ASPAN User Manual

ASPAN
CAD/CAM
Users manual
Rel. 6
12/00
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
SUPERVISOR
CAD
CAM
APPENDIX
ASPAN
INTRODUCTION
1.1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ASPAN program is a CAD/CAM system designed to aid machining of wooden workpieces on drilling
and drilling-routing machines.
The program uses a CAD procedure to make a drawing of the workpiece. The drawing contains all the
machining operations (or graphic entities) that the machine tool must perform. The CAM procedure,
which has been programmed with the physical configuration of the machine tool, is then used to assign the
tools and other mechanical attributes, necessary for the machining operations, to a feasible drawing. The
system then creates a program in machine code which contains all the instructions for the machining
operations to be carried out. This program is transferred to the machine tool which then carries out the
operations which have been programmed.
The program is divided into three main procedures:
1) The SUPERVISOR procedure, co-ordinates and executes all the ASPAN procedures requested
and contains commands for utilities, configuration, data transmission and interfacing with external
programs.
2) The CAD procedure, used to prepare the drawing of the graphic entities to be machined.
3) The CAM procedure, used to assign tools and all the other machine attributes to the drawing
entities and then create the part-program.
All the procedures use a series of default data, i.e. pre-set values for the data entry fields. Some of these
data items can be modified by the user.
The system also has commands for remote diagnosis to guide the user in the preparation of SERVICE
DISK or a series of SERVICE SHEETS. The disk and sheets can then be sent to the Technical Service
Center where they will be used to simulate the problems experienced by the user.
Pressing the F1 function key in any of the system environments calls up the on-line help for the current
program context.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
In this section are described all functions and procedures common to all parts of the program.
SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR is the active procedure when the program is started. The supervisor co-ordinates and runs
all the other ASPAN procedures when requested. The supervisor program: contains utility, configuration
and data transmission commands; will print part-programs created in the CAM environment; and will
interface with external programs. The supervisor program also handles the drawing archive and the
creation of new drawings; it will create drawings containing the panel dimension only. Graphic entities,
holes and routings will then be added to the drawings using the CAD procedure.
CAD
The CAD environment, which is used to draw the graphic entities, holes, routings, etc., is easy to use and
provides all the functions needed for standard design requirements.
From the drawing of basic entities: holes, arcs, straight lines, circles, ellipses, to the drawing of complex
entities: panel sizing, mortises (pocketing), grooves (cuts), cupboard doors, text, data entry is assisted by
messages explaining the procedure to be followed by the designer in each case.
Commands are available for manipulating routings, for easy and immediate identification of the special
points of the entities: center, midpoint, intersection, endpoint, tangent, etc., (Osnap) and for selecting
and modifying entities: these make drawing and modifying really simple.
Various Zoom and Grid commands, the possibility of drawing in exploded mode, customization of the
tool bars and programming of customized MACROS allow you to adapt the environment to your own
specific requirements.
The Undo and Redo commands allow you to operate without worrying about errors, as they are used to
cancel or restore the effects of the commands you have used in the drawing session.
The Fillet, Chamfer, Offset, Modify Vertex, Merge commands allow you to obtain entities of the
shape required.
ASPAN
Advanced procedures for the generation of a simple piece of furniture, for NESTING of a panel of any
shape with pieces of any shape and for vectoring an image (transformation of a BMP image into a
drawing) make the design environment extremely flexible and powerful.
AutoCAD program is an external optional CAD which can be linked to ASPAN program. ASPAN can be
linked to AutoCAD for WINDOWS, version 12, 13, 14, 2000, LT.
ASPAN is only supplied with the customizations and automatic procedures necessary for linking to
AutoCAD. Installation of AutoCAD is the responsibility of the user. The program makes available all the
commands and standard options of AutoCAD plus a personalized menu called PAD. PAD is displayed on
the right end of the upper pull-down menu bar of AutoCAD.
A drawing made in either of the two CAD environments can be exported to the other environment;
drawings from either environment can be processed by the CAM procedure.
CAM
The CAM procedure automatically assigns tools to drawing entities and then defines the machining
sequence. The program can be used to program routing lead-in and lead-out paths, to modify the
machining sequence, to modify the machining sequence and to create part-programs.
To ensure that the program provides valid results, it is important that the program configuration data
match the data on the machine.
The program therefore requires two sets of data:
- the machine configuration data, supplied with the program or imported from the machine disk with
the import procedure; these data describe the physical components of the machine tool;
- the machine tooling data which describe the tools available on the current machine and needed for
the machining requested. More than one machine tooling can be created for each machine
configuration as the case requires.
The program can handle up to 30 different machine configurations each of which can have up to 30 tool
configurations.
APPENDIX
1.2
PROGRAMS FOLDER
TUTORIAL
ASCII => ASPAN
AUTHOR 660
INSTALLING
CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL

environments and commands are in bold letters
SUPERVISOR
...
Configuration
Move
Machine > Configuration > Import
a commands sequence or the path to execute a command are

represented by commands separated by >
sometimes, for clarity, a command or a path are preceded by the SUPERVISOR::Machine >
Configuration
environment where the command or the path is, separated by ::
this icon indicates the help function
this icon indicates the errors or procedures to be avoided
1.3
1.
2.
3.
4.
INSTALLING
Check that there is sufficient space on your hard disk to install the program. The program requires 30
megabyte of disk space.
Check that Windows version 95 or later is installed on your computer.
Start Windows.
Installing from disks:
Insert the first disk of the installation program into disk drive A of the computer. From Windows Program
Manager select FILE and then RUN; in the Command line box type in a:setup. Select OK..
Installing from CD-ROM:
From START menu, select Run, type
D:\menu at the Command Line and press Enter (where D:
represent your CD-ROM drive letter). This will run the CD-ROM manager utility, showing a menu helping
you through installation and other utilities.
ASPAN
As an alternative, you can run directly ASPAN setup: from START menu, select Run, type
D:\install\disk1\setup.
5.
6.
Select the language to be used for the procedure.

Enter the serial number of the hardware key; this is the number shown on the first line of the label on the
hardware key.
7. Select the installation mode: Express or Custom. If you select Express, no further data entries are
required and the program will be installed in C:\ASPAN4 directory. If you select Custom, you will be
asked for the directory where you want the program be installed and which procedure you want to
install.
8. Follow
the instructions which are displayed on the screen.
9. Plug the
hardware key (i.e. the plug) supplied with the program disks into any one of the
computer parallel ports. If the parallel port is connected to a printer, disconnect the
printer connector and plug the hardware key into the computer parallel port. Next, connect the printer
connector to the other side of the hardware. At this point the hardware key must be between the
computer parallel point and the printer connector.
10. To
start
the
ASPAN program, double click with mouse button 1 on ASPAN icon.
1.4
SPECIAL AND PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

After the program has been installed, the next step is to customize the procedures.
Utility > Preferences
Sets and modifies default parameters.
verify that type and release of the numerical control, associated to

the current configuration, correspond to the ones on board of the
machine.
Customizes some data items of the current configuration. This
Machine > Configuration >
operation must be performed for all the configurations present. It
Import
should be noted that all the data items described here are already
Machine > Configuration > Edit present since they were entered when the program was delivered;
the machine configuration data can be read from the machine
configuration disk using the Machine > Configuration >
Import command.
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data
result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and release of
the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the
ones on board of the machine.
(Only if more than one machine configuration has been installed)
Machine > Configuration >
The configuration selected becomes the default configuration.
Select
Machine > Utility > Defaults
Machine > Machine Tooling >

Import
Machine > Machine Tooling >

Edit)
Machine > Utility > Feed
Machine > Utility > Defaults
Enters the tools data of the current tooling (or reads the tooling
data from the machine configuration disk). This procedure must be
performed for all the configurations installed.
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data
result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and release of
the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the
ones on board of the machine.
Defines, for the default configuration, the 10 default drillings and
routings to be assigned to the entities. These values can be entered
in the "self-teach" mode when entering the CAM procedure: when
the CAM procedure is started, if the system detects the presence of
an entity without default speeds, a prompt will ask for the speed
value to be assigned to the entity; if required, this will be
memorized in the default speed table.
Defines default parameters for the current configuration.
Machine > Utility > Serial port
1.5
DAILY OPERATIONS
Most day-to-day operations mainly involve operations on drawings.
ASPAN
Creates a new drawing (or opens an existing one).

To display the drawing archive, use the File > Drawing list
command; this command calls up a list of drawings and
File > Open)
information on all the files in the current drawing directory.
Enters the CAD procedure to enable drawing or modification of
CAD > Integrated
the graphic entities to be machined. To leave this procedure, use
the File > Exit command or the File > CAM command;
(or the same command from inside the CAD procedure) enters the
Machine > CAM
CAM procedure which will automatically assign tools, machine
CAD::CAM)
attributes and a machining sequence and will optimize the paths
and head downstrokes. To generate a part-program and leave this
procedure, use the File > Exit command.
Prints the part-program or transmits the part-program to the
Machine > Part-Program >
machine tool.
Print
File > New
Machine > Part-Program

Transmission
File > Exit
1.6
>
Exits from the program if no other work on drawings is required.
ASSISTANCE
If you have problems with the program, contact your local dealer or contact AutoSoftware directly:
fax : +39 0721 33602
e-mail: autosoftware@abanet.it
internet: http://www.autosoftware.it
For some types of problem, it is a good idea to create an assistance disk and send it to the
assistance center, following the service procedure in the program folder.
The procedure copies to disk the data of the drawing selected, the current configuration and tooling,
details of the computer environment in which the program is installed and technical information about the
program. The disk can then be sent to the Technical Service Department for diagnosis in the event of
operating faults.
The same disk can be used for several technical service sessions provided that the drawings are not too
large. If in doubt, use a separate disk for each technical service session.
- Operations description Files selection
Select the drawing to be copied to the service disk in the

selection window. The file extensions is "DRW".
Complete description of the problem Provides a complete description of the faults found in the
found
drawing and in the program.
Insert a disk in the drive and then press OK
ASPAN
GENERAL
FUNCTIONS
ASPAN
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
GENERAL FUNCTIONS: INTRODUCTION

In this section are described all functions and procedures common to all parts of the program.
2.1
MOUSE BUTTONS
The left mouse button is referred to as button 1; the right mouse button
is referred to as button 2.
Use button 1 to select items. Button 2 has two modes: during the execution of a
command, use button 2 to cancel the current command; in the other mode use button
2 to call up the local menu if any.
2.2
MENUS & TOOL BARS

The upper status bar (A) shows the
pull-down menu headings. To
expand a pull-down menu, click
mouse button 1 on the menu
heading and pull down to the command you require.
The tool bar (B) has a series of icon buttons representing various routine commands. These buttons can be
used as short-cuts to rapidly execute the commands they represent.
There are two ways of executing a command:
- On the pull-down menu, select the various items that lead to the command you require;
- If the tool bar is displayed, click on the short-cut button for the command you require.
2.3
LOCAL MENU
The local menu contain the more
useful commands to be executed
on the entity or in the area pointed
by the mouse. To visualize a local
menu, if available, just click with
the mouse right button.
Examples: by clicking the mouse
right button, when the mouse
pointer is on the drawing preview
in the supervisor (A), it will open
a local menu (B) containing a list
of commands for management of
the drawing; by clicking the
mouse right button, when the
mouse pointer is on a routing in
the CAD environment, it will
open a local menu containing a list of commands for management of routings.
2.4
DOUBLE CLICK
The double click executed by the mouse left button is context sensitive, that is it runs a predefined
command, depending on the point on the screen where the mouse cursor was.
SUPERVISOR
double click in the drawing quadrant executes the CAD command

if no drawing open, double click in the drawing empty quadrant
executes the Drawing list command
double click in the machine data quadrant executes the CAM
command
double click in the comment area, in the drawing data box, to open
the comment editor: Utility > Archive operations > Remark editor
H57
ASPAN
double click in the machine head area to open the head preview
(zoom).
double click on a hole or a simple routing executes the Modify >
Entity command
double click on a path executes the Path > Modify Vertex
command
double click on a hole executes the Machining > Borings
command
double click on a routing executes the Machining > Routings
command
CAD
CAM
2.5
SYMBOLS
Graphic entities are shown on drawings as follows:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Panel
Holes
Holes > Angular
Routings
Grooves
Panel
Hole: Normal
Hole: + Countersink depth
Hole: Through
Angular hole
Routings
Grooves
outlined with blue lines (A).

standard holes as full green circles (B); passing holes as black
circles (D); countersinking is indicated as a green circle around the
hole (C).
horizontal holes which do not lie on any of the six panel faces:
brown rectangles seen from above only, with the insertion side
shown in yellow (E).
light blue lines or arcs (F).
straight routings cut with a saw tool (G).
Holes
A:
B:
standard hole (green) or through hole (black);

countersunk hole (inner and outer circles in green) or
through countersunk hole (outer circle in green,
inner circle in black);
C: transparent standard hole (e.g. horizontal hole: seen
from the upper face in the transparent display mode);
D: transparent countersunk hole;
E: transparent doweled hole;
F: oblique hole.
The measurements shown on the drawing are as follows:
a:
b:
c:
d:
e:
f:
g:
countersinking;
hole depth;
hole diameter;
drilling direction for an oblique hole;
positive angle for an oblique hole;
entry point for an oblique hole;
dowel projection for doweled hole.
To check that a path is closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
ASPAN
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
2.6
DIALOGUE WINDOWS
The dialogue windows which appear during the program can be moved around the screen to more
convenient positions. To move a dialogue window, click with mouse button 1 on the window title bar,
keep the button pressed down and then drag the window to the position required. When you reach the new
position, release mouse button 1. This is a useful command for uncovering sections of the drawing which
are hidden under dialogue windows.
ENTITY SELECTION
Single entities are selected by using the pick-box. The pick box
is a square cursor and its dimensions can be changed as
required. Single entities are selected by placing the pick-box
over the entity. Groups of entities are selected by dragging the
rectangular selection window partially or fully over the entities.
In most cases the entities selected change color when selected.
At the start of the ENTITY SELECTION routine the single selection mode is active. To select a single
entity, move the pick-box over the entity to be selected and then press mouse button 1.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press the +/- button to choose the add or
subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
To switch to the multiple selection mode, click mouse button 1 outside any entity. The procedure will
automatically enter the Crossing mode and wait for the second point to be entered in the selection
window.
There are several ways of selecting entities:
Single
Selecting a single entity.

Window
Selecting the entities which are entirely within the selection rectangle
Crossing
Selecting entities which are entirely inside or partly covered by the selection rectangle
Previous
Selecting the entities which were selected at the last 'select entity' command
Mode > Add,Subtract
Entities can also be added to or subtracted from the entities currently selected.
If you choose the Single option and then place the pick-box over several entities, a window will appear
making it possible to select a single entity only.
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
The display functions change the way the drawing is displayed on screen. The display functions can be
used to enlarge, shrink or move drawings on screen.
Display > Zoom
> Window
Enlarges or shrinks a portion of the current work area which has been enclosed by a rectangle.
Make the rectangle around the portion you want to enlarge (or shrink) by clicking with mouse
button 2 at two points on the screen. These points are the corners of the diagonal of the
rectangle covering the portion to be enlarged.
Display > Zoom > Previous
Restores the previous display size; this command can be repeated to restore up to 200
previous zoom levels.
Display > Zoom > Out
Reduces the size of the complete drawing so that the display area is 0.5.
Display > Zoom > Face
Modifies the enlargement of the drawing to show the panel face currently selected at its
maximum size inside the work area.
Display > Zoom > Extension
Modifies the enlargement of the drawing so that the work area shows all the drawing entities
whatever their position.
Display > Zoom > Pan
Moves the work area displayed. To move the work area, click mouse button 1 at two points
10
H57
ASPAN
on the screen to indicate the direction and distance of the move.

Display > Transparent
Displays the current face in the transparent mode; at the same time also displays in different
colors all the entities present on the other faces. The entities on the other faces cannot be
selected.
Display > Face
Changes, in sequence, the current working face.
Display > Exploded
Visualizes and allows to draw at the same time on all faces of the panel. For each face the
current X, Y axes origin is shown. The active face has a white origin.
Display > 3D view
Displays a 3D view of the current drawing.
Tools > Change origin
Changes the origin and direction of axes and displays the data for the current axis.
ASPAN
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
11
SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR: INTRODUCTION
SUPERVISOR is the active procedure when the program is started. The supervisor co-ordinates and runs
all the other ASPAN procedures when requested. The supervisor program: contains utility, configuration
and data transmission commands; will print part-programs created in the CAM environment; and will
interface with external programs. The supervisor program also handles the drawing archive and the
creation of new drawings; it will create drawings containing the panel dimension only. Graphic entities,
holes and routings will then be added to the drawings using the CAD procedure.
To display the drawing archive, use the File > Drawing list command; this command calls up a list of
drawings and information on all the files in the current drawing directory.
5.1
FIRST STEPS
The status line at the top of the
screen shows the name of the
current drawing if a drawing is
opened; A: the supervisor menu; B:
the tool bar with a series of button
icons representing the most
frequently used menu commands.
The central part of the screen is
divided into four boxes; C: the
program customizing data; D: the
configuration and tools for the
current machine; E: a preview of
the current drawing (where open);
F: the characteristic data of the
current drawing (where open). G: a
status line giving an explanation of
the command or field currently
highlighted by the mouse.
The C quadrant displays ASPAN program type currently installed.
There are two types of program:
PROSPECT
PILOT
The first version has a single machine configuration and can be extended for up
to 3 configurations.
Network versions are available on request only and are supplied with a set
number of user licenses.
The second version has an unlimited number of configurations.
This version can be used in a network for an unlimited number of users.
In the drawing preview (E) can be displayed the upper face only or an exploded view of all faces
depending on the status of the Draw the preview drawing in exploded mode field in the Utility >
Preferences procedure.
To select the icon (B) size (large or small), use the Utility > Preferences command to change the size
field in the common defaults. Do not use large icons with a screen resolution of 640x480; large icons at
this resolution will not fit on the screen.
The color of text and entities in the various environments can be customized by using the Utility >
Preferences command to call up the button for this purpose.
HOT SPOTS
Screen areas which execute a command when selected and clicked with mouse button 2.
executes the Help > About command: it shows the program version information.
(box D) this calls up the Machine > Configuration > Select command; use this command
to select the machine configuration you wish to make the current (i.e. active) configuration.
This command is only available if more than one machine configuration is present and is
therefore only available on programs where several machine tools have been installed.
(box D) this calls up part of the Machine > Utility > Defaults command; use this command
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
13
to select the version of the numeric control unit assigned to the machine configuration.
(box D) this calls up the Machine > Machine Tooling > Select command; use this
command to select the machine tooling you wish to make the current (i.e. active) tooling.
(box F) this calls up the Utility > Archive operations > Remark editor command; use
this command to change the comment assigned to a drawing. The comment will be assigned
to the drawing when the drawing is created.
DOUBLE CLICK
The double click executed by the mouse left button is context sensitive, that is it runs a predefined
command, depending on the point on the screen where the mouse cursor was.
double click in the drawing quadrant executes the CAD command
if no drawing open, double click in the drawing empty quadrant executes the Drawing list
command
double click in the machine data quadrant executes the CAM command
double click in the comment area, in the drawing data box, to open the comment editor: Utility >
Archive operations > Remark editor
double click in the machine head area to open the head preview (zoom).
SUPERVISOR: MAIN COMMANDS

The supervisor menu has a series of single and compound commands; these are described in the
paragraphs below.
The items on this menu are as follows:
This menu item provides access to commands for working on files and for
leaving the program and returning to the operating system.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for entering the CAD
routine.
This menu item provides access to a set of commands: to call up the CAM
procedure; to print and transmit the part-program; to configure the machine and
tooling data; to define the machine default data.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for setting the general
default data common to all the routines. It also provides access to a sub-menu
for working on the drawing archive and technical sub-menu for special program
operations.
This menu item provides access to a set of commands used to set the default
options for the interface with external programs.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands used to call up
information from the program manual, to obtain information about the available
computer memory, to create a program guarantee registration card and to obtain
general information about the program.
File
CAD
Machine
Utility
Options
Help
The section below describes the hierarchy of all the menu commands.
File
CAD
New
Integrated
Open
AutoCAD
Close
Drawing list
Furniture
Exit
14
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
Machine
CAM
CAM Furniture
Part-Program
Machine Tooling
Print
Configuration
Transmission
Vacuum cups
Editor
Utility
Display
Copy
Defaults
Delete
Feed
Serial TX/RX
Select
Serial port
Edit
ASCII=>LST
Import
List editor
Copy
Rename
Configure
Delete
Set out
Select
Edit
Import
Copy, Rename, Delete
Options
Import/Export
AutoCAD
2D exploded DXF
Preferences
Link
Defaults
Utility
Archive operations
Preferences
Copy drawing
Digitizer configuration
Rename drawing
BarCode Configuration
Delete drawing
Vectorise image
Remark editor
Technical menu
Drawing recovery
Modify Defaults
Change language
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
15
Help
User's manual
Available memory
Registration card
About
7.1
File
File
New
Open
Close
Drawing list
Furniture
Exit
This menu item provides access to commands for working on files

and for leaving the program and returning to the operating system.
In the following the list of these commands.
7.1.1
File: New
To create a new drawing. In the file selection window for your operating system, enter the name of the
new drawing. The name of existing drawings will be shown grayed out to indicate that the current
operation is one for creating a new drawing.
Drawings will be given the extension .DRW and will be placed in the default directory \ASPAN\DRW
unless otherwise specified; drawings can be created and stored on any disk and in any directory on the
computer. Note: the file selection window displays the list of drawings (.DRW) present in the directory
currently selected.
If the name you have given to a drawing already exists, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite the
existing name.
After you have entered the drawing name, enter the panel dimension data in the fields of the data entry
window described below.
A comment of several lines can be assigned to the drawing.
At the end of this procedure the supervisor screen will be updated: the new drawing will appear as the
current drawing.
7.1.2
File: Open
Opens a drawing or a part-program in the archive.
The drawing files have the extension .DRW and their pre-set directory is \ASPAN\DRW. The partprogram file extensions depend on the type of machine or the type of CNC (.PGM, .CNC, ...) and their
directory depends on the settings when the part-program is generated.
If you decide to open a drawing file, the right side boxes in the supervisor will be updated and the drawing
selected will become the current drawing.
If you decide to open a part-program file, the part-program selected is opened in the part-program editor
and any drawings open will be closed. You can also do this by closing the current drawing and using the
command: Machine > Part-Program > Editor.
To display the drawing archive, use the File > Drawing list command; this command calls up a list of
drawings and information on all the files in the current drawing directory.
7.1.3
File: Close
Close the current drawing. In this case no drawings are open and most of the program routines cannot be
performed. This command can be used to enable other network users to work on a drawing which has just
been closed.
7.1.4
File: Drawing list

This function provides a graphic display of all the drawings in the archive.
16
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
When you first select the function, a list of the drawings in the current directory is displayed. To scroll
through the list, use the vertical scroll bar on the right and the two arrows at the top on the tool bar. To
select a drawing, click on the drawing. To open the drawing selected, click the Open icon.
You can select a drawing name filter so that only drawings with particular names or extensions are
displayed (e.g. if you enter the filter: s*.drw; all the drawings with names beginning in s will be
displayed). You can also change the name of the drawing directory to be displayed.
Commands are available for copying, renaming and
deleting drawings.
Press the right mouse button on a drawing in the list
to display the data for this drawing.
7.1.5
File: Furniture
Allows the creation of a simple furniture.
The purpose of this procedure is to dimension and position the various
elements of the piece of furniture and to define the relations between the
parts to permit automatic collimation between the various entities which will
be drawn in the elements of the piece of furniture.
The dimensions of the furniture are required, what sides is composed from
and the existing relationships between them; it is possible to define if the
sides are sticking out between them and in case the overhang value.
The procedure assigns the name to the various parts of the furniture
automatically, calculates the dimensions of each part on the basis of the
furniture dimensions set and creates the corresponding panels.
In each side (panel) of the furniture the holes and routings entities may be drawn in the same way as for
the single panels, with the possibility, in the CAD, to see in transparency the other sides of the furniture
having relationship with the current side. Besides, the holes drawing command, in case the hole position
allows it, make it possible the realization of matching holes, that is those holes lying on the other sides of
the furniture that are in relationship with the holes of the active face of the current panel.
The furniture can be defined with one or more doors and with a maximum of four shelves.
The pre-set furniture directory is <program directory>drw\fur; the file extension for the furniture
(containing the information about the various panels in the piece of furniture and the relations between
them) is .fur, while the single pieces in the piece of furniture are, in practise, the normal panels with the
standard extension .drw.
After the drawing of the graphic entities in the various panels of the furniture, the Machine > CAM
Furniture procedure executes at the same time the automatic tools assignment and the machine programs
for all sides of the furniture.
Some furniture examples are provided: furn1, a desk; furn2, a 1-door shoe unit; furn3, a 2-door cabinet;
furn4, a door-less bookcase with 4 shelves.
7.1.6
File: Exit
When confirmed, exits from the program and returns to the operating system.
7.2
CAD
CAD
Integrated
AutoCAD
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for entering

the CAD routine.
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
17
7.2.1
CAD: Integrated
Calls up the CAD procedure for drawing or modifying graphic entities on the current drawing.
The command is only enabled if a drawing has already been opened using the File > New or File >
Open commands.
7.2.2
CAD: AutoCAD
This command runs the AutoCAD proprietary program if this has already been linked to ASPAN using
the Options > AutoCAD > Link command.
Open commands.
This customized program is an alternative method of drawing the graphic entities requested, using a highlevel CAD 3D tool (for a complete description see the section "External Procedures").
When you enter the AutoCAD program wait until the conversion procedure has been completed
and the AutoCAD cursor has stopped moving and is waiting for a command. Any drawings which
temporarily appear during the conversion procedure should be ignored.
To return to the ASPAN supervisor environment from the AutoCAD environment, use the ASPAN or
ASPQUIT commands or the corresponding commands of the personalized PAD menu.
7.3
Machine
Machine
CAM
CAM Furniture
Part-Program
Machine Tooling
Configuration
Vacuum cups
Utility
This menu item provides access to a set of commands: to call up the

CAM procedure; to print and transmit the part-program; to configure
the machine and tooling data; to define the machine default data.
7.3.1
Machine: CAM
This calls up the CAM procedure; this procedure assigns tools and machine attributes to the current
drawing and generates the corresponding part-program.
Open commands.
In order to be able to operate, the CAM environment requires the machine configuration and tooling data.
The machine configuration data is supplied with the program or imported from the machine diskette using
the import procedure. The machine configuration describes the physical layout of the machine tool. The
tooling data describe the tools available for that machine and for the machining operations required. Each
machine configuration can have several machine toolings.
The machine configuration that will be used is the current configuration. The machine tooling to be used
by the procedure depends on the status of the drawing. If the drawing has already been processed in the
CAM environment with a tooling, this tooling, if it still exists, will be used again in the CAM
environment; if this is not the case, the current tooling will be used.
If, after the automatic assigning of the tools and optimization, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path
vertices, run the command to automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
7.3.2
Machine: CAM Furniture

If a furniture is open, created by the File > Furniture command, this command executes at the same time
the automatic tools assignment and the machine programs for all sides of the furniture.
18
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
7.3.3
Machine: Part-Program
Part-Program
Print
Transmission
Editor
Display
Copy
Delete
7.3.3.1
Machine:
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for

transmitting, printing and modifying the part-programs created.
Part-Program: Print
Prints the part-program for the current drawing if this has already been created by the CAM routine. The
dialogue window is that for the current operating system installed. Use this window to select the print
quality required, the number of copies to be printed, and the print-to-file option. To change the print and
printer options, refer to the manual for your operating system. Press the OK button to confirm your
selections. The program will print the part-program on the printer selected.
If no drawing is currently open, a prompt will request the name of the file or drawing to be opened.
7.3.3.2
Machine:
Part-Program: Transmission
This transmits the part-program for the current drawing to the machine tool if the program has already
been created using the CAM procedure.
To change the transmission parameters, use the Utility > Serial port command.
The parameters required for the communications protocol used with the TRIA (ESA) controller are in the
file MSKERMIT.INI; there is one file per machine configuration. The files are in the directory
\<directory ASPAN>\P2CFG\<configuration name>. Data can be modified using any text editor
program (e.g.: EDIT.)
7.3.3.3
Machine:
Part-Program: Editor
Edit a part-program in TRIA style. If the part-program requested does not exist, a new empty partprogram with the name requested will be created.
Enter the name and the path of the part-program to be edited in the file selection window for the operating
system being used.
The default file extension is .PGM and the default directory is the directory containing the part-program
for the current configuration; it is possible that the part-program is on another disk or in another directory.
The file selection window lists the part-program (.PGM) present in the current directory.
The editor procedure will start immediately once the part-program name has been selected.
You can also open a part-program directly with the supervisor using the command: SUPERVISOR::File > Open.
The configuration and the equipment used by the

process are those of the drawing which corresponds to
the PGM to be edited, if one exists; otherwise the
current ones are used, as shown in the lower left hand
side box in SUPERVISOR.
The commands and the tool-bar for the process are at the top, on the right there is a vertical scroll bar
which contains the list of (guided) instructions of the numeric control, while the central area is the work
area, where the part-program is displayed or written.
You can write freely in the work area, as with any text editor. Take care to use the syntax required by the
numeric control. If you prefer, instead of writing in the work area, you can use the guided instruction keys
on the right hand side bar.
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
19
As soon as one of the guided instruction keys is pressed, a data entry window appears, which contains all
the necessary data for the instructions. When the data has been entered and the OK key has been pressed,
the instruction required is generated and transferred to the work area.
The same operation can be used to modify an instruction by using the guided instruction bar. To do this,
go to the line corresponding to the instruction to be modified, enable the instruction overwrite mode using
the command in the menu above and press the right hand side key corresponding to the instruction to be
modified. If this instruction does not correspond with the type of instruction indicated by the cursor in the
work area, the process will fill in as many fields of the data entry window as possible, following its own
criteria of data compatibility.
Obviously, it is not necessary to use the guided instructions to modify an instruction, as the work area is a
free editing area where any text can be modified at will.
The guided instructions data window displays, as well as the data entry fields, three part-program lines at
the bottom of the window: the line immediately before the current instruction, the current instruction,
updated in real time at the moment of confirmation of every piece of data in the various fields and the line
immediately after the current instruction. This gives an immediate display of how the current instruction is
transferred to the work area.
The syntax and validity check for the part-program in the work area is enabled when the Drawing >
Display and Drawing > Rebuild commands are used and also during save operations.
if the program instructions are incomplete or partly missing or if there are errors during the display or reconstruction
of the drawing, check that the CNC type and release, associated with the current machine configuration, correspond to
those on the machine itself (SUPERVISOR::Machine > Utility > Defaults).
If, in the program generated, there is undesired head lifting (GO) in some of the path vertices, run the command to
automatically join all the possible path sections: (CAD::Path > Autojoin).
- description of commands File

Open
Save
Save As
Exit
opens another part-program to be edited.

saves the current part-program, by performing the syntax and
validity check for the part-program.
saves the current part-program with a different name: this new name
becomes the part-program to be edited.
leaves the part-program editor.
Edit
Cut
Copy
Paste
transfers the selected text to the Clipboard, so that it can then, for
example, be inserted in other positions. The transferred text is
eliminated by the editor.
copies the selected text in the Clipboard, so that it can then, for
example, be inserted in other positions.
pastes the text in the Clipboard to the correct position.
Search
Find
Repeat last find
Replace
Go to line
looks in the document for the string required.

continues the search for the previous string.
Searches a text and replaces it with another one selected
passes to the line indicated.
Drawing
Display
Rebuild
displays the drawing based on the instructions in the work area. The
command performs the syntax and validity check for the partprogram.
generates the drawing based on the instructions in the work area and
updates the drawing archive. The command performs the syntax and
validity check for the part-program.
Mode
Insert
Replace
20
every new instruction is added to the work area. Every time a guided
instruction is used, the instruction is inserted below the cursor in the
work area.
every new instruction replaces the instruction indicated by the cursor
in the work area. Every time a guided instruction is used, the
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
instruction replaces the instruction previously indicated by the cursor

in the work area.
Environment variables
View
Import
Select tool
7.3.3.4
Machine:
displays the environment variables for the current machine

configuration.
imports the environment variables for the current machine
configuration. It is necessary to insert the disc containing the
variables.
when the cursor is on an instruction containing a tool, it visualize the
machine head and allows selection of one or more tools
Part-Program: Display
Displays the part-program for the current drawing.

