VISI Machining 2D

VERO UK TRAINING MATERIAL

2D CAM Training

VISI Machining – 2D CAM

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INTRODUCTION During this exercise, it is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of the VISI-Series software. OBJECTIVE

This tutorial has been written to give a user a step by step guide on how to use the new VISI 16.0 CAM interface. This tutorial will also give an in depth knowledge on using the 2D CAM and all of its features, from creating a simple toolpath and using the different geometry methods, too editing the toolpaths and geometry.

Things that will be covered in this training document:

• Creating Manual Features • Creating Toolpaths – Pocketing, Milling, Face milling • Creating a Drilling operation • Creating 2.5D Toolpath • Editing Model Geometry • Editing Tools • Creating Tools • Using Toolholders

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Manual Features From the menu select file > Open The file that were about to use is installed by default and can be used at any time. Navigate to the following location and open the file - Compass Technology.wkf C:\Visi16\Workf\Sample\Cam

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The file itself is made of solid models. In version 16.0 of Visi It is now possible to directly machine in 2D from a 3D model. From the menu select Machining > CAM Navigator

Inside of the CAM Navigator it is possible to define all of the Machining that is required. This ranges from 2D all the way through to 5 axis, all of which uses this main interface. Inside of the CAM Navigator you will see there are two pages, Feature and Operations. The Features page is used to control all of the Model geometry that is being machined e.g. Pockets, Profiles, Holes, Piece Material, Stock Model, Obstacles. The Operations page is where all of the toolpath data is stored. Inside of this window it is possible to edit the machine tool that is being used and which tool crib is being used, modify the toolpath parameters e.g. Step over and step down, Tool that is being used, post processor that is being used. The first thing that we will do is to define a pocket to be machined out. From inside the Feature page right hand click on the Model Manager option and select Add manual Feature

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A manual feature can be a combination of things, face, point, circle, arc, profile and set of points. This will allow you to pick any of these items and create a blind hole, through hole, closed pocket, open pocket and a boss


With this option selected the system will ask you to pick a face or element. Ensure the face selection icon is active and pick on the green face as shown bellow

Once this face has been selected the system will open a new dialog box displaying the information about what has been picked. Inside of this dialog box it is possible to add and remove geometry that has been selected or miss-selected.

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Select this Face


Select Ok to the dialog box. With the model selection now confirmed the system will now open the Feature parameters dialog box.

Inside of this dialog box it is possible to define what kind of manual feature you wish to create by changing the feature subtype drop down box.

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Selecting this icon will allow you to add more geometry to the selection.

This icon will allow you to pick an item from the selection tree and remove this from the selection.


Please note that this list can vary in length depending on the shape of the feature that has been picked e.g. Cylindrical Hole or Point = Inside of this dialog box it is also possible to define a variety of parameters for the feature that has been chosen e.g. diameter, tip angle, thread diameter. These parameters are feature sensitive, so if that particular parameter does not have an affect on that feature it will be greyed out. In this dialog box it is also possible to directly interact with the feature Manager if a cylindrical hole or Point has been selected by picking on the “Feature attribute icon” this will allow you to assign a feature such as tapping, counter boring, drilling to a hole.

Ensure the feature subtype is set to pocket and the height is 20 and select OK to the dialog box.

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Once the Feature parameters have been confirmed you will now see a feature has been added to the Model Manager tree

With the feature now added it is possible to add our first toolpath. N.B. All parameters for features, toolpaths, models etc are all controlled from the right hand mouse menu. Right hand click on the newly created feature and select “Add Operation”.` The system will now open the Operations dialog box.

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Inside of this dialog box it is possible to select the toolpaths that is required. The system is will filter out any operations that cannot be applied on the feature that has been chosen.

1. Search – this command will allow you to type in the name of the toolpath you are looking for in the text box provided. 2. Clear Search – this will remove any search that has been applied 3. Add to favourites – this will allow you to select a toolpath and copy it into the favourite’s folder. This will allow you to develop a list of frequently used commands. 4. Style – this changes the layout style of the dialog box 5. Delete – this command will allow you to remove a toolpath from the favourites section. Select the pocket operation and select ok With the toolpath now defined, the next step is to select which tool we wish to use from the tool crib.

1. Add tool from DB – This will allow you to select a tool from the VISI Tools database 2. Add tool manually– This option will allow you to create a tool manually from scratch 3. Edit Record – This option will allow you to edit the parameters of a tool 4. Duplicate Tool – This option will allow you to make a copy of a previously defined tool 5. Change Tool position – This option will allow you to edit the tool position in the crib. 6. Edit tool holder – This option will allow you to add or edit a tool holder 7. Delete Record – This option will allow you to delete a tool from the crib. Select the 10mm Endmill from the tool crib and press OK.

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Pocketing

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The system will now build the toolpath automatically based upon the system defaults.

Note you will also now notice that in the Model manager tree the pocket feature text has gone from green to black. This is to indicate that a toolpath has now been applied to that feature. We can now modify the toolpath parameters from with the operations page. Select the operations Page. Inside of the operations page you will now see the pocketing Spiral operation we have just created on the feature.

