PowerMILL 6.0 and PowerMILL 7.0. Button in 7.0 Button in 6.0 Description

Sorting List

As Created

Along X, one-way

Along X, two-way

Along Y, one-way

Along Y, two-way

Along Diagonal 1, one-way

Along Diagonal 1, two-way

Along Diagonal 2, one-way

Along Diagonal 2, two-way

Shortest Path

Next Closest Area

Concentric Circles

Radial Pattern

Cylinder



Transform Dialog Buttons The table below shows a complete list of the Transform dialog buttons used in PowerMILL 6 and PowerMILL 7.0.


Translate in X

Translate in Y

Translate in Z

Rotate in X

Rotate in Y

Rotate in Z

Scale in X

Scale in Y

Scale in Z

Mirror XY

Mirror ZX



Mirror YZ

Documents

PM7 - WhatsNew