7.3.3.5
Machine:
Part-Program: Copy
Copies the part-program and creates another one with the new name entered.
7.3.3.6
Machine:
Part-Program: Delete
Deletes the part-program selected from the archive.
7.3.4
Machine: Machine Tooling

Machine Tooling
Select
Edit
Import
Copy
Rename
Delete
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for handling

machine tooling, i.e. for handling all the data related to the tools used
on the machine.
7.3.4.1
Machine:
Machine Tooling: Select
Use this command to select a tooling from those already created for the current configuration. The tooling
selected will become the new current tooling.
The CAM uses the current tooling whenever you enter the CAM routine for the first time with a drawing
which has never been processed.
The command can also be executed by moving the pointer onto the Machine Tooling item in the box in
the bottom left-hand corner and then clicking mouse button 2.
7.3.4.2
Machine:
Machine Tooling: Edit
Enables entry or modification of the current tooling data, the data of the tools to be used on the machine.
Tools which can be assigned to a fixed head, a rotary head or a tool changer.
The data displayed in the entry window varies according to the type of tool.
The data present in these menus must match the actual tooling of the machine.
The tooling data can be imported directly from the machine tool using the command: Machine >
Machine Tooling > Import.
The status box in the lower right side of the window, shows a series of icons representing the status of the
current tool. The icons have the following meanings:
Tool: Bit
Type: Brad
Tool: Bit
Type: Spear
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
21
Tool: Bit
Type: Countersunk
Tool: Router
Tool: Saw
Tool: Sensor
In the case of a tool changer, this indicates that the tool selected is part of a single head, i.e.
that the tool is one of a series of tools positioned in the same stock position.
- options Fixed head
Tool changer
These data items refer to a tool mounted on a fixed head

These data items refer to a tool mounted on the tool changer.
- fields description Number

Tool
Tool identification number (1 - 96)

Type of tool configured. In the case of a tool changer this field can be
modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through and select
the tool required.
Face on which the tool is installed. In the case of a tool changer, this field
can be modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
and select the face required.
Characteristic data for the Bit and Router tools.
Working face
Length
Useful length
Diameter
Type
For the Bit only: use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
the and select the type of tool bit.
Countersink
For the Bit and the Countersunk type tool, this shows
the depth setting of the countersinking tool.
Characteristic data for the Saw.
Radius
Crown
Thickness
Rotation direction
RPM default
Upper length...
Upper stroke...
Tool change posit.
Offset X
Offset Y
Offset Z
Offset A
7.3.4.3
Machine:
Use the arrow to the right of the field to select the tool direction of
rotation.
Tool rotation speed proposed when manually assigning tools.
Characteristic data for the Sensor.
In the case of a tool changer, this shows the actual position of the tool in
the stock used by the tool changer.
Position of the spindle in relation to the head zero. For tool changers,
these fields can be modified.
Machine Tooling: Import
Imports the tooling data from the machine disk or from any other path.
The button Default assigns the pre-set value for the current type of CNC to the path.
Path
Name of the tooling to be imported complete with path. You may enter
any existing path in the tooling to be imported.
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and
release of the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the ones on board of the machine. (Machine >
Utility > Defaults).
7.3.4.4
Machine:
Machine Tooling: Copy
Copies an existing tooling with the current machine configuration into another tooling with a different
name.
22
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
Use the button to the right of the source tooling field to scroll through the toolings and select the tooling
you wish to copy.
If the destination tooling already exists, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite this data.
7.3.4.5
Machine:
Machine Tooling: Rename
Renames an existing tooling associated with the current machine configuration; a new name will be
assigned to the tooling selected.
Use the button to the right of the source tooling field to scroll through the toolings and select the tooling
you wish to copy.
This operation is not possible if the new tooling name you enter already exists.
7.3.4.6
Machine:
Machine Tooling: Delete
Cancels an existing tooling associated with the current machine configuration.

Use the button to the right of the field to scroll through and select the tooling you wish to cancel from the
list of toolings associated with the current machine configuration.
You will be asked to confirm cancellation of the tooling selected.
7.3.5
Machine: Configuration
Configuration
Select
Edit
Import
Copy
Rename
Delete
7.3.5.1
Machine:

machine configurations, i.e. all the data concerning the physical
composition of the machine.
Configuration: Select
If more than one machine configuration (describing the physical layout of the machine) is present, i.e. if
more than one machine has been installed in the program, this command makes it possible to select the
machine configuration that you wish to make the current (active) one.
The command can also be executed by moving the pointer onto the Configuration item in the box in the
bottom left-hand corner and then clicking mouse button 2.
At the start of the command, the program displays all the machine configurations installed. When you
have selected a configuration you will be asked to select one of the machine toolings describing the tools
available on the machine configuration currently selected.
The tooling selected will become the current (active) tooling.
The active configuration and tooling will be used in the CAM environment and by all the procedures
which interface with the machine; these are shown in the lower left-hand box of the supervisor
environment.
7.3.5.2
Machine:
Configuration: Edit
Enables entry or modification of the current machine configuration data, i.e. the data describing the
physical composition of the machine tool.
All the data present in this procedure is read by the configuration disc generated in the machine numeric
control.
This procedure is used to configure the machine mobile and fixed parts. The data present in these menus
must correspond with the actual data entered in the machine, so that the program can process the results
correctly.
The electrospindles and the rotating heads are configured using push-button Motors and up to 16 can be
configured, identified by a letter from A to P.
While the tool carrier of the fixed, rotating or relative heads can be configured using push-button Fixed
Tools, the tool carrier of the tool change is configured in Machine > Machine Tooling > Edit.
When configuring the fixed tools, a rotating head must be configured using the skew working face. The
field Heading is only enabled if at least one rotating head has been configured: in this case, it is possible
to choose between the fixed head and the rotating head.
The procedures for configuring the motors and the fixed tools makes it possible to display the preview of
the machine head.
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
23
7.3.5.3
Machine:
Configuration: Import
Imports configuration data from the machine disk or from any path.
The button Default assigns the pre-set value for the current type of CNC to the path.
Path for the configuration to be imported. Any existing path containing
the configuration to be imported may be used.
Path
If the import procedure generates errors or if the imported data result invalid when into the editor, verify that type and
release of the numerical control set in the program correspond exactly to the ones on board of the machine. (Machine >
Utility > Defaults).
7.3.5.4
Machine:
Configuration: Copy, Rename, Delete
These commands are available on the PILOT version of ASPAN only. Use these commands to copy,
rename or cancel an existing configuration.
7.3.6
Machine: Vacuum cups

Vacuum cups
Configures and positions the machine worktable and the suction cups.
Configure
Set out
7.3.6.1
Machine:
Vacuum cups: Configure
Configures the machine worktable and related suction cups.

To configure a table, you must start from the crossbeam to the left and nearest the table origin. This
crossbeam, which contains the end stops, will not have any suction cups.
When you have defined the X position of this crossbeam, you must then add the next crossbeams, to the
right, defining X position, the X limits and the number of suction cups (using button Advanced) for each
of these.
The X position and the X limits of each crossbeam must prevent overlapping both at the end point and
during dragging.
Every crossbeam can be associated to an end stop, on the right or on the left, and an elevator, to the right
or to the left of the crossbeam itself.
Positioning of the panel on the table and movement of the crossbeams and the suction cups on it are
possible, after generating the relative part-program, using the command: Machine > Vacuum cups >
Set out.
The following fields refer to the current cross beam. To change the origin and the direction of the
referencing system, press the Advanced button and then select one of the options displayed; these
settings are valid for the entire table. The window at the bottom of the screen displays the layout of the
suction cups, the cross beams and the worktable stops. The current cross beam is highlighted.
- fields description Position X, X Minimum, X
Maximum
Vacuum cups
Front Stop
Position Y, Y Minimum, Y
Maximum
- Button description Add
Insert
Delete
Advanced
24
Current position and X-axis limits of the current cross beam.

This function is enabled to indicate that there are suction cups on the
cross beam. To configure the suction cups, press the Advanced
button and use the Vacuum cups option
This function defines the stop type, the stop position and the stop
maximum and minimum positions on the current cross beam. To set
the stop measurements, press the Advanced button and use the
Stops option.
Use this option to add a cross beam after the last cross beam.
Use this option to insert a cross beam after the current cross beam.
Use this option to eliminate the current cross beam.
Use this function to set: the size, shape and number of suction cups;
the dimensions of the stops and cross beams; the origin and direction
of the reference axes.
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
7.3.6.2
Machine:
Vacuum cups: Set out
Use this function: to move the cross beams and suction cups on the worktable; to position the current
panel on the worktable; to print out data concerning the positions of the suction cups and cross beams.
The worktable, with the end stops, the
crossbeams, the suction cups and the elevators
must be configured using the command:
Machine > Vacuum cups > Configure.
To move a cross beam, proceed as follows.
Move the cursor on the beam you wish to move.
The cursor will change to a horizontal arrow.
Click mouse button 1 and drag the beam to the
new position. The amount of cross beam travel
depends on the limits set in the machine
configuration.
To move a suction cup, proceed as follows. Move the cursor onto the suction cup to be moved. The cursor
will change to a vertical arrow. Click mouse button 1 and drag the suction cup to the new position.
- description of commands To leave the worktable set-up procedure.
To save the worktable cross beam and suction cup positions.
moves the panel on the table. It is possible to position the panel between the end parts of the
table, using the arrow keys or to position the panel in any position on the table, by entering the
X, Y co-ordinates of the panel compared to the position of the reference stop. If option Move
work. supp. and vac. cups is enabled, when the panel is moved, the crossbeams and the
suction cups will also be moved so that they maintain the same position in relation to the panel.
If both working areas are used, the arrow keys are used to bring back the position of the panel
to zero on the reference stops.
moves the reference stops to the right or the left of the crossbeam.
To add data for the suction cup and cross-beam positions to the panel part-program.
To print the suction cup and cross beam positioning data.
supplies the position of the selected crossbeam.
7.3.7
Machine: Utility
Utility
Defaults
Feed
Serial TX/RX
Serial port
ASCII=>LST
List editor
7.3.7.1
Machine:

the default data of the current machine configuration.
Utility: Defaults
Default and control values associated with the current configuration. These values will be proposed during
data entry procedures involving the current machine configuration.
- fields description Programs origin
HEADER
Optimisation
ASPAN
if the option Use offset is enabled and the X,Y,Z values of the
origin are not all at zero when the part-program is generated, the
program origin data will be displayed and the corresponding O
origin displacement instruction will be enabled.
If the option Prompt on replace is also enabled, when the partprogram is generated, it will be possible to modify the program
origin data.
Values proposed when the part-program is created in the CAM
environment
Used to apply optimization of the head downstrokes when fed into the CAM
SUPERVISOR
25
unit and to select the most convenient type of optimization. You can decide
whether to optimize the holes first and then the routings or vice versa, and
whether to optimize by nearest points only, whether to optimize them at
the same time and whether to automatically invert the direction of the
routings to reduce the machine time required.
The pre-set condition has all the options enabled.
This function optimizes the head paths and downstrokes
Optimization in CAM
when entering the CAM procedure. If the function is
start-up
disabled, optimization will only be performed when the
Optimize command is selected inside the CAM
procedure.
Sets the precedence of machining operations: first holes
Sequence
and then routings or first routings and then holes. Note:
Angled holes will always be machined last.
NOP in LEFT/RIGHT faces Enters a NOP instruction before each machining operation
performed on the left and right faces.
Enters a NOP instruction before each machining operation
NOP in FRONT/REAR
performed on the front and rear faces.
faces
Projection of the of the lance bit over the thickness Z of the panel for
Spear bit protrusion
passing holes.
In the CAM procedure the depth of a through hole is calculated as:
panel thickness + Spear bit protrusion.
PGM destination directory The part program directory assigned to the current configuration.
The system prompt provides the following directory as the default:
\<directory ASPAN>\P2PART\<configuration name>.
Configuring the numeric control unit.
Numeric Control
The command can also be executed by moving the pointer onto the
Numeric Control item in the box in the bottom left-hand corner and then
clicking mouse button 2.
Maximum permitted number of lines for each program on the
NC max. lines
machine's numeric control. If the source program exceeds this
number, it will automatically be broken down into sub-programs
whose length does not exceed this value.
If this field is set to zero, the part-program will not be broken down
into sub-programs (the NC will accept a program of any length).
Number of decimal points used by the numeric control unit.
Decimals digits
Version of the numeric control to be used. An incorrect version
Release
number can cause faults when importing configurations and tooling
when using the editor or creating part-programs.
Number of magazine stock location which can be reached by each electroElectrospindle
spindle configured.
(For machines fitted with this option only). Use this option to define an
TWIN-PACK
electro-spindle as a twin-pack and to assign a twin-pack electrospindle to a
magazine stock location.
options
7.3.7.2
The header data and the optimization options can also be set using the command: CAM :: File > Preferences.
The CNC data can also be set by pressing the second mouse button, when the cursor is at the corresponding item
in the box at the bottom left of the supervisor.
Machine:
Utility: Feed
Defines, for the current configuration, the 10 drilling and routing speeds and the routing start speed to be
assigned automatically as default settings to the drawing entities.
If the message "some speeds not defined" appears when entering the CAM procedure, this table can be
compiled automatically in the "self-teach" mode.
Each speed line contains a data string where data items are separated by a ",", (comma), each data item
contains:
- the diameter value for the entity followed by a "D", for the drilling speed or the routing start;
- the diameter value of the entity followed by a "V", for the routing speed.
All the entities of a certain diameter (hole diameter or routing thickness) will be automatically be assigned
the speed corresponding to that diameter entered in the table; if the diameter concerned is not in the table
it will automatically be assigned the slowest speed (0).
26
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
For example, in order to automatically assign the drilling speed or routing start 2 to all the entities with
diameter 5 and 7.5, and to assign the routing speed 2 to the routings with a diameter of 6, the following
data must be entered in line no. 2:
5D,7.5D,6V
- fields description Boring feed or routing
start feed: 0
Boring feed or routing
start feed: 1
...........
Boring feed or routing
start feed: 9
Routing feed
Router RPM
7.3.7.3
Machine:
each line corresponds to a speed number. For example line 0 refers

to speed 0. All the data items on line X refer to the diameters of the
entities to which the speed X will be assigned.
Routing speed which will be assigned if the routing diameter does

not appear on any of the speed lines.
Router RPM.
Utility: Serial TX/RX
This command enables communications over a RS232 serial line to and from the machine's numeric
control unit.
If the external optional communications program KERMIT is in the same directory as ASPAN, the
procedure will start the KERMIT program. To return to the ASPAN environment from KERMIT, use
the QUIT command in KERMIT.
For instructions on the use of KERMIT commands, see the manual for this optional communications
program.
If the procedure fails to locate the optional communications program KERMIT, this command will start
the serial transmission and reception procedure described below.
It will be required the communication type, send or receive, and the name of the file to be sent or received.
The local directory is the directory on the PC; the remote directory is the one on the numeric control.
7.3.7.4
Machine:
Utility: Serial port
Defines the data for program serial communication with the machine tool. The dialogue window has a
series of data fields which are described below. Enter or modify the data in these fields and then press the
OK button. The new data will be saved.
Some of the parameters in this file are critical and should not be modified. Do no modify the following:
set send padding 0
set send padchar 0
set send start-of-packet 1
set receive padding 0
set receive padchar 0
set receive start-of-packet 1
- fields description Port
Baud rate
Parity
Data bit
Stop bit
Handshake
configure the serial port and the serial communications.
Protocol type used by the numeric control unit.
PC-TRIA cable (3-core null-modem cable):

ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
27
PC side (socket connector)
7.3.7.5
Machine:
TRIA side (ESA)
Utility: ASCII=>LST
Converts an ASCII file, containing a TRIA style list, into a machine LIST with the same name and
destination but with the extension .LST. Unknown lines will be ignored after a warning message.
Any LIST with the same name and destination as the LIST being converted will be overwritten.
IMPORTANT: Converting non-ASCII files can produce unexpected results.
Enter the name and the path of the file to be converted in the file selection window for the operating
system being used.
The default extension is .ASC and the default directory is \ASPAN; it is possible that the file to be
converted is on another disk or in another directory. The file selection window lists the ASCII files (i.e.
those with the .ASC extension) present in the current directory.
When the name of the file to be converted has been selected, the conversion procedure will be started
immediately.
7.3.7.6
Machine:
Utility: List editor
Edits a list in TRIA style. If the list requested does not exist, a new empty list will be created with the
name requested.
Enter the name and the path of the list to be edited in the file selection window of the operating system
being used.
The default file extension is .LST and the default directory is the directory containing the part-program for
the current configuration; it is possible that the list is on another disk or in another directory. The selection
window lists the files with the extension .LST in the directory currently displayed.
The editor procedure will start immediately once the part-program name has been selected.
7.4
Utility
Utility
Archive operations
Preferences
Digitizer configuration
BarCode Configuration
Vectorise image
Technical menu
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for setting

the general default data common to all the routines. It also provides
access to a sub-menu for working on the drawing archive and
technical sub-menu for special program operations.
28
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
7.4.1
Utility: Archive operations

Archive operations
Copy drawing
Rename drawing
Delete drawing
Remark editor
7.4.1.1

operations on the drawing.
Archive operations: Copy drawing
Copies an existing drawing, making an identical copy with a new user-defined name and path.
Entry of the source and destination drawing names and paths takes place in the file selection window
typical to your operating system. The names of the drawings already in the archive will be shown in gray.
If the new name you enter already exists you will be asked if you wish to overwrite the drawing
destination with that name.
This command may also be executed from the File > Drawing list environment in a graphic and easier
way, in particular when operation on more than one file is required.
7.4.1.2
Archive operations: Rename drawing
Changes the name of a drawing already in the drawing archive.

Entry of the source and destination drawing names and paths takes place in the file selection window
typical to your operating system. The names of the drawings already in the archive will be shown in gray.
7.4.1.3
Archive operations: Delete drawing
Cancels a drawing from the archive.

Enter the name and path of the drawing to be cancelled in the file selection window of your operating
system.
You will be asked to confirm cancellation.
7.4.1.4
Archive operations: Remark editor
This modifies the comment assigned to a drawing. Comments can also be modified by moving the mouse
pointer under the Remark option in the upper right hand box of the supervisor display and then clicking
mouse button 2.
7.4.2
Utility: Preferences
Defines the general default settings used in various routines. The dialogue window has a series of data
fields which are described below. Enter or modify the data in these fields as required and then press the
OK button to confirm you entries. The data entered will become the program default settings.
- fields description Decimals digits
Tangency tolerance
PicBox dimension
Arc resolution
Fast holes redraw
ASPAN
maximum number of decimal places used in dialogue windows. For

internal calculation the program will, in any case, use the number of
decimal places available with the processor and math co-processor
used on your unit.
Minimum distance for two routings to be defined as contiguous (i.e.
without interruptions). The pick box for the check on the tangent
tolerance is a double-side square with the tolerance value inside.
dimension of the pick-box used when selecting entities.
Defines the precision level used when drawing arcs. The value in this
field is inversely proportional to the precision obtained, i.e. a high
value gives a low level of precision and viceversa.
when selected, this option enables faster but less accurate drawing of
the holes.
SUPERVISOR
29
when selected, this option displays a preview of the drawing in a

square in the bottom right-hand corner of the supervisor; all the
panel faces will be shown.
Defines the icon size (large or small) on the tool bars. Do not use
Big icons
large icons with a screen resolution of 640x480; at this resolution the
large icons will not fit inside the display.
Use this function to change the color of the entities and the working
Configure colors
environments. Any color can be assigned to each of the entity types
on the list. Use the Default button to return all entities to their
original, default setting colors.
Archive drawing directory this is the default directory containing the drawings; this directory is
displayed at the first operation with the drawing archive.
character font to be used on print-outs. To display a list of all the
Print-out font type
fonts available, press the ... button.
when enabled, prints page numbers on the print-out.
Print-out page number
defines the position of the print-out number
Alignment
on the sheet. Use the arrow to the right of the
field to scroll through and select the type of
alignment required.
Draw the preview drawing
in exploded mode
7.4.3
Utility: Digitizer configuration
Defines the data for connecting a digitizer to the CAD routine. The dialogue window has a series of data
fields which are described below. Enter or modify the data in these fields and then press the OK button.
The new data will be saved.
The program can manage all digitizers which are able to communicate with an ASCII string.
These digitizers had been tested: 1) Neolt model MX digit 2000; 2) Mutho model CX 3000.
- fields description X coord start
X coord. length
Y coord start
Y coord. length
Push-button start
Push-button length
Single point code
Double point code
End path code
Digitizer on use
Confirm point
Port
Baud rate
Parity
Data bit
Stop bit
7.4.4
position of the point X co-ordinate in the data string received.

number of characters in the co-ordinate
position of the point Y co-ordinate in the data string received.
number of characters in the co-ordinate
position of the data for the buttons pressed in the data string
received.
number of characters in the button data
code indicating that the data item received is a single point
code indicating that the data item received is a double point (sharp
edge)
code indicating that the data item received is the end of a path
if the digitizer will be connected with the program.
when enabled, sounds a beep every time a point is received
configure the serial port and the serial communications.
Utility: BarCode Configuration

Defines the characteristics of the bar code: dimensions, data to be printed in the bar code, text associated
to the bar code, font to be used.
The bar code will be printed at the bottom of the drawing, using the printing commands: CAD :: File >
Print, > Dimensioned print, > Exploded print.
7.4.5
Utility: Vectorise image

Transforms a black and white bitmap (.BMP) into a program drawing.
The procedure transforms the points (pixel) of the image into equivalent drawing entities (straight lines,
arcs) and then connects the entities found to each other, reducing the entities as required.
30
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
The quality, state and complexity of the original image have a considerable influence on the drawing
produced. In some cases, you will have to modify the drawing produced to obtain the form required.
Original image
Processing method: Follow

edges
Processing method: Follow

medial line
You will be asked to indicate the resolution with which the image was acquired using the scanner and the
scale of the original drawing from which the bitmap image was taken. If this data is correct, the procedure
will create a drawing which has the same dimensions as the source drawing/image. If this data is not
known, set a resolution of 300 and a scale of 1 and then use the command CAD :: Modify > Scale to
return the drawing obtained to the required dimensions.
The higher quality you select, the longer it will take; clearly, the drawing will also be more accurate.
You can add the image transformed to the drawing currently open or create a new drawing which will
contain the result of the transformation at the end of the procedure.
7.4.6
Utility: Technical menu

Technical menu
Drawing recovery
Modify Defaults
Change language
7.4.6.1
Utility: Technical
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for special

program operations. IMPORTANT: the commands on this menu are
for expert users and maintenance personnel only.
menu: Drawing recovery
Cancels all the CAM data from the current drawing leaving only the geometric data. After you have
completed this command the drawing will still have all its geometric data but will have lost all its machine
data (e.g. assignments, speed, working sequence).
Use this command when its is not possible to access the CAM program with the current drawing due to
incompatible data in the drawing's machine assignments.
When you have completed this command you must re-assign all the CAM data to the current drawing.
You will be asked to confirm the command.
7.4.6.2
Utility: Technical
menu: Modify Defaults
Edits all the public and private default data used in the program. (Public data are those which can be
accessed by users during all routines. Private data are those which can only be accessed in this routine).
Only modify one of these data items if you are aware of its meaning and behavior inside the program.
Entering incorrect or incompatible data can cause program faults.
- fields description Edit as Strings
- Button description Add
Erase
>>
<<
7.4.6.3
Utility: Technical
converts numeric fields into string fields so that text can be entered
in the place of a numeric value.
adds a new default data item at the end of existing data.
deletes the default data highlighted by the mouse
scrolls through the default archive
menu: Change language
Changes the language used in the program.

After you have selected a language, the program will terminate and return you to the operating system.
The next time you use the program all the messages will be displayed in the language selected.
ASPAN
SUPERVISOR
31
7.5
Options
This menu item provides access to a set of commands used to set the
default options for the interface with external programs.
Options
Import/Export
AutoCAD
7.5.1
Options: AutoCAD
AutoCAD
Link
Defaults
7.5.1.1
Options: AutoCAD:
Link
Links the ASPAN system to the AutoCAD external program (where installed), personalizing AutoCAD at
the same time.
When the link has been made it will be possible to run the AutoCAD program. To run the AutoCAD
program use the CAD > AutoCAD command on the supervisor.
Enter the data necessary for the link in the data entry window and then, in the window which follows,
enter the default data to be used to configure AutoCAD.
LINK WINDOW
- fields description location of the AutoCAD compatible files to be linked.
AutoCAD executable file
Use the Search push-button to the right of the field in the file
complete path-name
selection window typical to your operating system, to find the file
you require.
location of the AutoCAD menu file (.MNU) to be linked.
AutoCAD menu file
Use the Search push-button to the right of the field in the file
complete path-name
selection window typical to your operating system, to find the file
you require.
version of AutoCAD to be linked.
Type
CONFIGURATION WINDOW
- fields description Diameter return
Erase the DWG AutoCAD
file
Save CAM data
Holes depth
Routings depth
Routings diameter
enables the transfer and display in AutoCAD of the diameters

assigned to routings.
Cancels the DWG file of an AutoCAD drawing at the end of the link.
You should keep machine data for an entity to be exported in
AutoCAD
values to be assigned to entities which leave AutoCAD without
values.
Follows these instructions to successfully complete the Link with AutoCAD LT 97 or LT 98 or LT 2000:
- run AutoCAD LT from inside Aspan.
- from the AutoCAD LT main menu, select: Tools -> Customize menus
- enable the "Replace All" checkbox
- set aclt.mnu in the File field
- push the Load button
- confirm with Yes
- push the Close button
Now you can work with AutoCAD LT.
When you wish to go back to Aspan, saving the drawing, select PAD LT -> Exit.
If you need to go back to Aspan, WITHOUT saving the drawing, select PAD LT -> Quit.
7.5.1.2
Options: AutoCAD:
Defaults
Configures operating modes used when making calls to AutoCAD.

- fields description Erase the DWG AutoCAD
32
Cancels the DWG file of an AutoCAD drawing at the end of the link.
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
file
Save CAM data
7.5.2
You should keep machine data for an entity to be exported in

AutoCAD
Options: Import/Export
Import/Export
2D exploded DXF
Preferences
7.5.2.1
Import/Export: 2D
exploded DXF: Import
Imports a DXF file containing a 2-D exploded drawing, i.e. a drawing with all the elements on the same
plane.
The panel and the lines defining the panel faces can only be recognized if they are a different color from
the other entities on the drawing or if they lie on a different plane from the other entities on the drawing.
All entities without diameter and depth values will be assigned the default values. Default values can be
modified using the Options > Import/Export > Preferences command.
The import characteristics can be set using the command Options > Import/Export > 2D exploded
DXF > DXF Preferences, in which you can define the name of the layer for the panel and the distance
between the lines limiting the panel between the various faces.
To understand how to create a dxf of this type so that it can be imported, create an empty panel and export
the corresponding exploded 2D dxf using the command Options > Import/Export > 2D exploded
DXF > Export. Then use the external CAD unit to check how the dxf has been generated, draw the
entities required in it and then import it using this command.
If, during importing, the panel is not found or not recognized, the procedure will ask for its dimensions
and will create an empty panel for setting the entities found in the dxf.
If you want to import standard 2D dfx files (not in exploded format), use the command: CAD :: File >
DXF import > 2D generic
7.5.2.2
Import/Export: 2D
exploded DXF: Export
Exports the current drawing as a 2-D DXF file, i.e. with all the drawing components on a single plane.
To set the export characteristics, use the Options > Import/Export > 2D exploded DXF > DXF
Preferences command. This command defines the panel layer name, the faces to be exported, and the
distance between the lines defining the various panel faces
A drawing in the window displays how the panel is exploded; the drawing starts out as a cube.
7.5.2.3
Import/Export: 2D
exploded DXF: DXF Preferences
Sets the export characteristics of DXF 2-D exploded drawings (i.e. drawings on a single plane).
This section defines the name of the layer on which the panel will be placed, which faces are to be
exported and the distances between the lines defining the various panel faces.
A drawing in the window displays how the panel is exploded; the drawing starts out as a cube.
7.5.3
Options: Import/Export:
Preferences
Defines some of the data items used by procedures outside the program.
Holes depth
Routings depth
Routings diameter
Number of significant
ASPAN
Values to be assigned to entities which are exported from other

environments without values.
number of decimal places to be used when importing/exporting
SUPERVISOR
33
digits
Diameter return
Holes maximum diameter
File type to be exported
7.6
Help
Help
User's manual
Available memory
Registration card
About
7.6.1
from/to external procedures.