Inside of the operations tree, it is possible to control all of the parameters of the toolpath and simulation options.

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Right hand click on the Pocketing Spiral operation.


Operation tree – RHM• Editing cutting conditions – Toolpath parameters• Model geometry editing – Change or edit model• Editing tools – Change or edit tools• Editing boundaries – Machining Boundaries• Editing User Priority – Operation Priority• Copy – Copy toolpath• Build Toolpath – Batch build Toolpath• Re-set Toolpath data – Reset the toolpath data• Save operation as a Template • Cam Setup Shift factor – G54/55 Shift factor• Toolpath Laboratory – Simulate toolpath• Kinematic Simulation – Machine tool Simulation• Toolpath Checker – Collision Point checking• Posting – Post processing• Toolpath report – Tool sheet• Show/hide toolpath

Select the properties option from the right hand mouse menu. You will now be presented with a new dialog box that will contain all of the operation parameters for the toolpath.



Side allowance – Stock to be retained on the side of the part Bottom allowance – Stock to be retained on the bottom of the pocket Island Top allowance – stock to be retained on top of any island detected Stepover method – this option will allow you to choose the different stepover methods available. Spiral Out, Spiral In, ZigZag, Oneway Stepover – This is the Value or percentage that the toolpath will stepdown. Stroke angle – this option is only active when the stepover method ZigZag or one way and will change the stroke angle on the passes. Corners method – this option will allow you to either have a sharp corner or add a set radius to any sharp corners found to help avoid dwell marks. High speed radius – this option is only on when the corner method is set to round and will allow you to define a radius for the sharp corner movements. Reduce retract movements – this option will try and remove any un-necessary retract rapid movements where possible. Max Stepdown – this value define the maximum stepdown between passes Last Stepdown – this option will allow you to specify a stepdown value to clear up the bottom of the pocket. Machine island top – this option will allow you to profile machine the top of an island if one has been found.


Generate left overs – this option will build 2D profiles in the areas that the cutter cannot get into.


Cut Method – this will define the cutting direction to be climb or conventional Profiling method – this option will add finishing passes at either the beginning or end of the passes Cut direction Method – this option will allow you to reverse or invert the stepover direction N.B. [%] – where any percentage value icon is present, it is possible to select this icon and allow you to use physical value instead of a percentage value.

Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Return between Levels – if this option is ticked, the tool will return to the clearance plane or rapid distance after every level Clearance plane – this value is the Z value when the tool is moving from one area to another


Feed distance – this value is the amount feed movement created before the toolpath moves in rapid.


Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Entry Method – this option defines how the tool will approach the part. Angle – this option defines the ramp angle when the approach method is set to descending. Increment – if the approach method is Zigzag this value is active and will allow you to define the height in between each ZigZag movement. Generate Hole Feature – this option will allow you to pick a drill point to start machining from.

Face Mill Z Start – If possible the system will add a extra stock thickness and face milling path to the top of the pocket. Maximum absolute Z – This option will allow you to change the machining Z top according to an absolute Value Minimum absolute Z - This option will allow you to change the machining Z bottom according to an absolute Value Max/min feature depth –


Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket


Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Min side / bottom radius – this option will allow you to add a radius to the bottom of the pocket Pocket / island draft angle – this option will allow you to add draft to any islands that have been found.

1. Model Manager – this option will allow you to check, add, remove the geometry that is being used to produce the toolpath. Inside of this option it is also possible to change start, approach, retract and end points. 2. Tolerance – this option will display the tolerances used in the toolpath 3. Auto Rebuild – if selected this option will automatically rebuild the toolpath as soon as you select ok to the operations parameters dialog box 4. Create Custom operation – this option will allow you to save all of the operation parameters you have defined as an external file without any of the tool information. 5. Load Custom operation – this will allow you to load the “snapshot” file as explained above. 6. Save defaults – this option will save the parameters as they stand as default 7. Compass settings – this option will allow you to access all of the variables that can be used with the compass technology. Use the following parameters in the pocketing operation. Side Allowance = 0.5 Bottom Allowance = 0.5 Stepover = 50% Max Stepdown = 4 Select ok to the dialog box. The toolpath should now have been built with the parameters that you have defined. We can now simulate the toolpath with the Toolpath Laboratory option. Right hand click on the Pocketing Spiral operation and scroll down the option list and select on the Toolpath laboratory option


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The system will now open the new Toolpath Laboratory dialog box. From inside of here it is possible to simulate the toolpath, view the type of geometry that makes up the toolpath, view the speeds and feeds at specific points on the toolpath or at a given level.