Enables the export and display of routing diameters to other
environments.
Maximum diameter value for a circle: below this value the circle will
be interpreted as a holed; above this value a circle will be considered
as a routing.
DXF file type to be created during export operations.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands used to call

up information from the program manual, to obtain information about
the available computer memory, to create a program guarantee
registration card and to obtain general information about the program.
Help: User's manual

Displays the program instruction manual. To search for and display information from the manual, follow
the conventions for your operating system.
7.6.2
Help: Available memory

Displays information about the amount of computer memory and hard disk space available.
1.1.1 Help: Registration card

Prints a program registration and guarantee card.
You will be asked to enter your user identification.
When you have installed the program, complete the registration/guarantee card and send it to the address
given.
Fax the registration card to the number shown on the card or send it by e-mail to the Internet address
displayed by the Help > About command. If you use e-mail mode, send the file reg_card.txt (found in
the same directory as the program) as an attachment.
7.6.3
Help: About
Provides general information about the program and the current program version number.
The same result can be obtained by selecting the AutoSoftware symbol in the box in the lower left-hand
corner and clicking mouse button 2.
34
SUPERVISOR
ASPAN
CAD
CAD: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Path
or
SUPERVISOR ::
CAM ::
CAD
File
Integrated
CAD
The Integrated Drawing Editor is the CAD module of the ASPAN CAD/CAM program.
This sophisticated routine is used to draw the graphic entities which will later be converted by the CAM
module into instructions for the machine tool.
The CAD routine will draw two types of primitive entity: holes and routings. You can draw countersunk
and passing holes and routing primitives such as straight lines, arcs, circles and ellipses.
The routine is very flexible and creates the graphic entities required from the measurements entered using
the keyboard or the mouse.
To move the mouse pointer to points which are at a known distance from each other, to select a point at
known co-ordinates on the panel or to select known points of entities on existing drawings, use the
Osnap and the Grid tools
To facilitate drawing, the axes origin can be positioned at any point on the face of a panel.
A series of commands for drawing complex routings or OBJECTS make it possible to create doors,
grooves, to enter text and routing symbols, to make recesses (pocketing) and to trim the panel at a
specified distance from its edges.
The program can also be used to enter formula for the entities making it possible to make parametric
drawings, interpolate on the Z axis, to modify the depth routing shape and import other CAD drawings in
DXF format.
A digitizer connected to the serial port of the computer can also be used to acquire the data for points.
Digitized points can be joined using the Spline, Cubic or Linear commands to construct paths.
The program has edit commands to copy, move, cut and scale drawing entities. The Tools > Undo
command may be used to cancel the last commands executed on the drawing and the Tools > Redo
command may be used to cancel the effects of the last Undo commands.
The current face can be displayed as opaque or transparent. In the transparent mode the entities present on
the other faces are visible and displayed in a different color.
To save the current drawing with a different name, use the Save as command. This command creates an
identical copy of the current drawing but with a different name.
To save all the operations performed on a drawing, select the save option when you leave the CAD
program using the Exit command.
8.1
FIRST STEPS
When you call up and start the
screen display appears as follows:
Starting from the top of the screen
and working downwards, the screen
displays: the title bar with the name
of the current drawing, the main
menu bar (A) and the main tool bar
(B) showing the most commonly
used menu commands in the form
of button icons. The central area of
the screen (G), known as the "work
area", shows the panel: the
drawings and the modifications to
the graphic entities on the panel are
made in this area.
Below the work area there is the status bar; this contains an explanation of the command or field currently
indicated by the mouse. The area to the right of the status bar (E) shows the X and Y co-ordinates of the
current mouse pointer position.
On the left of the screen, the display command bar (C) shows the most commonly used display commands
in the form of button icons. In the area to the right (D) the program displays, as icons, the current
36
CAD
ASPAN
sequence of commands in executions. The first icon from the top is the current primary command. The
icons below represent the secondary commands which follow the current primary command.
For example, if you launch the "straight line between two points" command, the icon for this command
will appear in the top right-hand position. If you now select the zoom command, the zoom icon will
appear under the "straight line" icon.
When you start the integrated CAD for the first time, the Grid option has the default setting of 1 mm and
the panel origin is set at 0.0. This means that the X and Y co-ordinates, displayed to the left of the lower
status bar, will move by 1 mm steps during the entry of measurement values.
The axes origin can be positioned at any point on the panel face. When you start the integrated CAD the
axes origin will be positioned in the same position as that for the machine tool configured on the CAM.
The mouse pointer changes form to match the current operation.
8.2
MENUS & TOOL BARS

The integrated CAD program has a series of pull-down menus which can be displayed one at a time. The
pull-down menus are:
- the MAIN MENU, this is displayed at CAD start-up or when a command has been executed;
- the ENTITY SELECTION menu is displayed when any command requiring the selection of a
drawing entity is being executed;
- the Osnap menu is displayed during the execution of any of the commands requiring the entry of
the position values for drawing entities. This menu is known as the "transparent" menu because its
commands do not alter the status of the primary command used to call up this menu. In other words,
the execution of the commands on this menu is "transparent" because it in no way disturbs the
current primary command.
For each pull-down menu there is a tool bar containing some or all of the commands for the current menu.
In addition to the horizontal tool bars there is a vertical tool bar (C) with display options; the buttons on
this bar correspond to the display commands for the Display option of the various menus. The commands
on this tool bar are "transparent", i.e. when executed from inside a primary command they do not change
the status of that command.
8.3
INPUT VALUES
At the start of the data entry routine the mouse data entry mode is enabled. Enter the values required by
clicking mouse button 1 on the point required in the work area.
In the mouse mode: when you press any key or press this icon, the procedure is switched
over to the keyboard data entry mode. A data entry table will be displayed. Enter the values
in the fields using the keyboard.
In the keyboard mode: when you press this icon or click a measurement field with mouse
button 2, the procedure is switched back to the mouse data entry mode and mouse button 1
is now enabled for mouse data entry. The value required can be inserted by clicking with
mouse button 1 at the point required in the working area. When the point has been entered,
the procedure returns to the keyboard data entry mode.
During the mouse data entry mode the pointer becomes a cross shape; in this mode the commands on the
Osnap tool bar and on the vertical display command bar are available.
8.4
SYMBOLS
Routings or selected paths:
The upper path is composed by 3 separate routings; the
lower one, by only a routing.
A.
B.
C.
D.
ASPAN
CAD
start point
End point
end point of a routing and start point of another one
Direction: white arrow
37
8.5
Panel
The panel is a special drawing entity. A panel is drawn automatically by entering the measurements for a
new drawing on the supervisor.
Panel: Face > Upper
Panel: Exploded
Each work face displayed corresponds to a panel face and can be selected using the Display > Face or
its related icon. The sides and edges of the panel are not routings and cannot therefore be cancelled or
modified. You can, however, change the overall dimensions of the panel; use the Modify > Panel
command.
To select the edges of the panel during the measurement entry routine, use the Osnap functions. To select
the sharp edge of a panel, use the (Osnap > End point) command. To select the middle point on a panel
side, use (Osnap > Middle point) command. To select the intersection between a panel side and any
routing on the drawing, use the (Osnap > Intersection) command. To select a point on the edge of the
panel close to a selected point, use the (Osnap > Near to) command.
To display all the panel faces at the same time, use the Display > Exploded command. To display panel
faces in the transparent mode, use Display > Transparent command. All the entities present on the
other faces will be shown in a different color.
8.6
UNDOING ERRORS
The Tools > Undo command cancels the effects of the last operation. Use this command to
undo any errors in data entry and return the drawing to its status prior to the error.
This command can be repeated and can be used to cancel, working backwards a step at a time,
the effects of all the operations executed during a work session.
The Tools > Redo command cancels the effect of the last Undo command.
EXPLODED DRAWING
This mode, when active, allows to draw while the panel is in
exploded mode, that is with all faces visualized and all on the same
plane. The selection of the face on which to draw, automatic or
manual, could be selected in the preferences of CAD environment.
If the automatic face change option is active the face will change automatically according to the point in
the drawing where it starts to draw an entity; otherwise the entity will be drawn on the already active face.
To return to the normal drawing mode, single face mode, just click the Display > Normal icon.
Display > Face
Changes, in sequence, the current working face.

The seconds icon appears in case of automatic face change.
Automatic face change can be enabled and disabled using the command File > Preferences.
Display > Exploded
Visualizes and allows to draw at the same time on all faces of the panel. For each face the
current X, Y axes origin is shown. The active face has a white origin.
If the automatic face change option is active the face will change automatically according to
the point in the drawing where it starts to draw an entity; otherwise the entity will be drawn on
the already active face.
Automatic face change can be enabled and disabled using the command File > Preferences.
Display > Normal
Visualization and drawing on a single face of the panel.
38
CAD
ASPAN
10
OSNAP FUNCTIONS
The snap to (Osnap) functions provide a reliable way of selecting known points of entities which have
already been drawn. The program automatically calculates and enters the position of known points on the
basis of their measurements.
Snap functions can be used with standard graphic entities (e.g. holes, routing and cuts) and can also be
used to select points on the edges of the panel.
Snap functions are available on the transparent menu and on the transparent tool bar during the entry of
measurement values.
The known points that can be selected are as follows:
Center
the center of any arc, circle or hole;

End point
the final point of any routing or panel edge;

Middle point
the middle point of any routing or panel edge;

Near to
the point on a routing or panel edge closest to the point clicked;

Intersection
the intersection point between two routings or between a routing and the edge of a panel;
Tangent to
the tangency to an entity. Tangency is only valid for STRAIGHT LINE, ARC and CIRCLE
ENTITIES.
Perpendicular
Perpendicular with a selected entity. This condition is only enabled when drawing straight
lines.
Tangent at a point
the tangent to an entity at one of its points which you have selected.
For operations on holes only Center function is enabled.
11
GRID FUNCTIONS
The Grid function defines the cursor movements as discrete aligned points on an X and Y grid; the
distance between the points is defined by the grid dimensions.
The grid function makes it possible to move the cursor to points which are at a known distance from each
other or to select a point with known co-ordinates on a panel.
When the grid is active it is only displayed and its effect on the cursor is only visible during measurement
entry operations. In this case the X and Y co-ordinates of the cursor shown in lower right-hand corner
move according to the grid pitch.
The grid origin can be fixed at any point on the panel.
When active, the grid can be displayed inside the work area. In this case it is displayed as a series of red
points at an equal distance apart at the grid size selected.
The grid will not be displayed if its size is set to below the screen resolution of 4 pixel.
The Grid function can be called up from the main menu and from the transparent menu during
measurement entry.
When you start the integrated CAD for the first time, the grid is
enabled at a size of 1 mm and with its origin on the 0.0 point of the
panel; the View option is not active.
12
CAD: MAIN COMMANDS

The main menu is a pull-down menu displayed when you first enter the routine. The main menu consists
of the commands described in the paragraphs below.
The items on the main menu are as follows:
File
ASPAN
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for operations on files,
for importing DXF files, for printing drawings and leaving the supervisor
CAD
39
program.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display
of the current work area.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawing all
drawing graphic entities inside the work area.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for: editing the
attributes of holes and routings; creating parametric drawings; interpolating
routings on the Z axis; converting routings into cuts and vice versa.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for modifying entities
which have already been drawn.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for special operations
on entities which have already been drawn. These operations include: filleting;
chamfering; canceling previous commands.
These commands allow the modification of the paths in the drawing.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands giving information
about the drawing entities and the CAD status.
Display
Draw
Set
Modify
Tools
Path
Information
File
Save
Save as
Save upside-down
Print
Dimensioned print
Exploded print
Preferences
Modify Single Line font
DXF import
Exit
2D generic
CAM
Drill-Mate
Kreate
Display
Zoom
Face
Previous
Exploded
Window
3D view
Out
Transparent
Face
Extension
Pan
Upper
Left
Right
Front
Rear
Lower
40
CAD
ASPAN
Set
Information
Diameter
Panel
Depth
Entity
Formulae
Status
Z Interpolation
Set grooves
Countersink depth
Global direction
Modify
Path
Erase
Cut and join
Copy
Autojoin
Move
Routing reduction
Rotate
Interpole
Mirror
Smooth
Oppose
Rotate in z
Trim
Modify Vertex
Extend
Merge
Scale
ASPAN
Array
XY
Panel
Entity
CAD
41
Draw
Holes
Objects
Normal
Block
Angular
Routings
Holes row
Table
Panel sizing
On path
Rectangular pocket
Circular pocket
Define
Generic pocket
Insert
Grooves
Cupboard door
Rectangle
Text
Ellipse
Symbols
Arc of ellipse
Line
2 Points
Arc
Start,Angle,Length
Circle
Follow
Start,End,Center
Angular
Start,End,Radius
Shape by points
Start,Point,End
Start,Center,Angle
Tangent line
Line End point
Center,Radius
Line Angle,Length
3 Points
Tangent arc
Arc End,Center
Line
Arc End,&Radius
Arc
Rotating arc
Digitizer
File
Tools
Utility
Change origin
Macro
Fillet
Nesting
Chamfer
Offset
Grid
Background
Dimensioning
Distance
View
Undo
Edit
Redo
42
CAD
ASPAN
12.1 File
File
Save
Save as
Save upside-down
Print
Dimensioned print
Exploded print
Preferences
Modify Single Line font
DXF import
Exit
CAM

operations on files, for importing DXF files, for printing drawings
and leaving the supervisor program.
12.1.1
File: Save
Saves the current drawing with its name on the hard disk and up-dates the files. Use this command to save
the drawing and protect against data loss in the event of a power failure or other faults.
12.1.2
File: Save as
Saves the drawing with a different name. The new name becomes the current name of the drawing. Use
this function to make a duplicate of a drawing.
Enter the new drawing name in the file selection window for your operating system. The names of the
drawings already saved are shown in gray to indicate that the current operation is a 'save' operation.
If you enter a name already assigned to another file, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite that file.
12.1.3
File: Save upside-down
Save the drawing with a different name after turning the panel over through 180 on a vertical axis at the
center of the panel (or at the center of the Z axis). This command changes the current name of the drawing
to the new name.
Use this function to adapt a drawing for machining on other types of machine tool which machine panel
faces in a different way. The IN-LINE machines, for example, will also machine the lower faces of the
panel.
Enter the new name of the overturned drawing in the file selection window for your operating system. The
names of the drawings already saved are shown in gray to indicate that the current operation is a 'save'
operation.
If you enter a name already assigned to another file, you will be asked if you wish to overwrite that file.
12.1.4
File: Print
Prints a portion of the drawing currently displayed on a printer.

This command is used to modify print parameters.
A print preview will be displayed on screen before the print-out begins.
The procedure also prints the bar code at the bottom of the page. The data contained in the bar code must
be configured using the command: SUPERVISOR :: Utility > BarCode Configuration.
- Operations description PRINT
PREVIEW
Print
ASPAN
This dialogue window belongs to the operating system currently in use.

Use this dialogue window to select the print-out size, print-out quality,
the number of copies required and the print-to-file command. To change
the print and printer options refer to the instructions in your operating
system manual. Press the OK button to confirm your selections and to
continue the command.
A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the printout before it is printed.
Prints the print-out on the printer selected.
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43
12.1.5
File: Dimensioned print
Prints the portion of the drawing currently displayed on the printer selected. Automatically prints holes
with their measurements and legends.
You will be asked to specify: absolute or relative measurements; the position and origin of hole
measurements; the hole Legenda.
If you select the Legenda option, a letter from A to Z will be printed next to each hole indicating the
hole type; a legend giving the letter and its corresponding hole type will be printed at the bottom of the
page.
Use the Partial print option to zoom into a drawing and to print out only the holes that interest you.

DEFINE DIMENSIONED PRINT-OUT
- fields description The X axis measurements can be printed as absolute values with
Relative X
reference to a fixed pointed on the X axis or as relative values using
Absolute X
selected entities as references.
The Y axis measurements can be printed as absolute values with
Relative Y
reference to a fixed point on the Y axis or as relative values using
Absolute Y
selected entities as references.
Reference edge to be used for calculating X and Y measurements.
Dimension origin
There are four options, one for each edge of the panel.
Zone on the drawing whose measurements are to be printed. There are
Dimension position
two options for the Z axis measurements and two options for the Y
axis measurements.
When selected, this option prints a letter from A to Z next to each hole
Legenda
indicating the hole type; a legend giving the letter and its
corresponding hole type will be printed at the bottom of the page. This
option is disabled if there are more than 20 different hole types in the
holes selected.
- Button description A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the printPrint
out before it is printed.
Print
Use this option to select the holes to be printed with measurements or to
Partial
use the zoom functions. Press the button to display the drawing on the
entire screen; the ENTITY SELECTION and Display commands are
enabled. Press the CONFIRM or CANCEL buttons to return to the
window for defining print-outs with measurements. When this option is
active a rectangle with a dotted edge will be displayed inside the panel
window.
12.1.6
File: Exploded print
Prints all the drawing faces (in exploded view) on a single sheet on the printer.
44

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ASPAN
PREVIEW
Print
12.1.7
A preview of the print-out is displayed so that you can check the printout before it is printed.
File: Preferences
This command allows the customization of some behavior of the CAD environment. For instance it is
possible to customize the toolbar and the face change mode in the case of exploded drawing.
12.1.8
File: Modify Single Line font
This is used to modify the single-line font selected. To create a new single-line font, copy one of the
current fonts, in the fonts directory of the program with the extension .drf, to another directory with a
different name and modify it.
The font modify environment is identical to the one in CAD, although some commands are not available.
You can use almost all the CAD commands plus the font menu which allows you to navigate among the
characters, to set the font parameters and to define the font Kerning (i.e. the space between two
characters).
To draw a character, draw it inside the box, considering that the two horizontal lines limit the normal
uppercase character area, if Helvetica or Arial. For other font types, as well as the two horizontal lines, the
subscript and superscript of the various characters may be present (see the figure in parameters).
12.1.9
File: DXF import

DXF import
2D generic
Drill-Mate
Kreate
12.1.9.1

importing generic DXF format files containing 2D entities or special
DXF files from the DRILL-MATE and KREATE commercial
programs.
DXF import: 2D generic
DXF is a standard file format for exchanging files between commercial CAD packages. This program will
import drawings to the current face in the generic DXF file format.
The depth of the imported entity will be recognized (in absolute terms) if the thickness field is present in
the DXF file.
The file will be imported into the current drawing. This means that the entities read from the DXF file will
be added to those already present on the current face of the drawing.
If, once the DXF file has been imported to the drawing, the dimensions of the source panel are different
from those of the current panel, you can use the Modify > Panel command to modify the dimensions
accordingly.
The imported drawing will be positioned at the measurements found inside the DXF file corresponding to
those of the original drawing. If the original drawing was drawn in a position far away from the [0.0]
position of the integrated CAD, proceed as follows. After you have imported the drawing, use the
Display > Zoom > Extension command to display the entire imported drawing inside the work area
and so that you now have the original panel and the imported drawing inside the work area. Now move the
move the imported drawing to the correct [0.0] position.
The scale of the original drawing can be corrected during the import routine or at a later time using the
Modify > Scale command on the part of the drawing which has just been imported.
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45
The import routine must be repeated for each work face of the panel.
A selection window (typical to your operating system) will appear asking you to indicate the name of the
file to be imported; the .DXF file extension will be displayed as the default setting. When you have
selected the file to be imported, the program will ask you to enter the data in the layer selection table; this
table is described below. When you have completed the data entries in this table, press the confirm key;
the program will import the file requested.
In the layer selection window, the Layer name field contains the layer name as it is found in the DXF
file selected. Use the Import field to select the layers to be imported into the drawing. With the scale
factor set to 1, the dimensions of the original drawing will remain unchanged after the import routine.
It is possible that the edges of the old panel will be displayed after the import routine. In this case cancel
the lines representing the edges of the old panel using the Modify > Erase command.
Select the file in the selection window; the program will display
".DXF" as the default file extension.
SELECT LAYERS TO BE All the importable layers found in the DXF file will be displayed.
IMPORTED
- fields description Scale factor to be used when importing the drawing. 1 is displayed as
Scale
the default setting. A scale factor of 1 will import the drawing with
its original dimensions.
Ascending number
No.
Layer name as found in the DXF file
Layer name
Import the corresponding layer - Yes/No.
Import
Maximum diameter value for a circle: below this value the circle will
Max. diam.
be interpreted as a holed; above this value a circle will be considered
as a routing.
12.1.9.2
DXF import: Drill-Mate
This routine imports drawings made with the DRILL-MATE (by Pattern Systems) program.
Drill-Mate drawings are imported into the current drawing; panel dimensions are automatically updated
with the dimensions read in the file being imported.
selected the file to be imported, the program will ask you to enter the data in the LAYER SELECTION
table; this table is described below. When you have completed the data entries in this table, press the
confirm key; the program will import the file requested.
On the left of the layer selection window the program will display all the entities that can be constructed
with the DRILL-MATE program. The Panel layer field is obligatory. The other fields indicate which
fields must to be imported.
Each source layer must be associated with a different entity type; a single layer cannot be associated with
more than one type of entity.
Up to four different layers can be used for horizontal holes.
The Layer fields must contain the layer names as they are to be found in the DXF file selected. Use the
List button to list all the layers in the file.
LAYER SELECTION
- fields description Panel
Vertical holes....
12.1.9.3
This option displays all the possible DRILL-MATE entities. Click
the List button to list all the layers to be found in the file selected.
Each source layer must be associated with a different type of entity.
Name of the corresponding layer as found in the panel file. This
layer is obligatory.
Name of the corresponding layer as found in the entity file. These
layers are not obligatory.
DXF import: Kreate
This routine imports drawings made with the KREATE (by Cabmaker Systems) program.
46
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ASPAN
Drill-Mate drawings are imported into the current drawing; panel dimensions are automatically updated
with the dimensions read in the file being imported.
selected the file to be imported, the program will ask you to enter the data in the LAYER SELECTION
table; this table is described below. When you have completed the data entries in this table, press the
confirm key; the program will import the file requested.
On the left of the layer selection window the program will display all the entities that can be constructed
with the KREATE program. The Panel layer field is obligatory. The other fields indicate which fields
must to be imported.
Each source layer must be associated with a different entity type; a single layer cannot be associated with
more than one type of entity.
Up to two different layers can be used for routings.
The Layer fields must contain the layer names as they are to be found in the DXF file selected. Use the
List button to list all the layers in the file.
LAYER SELECTION
- fields description Panel
Holes....
12.1.10
This option displays all the possible KREATE entities. Click the
List button to list all the layers to be found in the file selected. Each
source layer must be associated with a different entity type.
Name of the corresponding layer as found in the panel file. This
layer is obligatory.
Name of the corresponding layer as found in the entity file. These
layers are not obligatory.
File: Exit
Leave the integrated drawing editor and return to the supervisor. You will be asked if you wish to save the
current drawing.
12.1.11
File: CAM
Save the current drawing to the hard disk; this will up-date the files. Exit from the integrated CAD routine
and then call up the CAM routine to assign graphic entities to machine attributes (e.g. tool, speed, work
sequence,) and to convert the drawing into a part-program.
12.2 Display
Display
Zoom
Face
Exploded
3D view
Transparent
This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling

the display of the current work area.
12.2.1
Display: Zoom
Zoom
Previous
Window
Out
Face
Extension
Pan
ASPAN
This menu item provides access to a series of commands used to

enlarge or shrink a portion of the work area to the size required.
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47
12.2.1.1
Zoom: Previous
Restores the previous display size; this command can be repeated to restore up to 200 previous zoom
levels.
Zoom > Window
initial drawing
Zoom > Previous : result
This command can be used from all menus which have the Display menu item and is also available when
the corresponding icon is shown on the vertical tool bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
12.2.1.2
Zoom: Window
Enlarges or shrinks a portion of the current work area which has been enclosed by a rectangle. Make the
rectangle around the portion you want to enlarge (or shrink) by clicking with mouse button 2 at two points
on the screen. These points are the corners of the diagonal of the rectangle covering the portion to be
enlarged.
1: initial drawing
3: result
When you click on the first point, the elastic selection rectangle will be displayed. Move the mouse
pointer to expand or shrink the selection rectangle to cover the portion of the work area you wish to
highlight.
To cancel the effects of the Zoom applied, use the command Zoom > Previous.
12.2.1.3
Zoom: Out
Reduces the size of the complete drawing so that the display area is 0.5.
initial drawing
result
To change the display size of the drawing so that the work area contains all the drawing entities, wherever they are, use the
command: Zoom > Extension.
12.2.1.4
Zoom: Face
Modifies the enlargement of the drawing to show the panel face currently selected at its maximum size
inside the work area.
48
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ASPAN
initial drawing
result
12.2.1.5
Zoom: Extension
Modifies the enlargement of the drawing so that the work area shows all the drawing entities whatever
their position.
if external entity to the panel exist
initial drawing
result
This command can be used when drawing entities which have been lost following a DXF file import or
following the incorrect entry of a drawing entity.
12.2.1.6
Zoom: Pan
Moves the work area displayed. To move the work area, click mouse button 1 at two points on the screen
to indicate the direction and distance of the move.
Select base point for shifting (A)
Select shift distance and

direction (B)
initial drawing
result
12.2.2
Display: Face
This menus item provides access to a series of commands used to select the work face. The current work
face is indicated by an icon displayed on the vertical tool bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
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49
Face-Upper
Face-Left
Face-Front
These commands can be executed on the main pull-down menu, on the transparent menu or by clicking
the face icon on the left-hand, vertical tool bar.
12.2.3
Display: Exploded
Visualizes and allows to draw at the same time on all faces of the
panel. For each face the current X, Y axes origin is shown. The active
face has a white origin.
If the automatic face change option is active the face will change automatically according to the point in
the drawing where it starts to draw an entity; otherwise the entity will be drawn on the already active face.
12.2.4
Display: Transparent
Displays the current face in the transparent mode; at the same time also displays in different colors all the
entities present on the other faces. The entities on the other faces cannot be selected.
Display-Opaque
Display-Transparent
When this display option is active the "seen" sign will appear alongside the command name. To disable
the command, repeat the command.
This option is disabled at start-up.
You will note that the screen refresh will be slower when this display option is active.
12.2.5
Display: 3D view
Displays a 3D view of the current drawing.
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12.3 Draw
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawing
all drawing graphic entities inside the work area.
Draw
Holes
Routings
Objects
Block
12.3.1
Draw: Holes
all types of hole on panel faces.
Holes
Normal
Angular
Holes row
Table
On path
12.3.1.1
Draw:
Holes: Normal
Draws holes on any working face.
Holes: Face-Upper
Holes: Face-Left
To draw a countersunk hole, enter a the countersink depth value in the Countersink depth field in the
data entry window; this value must be less than diameter and the depth of the hole.
To draw a passing hole on the upper or lower faces, enter a suitable value in the Depth field of the data
entry window; enter a negative value or a value which is greater than the panel thickness. In this case the
hole depth will be calculated in the CAM routine as: panel thickness + projection of lance bit (the lance
bit projection is given in the default data for the machine).
On the horizontal faces, the default hole height (position X for left and right faces, position Y for front or
rear faces) given by the program is half the panel thickness.
Enter the X and Y axis position of the hole, its diameter and then the following data:
Depth
Countersink depth
X repetition
(Y repetition)
X step
(Y step)
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.1.2
Draw:
On the upper or lower face. If the value is negative or greater than the
panel thickness, the hole will be changed into a passing hole.
If the value is zero, the hole is not countersunk. The countersinking height
must be less than the hole diameter or depth.
number of holes to be drawn along the X(Y) axis (default value 1).
distance X(Y) between the holes (default value 32). This is only
significant if X repetition(Y repetition) > 1
if the holes drawn are to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
on the X(Y) axis at the center of the panel.
if the holes drawn are to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to their original position.
Holes: Angular
Draws oblique holes (i.e. not at right angles) on the upper panel
face only. This type of hole is not positioned on the standard
panel faces but for reasons of convenience is drawn and
displayed on the upper panel face only.
To draw a countersunk hole, enter a the countersink depth value
ASPAN
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51
in the Countersink depth field in the data entry window; this value must be less than diameter and the
depth of the hole.
Enter the tool diameter, the depth and then the following data:
Position Z
Angle
Countersink depth
12.3.1.3
Draw:
Hole depth in relation to panel thickness. The default setting proposed is

half the panel thickness.
Hole insertion angle on the X and Y planes around the Z axis. In other
words, this is the tool working angle calculated clockwise starting from
the X axis.
Holes: Holes row
Draws lines of standard or passing holes on any panel face between any two selected points. Any number
of holes can be drawn at a preset distance from each other.
The holes can be laid out in horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines or as a matrix.
Holes row: Face-Upper
Holes row: Face-Left
When you enter a value in the X step and Y step fields, the program automatically calculates the number
of holes to be drawn.
If you enter a value of zero in the X step or Y step fields, you must then indicate the number of holes
required in each direction in the Qty. in X and Qty. in Y fields, the program will then calculate the
distance (i.e. the step) between each hole. If you enter any value other than zero in the X step and Y step
fields, the program will ignore any values in the Qty. in X and Qty. in Y fields.
If the start and end points are on a diagonal line, there are three possible cases depending on the values
entered in the X step and Y step fields:
- X step and Qty. in X are set to zero, Y repetition or Qty. in Y are set to values greater than
zero. This setting creates a diagonal line of holes.
- Y repetition and Qty. in Y are set to zero X step or Qty. in X are set to values greater than
zero. This will create a diagonal line of holes.
- X step and Qty. in X are set to values greater than zero; Y repetition or Qty. in Y are also set
to values greater than zero. This will create a matrix of holes. The borders of the matrix will be the
borders of a rectangle with the diagonal selected.
To draw a countersunk hole, enter a the countersink depth value in the Countersink depth field in the
data entry window; this value must be less than diameter and the depth of the hole.
To draw a passing hole on the upper or lower faces, enter a suitable value in the Depth field of the data
entry window; enter a negative value or a value which is greater than the panel thickness. In this case the
hole depth will be calculated in the CAM routine as: panel thickness + projection of lance bit (the lance
bit projection is given in the default data for the machine).
On the horizontal faces, the default hole height (position X for left and right faces, position Y for front or
rear faces) given by the program is half the panel thickness.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points of the line of holes, the hole diameter and
then the following data:
distance X(Y) between each hole (default setting = 32).
X step
(Y step)
Qty. in X
(Qty. in Y)
Depth
Countersink depth
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
52
number of holes to be drawn along the X(Y) axis. This is only

significant if X step(Y step) = 0.
On the upper or lower face. If the value is negative or greater than the
panel thickness, the hole will be changed into a passing hole.
if the holes drawn are to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
if the holes drawn are to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
CAD
ASPAN
face in the identical position to their original position.
12.3.1.4
Draw:
Holes: Table
This function draws standard holes in the table mode, i.e. holes are drawn using data which has previously
been entered in a table.
This method is recommended where the drawing has many holes and the hole measurements are
referenced on different panel origins (corners) or in those cases where the hole measurements are
referenced on each other.
In the hole position fields X and Y you can enter numeric values or mathematical expressions using the
variables DX, DY and DZ to indicate the panel measurements.
To reference a hole on a particular cell on the X or Y axes, enter the co-ordinates of the cell to be used as
a reference (e.g. the co-ordinate of cell Y on the second line is Y2).
If an X or Y cell is left empty, it will take the value of the cell above as default. The cells X and Y of the
first line must be filled.
Press the OK key to confirm your data entries. The holes entered in the table will be drawn in the absolute
positions calculated.
Use the LOAD button to load the last hole data table used. This table will then become the table for the
current drawing session.
The other fields in this table are: hole diameter; hole depth; number of repetitions; space between holes on
the X and Y axes. These fields have the same meanings as those described for the Draw > Holes >
Normalcommand.
12.3.1.5
Draw:
Holes: On path
Allows to draw holes, equally spaced, lying along any path. It could set
the step between the holes or the quantity of holes.
The selection of the path along which the holes must be created will
be required.
You can use the option On vertex to only draw the holes at the
vertices of the path selected.
12.3.2
Draw: Routings
all types of routing on each panel face.
Routings
Line...
Arc...
Circle...
Ellipse
Rectangle
Angular...
Follow...
Shape by points...
12.3.2.1
Draw:
Routings: Line
Line
2 Points
Start,Angle,Length
12.3.2.1.1
Routings:

straight lines based on available data.
Line: 2 Points
Draws a straight line on the current work face given two points on the line.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
If different start and end depths are entered, the routing will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis.
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53
If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the
entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become
available in the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
If the entity to be drawn must begin at the endpoint of another entity, instead of this command, you can use the
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Tangent line.
To change or divide the path direction or to add a new vertex, use the command: (Path > Cut and join).
When you draw an entity which must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on
the entity), that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, do NOT use the mouse and do NOT enter
numeric values, as the program will not be able to connect the points required correctly. Use the Osnap commands.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points, the tool diameter and then the following data:
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.1.2
Routings:
start depth of the segment.