1. Play – This icon will start the simulation 2. Move point backward – This option will allow you to step back through the toolpath points 3. Move point forward – This option will allow you to step forward through the toolpath points 4. Stop Simulation – This icon will stop the simulation 5. Level Backwards – This icon will allow you to step backwards through the toolpath level 6. Level Forwards - This icon will allow you to step forwards through the toolpath level 7. (See bellow) (7a) 8. Simulation Speed – This slider bar will allow you to speed up or slow down the simulation 9. Invert direction – This is icon will reverse the toolpath direction for the simulation only 10. (See bellow) (10a)


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1. No criteria – this option will remove any visualisation option that has been set 2. By element type – this option will show the type of elements that make up the toolpath e.g. segments, arcs, and helixes in a colour band option. 3. Same Feed – this option will colour band the toolpath relating to different speeds and feeds across it. 4. Show points – this option will show the physical toolpath points 5. Show Rapids – this option if enabled will show the rapid movements on the toolpath 6. Show links – this option will show all linking moves in the toolpath 7. Show normals – this option will show the toolpath normal points 8. Show helixes – This option will show all helixes in the toolpath 9. Set Colours – this option will allow you to control all of the colours that’s are used for all of the banding options, feed rate ranges, etc 10. Show diameter compensation – this option will add the cutter compensation to the simulation if it has been added in the operation parameters. 11. Set tool transparency – this option will control the toolpath transparency of the tool and the holder itself when the transparent shading is enabled.

1. Edit entry/exit – this option will allow you to edit the entry and exit plane Z height 2. Sub path trimming – this option will allow you to delete levels of the toolpath 3. Tool path trimming – this option will allow you to trim an area of a toolpath back to a profile 4. Edit toolpath – this option will allow you to edit or delete a specific point on a toolpath 5. Move tool on point – this option will allow you to move the tool to a specific point on the toolpath and also see the XYZ position and speed and feed at that specific point. 6. Draw modality – this option will display all of the parameters as explained above. 7. Show Links – this option if enabled will show the linking movements of the toolpath Ensure the Model is shaded, highlight the pocketing Spiral operation from the operations page and select the play icon to begin the simulation N.B. it is possible to simply select an individual level of the toolpath and start the simulation from this level rather then starting from the very beginning. Once the simulation has been run, Close the Toolpath laboratory. We have now successfully defined a closed pocket, we will now define an open pocket and also look at modifying the start and end points of the toolpath.


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Machining an Open Pocket Move back into the features page of the CAM Navigator. Right hand click on the Model Manager and select the option Add Manual Feature. Ensure the face icon is selected and select the face as shown bellow

Select OK to the features dialog box to confirm the face selection. The system will once again open the Feature Parameters dialog box.


Select this face


As you will see, the system will automatically detect the depth of the pocket and also that the pocket is open. Select OK to this dialog box. You will now see that the open pocket has been added to the Model Manager page.

Even though the pocket is open it is possible to modify the geometry in order to close the open sides and convert this into a pocket if needed. Right hand click on the Open Pocket feature and select Properties The system will now open the Geometry Features dialog box. This dialog box will show all of the geometrical information about the feature that has been picked. It will also contain vital information about compass(*) settings and machining cycle that is being used for this particular feature


(*) Please ask your instructor for an explanation of compass options


From the geometry features dialog box select the Edit Open/Closed Sides icon The system will now open the Edit geometry dialog box. Inside of this dialog box, it is possible to see what elements are set to be open and what elements are set to be closed. By default the system will always split the longest element or open side into two segments, this is used by the system to define the start and end point for machining. The system will also display closed elements in orange and open elements in green. If you right hand click on a item from the list it is possible to change an open element to be closed.

Cancel the Edit geometry dialog box without making any changes to the element status and return back to the CAM navigator. The next step is to create a roughing and finishing toolpath on the open pocket. As we did before, select the open pocket from the Model manager tree, and right hand click and select and Add operation. Select the Pocketing operation and select OK. The system will now open the tool selection dialog box.



This time we will pick a tool from the Visi tools database. Select the Add tool from DB icon

The system will display all tool from the VISI tools database. To make selection of the correct tool easier we can use the filter options at the top of the dialog box. Change the filter drop down boxes at the top of the dialog box to be the same as the ones shown bellow.



Select the following tool and select Ok.

The system will now build the toolpath

We can now add some toolpath parameters. From inside of the operation page, right hand click on the second pocketing spiral operations and select properties (or alternatively double click on the second toolpath operation)



Add a Value of 1mm for Side and Bottom Allowance and select OK.

With the roughing cut now taken on the pocket we can add a finishing cleaning pass on the pocket. Once again right hand click on the open pocket feature from the model manager tree, and select Add Operation. This time we will add a Milling operation to the pocket From the Global Tooling database select the following tool and select OK.

Your Operations tree should now look like so:

We will now add some entry and exit parameters for our toolpath. Open the toolpath parameters,



Side allowance – Stock to be retained on the side of the part Bottom allowance – Stock to be retained on the bottom of the pocket Stepover – This is the Value or percentage that the toolpath will stepover. Number of passes – this option will allow you to add extra passes for roughing if needed Round corners – this option will remove sharp corners and replace these with arcs Zigzag Mode – if the passes are greater then 1, the system will allow you to apply ZigZag machining between the passes Max Stepdown – this value define the maximum stepdown between passes Last Stepdown – this option will allow you to specify a stepdown value to clear up the bottom of the feature Generate Left overs – this option will create profiles in the areas that could not be machined with the defined cutter Overlap Method – these 3 options will allow you to machine past the start and end point by a given amount in different styles to remove any possible cusps that might have been created when leading in and out of the model. Length – this is the amount extra length you wish to apply to the toolpath Toolpath Offset – this option will control if the tool is offset from the profile in anyway. Diameter Compensation – this option will allow you to turn diameter comp on and off.



Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Return between Levels – if this option is ticked, the tool will return to the clearance plane after every level Clearance plane – this value is the Z value when the tool is moving from one area to another Feed distance – this value is the amount of feed movement created before the toolpath moves in rapid. Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – this is the way in which the toolpath will approach the feature e.g. feed or rapid Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature


Radius – this will define the radius of the entry arc if the leadin method is set to circular or helical


Leadout Method – This option will define how the tool will “roll off” the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z Exit angle - this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance - this is the distance the cutter feed out when leaving the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the exit arc if the leadout method is set to circular or helical

Maximum absolute Z – This option will allow you to change the machining Z top according to an absolute Value Minimum absolute Z - This option will allow you to change the machining Z bottom according to an absolute Value Max/min feature depth – This value define the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Min side / bottom radius –


Set the following parameters in the operation parameters dialog box.


PASSES Max Stepdown - 50% Overlap method – Extend element Length – 75% LINKING Leadin method – Perpendicular Distance – 75% Leadout method – Perpendicular Distance – 75% With the parameters now confirmed select OK to the dialog box. The toolpath should now be built to reflect the changes that have been made.

With the toolpath now complete we now need to adjust the current feeds and speeds that have been already set. Right hand click on the Milling operation and select Edit cutting conditions.



Using this dialog box it is possible to define all of the speeds and feeds, coolant to be used etc. Please change the speeds and feeds to be the same as the ones bellow and select ok



We have now machined an open and closed pocket, used pocketing and milling operations, used existing tools from the library and also selected a tool from the VISI tools database the next step is to look at face milling and creating our own tool manually. We now need to create a profile feature of the outer shape of the model in order to facemill the part successfully. From the menu select Wireframe > Profile > Profile from face N.B Use the Select visible entities command to help with the selection. Ensure the face icon is selected and pick the bottom face of the model as shown.

Confirm the profile default attributes. We now need to add profile CAM attributes to the profile that we have just created From the menu select Machining > Profile CAM attributes The system will now ask you to select the profile. Select the profile. The system will now ask you to define the material side. Using the spacebar toggle the arrow so that it is pointing inwards towards the model



Confirm the direction with M2. The system will now display the Z height of the profile.

We now need to enter the Z value for the top of the model, this will then move the profile up to this Z height and graphically show the pocket. The best way to do this is to use the point selection icons from the left hand side of the screen.

Highlight the Z top value 230 and select the icon Point in Z and select the top point as shown bellow.


Length of a Segment\Arc

Distance from Origin

Point in Y

Distance between point to point

Between 2 points in Y Between 2 points in Z

Between 2 points in X

Point in Z

Point in X

Angle of two elements


The Z value should now be Z 286 and select OK. You should now see the top of the profile has been moved to the corresponding Z value and the graphical representation of the pocket.

With the pocket now defined we can facemill the model.



Re-open the CAM navigator You will now notice that in the Model manager tree, an extra directory has been created. If the system finds any 2D profiles with CAM attributes assigned to them, they will automatically be added to a CAM repository folder. When dealing with 2D profiles it is possible to convert them into manual features. This gives the added benefit of being able to use the compass technology (*) and also greater information about the feature itself e.g. Volume, height Expand out the CAM Repository folder and right hand click on the profile itself. From the menu select Add Manual feature.

The system will now convert the 2D profile into a manual feature.

With the feature now defined we can now add the toolpath that we require. Right hand click on the toolpath and select Add operation. Once again we will use the pocketing operation in order to facemill the feature. Please note that we can only facemill the feature if it is defined as a Boss From the toolpath selection dialog box, select the pocketing operation. The system should now open the tool crib dialog box. Instead of Selecting a tool from the crib or the Visi tools database, this time we will create a new tool from scratch.



Select the Add tool manually icon

From inside this dialog box we can define all of the tool parameters that we will need. Change the manual tool dialog box to be the same as the one bellow.

Once the dialog box matches the one above, select OK. You will now see the tool you have defined in the tool crib. If you wish to add a tool to the tool crib please ask you instructor to show you how to achieve this.



Select the tool again from the tool crib and select OK. The toolpath will now be built.