end depth of the segment. If the start and end depths are different, the
depth profile will be interpolated in a straight line on the Z axis
if the routing drawn is to be copied on the same face in a mirror position
if the routing drawn is to be copied onto the opposite face to the current
face in the identical position to its original position.
Line: Start,Angle,Length
Draws a straight line on the current work surface given a start point, the angle of the line to the horizontal
and the length of the segment.
Line routing start point (A)
Angle (B) = 45
Length (C) = 150
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Line Angle,Length.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the straight line start point, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
Angle
Length
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
54
angle of the straight line with the horizontal

length of the straight line segment to be drawn
CAD
ASPAN
12.3.2.2
Draw:
Routings: Arc
Arc
Start,End,Center
Start,End,Radius
Start,Point,End
Start,Center,Angle
12.3.2.2.1
Routings:

arcs based on available data.
Arc: Start,End,Center
Draws an arc on the current work face given a start point, a end point and a center point.
Start point of the arc routing (A)
End point of the arc routing (B)
Center of the arc routing (C)
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Arc End,Center.
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the arc start, finish and centre points, the tool diameter and then the
following data:
Start depth
End depth
Direction
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.2.2
Routings:

Routing direction. To change routing direction, press the "down" arrow
displayed next to the field and select the Clockwise or C.clockwise.
option for the direction you require.
Arc: Start,End,Radius
Draws an arc on the current work face given a start point, a end point and a radius.
Radius (C) = 130
ASPAN
command: Draw > Routings > Follow > Arc End,&Radius.
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55
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the start and finish points, the tool diameter and then the following data:
Radius
Start depth
End depth
Direction
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.2.3
Routings:
arc radius
Arc: Start,Point,End
Draws an arc on the current work face given three points of the arc.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
Point 3 (C)
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the three points of the entity, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.2.4
Routings:

Arc: Start,Center,Angle
Draws an arc given a point, the center and the angle subtending the arc.
Center of the arc routing (B)
Angle (C)
If the entity to be drawn must begin or end at a special point of another entity (endpoint, intersection, a point on the entity),
that is, when you want to connect it to the vertices of another entity, use the Osnap commands which become available in
the tool bar every time the procedure requires the entry of points.
56
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ASPAN
description of most significant fields

angle subtending the arc, starting from the arc start point
Angle
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.3
Draw:
Routings: Circle
Circle
Center,Radius
3 Points
12.3.2.3.1
Routings:
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for drawings

circles based on available data.
Circle: Center,Radius
Draws a circle on the current work face given a center point and a radius.
Center of the arc routing (A)
Radius (B)
To change the path dimensions by dragging the vertices, use the command: (Path > Modify Vertex).
Center X
Center Y
Radius
Direction
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.3.2
Routings:
circle center point

circle radius
Circle: 3 Points
Draws a circle on the current work face given three points of the circle.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
Point 3 (C)
Enter the X and Y co-ordinates of the three points of the entity, the tool diameter and then the following
data:
Depth
ASPAN
routing depth
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57
Direction
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.4
Draw:

Routings: Rectangle
Allows the drawing of rectangles of any dimension. The position of the opposite vertexes of the rectangle
to be drawn will be required: this will determine the dimension of the rectangle.
Point 1 (A)
Point 2 (B)
12.3.2.5
To draw an irregular polygon, you can use the command Draw > Routings > Shape by points > Digitizer,
simulating the points with the mouse and interpolating the points acquired in linear mode.
Draw:
Routings: Ellipse
Draws a full ellipse on the current face

Select the ellipse center (A)
X radius (B)
Y radius (C)
Center X
Center Y
X radius
Y radius
Direction
center of the ellipse
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.6
radius or semi-axis of the ellipse

Draw:
Routings: Arc of ellipse
Draws an ellipse arc on the current face

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Select the ellipse center (A)

X radius (B)
Y radius (C)
Center X
Center Y
X radius
Y radius
Start angle
End angle
center of the ellipse

radius or semi-axis of the ellipse
defines the start point of the ellipse.
defines the end point of the ellipse. If the start and end points have the
same value, the program will draw a complete ellipse.
Direction
Mirror in X
(Mirror in Y)
Oppose
12.3.2.7
Draw:
Routings: Angular
Angular
Line
Arc
Rotating arc
This menu option enables access to a series of commands for drawing

routings on any internal panel plane.
12.3.2.7.1
Routings:
Angular: Line
Draws straight lines on any internal panel plane only; does not draw lines on panel faces.
Direction (A)
Start Depth (B)
End Depth (C)
Face-Upper
Face-Front
The entity lead-in side, i.e. the side where the tool starts machining, is displayed in yellow.
Enter the following data: the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the line start and finish with reference to the
panel origin; the tool depth and diameter. You should also enter the following data:
XY tool angle
XZ tool angle
the tool angle (or perpendicularity to the entity) on the upper face in
relation to the horizontal axis. The program proposes two angles at 180
to each other. These are the two possible positions of the tool on either
side of the entity.
Tool angle in relation to the plane of the upper face.
The preview area displays the entity to be drawn seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the depth
direction.
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59
12.3.2.7.2
Routings:
Angular: Arc
raws arcs on any plane perpendicular to the upper face and inside the panel; does not draw lines on panel
faces; does not draw arcs on panel faces.
Enter the following data: the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the arc start and finish with reference to the panel
origin; the tool depth, diameter and direction. You should also enter the following data:
side of the entity.
XY tool angle
XZ tool angle
The preview area displays the entity to be drawn seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the depth
direction.
12.3.2.7.3
Routings:
Angular: Rotating arc
Draws three-dimensional arcs on any plane inside the panel but not on a panel face. This option can be
used to execute fillets between two horizontal panel faces.
Enter the following data: the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the arc start, finish and centre with reference to
the panel origin; the tool depth, diameter and direction. You should also enter the following data:
Movement
Tool leading angle
XY tool angle
XZ tool angle
Tool movement type: if tool movement is radial, the tools will be kept
perpendicular to the path during machining.
For radial movement types, enter the angle of the tool in relation to the
perpendicular of the path. If the angle is set = 0, this indicates that the tool
is perfectly perpendicular.
side of the entity.
The preview area displays the arc to be drawn (hatched) seen on a plane which is perpendicular to the
plane on which the arc lies.
12.3.2.8
Draw:
Routings: Follow
Follow
Tangent line
Line End point
Line Angle,Length
Tangent arc
Arc End,Center
Arc End,&Radius
This menu item provides access to a series of commands to continue

drawing straight lines or arcs from a selected drawn routing.
At the start of the command, select the drawing entity to be followed.
12.3.2.8.1
Routings:
Follow: Tangent line
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws a straight line at a tangent to the
routing.
Enter the end point of the line to be drawn. The depth and diameter of the line will be taken from the
original entity.
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ENTITY SELECTION (A)
initial drawing
result
To indicate the endpoint (or vertex) of the entity from where you want to continue, click the mouse near
the corresponding vertex.
At the end of the command, the path direction will be that of the last vertex (section) added.
This command is recursive, i.e. once completed, it will be run again. To exit the command definitively,
click on the cancel icon.
12.3.2.8.2
Routings:
Follow: Line End point
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws a straight line in any direction.
Enter the end point of the line to be drawn. The diameter and the depth of the line will be taken from the
original entity.

Line routing end point (B)
initial drawing
result
12.3.2.8.3
Routings:
Follow: Line Angle,Length
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws a straight line whose horizontal
angle and length are known.
The depth and diameter of the line will be taken from the original entity.
Angle 0
Length 80
initial drawing
result
- fields description Angle

ASPAN
angle of the straight line with the horizontal

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61
length of the straight line segment to be drawn
Length
12.3.2.8.4
Routings:
Follow: Tangent arc
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws an arc at a tangent to the routing.
Enter the end point of the tangent arc to be drawn. The depth and diameter of the line will be taken from
the original entity.
initial drawing
result
12.3.2.8.5
Routings:
Follow: Arc End,Center
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws an arc in any direction.
Enter the end point and the center point of the arc to be drawn. The diameter and the depth of the line will
be taken from the original entity.

Center of the arc routing (C)
initial drawing
result
- fields description End X

End Y
Center X
Center Y
Direction
12.3.2.8.6
Routings:
end point of arc.

arc center point
Follow: Arc End,&Radius
Continues drawing from the end of any routing on the drawing; draws an arc in any direction.
Enter the end point and the radius of the arc to be drawn. The diameter and the depth of the line will be
taken from the original entity.
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Radius 140
initial drawing
result
- fields description End X

End Y
Radius
Direction
12.3.2.9
Draw:
Routings: Shape by points
Shape by points
Digitizer
File
12.3.2.9.1
end point of arc.

arc radius
Routings:

a flat geometrical shape using a digitizer, a mouse or by entering the
position of points in a table.
Shape by points: Digitizer
Acquires points from a digitizer connected to the computer serial port. The digitizer must be configured
following the instructions given in SUPERVISOR.
When you start this command, the program will switch to the standby mode, waiting to receive the points
from the digitizer. Each point received will be drawn on the screen, a acknowledge beep will sound (if this
function is enabled) and a line will be draw joining the various points. Points can also be entered using the
mouse.
The total of points acquired is displayed in the lower left hand corner.
The minimum number of points which can be acquired is 3.
When point acquisition has been completed, press the Confirm key to start the interpolation or
modification stages; press the Cancel key to cancel the current acquisition.
To acquire a single point just send the point with the single point code, using the single point acquiring
button.
A single point may be modified by the successive interpolation procedure.
To acquire a corner just send the point with the double point code, using the double point acquiring button
or repeating two consecutive single identical points.
The double point will not be modified by the successive interpolation procedure.
With the Linear interpolation option the various points are not interpolated but are joined by a straight
line. With Spline interpolation the points are interpolated so that the arcs pass through data points. With
Cubic interpolation the arcs created do not pass through the data points.
If the Closed option is active, the resulting shape will be closed; if this option is not selected the shape
will be open.
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63
initial drawing: Insert points
result A
Type: Linear - Closed
result B
Type: Spline - Closed
There are two ways of modifying points:

- the data entry mode: click mouse button 1 on the field to be modified and then enter the X and Y
measurements in the list of points on the right of the window;
- the graphics mode: press the Modify button. This will return you to the work area where the points
will be displayed as small red and green squares joined by straight lines. Use the mouse. Move the
'hand' pointer onto the point to be modified, click and hold down mouse button 1 and then move the
pointer to the point required. If the two points are the same, the square will be displayed in blue.
- Operations description Insert points
Shape definition
- fields description Type
Closed
Diameter
Depth
- Button description Save
Add
Delete
Insert
Modify
12.3.2.9.2
Entering the points using a digitizer or mouse.

When you have completed point entries, press the Confirm button to
continue the command or press the Cancel button to cancel the
command.
Select the shape to be interpolated by using the points acquired;
modifying and saving the points acquired.
Type of interpolation between acquired points.
Options:
Linear Spline Cubic.
is the shape to be created closed or open.
tool diameter.
routing depth
saves acquired points in a file. Select the name of the file where the points
are to be saved using the file selection window for your operating system;
the system will propose the .PNT extension as the default file extension.
The file with the points can later be entered in a drawing using the Draw
> Routings > Shape by points > File command
adds a point with co-ordinates 0.0 to the end of the hole list.
cancels the point in the current cursor position from the list of holes.
enters a point with co-ordinates 0.0 in the current cursor position to the
hole list.
returns to the work area to enable graphic modifications to the acquired
points. The points are displayed as small alternating red and green squares
joined by straight lines. The pointer changes to a hand with an
outstretched index finger; the index finger is the hot-spot. To move a
point, move the index finger onto the point, click and keep the mouse
button 1 pressed down and then move the mouse pointer to the position
required. The point will follow the mouse movements. If the two points
are the same, the small square will change to blue. To return to the table,
press the Confirm button to save the modifications or press the Cancel
button to cancel the modifications.
Routings:
Shape by points: File
Reads the points to be interpolated from a file with the .PNT extension and previously saved using the
Save button of the Draw > Routings > Shape by points > Digitizer command.
When you select this command, the file selection window of your operating system will appear and you
will be asked to select the .PNT file you require. When you have selected a file, a data entry window will
appear displaying a table on the right with the measurements of the points saved in the file.
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To enter other points, press the Add or Insert buttons and then enter the X and Y measurements for the
points in the list displayed on the right side of the window.
There are two ways of modifying points:
- the data entry mode: click mouse button 1 on the field to be modified and then enter the X and Y
measurements in the list of points on the right of the window;
- the graphics mode: press the Modify button. This will return you to the work area where the points
will be displayed as small red and green squares joined by straight lines. Use the mouse. Move the
'hand' pointer onto the point to be modified, click and hold down mouse button 1 and then move the
pointer to the point required. If the two points are the same, the square will be displayed in blue.
When you have finished entering the points, you must select the type of interpolation to be applied to the
points and also the diameter and depth attributes to be assigned to the resulting routing.
Insert points
Shape definition
12.3.3
Select the file in the selection window. The program will propose the
.PNT file extension.
Inserting other points by entering their measurements in the table on the
right of the window.
Select the shape to be interpolated by using the points entered in a table;
modifying and saving the points in a file.
Draw: Objects
Objects
Panel sizing
Rectangular pocket
Circular pocket
Generic pocket
Grooves
Cupboard door
Text
Symbols
12.3.3.1
Draw:

complex entities composed of primitives.
Objects: Panel sizing

Performs a squaring operation inside the panel at a set distance
from the edge with a set fillet radius between its straight
components.
If the field Fillet radius is set to zero, no fillet between the
squaring lines (squaring line or sharp edge) will be performed.
Automatic tool compensation can also be selected. This makes it possible to draw the squaring routings in
a position that takes into account the routing tool diameter. If you select tool compensation here it will not
be necessary to assign compensation to the tool later during the CAM environment.
If the entity is not mathematically possible with the data entered, a beep will sound when you press the
OK button and the mouse cursor will highlight the field containing the incorrect data item.
Edge distance
Fillet radius
Automatic tool
correction
Corner
Inlet/Outlet
12.3.3.2
ASPAN
Draw:
Distance from the edge of the panel at which the trimming cut is to be
drawn.
Fillet radius between the trim routing. If this field is set to zero, the
program will not execute any fillet radius and the trim cuts will be made
with a sharp edge.
When active this option makes the trim routing with automatic
compensation, i.e. the trim routing will be drawn in a position calculated
as: distance from the edge - router radius).
if enabled, moulding is machined with a sharp edge.
if enabled, tool lead-in and lead-out paths are created.
Objects: Rectangular pocket
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65
Cuts a rectangular recess of the size required. The rectangle to

be recessed is defined by the two points at the ends of its
diagonal.
The rectangle to be recessed can have corners with a set radius.
The value in the Routing diameter field defines the number
of passes required to empty the recess.
The lead-in and lead-out paths of the machine head are calculated automatically.
Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
Fillet radius
Direction
12.3.3.3
Draw:
Measurement of the first corner of the recess rectangle.

Measurement of the second corner of the recess rectangle.
Fillet radius between the sides of the recess rectangle. If this field is set
to zero, the fillet radii will not be made and the recess rectangle will be
cut with sharp edges.
Objects: Circular pocket
Cuts a circular recess of the size required. The circle to be

recessed is defined by 2 points representing the center and the
radius of the circle.
The value in the Routing diameter field defines the number of
passes required to empty the recess.
The lead-in and lead-out paths of the machine head are
calculated automatically.
Enter the center and dimensions of the circle and complete the table data fields (described below). Press
the OK button. The program will draw the entity requested.
Center X
Center Y
Pocket radius
Direction
12.3.3.4
Draw:
circle center point

circle radius
Objects: Generic pocket
Empties the inside of a closed path of any shape.

If there are closed areas (islands) inside the path to be emptied, these will be ignored unless they are
deliberately selected; if the islands are selected they will not be emptied.
The path to be recessed and any internal islands must be drawn before this command is run.
It has also the ability to select, at the same time, more than one closed path to be emptied. In this case the
command executes a multiple pocketing.
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The areas recessed, yellow-colored, will be considered as a single complex entity. You cannot modify or
delete a single section of a recess unless you first divide it into its basic sections using the command Path >
Cut and join.
You will be asked to select the path to be emptied and any islands inside the path not to be emptied. Enter
the depth and then the following data:
Tool diameter of the outermost path. The default setting is the diameter
Finish diameter
set when the path was created.
Finish mode
Defines the path mode of the finishing tool. If the mode is set to offset,
an offset will be generated inside the path at a distance which is half the
Finish diameter; the finishing tool will follow this path. If the mode is
set at correction, the tool will follow the path but with internal
correction.
Emptying tool diameter.
Roughing diameter
Percentage of overlap on two successive roughing passes.
Overlap
This command does not work if the external path or any islands to be recessed are not closed. To check that a path is
closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
12.3.3.5
Draw:
Objects: Grooves
Makes one or more cuts along one dimension of the panel in a
vertical or horizontal direction at a set distance from the edge;
also performs panel edging where required.
If edging is set to a negative value, the cuts will start from the
inside of the panel.
Unlike standard routings, these cuts are displayed in dark blue; a saw tool will be assigned to these
cuttings in the CAM routine (where possible).
Edge distance (a)
Overedging (b)
Groove 1
Groove 2
Groove 3
Groove 4
12.3.3.6
Draw:
distance of the groove from the edge of the panel

Amount inside or outside the panel. If the edging value is negative the
cut will start inside the panel.
The edge grooves for the edges selected can be cut a the same time.
Objects: Cupboard door
Draws a "classic" shape door on the upper face of the panel.

Changing the data values requested will change the shape of the door.
The door can also be drawn in the parametric mode; in this case the original distance of the shape from the
edges of the panel will be maintained when the panel size is changed.
If the entity is not mathematically possible with the data entered,
a beep will sound when you press the OK button and the mouse
cursor will highlight the field containing the incorrect data item.
'a' distance
'b' distance
'c' distance
'd' distance
'r1' radius
'r2' radius
'r3' radius
Inlet/Outlet tangent
mode
Parametric
ASPAN
distance of the sides of the door from the edges of the panel and as
indicated in the figure to the right of the data entry window.
door radius, as indicated in the figure to the right of the data entry
window.
Enters the tool lead-in/lead-out paths at the center of the upper
horizontal side of the door and interpolates the paths on the Z axis.
Creates a parametric door so that the distance of the shape from the
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67
edges of the door remain the same when the panel size is changed.
12.3.3.7
Draw:
Objects: Text
Draws text using the Windows TrueType font (TM) or using the internal single-line fonts.
You can select the type of font using the corresponding button in the data entry window.
It will be asked for a point where the text has to be inserted and it is possible to define the height of the
character or its width or both the values: the meaning of these values could be found by the Advanced
button.
The text may follow a path of any shape selected by the Path
button, with the ability to rotate the characters and to fit the
length of the text to the length of the selected path. A positive
value in the Extrablank field allows to insert an additional
extra space, between the characters, to the standard one.
The procedure executes a reduction of the number of routing
sections found in the font and transforms the text in routings.
To modify or create a single-line font, use the command: File >
Modify Single Line font.
All the TrueType fonts are two-line fonts: the corresponding characters are formed by closed paths. If you want to draw
single-line text, use the internal single-line fonts.
12.3.3.8
Draw:
Objects: Symbols
Draws any type of symbol of the size required on the upper panel face.
The symbols must be selected from the files containing TRUETYPE symbol fonts. Symbol fonts are
available in commercial packages and are also included with WINDOWS (TM) operating system. To
select these files use the file selection window for your operating system. The files have the .TTF file
extension.
The routine reduces the number of original arcs present in the fonts and then converts the symbols into
routing paths.
Enter the point where the symbols are to be entered, the symbol size, the tool size and the symbol font to
be used. Press the OK button. A selection window will appear for the selection of the symbols to be
applied to the panel. To select a symbol, click mouse button 1 on the symbol. Press the Insert button for
each selection. The routine will temporarily save the symbols in sequence. The last symbols saved will be
shown in the lower right-hand corner in 5 cells together with a number indicating the symbols saved. The
remaining symbols in the file are displayed in the vertical scroll bar on the right. When you press the OK
button the saved symbols will be transferred to the panel. The entities made up of symbols are routings.
- Button description Font ...
OK
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selects TRUETYPE font files with the .TTF extension; use the file selection
window for your operating system
confirms the data settings and passes to the symbol selection window and
reads the symbols present in the file selected.
- Button description displays the selected symbol enlarged to fill the entire screen. To
Zoom
select a symbol, click mouse button 1 on the symbol.
temporarily saves the symbol selected in one of the five cells in
Insert
the bottom right hand corner of the screen and updates the
number of the symbols memorized (i.e. the number displayed to
the left of the cells).
transfers all the symbols saved onto the upper panel face and then
OK
exits from this command routine.
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12.3.4
Draw: Block
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for defining
and entering a block of entities on a drawing.
Block
Define
Insert
12.3.4.1
Draw:
Block: Define
Defines the group of entities selected as a block and gives the block a name so that it can then be entered
on any drawing. Files containing blocks have the file extension . BLK and can be placed in any directory.
Select the entity to be added to the block and the entity base point (i.e. its entry or reference point). Save
the block with a name using the file selection window for your operating system. Block names already
saved are shown in gray to indicate that this is a 'save' operation.
If the block name already exists you will be asked if you wish to overwrite the existing file.
Select entities to be inserted in
the block (A)
Select the block base point (B)
SAVE BLOCK
- Operations description ENTITY SELECTION

Position X
Position Y
SAVE BLOCK
12.3.4.2
Draw:
position of block base/entry point. This is the reference point used later
when entering the block on the drawing using the Draw > Block >
Insert command.
saves the block in a file with a name and the .BLK extension; this
operation takes place in the file selection window of your operating
system.
Block: Insert
Adds an entity block, previously defined using Draw > Block > Define command, to the drawing. Block
files have the .BLK extension.
Files selection
Block insertion point (A)
initial drawing
result
Select the block to be added using the file selection window of your operating system. The block will be
added to the drawing at the current mouse position. A virtual copy of the block will be displayed in the
current mouse position; use the mouse to drag the virtual copy of the block to the position you require.
The block will be presented with its original dimensions.
Position X
Position Y
ASPAN
Select the .BLK file your require in the selection window.

position of the block base/entry point. This is the block reference point
previously saved using the Draw > Block > Define command.
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12.4 Set
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for defining
and entering a block of entities on a drawing.
Set
Diameter
Depth
Formulae
Z Interpolation
Set grooves
Countersink depth
Global direction
12.4.1
Set: Diameter
Changes the current diameter of the entity selected. Different types of entity (holes, routing, etc.) can be
selected at the same time.
initial drawing
result
If the attribute to be modified has different values in the entities selected, the value 1 will be displayed in
the data entry window.
12.4.2
Set: Depth
Changes the current depth of the entity selected. Different types of entity (holes, routing, etc.) can be
selected at the same time.
initial drawing
result
If the attribute to be modified has different values in the entities selected, the value 1 will be displayed in
the data entry window.
12.4.3
Set: Formulae
Executes the graphics parametric routine enabling the addition of parametric formula to the entity
selected. For a full description, see the section "PARAMETRIC".
12.4.4
Set: Z Interpolation
Executes the Z axis interpolation routine to modify the depth profile of the routing selected. For a full
description, see the section "Z INTERPOLATION".
12.4.5
Set: Set grooves
Cuts are routings made using a saw tool. Cuts are shown in a darker blue than that used for routings.
This command converts routings into cuts and vice versa. It is always possible to convert cuts into routing
but it is not always possible to convert routings into cuts. A routing can only be converted into a cut if it is
straight and not joined to other routings.
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see: SELECTION COMMANDS.