With the toolpath now complete we forgot to add something to the tool when we were making it….a toolholder. Right handclick on the pocketing toolpath, and select Edit tool. At this point If needed we could change the current tool that is being used for the toolpath but what we are going to do is to add a toolholder to the tool. Select the edit tool holder icon



1. Assembly Description – This text box is the description of the assembly 2. Holder Database – this icon will allow you to pick a pre defined toolholder. 3. Holder Extension Database - this icon will allow you to pick a pre defined extension. 4. Holder Adaptor Database - this icon will allow you to pick a pre defined adaptor. 5. Edit – This icon will allow you to edit a defined holder, extension or adaptor 6. Load Assembly – This icon will allow you to load a full assembly 7. Remove Assembly Component –This option will allow you to remove a holder component 8. Remove all Components – this icon will remove any and all defined holder components 9. Max diameter – This value shows the maximum extreme size of the tool holder 10. Gouge Length – This value defines the distance that the tool protrude from the machine head 11. Compute Presetting – allows you to calculate the required tool length 12. Overhang – this value you allows you to define the distance the holder protrudes from the machine tool head 13. Presetting length - is to calculate the ideal length of tool required for currently applied toolpath. 14. Description – this window will display a list of the holder components 15. Graphic Window – this window will dynamically show you a preview of the holder and components. Select the Holder database icon


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The system will now open a new dialog box and display all of the default holders

Select the ISO 40 holder and select OK. The holder will now be added to the description list and you will now also see the preview of the holder.

Add an Assembly Description called “Holder1” and select ok to the holder dialog box. N.B. Please note that you might need to move the gauge line to the correct position before simulating – please ask your instructor to explain this Re-confirm the tool parameters to take you to the main CAM navigator window.



If you wish, run the toolpath laboratory in order to simulate the toolpath with the new tool holder.

We will now look at the other 2.5D machining strategy’s that are also available. Open the file ‘Profile and section2.wkf’ The file will consists of one ‘closed’ shape profile and one ‘open’ section profile which will define the 2.5D shape.



N.B. No profile CAM attributes have to be defined for this operation. Open the cam navigation. As you will see the Model manager tree will be empty, this is because the profiles themselves do not have any CAM attributes assigned to them. As there are no profiles added to the model manager tree we cannot add an operation in the same fashion as we have done previously. To add and operation we must do this directly from the project itself. Open the Operations page of the CAM Navigator. As you will see, we have already got a project defined.

Right hand click on the Project itself and select Add operation.

The system will now open the toolpath selection dialog box. As you will see, 90% of the toolpaths strategies are missing from the 2.5ax Operations section. This is because we do not have any features or profiles with CAM attributes defined. This dialog box is contextual sensitive and as such will filter out any toolpath that cannot be used on the corresponding geometry.



We do however have the option that we need to use “Profile & Section”. Select this strategy and select ok. Please select the 6mm Ball nose tool from the crib and select ok. The system will now prompt for the geometry to be selected. Use the Select All icon to pick the geometry. The system will now display the selected geometry dialog box.

You will notice that only one profile has been added to the list, this is because it is the profile that is lying on the XY plane. Select ok to the dialog box. N.B. If you right hand click on the Profile from with in the Selected geometry dialog box, it is possible to modify the Start and End Machining point, cut direction, section profile, and section direction. The toolpath will now have been built but we must first change some toolpath parameters.



Open the toolpath parameters of the Profile & Section toolpath.

Side Allowance - Stock to be retained on the side of the part Stepover Method – this option will allow to choose from oneway or ZigZag machining Constant Step – defines the step height in Z Scallop Height – this option defines the physical size of the cusp



Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Return Between Levels - Clearance Plane - Feed distance – this value is the amount feed movement created before the toolpath moves in rapid. Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – this is the way in which the toolpath will approach the feature e.g. feed or rapid Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the entry arc if the leadin method is set to circular or helical Leadout Method – This option will define how the tool will “roll off” the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Exit angle - this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance - this is the distance the cutter feed out when leaving the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the exit arc if the leadout method is set to circular or helical



Max/min feature depth – This value define the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Set the following parameters for the Toolpath in the corresponding pages: PASSES Step over method - 50% Constant Step - 1 Once these parameters have been defined select OK. The toolpath will now be build with the defined values.



Open the file ‘Revolution Example2.wkf’ You will see there is only one ‘open’ profile present. The first thing we must do is to give the profile a machining side and attributes using the “profile CAM attributes” option. This is necessary to determine whether or not the cutter will class the machining as inside or outside and so that we can also pick this from the CAM Navigator. From the menu select Machining > Profile CAM Attribute. Select the profile. The system will now ask you to determine a side and to confirm this with M2.



Using the spacebar toggle the arrow so it is pointed outward and confirm with M2. Next the system will ask you to define the Z height of the profile.

Leave these values at 0 and select OK. There is no need to assign any thickness to the profile as no thickness is need for this particular strategy, but giving the profile thickness will not affect the machining. Open the CAM navigator. You will now notice in the features page you will once again have a profile in the CAM Repository.

Right hand click on the profile from inside the CAM repository and select Add operation. Once the toolpath selection dialog opens, select the Revolution strategy and select OK.



When the tool crib opens, select the Add tool from DB icon With this toolpath it is only possible to use Ballnose tools so you will see it is not possible to change the tool type. Select a 10mm Ballnose tool and select Ok.

Once again confirm the tool selection in the toolcrib and select OK. When we open the operations page you will see that the revolutions toolpath is red. This is because we need to define a rotation point and axis. Right hand click on the Revolutions toolpath from within the Operations page and select Edit Geometry.



The system will now open the toolpath geometry list. Right hand click on the profile entry from the list and select Revolution axes.

The system will now as you to define a point that will control the rotation centre. Using the insert coordinates icon from the left of the screen, enter the coordinates X0 Y0 Z0 and select OK.



Now the system will ask you to define a rotation axes. Select the X axis icon from the left hand side of the screen and confirm this with M2 Once the Toolpath Geometry dialog opens again, re-confirm the selection by selection ok to the dialog box. The toolpath should now be built successfully.

Open the operation parameters of the Revolution toolpath.



Side Allowance - Stock to be retained on the side of the part Stepover Method – this option will allow you to choose from oneway or ZigZag machining Constant Step – defines the step height in Z Scallop Height – this option defines the physical size of the cusp



Transition Methods – this option controls the method in which the tool moves from one area to another on the model. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Feed distance – this value is the amount feed movement created before the toolpath moves in rapid. Transition Distance - this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Distance – this will define the distance to feed into the passes

Upper Z Value – this option will raise the base of machining limit in Z Lower Z Value – this option will lower the base of machining limit in Z Start revolution Angle – this is the angle in which the revolution toolpath will begin e.g. 0= 9 o’clock Final Revolution Angle – the in the angle in which the revolutions will finish Max/min feature depth – this value defines the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Set the following parameters for the Toolpath in the corresponding pages: PASSES Constant Step - 1



LIMITS Start Revolution Angle – 45 Final Revolution Angle – 135 Once these parameters have been defined, select OK. The toolpath will now be build with the defined values.

Open the file ‘Extra 2D operations2.wkf’



We will use this file to take a look at the remaining 2.5D toolpaths. This includes Filleting, Chamfering, Mill thread, Extrusion and Helicoidal Milling. Open the CAM Navigator Inside of the feature page of the CAM navigator you will see all of the profiles with CAM attributes inside of the CAM repository list. The first operation that we are going to do on this model is to use the 2.5D blending option. Right hand click on the CAM Repository folder and select Find Profiles. N.B. This option is especially useful when you have a long list of profiles to distinguish from.

Select on the blending profile as shown bellow.

The system will now highlight Profile #6 in the list. Righthand click on this profile and select Add Operation. Once again we will be asked to select the operation we wish to use.


Blending Profile


Select the Filleting strategy

When the tool crib opens select the 6mm Ballnose tool and select OK. N.B. it is also possible to pick Bullnose and corner rounding tools from the VISI tools db. Move into the operations page of the CAM navigator and open the toolpath parameters o the filleting toolpath.



Side Allowance – This defines how material will be left of the side of the part Radius – This defines the radius of the fillet you are trying to cut Constant Step – this option will define the maximum stepdown between passes. Scallop Height – this option will define the physical scallop height rather then a stepdown. Guided Point Method – This flag determines where the application point for the machining will be calculated from with regard to the tip of the tool and the profile. The High flag assumes the machining to be calculated from the top of the profile and the Low flag the machining to be calculated from the bottom of the radius defined on the tool. If the profile top and bottom were set to 0 and –20 respectively, and the radius on the tool was 5mm, then if the flag was set to be low the machining would not go lower than –5mm. Toolpath Offset – this will allow you to offset the cutter by the radius or relative to the mode. Diameter Compensation – this will allow you to activate diameter compensation in the nc code.

Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another.


Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level.


Return Between Levels – if this option is enabled the tool will return to the safety or clearance plane after every slice Clearance Plane – this is a Z value which the tool will return too Feed distance – this value represents the distance before the tool will feed in when moving from rapid. Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – this is the way in which the toolpath will approach the feature e.g. feed or rapid Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the entry arc if the leadin method is set to circular or helical Leadout Method – This option will define how the tool will “roll off” the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Exit angle - this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance - this is the distance the cutter feed out when leaving the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the exit arc if the leadout method is set to circular or helical


Max/min feature depth – this value defines the depth of the feature


Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Change the following parameters in the corresponding pages

PASSES Constant Step - 1 Once these parameters have been defined, select OK. The toolpath will now be build with the defined values.

If you open the operation parameters, you will notice that the machining parameters will be different depending on the tool that is selected e.g. Ballnose or Corner Rounding. Next we will Chamfer the side of the model. Move back into the feature page of the CAM Navigator and right hand click on Profile #7 Select Add operation Select the Chamfer strategy from the dialog box.



This time instead of using the tool from the library that has been created for you, we will manually create a tool again. When the tool crib opens select the Add tool manually icon When the manual tool parameters opens, change the tool type to be Chamfering

With the correct tool type now in place, change the values to be the same as the ones shown bellow.



Once these values has been added select ok to the dialog box and re-confirm the tool in the tool crib. The toolpath will now have been built. Select the Chamfering toolpath from the operations page and open the toolpath parameters.