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ASPAN
Type of entity selected: "X" indicates that cuts are selected; " " indicates
that routings are selected. This field will be colored gray if the entity
selected contains both cuts and routings.
To convert all the entities selected into cuts (where possible), enter "X" in
this field. To convert all the entities selected into routings, enter " " in this
field.
Grooves
12.4.6
Set: Countersink depth
Changes the current countersink depth of the holes selected. Any routings selected will be ignored.
To change a countersunk hole into a hole without countersinking, enter zero for the countersinking depth.
This command can also be used in the opposite direction. To change a hole without countersinking into a
countersunk hole, enter a countersink depth in this field.
ENTITY SELECTION
Countersink depth
initial drawing
result
If the attribute to be modified has different values in the holes selected, the value 1 will be displayed in the
data entry window.
12.4.7
Set: Global direction
Applies the same direction to all the routings on the drawing.
Direction
Right
initial drawing
result
On closed paths, the directions right and left correspond to the directions clockwise and anti-clockwise
respectively in the initial section of the path.
For open paths: if the initial section is an arc, the same rules apply as for closed paths; if the initial section
is a straight line, the direction of the line is rightwards if the line travels and increases towards direction X
from its starting point; (the direction of vertical lines is rightwards if the line travels and increases towards
the Y direction from its starting point).
12.5 Modify
Modify
Erase
Copy
Move
Rotate
Mirror
Oppose
Trim
Extend
Scale...
Array
Panel
Entity
12.5.1

modifying entities which have already been drawn.
Modify: Erase
Cancels the selected entities from the drawing.
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71
selection of all entities and

confirmation
initial drawing
result
When this command is started the main menu and the main tool bar disappear and the selection menu and
the selection tool bar appear in their place. The selection menu and bar are described in: SELECTION
COMMANDS.
Select the entities to be canceled. When you have selected the entity you wish to cancel, press the confirm
key. The program will cancel the entity. If you wish to cancel the command (and not the entity), press the
cancel key. This will return you to the main menu.
If the entities to be deleted are on more than one face of the panel, it is better to work in exploded mode, using the
command: Display > Exploded.
12.5.2
Modify: Copy
Copy the selected entity to another area of the drawing.

confirmation
insert of the base point near the two

holes
insert of the end point in the right

bottom zone
initial drawing
result
COMMANDS.
Select the entity and then choose a base point. Now, when you drag the entity towards the new position a
virtual copy of the entity will be displayed at each movement of the mouse.
Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
12.5.3
see: SELECTION COMMANDS

base or reference point for the copy of the entity selected. This is
usually a known point on one of the entities selected.
The point to which the objects selected are to be copied.
Modify: Move
Move the entity selected to another area of the drawing.

confirmation
insert of the base point near the two

holes
insert of the end point in the right

bottom zone
initial drawing
result
COMMANDS.
Select the entity and then choose a base point. Now, when you drag the entity towards the new position a
virtual copy of the entity will be displayed at each movement of the mouse.
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Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
12.5.4

base or reference point for the copy of the entity selected. This is
usually a known point on one of the entities selected.
The point to which the objects selected are to be moved.
Modify: Rotate
Rotate the entity selected around a center of rotation (any point) to the angle required.
confirmation
insert the rotation center nearly at the

right left area
insert the rotation angle of about 60

initial drawing
result
COMMANDS.
Select the entity and then chose a base point (i.e. a center of rotation). Now, when you drag the entity
towards the new position a virtual copy of the entity will be displayed at the new angle position).
Using the special option, you can decide, at the end of the command, whether the original entities are
removed from the drawing or not.
Center X
Center Y
Angle
12.5.5

base point or center of rotation around which the objects selected
will be rotated.
The angle of rotation through which the objects selected are to be
rotated. A positive value in this field indicates a clockwise direction
of rotation.
Modify: Mirror
Copies the entity selected to a mirror position on any axis selected.

confirmation
insert of the axis first point nearly at

the middle of the horizontal edge of
the panel
insert of the axis second point nearly at

the middle of the horizontal edge of
the panel
enable the X field of the Mirror in
options: the mirror axis is therefore
vertical with respect to the center of
the panel
initial drawing
result
COMMANDS.
Select the entity and then choose one of the two points through which the required mirror axis will pass. A
virtual copy of the entity selected will be displayed at each movement of the mouse towards the other
point on the mirror axis (drag-mode). If you require a mirror axis which is vertical or horizontal to the
center of the panel, ignore the position of the two axis points and use the Mirror in X or the Mirror in Y
options when the data entry window appears.
Using the special option, you can decide, at the end of the command, whether the original entities are
removed from the drawing or not.
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Point 1 X
Point 1 Y
Point 2 X
Point 2 Y
- Mirror in optionsWith respect to a
selected axis
X
(Y)
12.5.6

The first point of the mirror axis.
The second point of the mirror axis.
confirms the mirror axis defined by the points entered in the previous
fields.
the mirror axis is vertical(horizontal) to the center of the panel. The values
defined in the previous fields will be ignored.
Modify: Oppose
Copies the entity selected onto the opposite face to the current face in an identical position to the original
position.
initial drawing
result
Face: Left
ENTITY SELECTION + Oppose
COMMANDS.
Select the entity to be copied onto the opposite face. When you have selected the entity, press the confirm
key to execute the command or press the cancel key to cancel the command and return to the main menu.
12.5.7
Modify: Trim
Cuts individually selected entities at the points required using the cutters selected previously. The cutter
entity must be of the type that will cut the entity selected between the intersection points. The cut parts of
the entity will be eliminated from the drawing.
All entities, except holes, can be selected as cutters. Cutters will be displayed in violet during the cutting
operation.
When you start the command you will be asked to select the entity to be used as a cutter. The main menu
and the main tool bar will disappear and will be replaced with the selection menu and the selection tool
bar (these items are described in: SELECTION COMMANDS). You can select one or more cutters.
To confirm the cutter selected, press the confirm button. You will be asked to select the entities to be cut
one at a time.
Each of the entities selected will be immediately eliminated from the drawing when they meet an active
cutter (displayed in violet).
select the straight line A as blade
select the curve to be cut around the B

point
initial drawing
- Operations description Blade selection

ENTITY SELECTION
74
result
see SELECTION COMMANDS. The cutters selected will be displayed

in violet.
Use mouse button 1 to select the part of the entity to be eliminated. Only
cutters displayed in violet are enabled for cutting.
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12.5.8
Modify: Extend
Use this option to extend (i.e. to lengthen) the entity selected to the edges specified.
First, select the entities to be used as edges or extension limits. Next, select the entities to be extended one
at a time.
select A as the entity to be reached
select B as the entity to be extended
initial drawing
12.5.9
result
Modify: Scale: XY
Scale the entity selected on the X and Y axes; scale the entity in relation to a base point and by the amount
specified.
confirmation
insert the base point at the left end of

the curve
insert a scale factor equal to 2

initial drawing
result
Select the entity and then choose a base point. At each movement of the mouse corresponding to a defined
scale factor, the new dimension of the virtual copy of the selected entity will be displayed (drag-mode).
base point or pin around which the selected objects are to be scaled.
Select scale base point
the scale value for the objects selected.
Scale
12.5.10
Modify: Scale: X
Scales the entities selected by the quantity required in the X direction, in relation to any base point.
confirmation
insert the base point at the left end of

the curve
insert a scale factor equal to 2

initial drawing
result
Scale
12.5.11
Modify: Scale: Y
Scales the entities selected by the quantity required in the Y direction, in relation to any base point.
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confirmation
insertion of the base point near the

endpoint at the bottom of the curve
insertion of a scale factor of 1.5

initial drawing
result
Scale
12.5.12
Modify: Array
Creates multiple copies of the entities selected in a rectangular, diagonal or polar direction. A diagonal
series of copies can be can be obtained from the rectangular direction as described below.
COMMANDS.
Select the entities for multiple copies. When you have selected the entities, press the confirm key to
execute the command or press the cancel key to cancel the command and return to the main menu.
- options Rectangular array
Polar array
the series of multiple copies will be made along a vertical, horizontal or

diagonal straight line.
the entities will be copied on a circular path around the center of rotation
at the angle specified. The entities copied will be rotated around the center
of rotation.
Rectangular array
confirmation
X step: 100
Y step: 70
Qty. in X: 4
Qty. in Y: 3
initial drawing
result
- fields description X step

(Y step)
Qty. in X
Qty. in Y
distance X(Y) between copies.

number of copies to be created along the X axis.
number of copies to be created along the Y axis. To obtain a diagonal
series, set this field to zero. Each step X will be matched by an increase of
step Y on the Y axis.
A rectangular series on the X and Y axes set to the value 1 does not make sense because this setting
will simply display the original objects.
Polar array
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confirmation
insert as rotation center nearly the

center of the panel
Quantity 5
Angle to be filled 360
initial drawing
- fields description Center X

Center Y
Quantity
Angle to be filled
12.5.13
result
base point or pin around which the entities selected will be copied.
number of copies to be made.
angle inside which all the copies are to be inserted.
Modify: Panel
Changes the current panel dimensions.

The position of graphic entities on the panel are automatically recalculated to take into account the new
panel dimensions only if the graphic entities have been assigned formula and if the Formulas
assignment option is active.
This function can be used for parametric applications and is also useful after File > DXF import > 2D
generic sessions where the final panel dimensions differ from those on an imported source drawing. In
this case Formulas assignment field must be disabled.
If the Removal of external holes option is active, all the holes with axes outside the new panel will
automatically be eliminated.
Modify-Panel: 600 x 500
initial drawing: 800 x 600
result

Enables the recalculation of entities assigned formula in accordance with
Formulas assignment
the new panel dimensions. CAUTION: this field must not be active
following a File > DXF import > 2D generic session.
automatic deletion of all the holes outside the new panel.
Removal of external
holes
12.5.14
Modify: Entity
This function enables the modification of the geometric data of a selected entity; this function uses the
same selection window as that used to create the entity.
Example: Modify-Entity (Line)
This operation is possible on single routings (i.e. on routings not connected to other entities).
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12.6 Tools
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for special
operations on entities which have already been drawn. These
operations include: filleting; chamfering; canceling previous
commands.
Tools
Change origin
Fillet
Chamfer
Offset
Grid
Background
Dimensioning
Distance
Undo
Redo
12.6.1
Tools: Change origin
Changes the origin and direction of axes and displays the data for the current axis.
At CAD start-up this field has the default origin setting; the default origin depends on the associated CAM
routine.
To call up the default origin, press the Default button. To change the X axis to the Y axis (a useful
operation on the panel side faces), use the Invert X-Y option.
To check the axis origin in normal working conditions:, point the axis origin with the mouse and read off
the co-ordinates in the window on the lower status bar; use the Display > Exploded command to display
the current origin of the X and Y axes for each panel face, the intersection of the X and Y axes is shown
by two small lines at right angles to each other.
- fields description Axes direction
Offset X
Offset Y
Invert X-Y
Default
12.6.2
there are 4 possible directions, one for each edge of the panel. The
Offset X and Offset Y fields are updated at each change in direction.
These fields are automatically up-dated at each modification in the
Axes direction and can be used to move the origin to any point on the
panel; these fields have the same effect as the Tools > Shift origin
command.
changes the X axis with the Y axis; this command is useful for the panel
side faces.
applies the default origin set using the associated CAM routine; sets the
other fields to this default setting.
Tools: Fillet
Makes a fillet of a specified radius between any two selected routings. The value may be set in the upper
toolbar.
Select the two routings one at a time and enter the radius required.
If the fillet is not mathematically possible with the radius specified, a warning message to this effect will
appear.
confirmation
select the left straight line in one of its

upper points
select the right straight line in one of

its upper points
initial drawing
result
If you have to fillet, using the same fillet radius, all the vertices of a path, use the command: Path > Smooth.
- Operations description Radius

ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
78
radius to be used for fillets.

Select the first routing to be filleted in the area where the fillet is to
be made.
Select the second routing in the area where the fillet is to be made.
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12.6.3 Tools: Chamfer

The chamfer command cuts two, non-parallel straight lines at points which depend on the beveling
measurements set. The value may be set in the upper toolbar.
Select the two straight routings one at a time; the program will then execute the chamfer.
The point at which the two straight lines meet is used as the reference point for calculating the chamfer
distance (i.e. the bevel measurements).
Note that:
Distance 1 refers to the first straight routing selected.
Distance 2 refers to the second straight routing selected
in the upper toolbar set distance 1: 80,
and distance 2: 50
select the left straight line in one of its

upper points
select the right straight line in one of

its upper points
initial drawing
- Operations description Distance 1

Distance 2
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
12.6.4
result
distance from the (real or virtual) meeting point between the two
straight lines taken on the first straight line selected.
distance from the (real or virtual) meeting point between the two
straight lines taken on the second straight line selected.
Select the first straight routing to be beveled in the area where you
want the chamfer to be made. The beveling value for this point is
Distance 1.
Select the second straight routing to be beveled in the area where the
chamfer is to be made. The beveling value for this point is Distance
2.
Tools: Offset
Draws a new routing parallel to a selected routing at a constant distance (offset) to the left or the right or
the selected routing. The value may be set in the upper toolbar.
The routing selected can be an open or a closed figure.
If the original routing is complex it is possible that the result of this command is not as required. In this
case use the Modify commands to obtain the result required. If the offset setting is not mathematically
possible or if the original routing is too complex, this command will not produce a result. In this case
break the original routing down into a series of routings using the Path > Cut and join commands.
Apply the Tools > Offset command to the separate routing sections and then adjust the results using the
Modify commands.
NOTE: The execution of this command might take some time depending on the number of sections and
the complexity of the original routing.
in the upper toolbar set distance: 50
select the entity in any point

select any internal point
initial drawing
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repeat the procedure but select any

external point
initial drawing
result
A prompt will ask you to click mouse button 1 on the side to which the operation is to be applied.
- Operations description Distance
ENTITY SELECTION
12.6.5
offset, i.e. distance at which the new routings will be created from the
original routing selected.
Select the routing to which the offset is to be applied.
Tools: Grid
Ensures that cursor movements will be made in discrete points a the distance X and Y (i.e. grid
dimensions) set.
This option ensures that each time the cursor is moved it is moved to points which are at a known distance
from each other; this option also facilitates selection of any point on the panel with known co-ordinates.
When the Grid function is active the effect on the cursor will only be displayed during commands which
involve making data entries (e.g. the Draw and Osnap commands). In these cases the X and Y coordinates of the cursor shown in the bottom right-hand corner will match the grid.
When enabled, the grid can be displayed inside the work area. Here it will be displayed as red points
spaced apart at the grid size. The grid cannot be displayed if its size is less than 4 pixels.
When you start the integrated CAD for the first time, the grid is enabled at a size of 1 mm and with its
origin on the 0.0 point of the panel; the View option is not active.
To set the grid origin at any point on the panel, press mouse button 2 on either the Center X or Center Y
field and then use one of the Osnap functions
Value: 10
Center X, Center Y: 0
set the options Enable and View
active
initial drawing
- fields description Value

Center X
Center Y
Enable
View
12.6.6
result
grid step. This is the minimum distance for mouse pointer movements
on the X and Y axes.
grid origin. The grid origin can be fixed at any point on the panel.
enables the grid with the set values
displays or hides the grid.
Tools: Background
Use this function to make an image the background to the drawing area.
insert the name of a .BMP image, the

scale factor, the X, Y position inside
the panel and set the enabled option
active
to disable the background and return to

the initial condition (A) disactive the
enabled option.
initial drawing
result
Only use WINDOWS bitmap images with the .BMP extension.

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The background can be used with various drawing commands to trace drawings; this function can
therefore be used as an alternative to the digitiser. If the background to be traced contains many arcs, use
the Routings > Shape by points > Digitizer command; use the mouse to click on various points of
the background image and then select the type of interpolation available with this command.
- fields description Enable
12.6.7
Use this function to enable and disable the background image.
Tools: Dimensioning
This menu allows management of dimensioning of the entities in the drawing.
12.6.7.1
Tools:
Dimensioning: Edit
Enters the dimensioning environment.

For an entity dimensioning: select the X, Y, XY
dimensioning type, the radius. ....; select the entity to be
dimensioned and follow the instructions that appear in the
status line.
To erase one or more dimensions: run the erasing
command (or click on the erase icon), select the
dimensions to be erased and press OK. The entity erasing
command in the main menu doesn't work on the
dimensioning.
To hide the dimensions: use the Dimensioning > View command.
12.6.7.2
Tools:
Dimensioning: View
Allows to visualize or hide dimensioning created by the Dimensioning > Edit command.
12.6.8
Tools: Distance
Calculates the distance between any two points selected. When you select the two points to be measured
the distance requested will be displayed.
The procedure provides the result in both millimeters and inches.
For accurate measurements, take the points using the Osnap functions
which are made available when you select or insert points.
12.6.9
Tools: Undo
Cancels the effects of the last operation performed. You can repeat the Undo command to cancel, a step
at a time, the effects of all the operations executed during a work session.
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initial drawing
12.6.10
draw a straight line for mistake
Undo: result
Tools: Redo
Cancels the effects of the last Undo command.

Use this command to return the drawing to its state before the Undo command.
initial drawing
draw a straight line for mistake
Undo
Redo: result
12.7 Path
Path
These commands allow the modification of the paths in the drawing.
Cut and join

Autojoin
Routing reduction
Interpole
Smooth
Rotate in z
Modify Vertex
Merge
12.7.1
Path: Cut and join

Use this routine:
-
to divide a single routing into a series

of routings at the points selected;
- to join a series of contiguous routings
to make a single routing;
- to change the start point of a routing.
- to change the routing direction.
When the command is started, the start and end
points of all the routings on the drawing will be
displayed. You will be asked to select the
routing you wish to modify. When you select a
routing all its vertices will be displayed in the form of white crosses. The tool bar and the Cut and join
menu are displayed at the top of the screen. The tool bar has all the commands on the menu.
The Next Vertex and Previous Vertex buttons select the next and previous vertices of the routing
selected.
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The Cut button divides the routing into two sections at the current vertex. A routing cannot be divided
when the current vertex is the start or end point of the routing. After the routing has been cut into two
sections, only the section nearest to the original start point will be selected.
The Join button joins the current routing to another routing. To execute this command you must select a
second routing to which to join the routing already selected. This can only be done if the two routings are
touching each other. When the two routings have been joined all the resulting vertices will be displayed.
The Invert direction button changes the direction of the routing selected.
The Explode button splits the routing selected into its component parts. When this command has been
completed only the routing section closest to the original start point will remain selected.
The Multiple join button joins all the selected and contiguous routings to the current routing. Select the
routings to be joined to the currently selected routing by using the ENTITY SELECTION routine. When
this command has been completed, all the vertices of the resulting routing will be displayed.
The next section describes the commands on the Cut and join tool bar and menu.
A
start point
End point
vertexes whose the path is composed
tangent vertex
Direction: white arrow
Next Vertex
selects the next vertex of the routing

The vertex is shown by a white cross. When you start the command, all the routing vertices are
displayed. The vertex selected can be used by the other commands on this menu.
Previous Vertex
selects the previous vertex of the routing.

The vertex is shown by a white cross. When you start the command, all the routing vertices are
displayed. The vertex selected can be used by the other commands on this menu.
Cut
splits the routing at the vertex selected.

Join
joins the current routing with another, contiguous vertex.

Select the routing (one only) to be jointed to the current routing.
Invert direction
changes the direction of the routing selected.

Explode
splits the routing selected into its component parts.

Multiple join
joins selected and contiguous routings to the current routing. Select the routings to be joined to
the current routing using the ENTITY SELECTION routine.
New start point
Changes the path start point. If the path is closed, the start point is moved to the new point
required, transforming the old start point into a vertex; if the path is open, it will be cut at the
point corresponding to the new start point selected.
Select next routing
selects another routing.

End cut and join
Leaves the Cut and join command.
Invert direction
Invert the direction of the selected routing
Select the routing to be modified
initial drawing
result
To apply the same direction to all the drawing routings, use the command: Set > Global direction.
New start point

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Define a new start point for this routing
initial drawing
result
To check that a path is closed, use the command: Information > Entity.
Explode
Explode the routing in all its component sections
initial drawing
result
12.7.2
Path: Autojoin
This command joins all routing sections on the drawing together where this operation is possible. Use this
function to reduce the number of routing start and end points.
This function is performed automatically when converting a new drawing from the AutoCAD program.
When you leave a new drawing in the CAD program, the Cut and join commands will be executed
automatically if they have not been used previously on the drawing.
We recommend that you also use this command after any modification to panel dimensions.
CAUTION: This function deletes any formula present on routings which are joined together.
Use this command when the drawing is the result of consecutive modifications, fillets, chamfers, grooves,
section deletions, etc.
initial drawing
result
Do NOT use this command when there are formulas or if some paths have been cut or joined with the Path > Cut and
join procedure commands. In this case, use the command Multiple join of the procedure Path > Cut and join to select
and join the paths required.
12.7.3
Path: Routing reduction
Reduces the routings quantity in the drawing, without affecting, in an appreciable way, the shape of the
paths.
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ENTITY SELECTION
initial drawing
result
This command could be useful to erase from the drawing very small entities, to transform arcs with huge
radius in straight lines, to transform contiguous routing sections, tangent within the set tolerance, in a
single resulting routing.
The Advanced button allows selection the routings reduction mode.
12.7.4
Path: Interpole
Allows interpolation, using the Spline or Cubic algorithms, of an existing path.

Interpole
Type: Spline
initial drawing
result
This command could be useful to transform paths consisting prevalently of straight lines in paths
consisting of the corresponding arcs, modifying accordingly the shape of the source path.
The Routing reduction option behaves in the same way as the Path > Routing reduction command.
12.7.5
If you have to fillet, using the same fillet radius, all the vertices of a path, use the command:
Path: Smooth
In the selected path executes fillets, of the set radius, between all existing edges and between all routing
sections whose radius is less than the one set.
Fillet radius 50
initial drawing
result (B)
Allows besides to fit the bending of the path to the selected tool radius, so that it will not exist radiuses
less than the tool one.
This command could be useful in making of profiles and counterprofiles (inlay). As the counterprofile
usually doesn't have sharpe edges but filled to the used tool radius, the profile, to correspond exactly to
the counterprofile, must be rounded to the radius of that tool.
12.7.6
Path: Rotate in z
Transforms a path drawn on the current face in the correspondent depth profile. It in fact executes a 90
degrees rotation of the plane where the path lies.
This command could be useful to execute complex machinings in the depth direction, and could be used in
alternative or with the Set > Z Interpolation command.
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initial drawing
result (Face: Upper)
Face: Front
Transparent
After selecting the path to be transformed, select the plane rotation direction and insert the initial and final
depth values of the path.
12.7.7
Path: Modify Vertex
Modifies the path in a graphic way dragging, by mouse, vertexes or middle points of each routing section
of the path.
Vertexes and middle points are recognizable for a different color.
initial drawing
drag of one of the vertexes of the path
result
12.7.8
Path: Merge
Transforms overlapping closed paths in a resulting path representing their sum.

The result of such overlapping paths is therefore the external resulting contour, plus possible inside
islands resulting from the sum.
initial drawing
result
If for instance the command is applied to two rectangles, a horizontal and a vertical overlapping and
forming a cross, the result will be the external contour of the cross.
12.8 Utility
Utility
Macro
Nesting
12.8.1
Utility: Macro
This command lets you run macros. A macro is a set of instructions written in a programming language
that is a combination of ISO language and the language used in the program post processor.
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Macro: Example
The use of macros is recommended in the following cases:

- When you want to perform a series of repetitive operations and commands using a single command (i.e.,
a macro).
- When you want to create a new command to perform a series of operations and that requires a certain
amount of input.
A macro may consist of one or more program commands, mathematical operations and cycle operators
(do, if, goto, ...).
The program comes with a number of default macros. Before creating a new macro, it is a good idea to
read the README.TXT file located in the MACRO directory and to take a look at the MAIN.MAC file
of one of the default macros provided.
12.8.2
Utility: Nesting
Fills in a closed area of any shape with selected parts. The closed area may include internal islands and
may be the panel itself.
The parts used to fill in the closed area must be closed profiles and may be of any shape.
You can choose from several filling in modes which may take into account the grain of both the parts and
of the panel, the filling in direction and the minimum distance between the parts.
The distance between the parts, after filling in, will depend on the tool diameter setting.
A: area to be filled in
B: parts to be used for filling in
initial drawing
result
12.9 Information
Information
Panel
Entity
Status
ASPAN
This menu item provides access to a series of commands giving

information about the drawing entities and the CAD status.
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87
12.9.1
Information: Panel
Displays all the information for the current panel.
12.9.2
Information: Entity
Displays the information about an entity selected in single mode. This information includes the type of
entity, its position in the drawing, the diameter, the depth, whether it is associated to formulas, etc. For
routing sections, both the information for the section and the information for the path to which it belongs
will be displayed.
For routings, the length of the section and the length of the path to which it belongs will also be displayed.
It will also be displayed whether the path is open or closed.
12.9.3
Information: Status
Displays the current status of the drawing sheet with the number of complete routings and the number of
holes on the drawing. This command also gives information on the status and dimensions of the grid, the
fillet radius, the bevel distances and the position of the axis origin.
13
ENTITY SELECTION MENU: COMMANDS

The ENTITY SELECTION menu is a pull-down menu which is displayed whenever a command requiring the
selection of a drawing entity is current. This menu has a series of single and compound commands which are
described in the paragraphs below.
Selection
Display
Window
Zoom
...
Crossing
Face
...
Previous
Exploded
Mode
Transparent
13.1 Display
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that for the main menu. For a
description of the commands available on this menu, see the section on the main menu.
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13.2 Selection
Selection
Window
Crossing
Previous
Mode
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for selecting

the graphic entities on drawings.
Single entities are selected by using the pick-box. The pick box is a square cursor and its dimensions can
be changed as required. Single entities are selected by placing the pick-box over the entity. Groups of
entities are selected by dragging the rectangular selection window partially or fully over the entities.
In most cases the entities selected change color when selected.
At the start of the ENTITY SELECTION routine the single selection mode is active. To select a single
entity, move the pick-box over the entity to be selected and then press mouse button 1.
To switch to the multiple selection mode, click mouse button 1
outside any entity. The procedure will automatically enter the
Crossing mode and wait for the second point to be entered in
the selection window.
To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the command press the Cancel key.
If you choose the Single option and then place the pick-box over several entities, a window will appear
making it possible to select a single entity only.
The title bar of the window will show the number of the current entity with respect to all the other entities
inside the selection rectangle. The data for the current entity will be displayed inside the window. To
scroll through and select the other entities one at a time, press the "NEXT" button. To confirm selection of
the entity whose data are currently displayed in the window, press the OK button. To move the window at
any time, click the mouse button 1 on the window title bar, keep the button pressed down and then drag
the window to the position you require. Use this option to move the window to uncover any parts of the
drawing hidden underneath the window and to display the entity currently selected (this entity is displayed
in a different color from the others).
13.2.1
Selection: Window
At the start of this command you will be asked to define the

selection window. Click mouse button 1 on two points on the
screen. All the entities falling partially or fully inside the
rectangular selection window will be highlighted.
To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the
command press the Cancel key.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press
the +/- button to choose the add or subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
13.2.2
Selection: Crossing
At the start of this command you will be asked to define the

selection window. Click mouse button 1 on two points on the
screen. All the entities falling partially or fully inside the
rectangular selection window will be highlighted.
To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the
command press the Cancel key.
To add or subtract entities to or from the current selection, press
the +/- button to choose the add or subtract mode and then select the entity you require.
13.2.3
Selection: Previous
This command selects all the entities which were previously selected by the last command of the ENTITY
SELECTION menu.
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To confirm the selection, press the Confirm key; to cancel the command press the Cancel key.
Given that the use of the Tools > Undo command during a drawing session has the effect of canceling
the previous selection, this command will have no effect on the selection.
13.2.4
Selection: Mode > Add,Subtract
The entity selection mode is conditioned by the current mode status of this command. If the addition
selection mode is current (i.e. the left icon on the selection tool bar is displayed), the entities will be added
to the list as they are selected. If the subtraction selection mode is current, (i.e. the right icon is displayed
on the selection tool bar), the entities selected will be cancelled from the current list of entities selected.
At the start of the ENTITY SELECTION routine the addition selection mode is current.
14
OSNAP MENU: COMMANDS

The OSNAP menu is a pull-down menu which appears during the execution of any primary command
which requires the entry of an entity measurement. This menu consists of a series of single and compound
commands which are described in the paragraphs below.
Osnap
Display
Center
Zoom
...
End point
Face
...
Middle point
Exploded
Near to
Transparent
Intersection
Tangent to
Perpendicular
Tangent at a point
14.1 Display
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that for the main menu. For a
description of the commands available on this menu, see the section on the main menu.
14.2 Osnap
The snap to object (Osnap) functions are used to accurately select
known points of entities already on drawings. The snap functions have
the advantage that they make it possible to accurately select known
graphic points without needing to know their precise measurements. This
routine automatically calculates and enters the measurements.
Osnap
Center
Middle point
Near to
Intersection
Tangent to
Perpendicular
Tangent at a point
For operations on holes only Center function is enabled.

14.2.1
Osnap: Center
Defines the center of any arc, circle or hole on the drawing.

To select and find the center of an entity, click with mouse button 1 on any point on the entity.
The command automatically calculates the value of the center measurement.
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initial drawing
result: Center (B)
The effect of this command may not be immediately noticeable because the measurement calculated may
be an intermediate value lying between a series of other values which will be requested afterwards by the
primary command. The effect of this command may therefore only become evident when the primary
command requesting the measurement has been completed.
14.2.2
Osnap: End point
Defines the end point of any routing on the drawing or the end of any panel edge.
To select and define the end of the entity, click mouse button 1 close to the end of the entity. The
command will automatically calculate the end point measurement.
initial drawing
result: End point (B)
14.2.3
Osnap: Middle point
Defines the middle point of any routing on the drawing or of any panel edge.
To select and define the middle point of an entity, click mouse button 1 on any point of the entity.
The command will automatically calculate the middle point measurement.
initial drawing
result: Middle point (B)
14.2.4
Osnap: Near to
Defines measurement of the point on a routing or on a panel edge which is closest to the point clicked
with mouse button 1
The pick-box must touch at least one point on an entity before the command can find a point on that
entity.
The command automatically calculates the measurement of the point on the entity.
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initial drawing
result: Near to (B)
14.2.5
Osnap: Intersection
Defines the point of intersection between any two routings or between a routing and any panel edge.
To select and define the intersection, click mouse button 1 when the intersection point between the
routings falls inside the pick-box.
The command automatically calculates the measurement of the intersection point.
Select intersection point

between two routings (A)
initial drawing
result: Intersection (B)
14.2.6
Osnap: Tangent to
Defines the entity to be used as a tangent point.

To select the entity to be used as a tangent point, click mouse button 1 on any point of the entity to be
used. Only STRAIGHT LINE, ARC and CIRCLE entities can be used as tangent points.
Draw-Routings-Line-2 Points
Osnap-Tangent to
initial drawing
result (B)
If you want the tangent to pass through a given point on the entity, use the command: Osnap > Tangent at a point.
14.2.7
Osnap: Perpendicular
Use this function to find the perpendicular with a selected entity. This condition is only valid for drawing
straight lines.
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Osnap-Perpendicular
initial drawing
result (B)
It is possible to find a line which is perpendicular to a routing but not to an arc which is perpendicular to
another routing.
14.2.8
Osnap: Tangent at a point
Determines the tangent to an entity at one of its points.