Side Allowance - Stock to be retained on the side of the part Chamfer Method – this option will allow you to change the way the chamfer toolpath is defined e.g. depth and width or angle. Depth / Width – these values define the depth and width of the chamfer toolpath. Angle – this option can be used to create the toolpath at a set angle. Multi Passes – this option will add extra passes for roughing on the toolpath Stepover Method – This option will define the stepdown needed for the extra passes Number of Passes – This option will allow you to define the number of extra passes you require Max Stepdown – This option defines the maximum stepdown between Z levels Last Stepdown - Disengage Method – this is the method in which the tool moves off the model. Radial Value – if the disengage method is set to radial this value will control the size of the offset that is created. These are from the end of the chamfer to the centre of the cutter. Axial Value – This value is the fixed axis value the cutter will offset from the end of the chamfer to the centre of the cutter Preset Diameter Value – This value will offset the cutter from the end of the chamfer to a fixed diameter to the centre of the cutter Toolpath Offset – this option will allow you to offset the tool in relation to the feature Diameter Compensation -



Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Return Between Levels – this option will force the tool to return to the clearance plane before machining the next level of the model. Clearance Plane – this is a Z value which the tool will return too Feed distance – this value represents the distance before the tool will feed in when moving from rapid. Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – this is the way in which the toolpath will approach the feature e.g. feed or rapid Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the entry arc if the leadin method is set to circular or helical Leadout Method – This option will define how the tool will “roll off” the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct


Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z


Exit angle - this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance - this is the distance the cutter feed out when leaving the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the exit arc if the leadout method is set to circular or helical

Max/min feature depth – this value defines the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered The toolpath parameters in this case are fine for our model and do not need changing.


Select OK and close the toolpath parameters.


The next toolpath we will look at is the extrusion toolpath. This is a very simple toolpath that simply creates a series of passes perpendicular or parallel to the profile selected. Navigate back to the Feature page of the CAM navigator. Locate from the CAM Profile repository profile #12 and add an operation. When the toolpath selection dialog box opens select the Extrusions toolpath.

Select the 6mm Ballnose tool from the tool crib and select OK.



The system will now have built the basic toolpath.

Open the operation parameters of the Extrusion toolpath.

Side Allowance - Stock to be retained on the side of the part Left Distance – This option defines the distance to offset the passes to the left of the profile.


Right Distance - This option defines the distance to offset the passes to the right of the profile.


Stepover Method - this option will allow you to choose from oneway or ZigZag machining Direction Method – this option defines whether the passes are parallel or perpendicular to the profile Constant Step – This option define the maximum stepdown between Z levels Scallop Height – This option will allow you to define a physical “cusp” height rather then a stepdown

Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Rapid Distance – this Z value is the level in which the tool will go to before returning to the machining level. Feed distance - Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature



Increment Left Value – This option defines the distance to offset the passes to the left of the profile. Increment Right Value - This option defines the distance to offset the passes to the right of the profile. Max/min feature depth – this value defines the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered Change the following parameters in the corresponding pages

PASSES Left Distance – 70 Right Distance – 70 Direction Method – Parallel Once these parameters have been defined, select OK. The toolpath will now be build with the defined values.



The last 2.5D toolpath we need to look at is the Helicoidal Milling option. Once again navigate back to the CAM Profile Repository folder in the Features page. This time we will create the toolpath on multiple profiles all at once. From within the CAM repository select the profiles shown by holding down the Control [Ctrl] key

Once the profiles have been selected right hand click and select Add operation. From the toolpath selection dialog box, select the Helicoidal Milling option. From the tool crib select the 8mm endmill and select OK



The system will once again rebuild the toolpath. Move into the operation parameters

Side Allowance - Stock to be retained on the side of the part Bottom Allowance - Stock to be retained on the bottom of the part Max Stepdown – This option define the maximum stepdown between passes Final Contour – this option will add a final contour pass to the toolpath Through Features – this option will consider the feature as a through hole. Toolpath Offset – This option will allow you to offset by the feature itself. Diameter Compensation – this option will activate the cutter compensation to be on or off.



Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Clearance Plane – this value represents the z value the tool will move back to when moving from one zone to another or when it has finished machining Feed distance - Transition Distance – this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Leadin Method – This option will define how the tool will approach the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z Entry angle – this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature Distance – this is the distance the cutter feed into the feature Radius – this will define the radius of the entry arc if the leadin method is set to circular or helical Leadout Method – This option will define how the tool will “roll off” the feature e.g. circular, perpendicular, Helicoidal, and direct Axis movement method – the will define the method and direction in which the tool moves from one pass to the next e.g. 3D move in XYZ or simply XY-Z Exit angle - this is the angle in which the cutter will approach the feature


Distance - this is the distance the cutter feed out when leaving the feature


Radius – this will define the radius of the exit arc if the leadout method is set to circular or helical

Face Mill Z Start - – If possible the system will add a extra stock thickness and face milling path to the top of the pocket Maximum absolute Z – This option will allow you to change the machining Z top according to an absolute Value Minimum absolute Z - This option will allow you to change the machining Z bottom according to an absolute Value Max/min feature depth – this value defines the depth of the feature Max feature Z / extra Z+ - this option will allow you to add extra stock to the top of the pocket Min feature Z / extra Z- - this option will raise the base of the pocket if a plus value is entered and lower the base if a minus value is entered In this example we will leave the parameters as they are. Select OK to the Helicoidal Milling parameters. In the last few steps of this 2D training document we will look at the drilling options inside of VISI 16.


The first thing we need to do is re-open the Compass Technology.wkf file.


From the menu select file > Open Navigate to the following location and open the file - Compass Technology.wkf C:\Visi16\Workf\Sample\Cam With the file now loaded we can look at the 3 different geometry types that can be used when creating a drilling toolpath. First thing we must do is create a point and circle that we can use a little later on. We will create the point first. From the menu select Wireframe > Points > Direct Using the centre of a circle/arc icon select the point indicated bellow to create the point geometry.

Press the Escape key [Esc] to close the command The second step is to create a Wireframe circle. From the menu select Wireframe > Circle/Arc > Centre Radius Using the Centre of a Circle/arc icon pick the point shown bellow.



The system will now prompt for a radius. Enter a radius of 6 and select ok.



With the point and Circle now created we can now begin to create the drill cycles. Open the CAM Navigator. There are 3 types of geometry that we can create drilling cycles from, the point and circle we have just created and also from the face of a solid or surface model – a manual feature. Right hand click on the model manager and select “Add Manual Feature” Ensure the face selection icon is selecting and pick on the face shown bellow.

The system will now show the feature dialog box. Select OK to this dialog box.



As when we have defined a manual feature previously, the system will display the feature parameters.

As we have picked up on a 3D face the system will automatically detect the diameter and depth of the hole. If the hole has been created with either the feature manager or by using the standard elements the system would also know and tapping attributes had they been defined. We could also change the subtype to be a number of different options e.g. blind hole with conic tip, pocket, open pocket, through hole and boss.



Leave the default subtype as blind hole and also the diameter and depth as it is and select OK. You will now see the hole has been added to the model manager.

Once again right hand click on the hole feature and select Add Operation. The system will now display the drilling toolpaths.

You will see two sets of icons in the Drill operations, one set will have the graphic with the cutter and some will have a person graphics also and called “Manual” The manual operations will allow you to select a tool to use when drilling, where as the standard operations will look at the tool crib and automatically pick a tool based upon the feature size. Select the drill option and select OK. The system will now automatically create the toolpath. Open the Operations page of the CAM Navigator and open the operation parameters of the Drilling toolpath.



Depth Method – this will allow you to choose from using a depth value or imprint a diameter using a larger tool Depth – this is depth of the hole to be drilled. Imprint diameter – this define the diameter you wish to create on the model e.g. countersunk screw head Start Z – this option will allow you to enter a Z value to start machining from. Drill from opposite side – if possible the system will drill the hole from the opposite side Drilling method – this will allow you to chose if you wish to drill, peck or chipping. Parameters 1,2,3 – These values define the pecking values Transition Method – this option determines how the tool moves from one area of passes to another. Clearence plane – this value defines the clearance Z height Safety distance – this defines the offset height when moving between holes Transition distance - this option defines the amount to lift up when moving from one pocket to another Select ok to the dialog box. We will now create a drilling cycle on a point.



Move back into the features page of the CAM Navigator Once again right hand click on the model manager and select Add manual feature. Make sure that you are in the element selection environment and pick on the blue point that we created earlier.

Select Ok to the geometry selection dialog box. The system will now open the feature parameters dialog box, previously we had picked on a 3D face so the system knows the diameter and depth of the hole. This time as we have picked a single point the system has no information about these sizes.



Leave the Feature subtype to be the Blind hole with Conic tip. We now need to define the diameter of the hole we wish to drill. As the point has been created at the centre of a radius on a 3D model, we can pick the radius to define the diameter that we wish to drill. The best way to do this is to use the point selection icons from the left hand side of the screen again.

Highlight the diameter field inside of the feature properties dialog box, and then select the icon Length of a segment\arc and pick on the top edge of the radius as shown bellow.


Length of a Segment\Arc

Distance from Origin

Point in Y

Distance between point to point

Between 2 points in Y Between 2 points in Z

Between 2 points in X

Point in Z

Point in X

Angle of two elements


Once this has been done, the system will input a size or 6mm into the diameter field. Please note that we have picked on a Arc so need to double the value that has been entered. Enter a value of 12 into the diameter field. We now need to define a tip angle and Height. Enter a tip angle of 120 and Height of 25 and select OK. The system will now ask you to specify a hole direction. In this case we wish the drill to travel in the Z- direction. Please use the axis direction options from the left and ensure the arrow is pointed in the Z- direction and confirm with M2

You will now see the hole in the Model manager tree.



N.B. Please notes that your feature numbers may differ to the ones shown Right hand click on the new hole feature and select Add operation. This time we will add a drilling cycle rather then a single toolpath. Select the Drill cycle section from the operations tree.

You will now see the system default drill cycles that can be used. As you can see from the description and graphic the cycle will give you more then just a single toolpath. Select the center drill cycle option and select OK. The system will now return you to the CAM Navigator. If you open the operations page now you will see that the system has created two toolpaths, a Centre drilling and drilling operation



Please repeat this process and machine the 2D circle that we have also created. As you will see this time the system will enter the diameter value for you automatically. This now concludes the 2D training document. If you have any further questions please contact your local support team or visit www.vero-software.com


http://www.vero-software.com/

http://www.vero-software.com/

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VISI Machining 2D