Osnap-Tangent at a point
(at the tangent point required)
initial drawing
result
You must select the entity for the tangent by clicking the first mouse button at the tangent point required.
Unlike the command Osnap > Tangent to, in which the condition is satisfied by a tangent at any point of
the entity, this command sets the point on the entity where it has to pass the tangent to be found.
15
PARAMETRIC MODE
Path
Set
Formulae
The parametric routine transforms fixed drawings or drawing entities into parametric drawings and
entities. The routine uses the CAD parametric commands to transform entity dimensions and positions so
that they depend on and vary with the dimensions of the panel.
The parametric routine involves applying the formulas described below to the entities and then setting the
new panel dimensions using the Modify > Panel command. At this point all the entities which have been
assigned parametric formulas will be changed to match the new panel dimensions.
If you wish to make several versions of the same drawing with different panel dimensions for subsequent
use in the CAM module, save the original parametric drawing with its name using the File > Save as
command and then make copies altering the panel dimensions each time; you will then have a series of
copies ready for processing in the CAM module.
15.1 INTRODUCTION
The parametric routine is the tool used to develop parametric drawings where the dimensions and position
of the entities on the drawing are not fixed but are determined by formulas assigned to the entities using
the parametric routine.
When the panel dimensions of a parametric drawing are modified, all the entities which have been
assigned a formula will be modified accordingly; entity position, scale and shape (where routings are
present) will be modified according to the formulas assigned to the entity.
To facilitate programming, the parametric procedure is supplied complete with some of the more
commonly used formulas ready for use.
For routings the formulas are assigned to the X and Y co-ordinates of the starting point and to the scales X
and Y defining the shape of the routing. For holes, the formulas are assigned to the X and Y position (and
Z for angled holes) of the holes (i.e. the center of the circle) on the panel.
There are two methods for entering formulas: the mathematical method and the icon method. In the
mathematical method the data variables and operators are entered in the fields of a data table. In the icon
method, you enter a predefined formula by selecting the icon for that formula.
In the mathematical method you can also enter a formula by selecting the icon for one of the predefined
formula. To do this, press the List button at the bottom of the formula entry table. When you select an
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icon, the data entry fields currently highlighted by the cursor will be filled with the values for the icon you
selected.
When you select more than one entity you cannot use the mathematical method for assigning formulas.
You must use the icon method to assign predefined formulas; assign the formula first to the X variable,
then to the Y variable and then to the Z variable (where one is required). After you have assigned
predefined formulas to the variables X, Y and Z, you will be asked to complete the data table with
mathematical plausibility variables defining the entity. If the entity variable values entered are not
plausible for the panel dimensions, the entity will be cancelled from the panel. If you leave the data fields
empty, the entities will always be present on the panel regardless of panel dimensions. This will always be
the case as long as the routing scale value remains positive as the panel dimensions are modified.
The mathematical variables defining an entity are: the entity starting point and scale where the entity is a
routing; the entity position where the entity is a hole.
If the current selection contains both holes and routings, the procedure will process the entities in the
cascade mode asking you to enter formulas first for the holes and then for the routings.
Entering formulas

entering formulas using the mathematical method or the icon method
15.2 MATHEMATICAL METHOD

Select a single entity and confirm you selection. This will start the formula entry routine using the
mathematical method. You will be asked to enter the variable data in the table fields described below.
A formula can consist of one or more terms including mathematical operators and the variables DX, DY
and DZ which represent the dimensions (i.e. the variables) of the panel. Each formula is divided into two
parts enclosed by round brackets: the left part enclosed in round brackets is the formula itself; the right
part is the mathematical definition of the entity to which the formula is to be assigned. If the result of the
set values is not plausible for the panel dimensions, the entity will be cancelled from the panel
For routings, the formulas can only be assigned to the starting point and the scale factor (dimension) of the
routing.
Formulas can
also be assigned
by pressing the
List button and
selecting one of
the icons for a
predefined
formula from
the list. When
you select and
confirm
an
icon, the data
entry fields for
the variable currently highlighted by the cursor will be filled with the values for the formula (i.e. the icon)
selected.
The figure shows the data entry fields in the window used to assign a formula to an entity using the
mathematical method. The current panel dimensions DX, DY and DZ are shown at the top of the window
(p).
Each line shows the formula for one of the variables X, Y, Z, Xx and Yy.
On the left, X: and Y: represent the variable (routing starting point or hole position) to which a formula is
to be assigned. Xx and Yy are the scale factor (routing dimension) to be assigned to the routing selected
(this is not displayed in the case of a hole).
On the right, the field after the = sign shows the results of the variables as a function of the formulas set.
For routings this field shows the real X and Y starting point position and the scale factor; for holes, this
field shows the X and Y position of the hole.
If no formulas have been assigned to an entity, the table will be displayed with field (b) only, this field
contains the value and result (m).
In normal conditions when you enter a formula for any variable, the result (m) must be the same as the
result which would have occurred in the absence of a formula. If this is not the case, when you confirm the
formula, the entity will be moved to the new position indicated in the (m) field or, in the case of scale
variables, the routing will be scaled by the factor shown in the (m) field.
If the entity is erased from the drawing when you have entered the formulas, the (m) field will display the
Erased value. If, on the other hand, the entity is not mathematically plausible when you enter the
formulas, the (m) field will display the Impossible value.
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Not all the data entry fields will be displayed at once; some data fields are displayed as and when required
during formula entry.
The fields enclosed in round brackets on the left show the formula itself. The fields enclosed in round
brackets on the right after the unequal sign (g) are the mathematical plausibility conditions for the entity.
- fields description Variable name
a
Sum term
b
The term to be summed to the measurement resulting from the multiplication or division of
the panel dimension variable (d) (Dx or Dy or Dz) by the field (f). When no formula has been
assigned, this field shows the current routing starting position X or the current position X of
the hole selected.
+ sign
c
panel dimension variable (X, Y or Z dimensions)
d
Panel dimension. For example, DX refers to dimension X of the panel.
algebraic operator (division or multiplication)
e
This is an algebraic operator of the variables Dx, Dy or Dz for the term which comes after
multiplication or division term
f
term to be multiplied by the variable Dx, Dy or Dz
inequality operator (<, <=, >, >=)
g
A series of fields defining the plausibility conditions of an entity.
inequality sum term
h
Term to be summed to the measurement obtained by multiplying or dividing the variable (j)
by the panel dimensions (Dx, Dy or Dz) by the multiplier term (l) in order to obtain a
comparison value for the inequation.
+ sign
i
panel dimension variable considered for inequality (X, Y or Z)
j
Panel dimension used in inequation
algebraic equation for inequality (division or multiplication)
k
This is an algebraic operator of the variables Dx, Dy or Dz for the term which comes after
multiplication or division term for inequality
l
term to be multiplied by the variable Dx, Dy or Dz
formula result field for the variable
m
Result of the expression made by inserting various data in the previous fields. For the
variables X, Y and Z, the result field shows the current position of the entity; for the scale
variables Xx and Yx, the result field must contain the value 1 otherwise the dimensions of the
entity will be modified when the formula is confirmed even with the current dimensions of the
panel.
current panel dimensions DX, DY, DZ
p
current dimensions of the panel (display field only)
variable name (scale factor)
q
this is only displayed when routing has been selected.
- Button description List
This displays a list of the predefined formulas (icons) and can also be used to
enter the formula for the variable currently highlighted by the cursor (see icon
method)
The fields described above are used to create expressions which will execute any type of parameterization.
In some cases, however, it is not easy to find the multiplier terms, the sum terms and the operators needed
to obtain a particular result. Here the predefined formulas (icons) can be used as a teaching aid and can be
used to analyze the expressions which correspond to each icon. To do this, select the line for the variable
you require, press the List button and select the icon for the formula you require; a table will be displayed
showing the data and the fields for that formula.
Example 1: the current panel dimensions (p) are DX=600 and DY=400; you want the straight line from
100.300 to 500.300 to remain at a fixed distance from the left and right edges of the panel. Apply the
predefined formula 2 to the variable X. This formula will generate the expression: -0.5 + DX / 400 to the
scaling variable Xx which will keep the ends of the straight line at the fixed distance required. It should be
noted that the result (m) of this expression is 1; this is because the straight line must not change with the
current panel dimensions.
Example 2: the current panel dimensions (p) are DX=600 and DY=400; you want the line from 100.300 to
500.300 to remain at a fixed distance from the right edge of the panel. Apply the predefined formula 12 to
the variable X. This formula generates the expression: -500 + DX x 1.0 to the variable X which will keep
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the line at the fixed distance required. It should be noted that the result (m) of the expression is 100 which
is the current starting point of the line.
In the case of angled holes, a formula can also be associated to the variable Z (hole depth in relation to the
lower face) following the rules described for the other variables.
Formulas must be entered for all the variables (i.e. for all the lines of the data entry table) of the entity
selected for parametrizing.
15.3 ICON METHOD

With the icon method you apply a predefined formula to an entity by selecting the corresponding icon for
that formula.
This method can also be called up and used during the mathematical method by pressing the List button at
the bottom of the formula entry table.
If you select more than one entity, the procedure will automatically enter the icon method routine. Select
the icon for the X variable, then for the Y variable and finally, where necessary, for the Z variable. You
will then be asked to enter the data in a table defining the mathematical plausibility conditions for the
entity which has just been assigned formulas. These fields have the same meaning as their namesakes in
the mathematical method and are as described above.
The mathematical variables defining an entity are: the entity starting point and scale where the entity is a
routing; the entity position where the entity is a hole.
If the entity values set are not plausible for the current panel dimensions, the entity will be deleted from
the panel. If the mathematical plausibility fields are left empty, the corresponding entities will always be
present irrespective of the panel dimensions.
If the current selection contains both holes and routings, the procedure will process the entities in the
cascade mode asking you to enter formulas first for the holes and then for the routings.
If you wish to cancel any formula assigned to a variable, select the None button in the icon selection
window.
- Operations description selecting icons
selecting icons
plausibility
- Button description None
15.3.1
selecting the icon for the X variable

selecting the icon for the Y variable
entering the mathematical plausibility data. If these fields are left empty,
the entity will always be present regardless of panel dimensions.
deletes any formula assigned to the corresponding variable.
FORMULAS FOR ROUTING
For routings, predefined formulas are applied to the starting point and to the finishing point of the routing;
the scaling factor is calculated automatically.
Each icon represents a single formula composed of two formulas: one for the starting point and one for the
finishing point of the routing.
The routing starting and finishing points are shown inside each icon.
The routing ends can be "fixed" to the edge or the center of a panel or can be set so that they are at a
proportional distance from the edge or the center of the pane.
"Fixing" the ends of a routing means that the distance of a "fixed" end from the edge will not vary as the
panel dimensions change. The distance of a proportional end from the panel edge, on the other hand, will
vary proportionally as the panel dimensions vary.
If the routing end is fixed, the icon will show a thick black line joining the end to the side or the center of
the panel; if the end is proportional, the icon will show a spring at the end of the routing.
The starting and finishing points of a routing do not necessarily correspond to the ends shown on the
icons. As a general rule:
- for the variable X icons, the routing end furthest to the left will be assigned the formulas (fixed or
proportional) displayed to the left of the icon; the routing end furthest to the right, will be assigned
the formulas shown to the right of the icon.
- for the variable Y icons, the uppermost routing end will be assigned the formulas shown at the top of
the icon; the lowest routing end will be assigned the formulas shown at the bottom of the icon.
Some formulas cannot be assigned to a routing where the ends have the same X and Y positions (as for
example in closed routings).
The shape of a selected routing will be modified according to the formulas which has been assigned to it
so that it maintains (as far as possible) its original tangent conditions.
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The icons available for the X variable and their respective

meanings are shown below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
shape and both ends of proportional routings in X on the panel X dimension.

routing left end fixed to left panel side;
routing right end fixed to right panel side.
routing right end proportionally attached to right panel side.
routing left end proportionally attached to left panel side.
routing right end fixed to the panel center.
routing right end proportionally attached to the panel center.
routing left end proportionally attached to left panel side.
routing right end fixed to the panel center.
routing left end fixed to the panel;
routing left end fixed to the panel;
routing right end proportionally attached to right panel side.
routing left end proportionally attached to the panel center;
both routing ends fixed to left side of panel.
both routing ends fixed to right side of thepanel.
The icons available for the Y variable and their
respective meanings are shown below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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shape and both ends of proportional routings in Y on the panel Y dimension.

routing upper end fixed to upper panel side;
routing lower end fixed to lower panel side;
routing lower end proportionally attached to lower panel side.
routing upper end proportionally attached to upper panel side;
routing lower end fixed to panel center.
routing lower end proportionally attached to panel center.
routing upper end proportionally attached to upper panel side;
routing lower end fixed to panel center.
routing upper end fixed to panel center;
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routing upper end fixed to panel center;
routing lower end proportionally attached to lower panel side.
routing upper end proportionally attached to panel center;
both routing ends fixed to upper panel side.
both routing ends fixed to lower panel side.
9
10
11
12
After you have selected the icon for each variable, you will be asked to complete the data table with fields
for the mathematical plausibility values defining the entity to which formulas have just been assigned.
These fields have the same meaning as those described for the mathematical method above.
If you leave the mathematical plausibility fields empty, the routings will always be present regardless of
panel dimensions. This will always be the case as long as the scale factor remains positive.
15.3.2
FORMULAS FOR HOLES
For holes, the predefined formulas are assigned to the hole positions selected on the panel.
Each icon represents a formula which can be assigned to position X or position Y of the hole.
The hole and its position are shown inside the icon. The position can be fixed to the side or the center of
the panel or can be set so that it is at a proportional distance from the side or the center of the panel.
A "fixed" position is one where the position is fixed at a set distance from the edge of the panel and will
remain fixed in that position even when the panel dimensions are changed.
If a position is "fixed", the icon will show a thick black line in the hole position; if the position is
"proportional" the icon will show a spring in the hole position.
The icons available for the X variable and their respective
1
2
3
4
position X of hole proportionally attached to panel dimension X.

position X of hole fixed to the left panel side.
position X of hole fixed to right panel side.
position X of hole fixed to panel center.
The icons available for the Y variable and their respective
1
2
3
4
position Y of hole proportionally attached to panel dimension Y.

position Y of hole fixed to the panel upper side.
position Y of hole fixed to panel lower side.
position Y of hole fixed to panel center.
After you have selected the icon for each variable, you will be asked to complete the data table with fields
for the mathematical plausibility values defining the entity to which formulas have just been assigned.
These fields have the same meaning as those described for the mathematical method above.
If you leave the mathematical plausibility fields empty, the holes will always be present regardless of
panel dimensions.
16
ROUTING Z INTERPOLATION
Path
Set
Z Interpolation
The Z interpolation procedure modifies the depth profile of a routing.

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If the routing is a horizontal or vertical straight line, its depth profile can be any arc or line joining the
depth starting point with the finishing point (circular or linear interpolation). The only other depth profile
permitted is the case of any line joining the depth starting point with the finishing point (linear
interpolation).
To start the interpolation procedure, select the section of routing whose Z profile you wish to modify.
The reference for the depth profile is an imaginary line joining the depth starting point with the depth
finishing point of the section of routing selected. The depth profile can be defined by one of the following
parameters: center, radius, starting angle, finishing angle.
You need only enter one of these parameters; the others will then be calculated automatically.
If the section of routing selected is connected and joined to others (see the Path > Cut and join and
Path > Autojoin commands on the main menu), modifying the depth profile of that section will also
modify the adjacent sections so that they remain contiguous with that section.
During data entry operations, a preview graphic of the Z profile resulting from the entries will be
displayed at the bottom of the window; when you modify a data item the preview will be updated
immediately when you move the cursor to the next field. To move from one data field to the next and to
update the graphic preview, press the TAB key.
The graphic preview shows the starting and finishing points of the routing as green and red circles and
shows the routing direction as a white arrow. The Z profile is shown as a white line or arc. The panel
surface is shown as a broken, horizontal green line. Contiguous sections are shown in blue.
When you have completed the procedure, display the routing Z profile by using the transparent display
mode (use the Display > Transparent command); to change the current face, use the Display > Face
command. The Z profiles of the entities on the screen will be displayed in yellow.
16.1 VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL LINES

There are two types of Z interpolation for horizontal and vertical lines:
linear: the depth profile is any line joining the depth starting point with the depth finishing point;
circular: the depth profile is any arc joining the depth starting point with the depth finishing point.
When you have selected the section for interpolation, you will be asked to complete the fields of the data
table; the fields are described below. When you have finished data entries, press the OK key; the Z profile
will be updated.
- Button description Zoom +
Zoom -
16.1.1
enlarging or reducing the preview size.
LINEAR Z PROFILE
The linear Z profile is any straight line with any angle joining the two ends of the depth profile. In the data
entry window you may only change those fields relating to the starting and finishing points. Do not change
the other fields; leave them with their default settings.
If the Z starting and finishing points are the same, the resulting profile will be a line running parallel with
the panel surface. If you modify one of the ends, the resulting profile will be a line at an angle to the
surface of the panel.
- fields description Start X
Z start
End X
Z end
Mode
Internal
Center X
Z center
Start angle
End angle
Radius
16.1.2
the profile starting point is shown by a green circle. Only the Z depth
value can be modified.
the profile finishing point is shown by a red circle. Only the Z depth value
can be changed.
these fields must not be modified during the linear interpolation
procedure.
CIRCULAR Z PROFILE
The circular Z profile is any arc joining the two ends of the depth profile.
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The circular profile can be "internal" or "external" depending on the setting used in the Internal option.
An "internal" profile is one which starts and moves away from the panel towards the finishing point to
form a concave circular profile. An "external" profile is one which starts away from the panel and moves
towards panel surface and finishing point to form a convex circular profile.
To define a circular profile, you must first define the starting and finishing points of the section on the Z
axis and indicate the value of the radius or arc center to be constructed on the Z axis. If you do not know
the center or the radius, indicate the starting or the finishing angle on the Z axis.
You need only enter one of the data items mentioned, the other values will be calculated automatically.
Z start
End X
Z end
Mode
Internal
Center X
Z center
Radius
Start angle
End angle
can be changed.
this field defines the parameter to be entered; there are four possible
parameters: center (1), radius (2), starting angle (3), finishing angle (4).
When you enter the value for one of these parameters, the values for the
other three parameters will be calculated automatically.
(in mode 2 only) when active, the profile starts and moves away from the
panel surface towards the finishing point to form a concave profile.
Alternatively, the profile starts away from the panel and moves towards
the panel surface and finishing point to form a convex profile.
(active in mode 1 only) the center on the X and Z axes of the profile arc Z
using, as a reference, an imaginary line joining the starting and finishing
points of the depth profile of the routing section selected.
(active in mode 2 only) arc radius of the profile Z using, as a reference, an
imaginary line joining the starting and finishing points of the depth profile
of the routing section selected.
(active in mode 3 only) angle between the Z profile starting point and the
horizontal axis.
(active in mode 4 only) angle between the Z profile finishing point and the
horizontal axis.
16.2 ARCS OR DIAGONAL LINES

If the routing is an arc or a diagonal line, its depth profile can only be linear, i.e. its depth profile can only
be a line of any angle joining the starting and finishing points of the depth profile.
If the Z starting and finishing points are the same, the resulting profile will be a line running parallel with
the panel surface. If you modify one of the ends, the resulting profile will be a line at an angle to the
surface of the panel.
When you have selected the section for interpolation, you will be asked to complete the fields of the data
table; the fields are described below. When you have finished data entries, press the OK key; the Z profile
will be updated.
Z start
End X
Z end
- Button description Zoom +
Zoom -
100
can be changed.
enlarging or reducing the preview size.
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17
CAM: GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Path
or
SUPERVISOR::
CAD::
Machine
File
CAM
CAM
The CAM routine is the part of the ASPAN CAD/CAM which converts CAD drawings into partprograms.
In order to be able to operate, the CAM environment requires the machine configuration and tooling data.
The machine configuration data is supplied with the program or imported from the machine diskette using
the import procedure. The machine configuration describes the physical layout of the machine tool. The
tooling data describe the tools available for that machine and for the machining operations required. Each
machine configuration can have several machine toolings.
The machine configuration that will be used is the current configuration. The machine tooling to be used
by the procedure depends on the status of the drawing. If the drawing has already been processed in the
CAM environment with a tooling, this tooling, if it still exists, will be used again in the CAM
environment; if this is not the case, the current tooling will be used.
The current machine configuration and tooling are those indicated on the screen of the supervisor
program.
On entering the CAM environment, the procedure will automatically assign tools to the entities on the
drawing: each entity will be assigned the first tool of the current tooling whose diameter is the same as that
of the entity (diameter of a hole or thickness of a routing), compatible with the depth specified and within
the physical limits of the machine configuration.
Next, the machining speed will be automatically assigned to all the entities which have already been
assigned tools. Speeds will be assigned according to entity diameter and using the table of default
diameter/speed settings; this table is set using the Machine > Utility > Feed command on the
supervisor. If the diameter of one or more of the entities is not in the table, you will be asked to enter the
speed to be assigned to that diameter; this value can be stored directly in the default diameter/speed table
(speed self-teach mode).
In the next stage, the procedure optimizes the head paths and downstrokes. To set the optimization
parameters (these include the hole/routing or routing/hole machining sequence), use the Machine >
Utility > Defaults command of the supervisor for the current machine configuration, use the
Optimization type, Increasing optimization, Sequence fields. Note that any angle holes present
will be machined after all the other entities have been completed. At the end of optimization, the traffic
light on the right-side vertical bar will change to green.
This operation will take several seconds; the length of the operation depends on the complexity of the
drawing to be processed.
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on
the drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond
to any of the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached
by a currently valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the corresponding Options > View
command option is enabled. This command can also be used to enable a display for the overall
dimensions and the number of the tool.
The machine time needed to complete the operations specified will be recalculated and displayed to the
right of the upper tool bar.
The command Process > Create Part-Program generates the part-program for the feasible entities. At
this point the part-program can be copied to disk or transmitted via the supervisor to the machine tool.
Commands are available in this environment for manually assigning tools, speeds and other machine
attributes to entities, for creating machining sequences and obligatory multiple drillings, for displaying
information about assignments and for showing real head movements during the machining of the current
drawing.
17.1 INTRODUCTION
102
CAM
ASPAN
When you call up and start the screen

display appears as follows:
Starting from the top of the screen
and working downwards, the screen
displays: the title bar with the name of
the current drawing, the main menu
bar (A) and the main tool bar (B)
showing the most commonly used
menu commands in the form of button
icons. The central area of the screen
(G), known as the "work area", shows
the panel: the work area can be used
to modify machine attributes (tools,
speed, etc.) assigned to the graphic
entities which will be completed
automatically when entering the CAM
environment and by entering the other data necessary to create a part-program.
Below the work area there is the status bar; this contains an explanation of the command or field currently
indicated by the mouse. The area to the right of the status bar (E) shows the X and Y co-ordinates of the
current mouse pointer position.
On the left of the screen, the display command bar (C) shows the most commonly used display commands
in the form of button icons. In the area to the right (D) the program displays, as icons, the current
sequence of commands in executions. The first icon from the top is the current primary command. The
icons below represent the secondary commands which follow the current primary command.
The routings (L) will be shown together with the real tool path, if this option has been enabled by the
command Options > View.
17.2 MENUS & TOOL BARS

The CAM environment has the following pull-down menus which are presented singly:
- the MAIN MENU, this appears when you enter the CAM environment and when a command has
been completed;
- the ENTITY SELECTION menu is displayed during execution of any of the commands which
require the selection of a drawing entity.
Each pull-down menu has a tool bar with shortcut buttons for all or some of the commands on menu.
In addition to the horizontal tool bars there is a vertical tool bar with some or all of the display commands
from the Display option available under various menus. The commands on this bar are transparent, i.e.
they can be executed from inside a primary command without effecting the execution status of the primary
command.
18
SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS
The basic procedure is as follows:
?
?
Check that the traffic light is green (i.e. indicating that the drawing is
optimized); if the traffic light is red, run the Process > Optimize command
to optimize the head paths and downstrokes .
Check that all the entities to be machined are feasible. If some entities are not
feasible, the icon shown here on the left will be displayed in the right frame of
the screen. The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if
the corresponding Options > View command option is enabled. This
command can also be used to enable a display for the overall dimensions and
the number of the tool.
To create the part-program for the current drawing.
Process > Create PartProgram

File > Exit
To leave the procedure and return to the supervisor; from the supervisor you
can print out the part-program and transmit it to the machine.
Other operations which can be performed on the drawing.

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Displays the machine time needed to complete the drawing in the upper righthand corner.
?
Process > Optimize
To optimize the head paths and downstrokes. This command is executed

automatically when entering the procedure with a new drawing.
To modify the machining sequence calculated automatically by the procedure.
Machining > Sequence

Machining > Holes drop
Machining > Borings
To modify multiple drillings (drops), calculated automatically by the

procedure.
To modify the tools and speeds automatically assigned by the procedure, to
enter or remove NOP attributes, to assign tool correction to routings, to
perform multiple machining on the entities selected.
Machining > Routings

Process > Animation
19
To show the real movements of the head during machining of the current
drawing.
CAM: COMMANDS
The main menu is a pull-down menu displayed when you first enter the routine. The main menu consists
of the commands described in the paragraphs below.
The items on the main menu are as follows:
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for working on files,
exiting from the supervisor or calling up the CAD procedure directly.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display
of the current work area.
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for working on
machine toolings and configurations (only where multiple configurations are
installed).
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for modifying the tools
and speeds assigned, for adding or removing NOP attributes, for assigning tool
corrections to routings, for executing multiple machining operations on the
entities selected.
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for optimizing head paths
and downstrokes, generating part-programs and simulating machine
movements.
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for selecting display
options.
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for obtaining information
about the machining on a drawing.
File
Display
Machine
Machining
Process
Options
Information
File
Options
Save
View
Exit
CAD
Preferences
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Machining
Process
Borings
Optimize
Holes drop
Deoptimize
Routings
Create Part-Program
Lead-in
Part-Program Origin
Lead-out
Animation
Set slot
Sequence
Invert direction
Machine
Information
Select Configuration
Machining
Select Tooling
Status
Modify Tooling
Head
19.1 File
File
Save
Exit
CAD
Preferences
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for working on

files, exiting from the supervisor or calling up the CAD procedure
directly.
19.1.1
File: Save
Saves the current drawing with its name on the hard disk and up-dates the files. Use this command to save
the drawing and protect against data loss in the event of a power failure or other faults.
19.1.2
File: Exit
Exit from the CAM program and return to the supervisor. A prompt will ask you if you wish to save the
modifications to the current drawing.
19.1.3
File: CAD
Saves the modifications to the hard disk, up-dates files, exits from the CAM routine and then passes
directly to the integrated CAD ready for any graphic modifications to the current drawing.
19.1.4
File: Preferences
Used to modify some pre-set environment values and to set the optimization options, as with the
command: SUPERVISOR :: Machine > Utility > Defaults.
19.2 Display
This menu item provides access to a series of commands controlling the display of the current work area.
The description and list of commands for this menu is identical to that reported in the CAD. The vertical,
display tool bar, is also identical to the one in the CAD. For a description of the commands available on
this menu, see the CAD section.
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19.3 Machine
This menu item provides access to a series of commands for working
on machine toolings and configurations (only where multiple
configurations are installed).
Machine
Select Configuration
Select Tooling
Modify Tooling
Head
19.3.1
Machine: Select Configuration
If more than one machine configuration (describing the physical layout of the machine) is present, i.e. if
more than one machine has been installed in the program, this command makes it possible to select the
machine configuration to be used with the current drawing.
At the start of the command, the program displays all the machine configurations installed. When you
have selected a configuration you will be asked to select one of the machine toolings describing the tools
available on the machine configuration currently selected.
The tooling selected will be used on the current drawing.
19.3.2
Machine: Select Tooling
Enable selection of a tooling from those available for the current configuration.
The tooling selected will be used on the current drawing.
19.3.2.1
Machine: Modify Tooling
Enables entry or modification of the current tooling data, the data of the tools to be used on the machine.
Tools which can be assigned to a fixed head, a rotary head or a tool changer.
The data displayed in the entry window varies according to the type of tool.
The data present in these menus must match the actual tooling of the machine.
The status box in the lower right side of the window, shows a series of icons representing the status of the
current tool. The icons have the following meanings:
Tool: Bit
Type: Brad
Tool: Bit
Type: Spear
Tool: Bit
Type: Countersunk
Tool: Router
Tool: Saw
Tool: Sensor
In the case of a tool changer, this indicates that the tool selected is part of a single head,
i.e. that the tool is one of a series of tools positioned in the same stock position.
- options Fixed head
Tool changer
- fields description Number
Tool
Working face
Length
Useful length
Diameter
106
These data items refer to a tool mounted on a fixed head

These data items refer to a tool mounted on the tool changer.
Tool identification number (1 - 96)
Type of tool configured. In the case of a tool changer this field can be
modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through and select
the tool required.
Face on which the tool is installed. In the case of a tool changer, this field
can be modified; use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
and select the face required.
Characteristic data for the Bit and Router tools.
CAM
ASPAN
Type
For the Bit only: use the arrow to the right of the field to scroll through
the and select the type of tool bit.
Countersink
For the Bit and the Countersunk type tool, this shows
the depth setting of the countersinking tool.
Characteristic data for the Saw.
Radius
Crown
Thickness
Rotation direction
RPM default
Upper length...
Upper stroke...
Tool change posit.
Offset X
Offset Y
Offset Z
Offset A
19.3.2.2
Use the arrow to the right of the field to select the tool direction of
rotation.
Tool rotation speed proposed when manually assigning tools.
Characteristic data for the Sensor.
In the case of a tool changer, this shows the actual position of the tool in
the stock used by the tool changer.
Position of the spindle in relation to the head zero. For tool changers,
these fields can be modified.
Machine: Head
Display the head of the machine for the current configuration, providing the information on the current
tooling used, i.e. giving the data for the tools on the head.
The work area has three windows. The large window displays the physical layout of the head spindles.
The upper right-side window displays the tooling data for the tool selected. The lower right-side window
displays the configuration data for the spindle selected.
To select a tool/spindle, in the head window, move the pointer onto the tool/spindle required and then
press mouse button 1 . The tooling and configuration data will be updated immediately.
When you enter the display procedure, the head
is displayed in the opaque mode, i.e. the
spindles on the upper face are displayed. To
display all the spindles on all the head faces at
the same time, use the Display >
Transparent command.
In the opaque mode, use the face icon to
switch from the current face to another face; in
this way you can display the faces one at a time
together with their spindles. Use the Zoom
command to enlarge any area of the head.
In the upper part of the head window there is a color legend enabling rapid identification of the tool type
mounted on the head spindles.
When you select an electro-spindle, two buttons will appear in the tooling window; use these buttons to
scroll through the tools available on the tool changer.
The icon shown here will be displayed in the tooling window if the electrospindle tool selected
is part of a head, i.e. if it is one of a series of tools associated with a single stock position.
19.4 Machining
Machining
Borings
Holes drop
Routings
Lead-in
Lead-out
Set slot
Sequence
Invert direction
ASPAN
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for modifying

the tools and speeds assigned, for adding or removing NOP
attributes, for assigning tool corrections to routings, for executing
multiple machining operations on the entities selected.
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19.4.1
Machining: Borings
Edits all the machining data associated with the holes selected, i.e. the tools assigned to the machine, the
speed, any sensor tool and NOP instructions to be given precedence and the number of drilling passes.
A check is performed on the feasibility of the new settings and any errors are indicated. The machine time
displayed on screen is modified accordingly. The lower right-hand box displays the options currently
active.
Usually the use of this command is not necessary because, by entering the CAM environment with a new
drawing, the procedure assigns automatically both the tools, compatible with diameter and depth of the
entities, and the machining speeds, according to the speeds default table. The use of this command is
required to modify the assignments or to attribute other parameters to the machining.
Select the holes whose machining data is to be modified and then confirm your selection. Next, enter the
data requested in the fields of the data entry window described below.
If any of the data items to be modified or entered for the entities selected have different values, the
corresponding field in the data entry window will be empty. Any routings selected will be ignored.
Use the Multi machining option to define machining operations using multiple tools or passes on
selected entities. When you select this option a vertical bar to the right of the data entry window is
displayed; select the type of machining required from this bar. The number of the current machining
operation in relation to the total of machining operations entered is displayed in the upper left-hand
corner. Press the Add button to add a machining operation to the end of the other operations. Press the
Insert button to insert a machining operation between the other operations . Press the Delete button to
delete the current machining operation.
Tools belonging to a fixed head have a two-figure number; tools belonging to the tool changer have a
three-figure number (the first number is the number of the electro-spindle; enter None if no tool is to be
assigned.
The Options > View command allows highlighting all entities already assigned to a tool.
- fields description Tool
Feed
Depth
Steps
NOP
Sensor
Multi machining
108

Tool number as entered in the tooling. To change the number, use the
arrow buttons to the right of the field or key-in the number required. If
you do not wish to assign an entity, enter the figure "0" or key-in the word
None (key-in any letter of the word); the entity will not be machined. The
data for the tool selected are displayed to the right of the field if valid.
Drilling speed code.
The speed codes range from 0 to 9 (0 is the slowest speed). None
indicates that no speed value has been assigned to entities; these entities
will be machined as "0" the slowest speed.
In machining operation 1, the depth cannot be modified because it is
assigned in the CAD environment to the entity selected. Depth machining
can be executed in a number of head downstrokes defined by the value in
Steps.
The number of head downstrokes required to machine to the depth
required. Depth per pass is calculated by the formula: Depth x Steps /
current pass. For example: with Depth = 15.00 and Steps = 3, the head
will travel downwards three times in succession to the following depths: 5,
10, 15.
When this option is active, the NOP instruction takes precedence over the
machining instruction. This option will have no effect over the side faces
unless the corresponding NOP defaults are active (see Machine > Utility
> Defaults in the supervisor for the current configuration) before each
machining operation is entered automatically.
If this option is active, the machining operation will be preceded by a
sensor tool operation.
enables operations with multiple tools or multiple passes on the selected
entity.
Buttons:
Add adds a machining operation to the end of the previous ones;
Insert inserts a machining operations between existing operations;
Delete deletes the current operation.
CAM
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19.4.2
Machining: Holes drop
Edits the downstroke of the head for multiple drillings and displays all the head spindles for the panel face
concerned.
Usually the use of this command is not necessary because,
by entering the CAM environment with a new drawing, the
procedure executes automatically the optimization of paths
and drops of the head. Optimization parameters may be set
with the command File > Preferences.
The drops are created in two ways:

automatically by using the optimize command (automatic multiple drilling);
by the user using the command described here (obligatory multiple drilling).
The head is represented by empty holes indicating the spindles; the holes of the drop selected are shown in
violet if they are automatic or white if they are obligatory.
The obligatory drillings cannot be modified using optimization and can only be deleted with the Spindle
> Delete holes drop command in this procedure. This means that the Process > Deoptimize
command of the main menu cannot be used to delete obligatory drilling.
Obligatory drilling can be created by creating a new drop or by modifying an existing automatic drop.
At the start of the procedure the head is positioned on the first drop of the drawing.
To create an obligatory drop, using the mouse, move the cursor on to a head spindle (this will become the
reference spindle for the various alignment operations necessary) and then press mouse button 1; from this
point onwards the head will remain locked to the mouse. Move the mouse and drag the head until the
reference spindle is approximately aligned with the one of the holes of the new drop. Press the mouse
button 1 again to create the new drop; all the holes aligned with the head spindles with same diameter as
these will be highlighted.
After the creation of the drop, the head will remain locked to the mouse ready for the creation of another
drop as described in the procedure below.
To unlock the head from the mouse, press mouse button 1 when the reference spindle is not aligned with
any hole.
Use the Spindle > Enable / Disable command to activate or de-activate the spindles of a drop; it is also
possible to override and activate a spindle whose diameter is not the same as that of the corresponding
hole. Activating /Deactivating spindles can be performed on obligatory drops or automatic drops.
Automatic drops will be changed into obligatory drops.
The section below gives a description of the procedure commands.
First holes
drop
Move the head to the first drop on the drawing. This is the condition shown at the start
of the of the procedure.
Move the head onto the last drop of the drawing.
Last holes
drop
Move the head to the next drop on the drawing.
Next holes
drop
Move the head to the next head on the drawing.
Previous
holes drop
Moves the head to the drop for the hole to be indicated.
Go to holes
drop
Enable
Disable
ASPAN
Activate or deactivate the spindle for the drop by clicking with mouse button 1 on the
spindle.
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Delete
holes drop
Display all
19.4.3
Deletes the drop currently selected: click mouse button 1 on any of the holes of the drop
to be deleted. A drop which has been deleted can be optimized using the Process >
Optimize command on the main menu.
Shows all the drops on a drawing at the same time. To leave this situation, press mouse
button 2.
Machining: Routings
Edits all the machining data associated with the routing selected, i.e. the tool attributes, the speed, any
sensor tool operations, the NOP instruction to be given precedence, the tool correction, the path lead-ins
and lead-outs and the number of routing passes
A check is performed on the feasibility of the new settings and any errors are indicated. The machine time
displayed on screen is modified accordingly. The lower right-hand box displays the options currently
active.
Usually the use of this command is not necessary
because, by entering the CAM environment with a new
drawing, the procedure assigns automatically both the
tools, compatible with diameter and depth of the
entities, and the machining speeds, according to the
speeds default table. The use of this command is
required to modify the assignments or to attribute other
parameters to the machining.
Select the routings whose machining data are to be edited and then confirm the routings selected. Next,
enter the data in the data entry window described below.
If any of the data items to be modified or entered for the entities selected have different values, the
corresponding field in the data entry window will be empty. Any holes selected will be ignored.
Use the Multi machining option to define machining operations using multiple tools or passes on
selected entities. When you select this option a vertical bar to the right of the data entry window is
displayed; select the type of machining required from this bar. The number of the current machining
operation in relation to the total of machining operations entered is displayed in the upper left-hand
corner. Press the Add button to add a machining operation to the end of the other operations. Press the
Insert button to insert a machining operation between the other operations . Press the Delete button to
delete the current machining operation.
Tools belonging to a fixed head have a two-figure number; tools belonging to the tool changer have a
three-figure number (the first number is the number of the electro-spindle; enter None if no tool is to be
assigned.
The Options > View command allows highlighting all entities already assigned to a tool.
- fields description Tool
RPM
Start feed
Feed
110

Tool number as entered in the tooling. To change the number, use the
arrow buttons to the right of the field or key-in the number required. If
you do not wish to assign an entity, enter the figure "0" or key-in the word
None (key-in any letter of the word); the entity will not be machined. The
data for the tool selected are displayed to the right of the field if valid.
Rotation speed assigned to the spindle (RPM x 1000) for that machining
operation.
Routing start speed code.
Speed code for the routing path (machining speed).
CAM
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Depth
Steps
NOP
Sensor
Tool compensation
Overmaterial
Use G5
Multi machining
19.4.4
In machining operation 1, the depth cannot be modified because it is

assigned in the CAD environment to the entity selected. Depth machining
can be executed in a number of head downstrokes defined by the value in
Steps.
The number of head downstrokes required to machine to the depth
required. Depth per pass is calculated by the formula: Depth x Steps /
current pass. For example: with Depth = 15.00 and Steps = 3, the head
will travel downwards three times in succession to the following depths: 5,
10, 15.
When this option is active, the NOP instruction takes precedence over the
machining instruction. This option will have no effect over the side faces
unless the corresponding NOP defaults are active (see Machine > Utility
> Defaults in the supervisor for the current configuration) before each
machining operation is entered automatically.
If this option is active, the machining operation will be preceded by a
sensor tool operation.
This enables entry of a tool correction for the routing selected. The
following options are available: None no tool correction, i.e. the router
will pass to the center of the profile; Right the router will pass to the right
of the profile; Left the router will pass to the left of the profile; Depth,
this option enables depth compensation.
Tool radius correction increment
Where possible use the G5 instructions for this path.
enables operations with multiple tools or multiple passes on the selected
entity.
Buttons:
Add adds a machining operation to the end of the previous ones;
Insert inserts a machining operations between existing operations;
Delete deletes the current operation.
Machining: Lead-in
Defines tool lead-in for a selected path or paths.
Use the Configure lengths key to define the lengths of the
single sections making up the lead-in. Use the option Copy as
lead-out to define the tool lead-out so that it mirrors the tool leadin definition.
The routing must have already been assigned to a tool.

It is possible the selection between more lead-in types:
vertical lead-in to path.
None
lead-in to path on a line which is at a tangent to the path.
Tangent line
Perpendicular line
lead-in to path on a line perpendicular to the path from the tool

correction side or from the side of the direction selected.
Tangent arc
lead-in to path on an arc which is at a tangent to the path and from

the side of the direction selected.
Line + Tangent arc
lead-in to path on a line followed by an arc which is at a tangent to

the path, from the tool correction side or from the side of the
direction selected.
The lead-in section will follow the path, i.e. the tool will enter the
path from above.
Incision
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The descent on the path could be:

on lead-in type selected and on preset downstroke section, vertical
Vertical
downstroke on path.
Linear slope
on lead-in type selected and on preset downstroke, downstroke on

path following an angled linear movement, from the downstroke
starting point to the working measurement.
In case of lead-in consisting of arc+ straight line, it could be set

which of the two entities begin the descent on.
Direction
This field defines the side of the path where the lead-in will take place if no
correction is applied.
The Copy as lead-out option allows to define the tool lead-out analogous to the corresponding lead-in.
configures the dimensions of the sections making up the lead-in, lead-out
section.
figure to be used to multiply the radius of the tool assigned in order
Line ( router
to define the length of the line section of the path lead-in and leadradius x
out.
figure to be used to multiply the assigned tool radius to define the
Arc ( router
length of the arc section of the path lead-in and lead-out.
radius x
length in mm of the section where the lead-in and lead-out overlap. If
Overlapping
you do not require a lead-in/lead-out overlap, set this value to zero.
length in mm of the extension section added to the line type of leadExtension
in/lead-out to the path. If you do not wish to extend the section, set
this value to zero.
downstroke speed assigned to the lead-in, from the end of the rapid
Z axis speed
approach position to the working measurement.
Configure lengths
19.4.5
Machining: Lead-out
Applies the lead-out path to the selected routing.

The lead-out types and the slope modes are analogous to the lead-in types and to the descent modes of the
Machining > Lead-in command.
The lead-out path, if analogous to the corresponding lead-in, it could also be assigned during the
execution of the Machining > Lead-in command, by the Copy as lead-out option.
19.4.6
Machining: Set slot
In an assigned routing, lead-in and lead out from the path in a linear way, nearby the center of the routing.
It could be used when the entry and the exit of the tool could damage the extremities of the routing.
The requested value defines the length of the tool lead-in and lead-out paths.
19.4.7
Machining: Sequence
Edits the sequence of machining operations to be performed by the machine thus enabling the creation of
obligatory sequences (defined by the user; these cannot be modified by optimization.
Usually the use of this command is not necessary because,
by entering the CAM environment with a new drawing, the
procedure executes automatically the optimization of paths
and drops of the head. Optimization parameters may be set
with the command File > Preferences.
112
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Automatic optimization takes place when entering the CAM procedure or can be executed using the
Process > Optimize command of the main menu. This creates a single sequence including all the
feasible entities (associated with tools). This can then be used as the basis for user-defined obligatory
machining sequences where some of the entities can be processed by the machine in the order defined by
the user.
Note that the priority used when machining the entity types and used during automatic optimisation (i.e.
first the holes and then routings or vice versa) can be set in the Sequence field of the Machine >
Utility > Defaults command of the supervisor for the current machine configuration.
The head is shown by a set of empty holes representing the spindles in their position in the machine
configuration.
The sequences are created in two ways:
automatically by using the optimize command (automatic sequences);
by the user using the command described here (obligatory sequences).
The sequences are displayed as follows: a cross indicates the first element of a multiple drilling or the start
point of a routing in the current sequence; the entities forming part of an automatic sequence are linked by
a black dashed lines.
Obligatory sequences cannot be modified using the optimization command and can only be deleted using
the Sequence > Delete command in this procedure. The Process > Deoptimize command of the
main menu cannot be used to eliminate obligatory sequences.
At the start of this procedure, the head is positioned on the first entity of the sequence or, in the case of an
obligatory sequence, on the first entity of the first sequence.
There are two methods for creating an obligatory sequence. First method: run the Sequence > Delete
command procedure and select, one at time, the entities making up the obligatory sequence (these are
removed from the current sequence); press mouse button 2 to leave this command; move the cursor to the
point in the first sequence where you wish to enter the new user-defined sequence that will be created; run
the Sequence > Insert command and select the entities previously eliminated in the succession required
(these will be inserted in the user-defined sequence), leave this command by pressing mouse button 2.
Second method: move the cursor to the point in the sequence after which the new user-defined sequence is
to be inserted; run the Sequence > Recording command and select, one at a time, the entities to be
entered in the obligatory sequence; leave the command by pressing mouse button 2.
It should be noted that the entities canceled from a sequence using the Sequence > Delete command
will be added to the end of the last element of the last sequence (and will therefore be machined last)
unless they are inserted in another sequence using the Sequence > Insert command.
The section below gives a description of the procedure commands.
Recording
Start
Records a user-defined sequence and inserts the entities in the sequence in the order in
which they are selected. The sequence created will be positioned immediately after the
entity which was current at the moment when the command was started.
Moves the head to the first element of the first sequence on the drawing. This is the
default position at the start of the procedure.
Moves the head to the last element of the last sequence on the drawing.
End
Moves the head to the previous sequence on the drawing.
Previous
sequence
Moves the head to the next sequence on the drawing.
Next
sequence
Moves the head to the next element of the current sequence.
Next
Moves the head to the previous element of the current sequence.
Previous
Go to
Insert
ASPAN
Moves the head to the element in the sequence which corresponds to the entity to be
indicated.
Inserts the entities to be selected at the point immediately before the entity that was
current when the command was started. If the entities selected already belong to the
sequence, this command shifts the entities to another position inside the sequence.
Cancels the elements to be selected and moves them to the end of the last element of the
last sequence.
CAM
113
Delete
19.4.8
Machining: Invert direction
Changes the direction of the selected routing.
initial drawing
result
19.5 Process
Process
Optimize
Deoptimize
Create Part-Program
Part-Program Origin
Animation
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for optimizing

head paths and downstrokes, generating part-programs and simulating
machine movements.
19.5.1
Process: Optimize
This command optimizes the paths and downstrokes of the machine head in order to reduce the time
needed to machine the entities on the drawing.
On new drawings or on drawings which have just been modified, this command is performed
automatically when the CAM procedure is started (right traffic light on green).
This command is necessary in cases where a modification in the CAM environment has disabled
optimization (right traffic light on red).
To set the optimization parameters (these include the hole/routing or routing/hole machining sequence),
use the Machine > Utility > Defaults command of the supervisor for the current machine and then set
the Optimization type, Increasing optimization and Sequence fields.
Note that angle holes will be machined after all the other entities have been completed.
When optimization has been completed (the right traffic light changes from the red to green) it will be
possible to set the head downstrokes. To set the head downstrokes on multiple drillings, use the
Machining > Holes drop command and set the machining sequence using the Machining >
Sequence command.
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on
the drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond
to any of the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached
by a currently valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
Note that the appearance of this icon, on the right of the screen, means that some of the entities on the
drawing are not feasible in the automatic mode because an entity diameter does not correspond to any of
the tool diameters in the current tooling or because the depth specified cannot be reached by a currently
valid tool is or beyond machine limits.
The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the corresponding Options > View
command option is enabled. This command can also be used to enable a display for the overall
dimensions and the number of the tool.
114
CAM
ASPAN
19.5.2
Process: Deoptimize
This command cancels the machine head path and downstroke optimizations which were performed
automatically when entering the CAM environment with a new drawing or when using the Process >
Optimize command.
On completion of this command, the right side traffic light changes from green to red.
This command cannot be used to delete obligatory sequences or drops. To delete these obligatory
sequences or drops, use the Machining > Holes drop and Machining > Sequence commands
19.5.3
Process: Create Part-Program

Creates the part-program for the current drawing on
the basis of the automatic and manual assignments,
using the machine configuration and tooling for the
drawing (these are indicated in the upper status bar
next to the drawing name).
The default directory proposed is the one present in the PGM destination directory field of the default
data window of the current configuration. To modify the default directory setting, use the Machine >
Utility
>
Defaults
command
in
the
supervisor
environment
or
the
\<directory ASPAN>\P2PART\<configuration name> command in the operating system directory.
Use the Search button to scroll through and select a directory or disk in the selection window for your
operating system.
If the directory is not found, a prompt will ask if you wish to confirm the creation of a new directory.
To save a part-program on a disk, enter the path A: in the PGM destination directory field. Insert a
disk in disk drive A and then run the Machine > Part-Program > Transmission command in the
supervisor environment.
Some of the data items proposed are the default settings for the current configuration; these can be
modified using the Machine > Utility > Defaults command in the supervisor environment.
Enter the data in the fields described below and then press the OK push-button to create a part-program
with the name and directory indicated.
If the option Use offset of window Programs origin in Machine > Utility > Defaults of the
supervisor is enabled, the program origin data will be displayed and the corresponding O origin
displacement instruction will be enabled. This data can be modified if option Prompt on replace in
Machine > Utility > Defaults of the supervisor is enabled.
- fields description Header repetition
Header Field
Measurement unit
Header Continuous
PGM destination directory
Program name
19.5.4
Values required by the numeric control to identify the part-program

and indicating the part-program machining mode.
Directory in which the part-program will be saved. To save the partprogram to disk, enter A: in this field.
Name to be given to the part-program created. The name of the
current drawing is proposed.
Process: Part-Program Origin
Allows to change the X,Y,Z origin of the machine, that is to move the zero machine.
It is usable when the thickness of a counterprofile put under the panel must be compensated or when, for
small panels, the operator wants to use the nearer stops.
19.5.5
Process: Animation
Simulates the head movements which will be carried out to complete the machining operations on the
drawing.
ASPAN
CAM
115
The options available include an option for selecting

and setting two operating speeds. The lowest speed is
1 (actual machine speed); the highest speed 4 is four
times faster. To toggle between slow and high speeds,
press the feed buttons on the tool bar.
To display the compensated path (i.e. the path with tool correction), select the option for this function.
19.6 Options
Options
View
19.6.1
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for selecting

display options.
Options: View
Changes the view mode of entities, of tools and of lead-in/out paths associated.
You can highlight the entities assigned to tools, the start position and the real tool path and the number of
the tool assigned to the entity.
Show tool number
Tool paths
Machining thickness = No
Machining thickness = Outline

only
Machining thickness = Filled-up
Machining thickness = Grey

scale
19.7 Information
Information
Machining
Status
19.7.1
This menu item provides access to a set of commands for obtaining

information about the machining on a drawing.
Information: Machining
Provides information on the machining operations for the entity selected.
116
CAM
ASPAN
19.7.2
Information: Status
It gives more information on the machine time and on the
distance covered by the head.
ASPAN
CAM
117
APPENDIX
118
APPENDIX
ASPAN
20
APPENDIX: PROGRAMS FOLDER

All the programs and procedures comprising the ASPAN system are contained in a group folder, for the
operating system used, named ASPAN. The group folder contains the icons for the various programs.
The group and its icons are created automatically by the installation procedure.
The next section describes the meaning of each icon contained in the ASPAN group of programs.
The ASPAN program is a CAD/CAM program and is described in the user manual.
ASPAN program on-line user manual.
Network administrator for handling users where ASPAN is used in a local area network.
External diagnostic and troubleshooting procedure for creating disks and help sheets in
the event of malfunctions.
External program for importing ASCII type files structured according ASPAN rules,
converting them into ASPAN drawings and creating the corresponding part-program.
Converts an ASCII file type (text), containing machine instructions, in the corresponding
binary file handled by the TRIA controls
Converts a file binary containing machine instructions, used in the TRIA controls, in the
corresponding ASCII file type
Converts the drawings of a previous DOS versions in the format used by the Windows
versions
SERVICE
The procedure copies to disk the data of the drawing selected, the current configuration and tooling,
details of the computer environment in which the program is installed and technical information about the
program. The disk can then be sent to the Technical Service Department for diagnosis in the event of
operating faults.
The same disk can be used for several technical service sessions provided that the drawings are not too
large. If in doubt, use a separate disk for each technical service session.
Select the drawing to be copied to the service disk in the

selection window. The file extensions is "DRW".
Complete description of the Provides a complete description of the faults found in the
drawing and in the program.
problem found
Insert a disk in the drive and then press OK
ASPAN
APPENDIX
119
21
APPENDIX: TUTORIAL
This section of the manual describes how to draw a panel in the guided mode, starting from the
construction of the drawing and working through to the creation of a part-program for that drawing.
The drawing method described in this example is not the fastest or the most efficient but has been chosen
because it illustrates a wide range of commands and functions.
The meaning of the data items shown in the various tables is indicated by the type of character formatting
used. Character formatting is as follows:
data items to be entered by the user. For example: 850. The item marked (z)
is the active option; the item marked ( ) is the inactive option.
data items entered automatically by the procedure. In the example drawing
which follows, these items must be left unchanged. For example: 850. The
symbols < > will be displayed if the item entered is not significant.
bold
italic
To move from one field to another inside a window or table, use the keyboard TAB key or click with
mouse button 1 on the field you require.
OK
press this button to confirm your data table entries. This button is displayed at
the bottom of the data entry window.
In the event of mistakes during data entry:

If you make a mistake entering data in a window or wish to leave the
Cancel
current operation, press the Cancel button at the bottom of the data
entry window
If the result of a command or operation is not what you require, use
or
this command to return to the drawing as it was before the command
Tools > Undo
or operation was executed.
The next section describes the various commands needed to create a drawing in the various programming
environments: SUPERVISOR, CAD, CAM.
This example procedure will

draw the 800 x 600 x 20 panel
shown on the right.
First you will draw the routing
ABCDEF and then create a
mirror copy at the bottom.
Finally, you will draw the
holes for this project.
21.1 SUPERVISOR
In this environment you will create a new panel of the required dimensions with the name "tutor". To start,
you must enter the CAD environment.
If a drawing with the name "tutor" already exists, before proceeding with the first drawing command you
must execute the File > Close command; when you execute the first command to create the drawing, i.e.
File > New, a prompt will ask you if you wish to overwrite the old drawing with the same name; reply
"Yes".
command:
or File > New
120
to create a new drawing

APPENDIX
ASPAN
Files selection:
to create a drawing with the name tutor, write tutor in the

file name field
OK
- field values Dimension X

Dimension Y
Dimension Z
Remark
800
600
20
TUTOR TEST
OK
command:
CAD > Integrated
to enter the CAD environment
21.2 CAD
You will use this environment to draw the graphic entities for the project, i.e. the routings and holes. The
procedure is as follows:
draw line 2
draw lines 1 and 3
draw lines 4 and 5
draw fillet B and E
draw fillet C and D
convert the individual sections into a single routing
make any changes of direction required
make a mirror copy of the entire routing ABCDEF on the center of the panel
draw 5 holes on the upper left section
draw 3 holes on the lower right section
draw holes to the right and the left of the panel center
command:
Draw > Routings > Line > 2 Points
entering the data from the keyboard

Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
Diameter
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
Oppose
to draw line 2
200
100
600
100
5
10
10
( )
( )
( )
OK
command:

Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
Diameter
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
ASPAN
to draw lines 1 and 3 at the same time
-30
200
100
200
5
10
10
( z)
( )
APPENDIX
121
Oppose
( )
OK
command:
to draw lines 4 and 5 at the same time using the Osnap

functions to find the end points
command:
Osnap > End point
ENTITY SELECTION:
to find the left end point of line 2

Select line 2 at any point close to zone C (at approx. 1
cm from the end).
command:
Osnap > End point
ENTITY SELECTION:
- field values Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
Diameter
Start depth
End depth
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
Oppose
to find the right end point of line 1

Select line 1 at any point close to zone B (at approx. 1
cm from the end).
200
100
100
200
5
10
10
( z)
( )
( )
OK
command:
Tools > Fillet
Radius
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
ENTITY SELECTION
to fillet the lines 1 and 4 with radius 40.

40
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
Select
end).
line 1, close to zone B (at approx. 1 cm from the

line 4, close to zone B (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 3, close to zone E (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 5, close to zone E (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 4, close to zone C (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 2, close to zone C (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 2, close to zone D (at approx. 1 cm from the
line 5, close to zone D (at approx. 1 cm from the
command:
Path > Autojoin
to convert the individual routing sections into a single

routing
command:
Path > Cut and join
122
to check and change routing direction where necessary.
APPENDIX
ASPAN
ENTITY SELECTION:
Select the routing at any point.

if the direction (shown by the white arrow on the
routing) is from right to left:
otherwise (direction from left to right):
At this point the drawing you have just created

must be identical to the drawing shown here on
the right. If your drawing is different, use the
Tools > Undo command several times to
return to the start of the drawing session and
then repeat the entire sequence of commands in
the CAD environment.
command:
Modify > Mirror
ENTITY SELECTION:
to make a mirror copy of the routing in a vertically

symmetrical position at the center of the panel,
Select the routing at any point.
select any two points on the panel using mouse button 1.

- field values Point 1 X
Point 1 Y
Point 2 X
Point 2 Y
With respect to a
selected axis
X
Y
<>
<>
<>
<>
( )
( )
( z)
OK
command:
Draw > Holes > Holes row

Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
X step
Qty. in X
Y step
Qty. in Y
Diameter
Depth
Countersink depth
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
Oppose
to draw 5 holes on the upper left section
50
50
200
50
32
0
32
0
5
5
0
( )
( )
( )
OK
ASPAN
APPENDIX
123
command:
Draw > Holes > Normal

Position X
Position Y
Diameter
Depth
Countersink depth
X repetition
X step
Y repetition
Y step
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
Oppose
to draw 3 holes on the lower right section
650
550
5
5
0
3
32
1
<>
( )
( )
( )
OK
command:
Draw > Holes > Normal

Position X
Position Y
Diameter
Depth
Countersink depth
X repetition
X step
Y repetition
Y step
Mirror in X
Mirror in Y
Oppose
to draw holes to the right and the left of the panel center:
30
250
5
5
0
1
<>
2
64
( z)
( )
( )
OK
command:
File > CAM
To leave the CAD environment and enter the CAM

environment.
21.3 CAM
At start up in this environment, tools are automatically assigned to all graphic entities, routings and holes
on the drawing and the machine time required to perform machining is calculated automatically.
At start-up, machining speeds are automatically assigned to all entities on the basis of their diameter and
as shown in the table of default speeds; the default speeds can be set using the Machine > Utility >
Feed command on the supervisor. If a diameter of one or more of the entities is not on the table, a speed
entry window will appear where you should enter the speed value to be associated with those diameters.
You must then save this value directly to the speed table so that it will not be requested during subsequent
sessions.
We will now work through the following steps:
checking the feasibility of all the entities
displaying the times requested
creating the part-program
Check that all the entities to be machined are feasible. If some entities are not
feasible, the icon shown here on the left will be displayed in the right frame of the
screen. The entities which can be used are displayed in a different color, if the
corresponding Options > View command option is enabled. This command can
also be used to enable a display for the overall dimensions and the number of the
124
APPENDIX
ASPAN
tool.
If the entity is not possible, check the diameters of the entity and of the
corresponding tool diameter values available in the current machine tooling. Modify
the machine tooling as required using the Machine > Modify Tooling command,
or modify the entity diameters in the CAD environment using the Set > Diameter
command.
Check that the traffic light is green (i.e. indicating that the drawing is optimized); if
the traffic light is red, run the Process > Optimize command to optimize the head
paths and downstrokes .
Displays the machine time needed to complete the drawing in the upper right-hand
corner.
command:
To create the part-program for the current drawing.
Process > Create Part-Program
- field values Header repetition

Header Field
Measurement unit
Header Continuous
PGM destination
directory
Program name
1
A
Millimeters
( )
Directory in which the partprogram will be saved. To save
the part-program to disk, enter
A: in this field.
TUTOR
OK
command:
To leave the CAM environment and return to the supervisor. Answer
Yes when asked if you wish to save the changes to the drawing.
File > Exit
21.4 SUPERVISOR
command:
To print the part-program which has just been created
Machine > Part-Program > Print
command:
To transmit the part-program to the machine over a serial line.
Machine
>
Transmission
Part-Program
>
command:
To edit the part-program just created.
Machine > Part-Program > Editor
command:
File > Exit
22
To leave the program at the end of a teach session.
APPENDIX: ASCII > ASPAN

External program for importing ASCII type files structured according ASPAN rules,
converting them into ASPAN drawings and creating the corresponding part-program.
Files with the extension .ASC and resident anywhere on the computer, contain information about the
construction of the graphic entities to be transferred; the structure is described below.
The procedure can be run in two modes. In the interactive mode, by clicking on the corresponding icon of
ASPAN program group; this will open a dialogue box. Or in the direct or BATCH mode by specifying the
parameters on the command line.
ASPAN
APPENDIX
125
The file structure consists of a series of lines. The fields of each line must be separated by a comma (,).
Dimensions can be expressed in whole numbers (including a - sign if necessary) or decimals; with
decimal numbers use the point (.) separator
The work faces, the origins and the direction of the angles must be coded.
TOP
BOT
Upper
Lower
FRO
REA
Front
Rear
LEF
RIG
Left
Right
LINE STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION

The notation used in the field descriptions is as follows:
<<x>>
indicates the dimension x
<x>
indicates an alphanumeric value assigned to x
X
indicates the character X
version line
V,<n.rel>
where <n.rel> is the version number of the ASCII file (the current version number is 2.0). This must
be the first line of the file.
comment line
*,<commento>
comment instruction, where <comment> is a field 254 characters long. The comment line can be
inserted at any point in the file.
work field
F,<nn>
optional instruction for setting the work field, where <nn> is the work field A/AB/00/01/D etc. (this
must be inserted before the Panel definition line).
Autojoin
J
Autojoin optional instruction: where present this function merges all the routings before creating the
DRW or the PGM; this instruction must be inserted before the Panel definition line). IMPORTANT:
this instruction takes priority over any local request to assign a tool number.
optimize routing
N
"Do not optimize routing" optional instruction: where present, optimizes the drillings only (this
instruction must be inserted before the Panel definition line).
panel definition
P,<<dx>>,<<dy>>,<<dz>>,<MM/INCHES>
where <<dx>>,<<dy>>,<<dz>> are the panel dimensions in <MM/INCHES>, millimeters or inches.
Example: P,1000,600,20,MM
standard hole
H,<F>,<<x>>,<<y>>,<<diam>>,<<depth>>,<<csink>>,<<prot>>
where <F> is the work face; <<x>>,<<y>> are the hole dimensions; <<diam>> is the diameter
measurement; <<depth>> is the depth; <<csink>> is the depth of the countersinking (positive): if the
hole is not countersunk this value must be = 0; <<prot>> is the projection of the dowel (positive): if
the hole is not doweled this value must be = 0.
Example: H,TOP,100,100,5,12,0,0
126
APPENDIX
ASPAN
angled hole (not at right-angles or rotary)

R,<<x>>,<<y>>,<<z>>,<<a>>,<<diam>>,<<depth>>,<<csink>>
where <<x>>,<<y>>,<<z>> are the hole dimensions; <<a>> is the angle,
in degrees between the x positive axis and the direction of drilling (see
figure); <<diam>> is the diameter; <<depth>> is the depth; <<csink>> is
the depth of the countersinking (positive): if the hole is not countersunk
this value must be = 0.
Example: R,100,100,100,45,5,12,0
routing : line
L,<F>,<<xs>>,<<ys>>,<<xe>>,<<ye>>,<<diam>>,
<<depth s>>, <<depth e>>,<<a>>
where <F> is the work face; <<xs>>,<<ys>> are the line start
measurements; <<xe>>,<<ye>> are the line end
measurements; <<diam>> is the diameter measurement;
<<depth s>> is the start depth; <<depth e> is the end depth;
<<a>> is the angle in degrees (see figure): (working from the
start point to the end point, a positive angle value means Z
interpolation towards the inside of the panel, a negative value
means Z interpolation towards the outside of the panel. If the
angle is = 0, Z interpolation is linear).
Example: L,TOP,100,100,200,200,5,8,8,0
If the line is a cut, insert the field G at the end of the line.
L,<F>,<<xs>>,<<ys>>,<<xe>>,<<ye>>,<<diam>>,<<depth s>>,<<depth e>>,<<a>>,G
Example: L,TOP,100,100,200,200,5,8,8,0,G
routing : arc
A,<F>,<<xs>>,<<ys>>,<<xe>>,<<ye>>,<<xc>>,<<yc>>,<dir>,<<diam>>,
<<depth s>>,<<depth e>>
where <F> is the work face; <<xs>>,<<ys>> are the arc start measurements; <<xe>>,<<ye>> are the
arc end measurements; <<xc>>,<<yc>> are the center; <dir> is the arc direction (0 = anti-clockwise, 1
= clockwise, for all faces); <<diam>> is the diameter measurement; <<depth s>> is the start depth;
<<depth e> is the end depth.
Example: A,TOP,100,100,200,200,150,0,5,8,8
routing: circle
C,<F>,<<xc>>,<<yc>>,<<r>>,<dir>,<<diam>>,<<depth>>
where <F> is the work face; <<xc>>,<<yc>> are the center measurements; <<r>> is the radius
measurement; <dir> is the circle direction (0 = anti-clockwise, 1 = clockwise, for all the faces;
<<diam>> is the diameter measurement; <<depth>> is the depth.
Example: C,TOP,100,100,50,0,5,8
routing: ellipse
E,<F>,<<xc>>,<<yc>>,<<rx>>,<<ry>>,<<as>>,<<ae>>,<dir>,<<diam>>,<<depth>>
where <F> is the work face; <<xc>>,<<yc>> are the center measurements; <<rx>>,<<ry>> are the
radius measurements; <<as>>,<<ae>> are the ellipse start (as) and ellipse end (ae). If as = ae, the
ellipse is closed; <dir> is the direction of the circle (0 = anti-clockwise, 1 = clockwise, for all the
faces); <<diam>> is the diameter measurement; <<depth>> is the depth.
Example: E,TOP,500,250,200,100,0,0,1,5,8
Indications about tool correction (< = left correction, > = right correction) followed if necessary by the
tool number to be assigned to the entity, can be added to the instructions L,A,C,E.
For CUTS where a tool correction is required, the depth correction (C3) will be assigned to the tool. If no
tool correction or tool number is assigned then the tool correction field can be left out.
ASPAN
APPENDIX
127
At the end of L,A,C,E instructions can be added indications about routing start feed (SFn) and routing
execution feed (Fn), where n must have values within 0 and 9, and the tool revolutions RPM (Rn), where
n must have values within 0 and 99999.
If the Autojoin J function is enabled, all the above data are significant only if added in the initial section
of a complex path; if the initial section is unknown, the above data must be added to all sections making
the path.
Examples:
....,<
LEFT correction
....,>
RIGHT correction
....,,4
No correction, tool no. 4
....,,104
No correction, tool no. 104
L,...,G,>,104
LINE, Cut, Depth correction, tool no. 104
L,...,G,>,104,SF2 LINE, Cut, Depth correction, tool no. 104, start feed 2
L,...,>,F4
LINE, RIGHT correction, execution feed 4
In the pseudobatch mode (i.e. the non-interactive mode) with execution from the command line, the
following table provides the information needed for the procedure.
Procedure name
Resident directory
Command line
- options /DRW
/PGM
/NODRW
/ERR
/WARN
/REPORT
Examples:
ASCASP.EXE
\<dir_prog>\UTL
where <dir_prog> is the path where ASPAN is installed.
c:\<dir_prog>\utl\ASCASP.EXE <asc_file> /DRW<drw_dir>
/PGM<pgm_dir> /NODRW /ERR /WARN /REPORT
ASCII file(s) to be imported (path + wildcards)
<asc_file>
Directory where the .DRW drawings will be created (if this is
<drw_dir>
not indicated, the ASPAN default drawing directory will be
used)
<pgm_dir> Directory where the PGM part-programs will be created.
Use this to indicate the directory where the .DRW drawings will be created (this has no
significance if the /NODRW option is present).
Use this to indicate the directory where the .PGM part-programs will be created. If this
option is not present the .PGM will not be created.
No DRW drawings will be created. Only the PGM will be created.
Stop procedure on error during execution (no stop will take place if the procedure is not
present).
Stop procedure on warning during execution (no stop will take place if the procedure is
not present).
Writes the REPORT.TXT report file. This file is created in the directory where the
ascasp.exe file is resident. No report will be created if the file is not present.
c:\aspan4\utl\ascasp.exe C:\mydraw\*.asc /PGMc:\part
Reads all the ASC files from mydraw directory, creates the corresponding DRW
drawings in ASPAN drawing archive directory and writes the resulting .PGM in
c:\part directory. This procedure does not stop in the event of errors or warnings.
c:\aspan4\utl\ascasp.exe C:\mydraw\*.asc /DRWc:\mydraw\drw /PGMc:\part\nc
Reads all the ASC files from mydraw directory, creates the corresponding DRW
drawings in c:\mydraw\drw directory and writes the resulting .PGM in c:\part\nc.
directory. This procedure does not stop in the event of errors or warnings.
c:\aspan4\utl\ascasp.exe C:\mydraw\*.asc /PGMc:\part /NODRW
Reads all the ASC files from the directory mydraw directory and writes the
resulting PGM in the c:\part directory. This procedure does not stop in the event
of errors or warnings.
c:\aspan4\utl\ascasp.exe C:\mydraw\*.asc
The ASPAN drawings are created in the default directory; does not create the
PGM and does not stop in the event of errors or warnings.
128
APPENDIX
ASPAN
These options are used in the same way as in the interactive mode. In this case it is also possible to create
the REPORT.TXT report file summarizing the operations effected during the procedure by selecting the
report option. The report file is created in \<dir_prog>\UTL direction where <dir_prog> is the path
where ASPAN is installed and can be displayed with any text editor.
23
APPENDIX: INSTALLING
1. Check that there is sufficient space on your hard disk to install the program. The program requires 30
megabyte of disk space.
2. Check that Windows version 95 or later is installed on your computer.
3. Start Windows.
4.
Installing from disks:
Insert the first disk of the installation program into disk drive A of the computer. From Windows Program
Manager select FILE and then RUN; in the Command line box type in a:setup. Select OK..
Installing from CD-ROM:

From START menu, select Run, type
D:\menu
at the Command Line and press Enter (where D:
represent your CD-ROM drive letter). This will run the CD-ROM manager utility, showing a menu helping you
through installation and other utilities.
As an alternative, you can run directly ASPAN setup: from START menu, select Run, type
D:\install\disk1\setup.
5.
6.
Select the language to be used for the procedure.

Enter the serial number of the hardware key; this is the number shown on the first line of the label on
the hardware key.
7. Select the installation mode: Express or Custom. If you select Express, no further data entries are
required and the program will be installed in C:\ASPAN4 directory. If you select Custom, you will be
asked for the directory where you want the program be installed and which procedure you want to
install.
8. Follow the instructions which are displayed on the screen.
UPGRADING
PROGRAM UPDATING. If the system does not find the program to be updated in the directory
selected, a message will be displayed indicating that updating is not possible.
If you wish to continue updating in the directory selected you can do so by changing the current updating
procedure into an installation procedure. To do this, insert disk 1 of the previous program installation and
then follow the instructions displayed on screen.
The updating procedure can also be used to transfer the program to another computer without having to
install the program using the installation disks from the previous version of the program.
Follow the instructions which are displayed on the screen.
When the installation program has been completed, Windows Program Manager will display a program
group called ASPAN; this consists of a series of icons representing the programs installed. To start a
program, double click with mouse button 1 on the icon of the program you require.
STARTING
ASPAN
APPENDIX
129
1.
Plug the hardware key (i.e. the plug) supplied with the program disks into any one of the computer
parallel ports. If the parallel port is connected to a printer, disconnect the printer connector and plug
the hardware key into the computer parallel port. Next, connect the printer connector to the other side
of the hardware. At this point the hardware key must be between the computer parallel point and the
printer connector.
2. To start the ASPAN program, double click with mouse button 1 on ASPAN icon.
ADDITIONAL KEY
To use the program with a secondary (or additional) hardware key, (i.e. key with serial number + A),
install or update the program and then enable the ASPAN program.
To enable the program, run the program once with the primary hardware key.
Once the program has been run with the primary key it can subsequently be used without any problems
with the secondary key.
24
APPENDIX: PC CONFIGURATION
Hardware and software configuration on which ASPAN may be used.
min. configuration
recommended
configuration
particular precautions for

Windows 95
particular precautions in
computer SETUP
25
computer with 486 DX processor

16 Mbyte installed ram
30 Mbyte free space on hard-disk
mouse
serial port
parallel port
graphics card and VGA monitor
Windows 95
computer with Pentium processor
32 Mbyte installed ram
100 Mbyte free space on hard-disk
mouse
serial port
parallel port
graphics card and SVGA monitor
Windows 95, 98 or NT
no rapid printing directly on parallel port
parallel port configuration as standard and not as EPP/ECP
APPENDIX: AUTHOR 660

When using the Author 660 machine configuration, the functioning of the program is a little different from
normal functioning.
The following is a list of all the differences and the dedicated commands, for each work environment.
To use the horizontal units, first the available bits must be entered in the magazine in the bit library, using
the command Machine > Utility > Defaults of the SUPERVISOR environment. In the CAM
environment, the horizontal units must be collimated with the holes of the horizontal faces and the
sequence must be established for entering the instructions for these units in the part-program to be
generated.
SUPERVISOR
Machine: Utility: Defaults
Using push-button Horizontal Bits access the bit library for bits which can be used with the horizontal
units.
130
APPENDIX
ASPAN
It is possible to enter up to 20 types of bit available in the magazine, which can be used with the
horizontal units. The bits entered at the top of the library have priority, in the sense that the program, in
the unit-horizontal holes collimation procedure, will assign the bits by giving preference to those with
priority.
Copy, paste and cancel commands are available for managing the library. An order command is used to
order the bit library in terms of diameter.
CAM
On entering the CAM environment, the type of processing to use with the current drawing will be
requested:
processing of a single panel with two heads at the same time, possible in the case of a wide panel;
processing of two identical panels at the same time, possible in the case of a small panel.
The type of processing on the panel can be subsequently changed with the command A660 > Machining
type.
If two identical panels are being processed at the same time, all the ASPAN functions relate to only one
panel and the procedures behave as if only one panel were being processed. When the part-program is
generated, the heads for processing the panel will be requested: if both heads are selected, two panels will
be processed at the same time, one with the front head and the other with the rear head.
If one panel is being processed with two heads, both the front and the rear head will be displayed. The
numbers of the spindles of the front head are preceded by the letter A. For example, if you wish to use
spindle 5 of the front head for processing, you must enter A5 as the tool number.
The horizontal units are represented as a rectangle, which represents the dimensions of the unit, and by
many objects which have an almost square shape, which represent the stops of the units.
The stops may have the following colours:
yellow:
stop in normal condition
black:
stop not present in that position (removed by the user), only if the All
clampsdisplay option is enabled; otherwise a stop not present is not displayed.
red:
stop in collision with processing of the upper face.
It is possible to extract and re-enter the stops in their positions.
Any collision conditions, signaled by a unit or a red-colored stop, can be inspected using the command
Process > Create Part-Program, which supplies information on the collimations being performed on
the drawing.
A660: Machining type
Used to modify the type of processing for the panel:
processing of a single panel with two heads at the same time, possible in the case of a wide panel;
processing of two identical panels at the same time, possible in the case of a small panel.
A660: Remove clamp
is used to extract an stop from its position: the stop will not be taken into consideration in the collision
controls and will be black-colored or not displayed in accordance with the display option state All
clamps.
A660: Place clamp
is used to re-enter a previously removed stop in its position.
A660: Position group
is used to move the units in the Y direction within the possible limits.
A660: Join Spindle/Hole
only available for horizontal faces, is used to collimate any spindle of the unit with one of the holes in the
drawing. The procedure will assign the suitable library bits to all the spindles being collimated.
A660: Print
prints the tooling and fixturing of the horizontal units, that is, the bits used and their position in the units.
Machining: Sequence
ASPAN
APPENDIX
131
The push-button SB/WB is used to enter the instructions for processing with the horizontal units.
After positioning them for required vertical processing, press this push-button and the instructions will be
requested, that is, what instruction and also where, in relation to current processing.
The procedure signals if there is any incompatibility between the instruction to be entered and any other
instructions already present.
The instructions for processing with the horizontal units will be displayed near the pre-selected vertical
processing.
Process: Create Part-Program
As well as requesting the data for PGM generation, as for all the other types of machine, it controls the
collimation between the elements of the horizontal units and vertical processing, signaling any non
feasibility conditions.
The procedure is used:
to choose the heads to be used
for the type of machine instruction to be entered in the part-program for managing the horizontal units
for the position of the instructions for the horizontal units in the part-program
If the option Create program with inverted sequence is enabled, two part-programs will be
generated, one with an inverted processing sequence compared to the other. The inverted part-program
will have the same name as the primary part-program, but with the letter I as the last character. The two
part-programs will automatically be entered in a processing list .LST, resident in the same directory as the
two part-programs. Its name will be the name of the primary part-program.
This is particularly useful, when processing subsequent panels, to prevent bringing the head to the initial
position and to begin processing in alternate mode, that is, alternately from the left and from the right.
132
APPENDIX
ASPAN
INDEX
1
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................3
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
GENERAL FUNCTIONS: INTRODUCTION ..................................................................8

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3
4
5
MOUSE BUTTONS........................................................................................................................................... 8
MENUS & TOOL BARS ................................................................................................................................... 8
LOCAL MENU .................................................................................................................................................. 8
DOUBLE CLICK ............................................................................................................................................... 8
SYMBOLS ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
DIALOGUE WINDOWS ................................................................................................................................. 10
ENTITY SELECTION...................................................................................................10
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS ...............................................................................................10
SUPERVISOR: INTRODUCTION................................................................................13
5.1
6
7
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................... 3

CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL.............................................................................................................. 4
INSTALLING..................................................................................................................................................... 4
SPECIAL AND PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS ............................................................................................. 5
DAILY OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 5
ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................................................................... 6
FIRST STEPS................................................................................................................................................... 13
DOUBLE CLICK..........................................................................................................14
SUPERVISOR: MAIN COMMANDS............................................................................14
7.1
File .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
7.1.1
File: New ................................................................................................................................................ 16
7.1.2
File: Open .............................................................................................................................................. 16
7.1.3
File: Close .............................................................................................................................................. 16
7.1.4
File: Drawing list ................................................................................................................................... 16
7.1.5
File: Furniture ........................................................................................................................................ 17
7.1.6
File: Exit ................................................................................................................................................ 17
7.2
CAD.................................................................................................................................................................. 17
7.2.1
CAD: Integrated ..................................................................................................................................... 18
7.2.2
CAD: AutoCAD ..................................................................................................................................... 18
7.3
Machine ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
7.3.1
Machine: CAM ...................................................................................................................................... 18
7.3.2
Machine: CAM Furniture ....................................................................................................................... 18
7.3.3
Machine: Part-Program............................................................................................................................. 19
7.3.3.1 Machine: Part-Program: Print ............................................................................................................ 19
7.3.3.2 Machine: Part-Program: Transmission ............................................................................................... 19
7.3.3.3 Machine: Part-Program: Editor .......................................................................................................... 19
7.3.3.4 Machine: Part-Program: Display ........................................................................................................ 21
7.3.3.5 Machine: Part-Program: Copy ........................................................................................................... 21
7.3.3.6 Machine: Part-Program: Delete .......................................................................................................... 21
7.3.4
Machine: Machine Tooling....................................................................................................................... 21
7.3.4.1 Machine: Machine Tooling: Select .................................................................................................... 21
7.3.4.2 Machine: Machine Tooling: Edit ....................................................................................................... 21
7.3.4.3 Machine: Machine Tooling: Import ................................................................................................... 22
7.3.4.4 Machine: Machine Tooling: Copy ..................................................................................................... 22
7.3.4.5 Machine: Machine Tooling: Rename ................................................................................................. 23
7.3.4.6 Machine: Machine Tooling: Delete .................................................................................................... 23
7.3.5
Machine: Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 23
7.3.5.1 Machine: Configuration: Select ......................................................................................................... 23
7.3.5.2 Machine: Configuration: Edit ............................................................................................................. 23
7.3.5.3 Machine: Configuration: Import ........................................................................................................ 24
7.3.5.4 Machine: Configuration: Copy, Rename, Delete .................................................................................. 24
7.3.6
Machine: Vacuum cups............................................................................................................................. 24
7.3.6.1 Machine: Vacuum cups: Configure .................................................................................................... 24
7.3.6.2 Machine: Vacuum cups: Set out ......................................................................................................... 25
7.3.7
Machine: Utility ........................................................................................................................................ 25
ASPAN
133
7.3.7.1 Machine: Utility: Defaults .................................................................................................................. 25

7.3.7.2 Machine: Utility: Feed ....................................................................................................................... 26
7.3.7.3 Machine: Utility: Serial TX/RX ......................................................................................................... 27
7.3.7.4 Machine: Utility: Serial port .............................................................................................................. 27
7.3.7.5 Machine: Utility: ASCII=>LST ......................................................................................................... 28
7.3.7.6 Machine: Utility: List editor ............................................................................................................... 28
7.4
Utility................................................................................................................................................................ 28
7.4.1
Utility: Archive operations........................................................................................................................ 29
7.4.1.1 Archive operations: Copy drawing ..................................................................................................... 29
7.4.1.2 Archive operations: Rename drawing ................................................................................................ 29
7.4.1.3 Archive operations: Delete drawing ................................................................................................... 29
7.4.1.4 Archive operations: Remark editor .................................................................................................... 29
7.4.2
Utility: Preferences ................................................................................................................................ 29
7.4.3
Utility: Digitizer configuration ............................................................................................................... 30
7.4.4
Utility: BarCode Configuration .............................................................................................................. 30
7.4.5
Utility: Vectorise image ......................................................................................................................... 30
7.4.6
Utility: Technical menu............................................................................................................................. 31
7.4.6.1 Utility: Technical menu: Drawing recovery ....................................................................................... 31
7.4.6.2 Utility: Technical menu: Modify Defaults ......................................................................................... 31
7.4.6.3 Utility: Technical menu: Change language ........................................................................................ 31
7.5
Options.............................................................................................................................................................. 32
7.5.1
Options: AutoCAD ................................................................................................................................... 32
7.5.1.1 Options: AutoCAD: Link ................................................................................................................... 32
7.5.1.2 Options: AutoCAD: Defaults ............................................................................................................. 32
7.5.2
Options: Import/Export............................................................................................................................. 33
7.5.2.1 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: Import ........................................................................................ 33
7.5.2.2 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: Export ........................................................................................ 33
7.5.2.3 Import/Export: 2D exploded DXF: DXF Preferences ........................................................................ 33
7.5.3
Options: Import/Export: Preferences ..................................................................................................... 33
7.6
Help .................................................................................................................................................................. 34
7.6.1
Help: User's manual ............................................................................................................................... 34
7.6.2
Help: Available memory ........................................................................................................................ 34
1.1.1
Help: Registration card .......................................................................................................................... 34
7.6.3
Help: About ............................................................................................................................................ 34
CAD: GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................36

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
FIRST STEPS................................................................................................................................................... 36
MENUS & TOOL BARS ................................................................................................................................. 37
INPUT VALUES.............................................................................................................................................. 37
SYMBOLS ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Panel ................................................................................................................................................................. 38
UNDOING ERRORS ....................................................................................................................................... 38
9 EXPLODED DRAWING...............................................................................................38
10 OSNAP FUNCTIONS ...............................................................................................39
11 GRID FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................................39
12 CAD: MAIN COMMANDS.........................................................................................39
12.1 File .................................................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.1 File: Save ............................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.2 File: Save as ........................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.3 File: Save upside-down .......................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.4 File: Print ............................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.5 File: Dimensioned print ......................................................................................................................... 44
12.1.6 File: Exploded print ............................................................................................................................... 44
12.1.7 File: Preferences .................................................................................................................................... 45
12.1.8 File: Modify Single Line font ................................................................................................................. 45
12.1.9 File: DXF import....................................................................................................................................... 45
12.1.9.1
DXF import: 2D generic ................................................................................................................ 45
12.1.9.2
DXF import: Drill-Mate ................................................................................................................. 46
12.1.9.3
DXF import: Kreate ....................................................................................................................... 46
12.1.10
File: Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 47
12.1.11
File: CAM .......................................................................................................................................... 47
134
ASPAN
12.2 Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 47
12.2.1 Display: Zoom .......................................................................................................................................... 47
12.2.1.1
Zoom: Previous .............................................................................................................................. 48
12.2.1.2
Zoom: Window .............................................................................................................................. 48
12.2.1.3
Zoom: Out ...................................................................................................................................... 48
12.2.1.4
Zoom: Face .................................................................................................................................... 48
12.2.1.5
Zoom: Extension ............................................................................................................................ 49
12.2.1.6
Zoom: Pan ...................................................................................................................................... 49
12.2.2 Display: Face ......................................................................................................................................... 49
12.2.3 Display: Exploded .................................................................................................................................. 50
12.2.4 Display: Transparent
........................................................................................................................... 50
12.2.5 Display: 3D view ................................................................................................................................... 50
12.3 Draw ................................................................................................................................................................. 51
12.3.1 Draw: Holes .............................................................................................................................................. 51
12.3.1.1
Draw: Holes: Normal ..................................................................................................................... 51
12.3.1.2
Draw: Holes: Angular .................................................................................................................... 51
12.3.1.3
Draw: Holes: Holes row ................................................................................................................. 52
12.3.1.4
Draw: Holes: Table ........................................................................................................................ 53
12.3.1.5
Draw: Holes: On path .................................................................................................................... 53
12.3.2 Draw: Routings ......................................................................................................................................... 53
12.3.2.1
Draw: Routings: Line ........................................................................................................................ 53
12.3.2.1.1 Routings: Line: 2 Points ............................................................................................................. 53
12.3.2.1.2 Routings: Line: Start,Angle,Length ........................................................................................... 54
12.3.2.2
Draw: Routings: Arc ......................................................................................................................... 55
12.3.2.2.1 Routings: Arc: Start,End,Center ................................................................................................ 55
12.3.2.2.2 Routings: Arc: Start,End,Radius ................................................................................................ 55
12.3.2.2.3 Routings: Arc: Start,Point,End ................................................................................................... 56
12.3.2.2.4 Routings: Arc: Start,Center,Angle ............................................................................................. 56
12.3.2.3
Draw: Routings: Circle ..................................................................................................................... 57
12.3.2.3.1 Routings: Circle: Center,Radius ................................................................................................. 57
12.3.2.3.2 Routings: Circle: 3 Points .......................................................................................................... 57
12.3.2.4
Draw: Routings: Rectangle ............................................................................................................ 58
12.3.2.5
Draw: Routings: Ellipse ................................................................................................................. 58
12.3.2.6
Draw: Routings: Arc of ellipse ....................................................................................................... 58
12.3.2.7
Draw: Routings: Angular .................................................................................................................. 59
12.3.2.7.1 Routings: Angular: Line ............................................................................................................. 59
12.3.2.7.2 Routings: Angular: Arc .............................................................................................................. 60
12.3.2.7.3 Routings: Angular: Rotating arc ................................................................................................ 60
12.3.2.8
Draw: Routings: Follow.................................................................................................................... 60
12.3.2.8.1 Routings: Follow: Tangent line .................................................................................................. 60
12.3.2.8.2 Routings: Follow: Line End point .............................................................................................. 61
12.3.2.8.3 Routings: Follow: Line Angle,Length ........................................................................................ 61
12.3.2.8.4 Routings: Follow: Tangent arc ................................................................................................... 62
12.3.2.8.5 Routings: Follow: Arc End,Center ............................................................................................. 62
12.3.2.8.6 Routings: Follow: Arc End,&Radius ......................................................................................... 62
12.3.2.9
Draw: Routings: Shape by points...................................................................................................... 63
12.3.2.9.1 Routings: Shape by points: Digitizer ......................................................................................... 63
12.3.2.9.2 Routings: Shape by points: File ................................................................................................. 64
12.3.3 Draw: Objects ........................................................................................................................................... 65
12.3.3.1
Draw: Objects: Panel sizing ........................................................................................................... 65
12.3.3.2
Draw: Objects: Rectangular pocket ................................................................................................ 65
12.3.3.3
Draw: Objects: Circular pocket ...................................................................................................... 66
12.3.3.4
Draw: Objects: Generic pocket ...................................................................................................... 66
12.3.3.5
Draw: Objects: Grooves ................................................................................................................. 67
12.3.3.6
Draw: Objects: Cupboard door ...................................................................................................... 67
12.3.3.7
Draw: Objects: Text ....................................................................................................................... 68
12.3.3.8
Draw: Objects: Symbols ................................................................................................................ 68
12.3.4 Draw: Block.............................................................................................................................................. 69
12.3.4.1
Draw: Block: Define ...................................................................................................................... 69
12.3.4.2
Draw: Block: Insert ........................................................................................................................ 69
12.4 Set ..................................................................................................................................................................... 70
ASPAN
135
12.4.1 Set: Diameter ......................................................................................................................................... 70

12.4.2 Set: Depth .............................................................................................................................................. 70
12.4.3 Set: Formulae ......................................................................................................................................... 70
12.4.4 Set: Z Interpolation ................................................................................................................................ 70
12.4.5 Set: Set grooves ..................................................................................................................................... 70
12.4.6 Set: Countersink depth ........................................................................................................................... 71
12.4.7 Set: Global direction .............................................................................................................................. 71
12.5 Modify .............................................................................................................................................................. 71
12.5.1 Modify: Erase ........................................................................................................................................ 71
12.5.2 Modify: Copy ......................................................................................................................................... 72
12.5.3 Modify: Move ........................................................................................................................................ 72
12.5.4 Modify: Rotate ....................................................................................................................................... 73
12.5.5 Modify: Mirror ....................................................................................................................................... 73
12.5.6 Modify: Oppose ..................................................................................................................................... 74
12.5.7 Modify: Trim ......................................................................................................................................... 74
12.5.8 Modify: Extend ...................................................................................................................................... 75
12.5.9 Modify: Scale: XY ................................................................................................................................. 75
12.5.10
Modify: Scale: X ................................................................................................................................ 75
12.5.11
Modify: Scale: Y ................................................................................................................................ 75
12.5.12
Modify: Array .................................................................................................................................... 76
12.5.13
Modify: Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 77
12.5.14
Modify: Entity .................................................................................................................................... 77
12.6 Tools ................................................................................................................................................................. 78
12.6.1 Tools: Change origin .............................................................................................................................. 78
12.6.2 Tools: Fillet ............................................................................................................................................ 78
12.6.3 Tools: Chamfer ...................................................................................................................................... 79
12.6.4 Tools: Offset .......................................................................................................................................... 79
12.6.5 Tools: Grid ............................................................................................................................................. 80
12.6.6 Tools: Background ................................................................................................................................. 80
12.6.7 Tools: Dimensioning................................................................................................................................. 81
12.6.7.1
Tools: Dimensioning: Edit ............................................................................................................. 81
12.6.7.2
Tools: Dimensioning: View ........................................................................................................... 81
12.6.8 Tools: Distance ...................................................................................................................................... 81
12.6.9 Tools: Undo ........................................................................................................................................... 81
12.6.10
Tools: Redo ........................................................................................................................................ 82
12.7 Path ................................................................................................................................................................... 82
12.7.1 Path: Cut and join .................................................................................................................................. 82
12.7.2 Path: Autojoin ........................................................................................................................................ 84
12.7.3 Path: Routing reduction ......................................................................................................................... 84
12.7.4 Path: Interpole ........................................................................................................................................ 85
12.7.5 Path: Smooth .......................................................................................................................................... 85
12.7.6 Path: Rotate in z ..................................................................................................................................... 85
12.7.7 Path: Modify Vertex .............................................................................................................................. 86
12.7.8 Path: Merge ............................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8 Utility................................................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8.1 Utility: Macro ........................................................................................................................................ 86
12.8.2 Utility: Nesting ....................................................................................................................................... 87
12.9 Information ....................................................................................................................................................... 87
12.9.1 Information: Panel ................................................................................................................................. 88
12.9.2 Information: Entity ................................................................................................................................. 88
12.9.3 Information: Status ................................................................................................................................. 88
13
ENTITY SELECTION MENU: COMMANDS.............................................................88
13.1 Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 88
13.2 Selection ........................................................................................................................................................... 89
13.2.1 Selection: Window ................................................................................................................................. 89
13.2.2 Selection: Crossing ................................................................................................................................ 89
13.2.3 Selection: Previous ................................................................................................................................. 89
13.2.4 Selection: Mode > Add,Subtract .......................................................................................................... 90
14
14.1
14.2
136
OSNAP MENU: COMMANDS ..................................................................................90

Display.............................................................................................................................................................. 90
Osnap ................................................................................................................................................................ 90
ASPAN
14.2.1
14.2.2
14.2.3
14.2.4
14.2.5
14.2.6
14.2.7
14.2.8
15
Osnap: Center ........................................................................................................................................ 90

Osnap: End point ................................................................................................................................... 91
Osnap: Middle point .............................................................................................................................. 91
Osnap: Near to ....................................................................................................................................... 91
Osnap: Intersection ................................................................................................................................ 92
Osnap: Tangent to .................................................................................................................................. 92
Osnap: Perpendicular ............................................................................................................................. 92
Osnap: Tangent at a point ...................................................................................................................... 93
PARAMETRIC MODE
...........................................................................................93
15.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 93

15.2 MATHEMATICAL METHOD ........................................................................................................................ 94
15.3 ICON METHOD .............................................................................................................................................. 96
15.3.1 FORMULAS FOR ROUTING ................................................................................................................. 96
15.3.2 FORMULAS FOR HOLES ...................................................................................................................... 98
16
ROUTING Z INTERPOLATION .............................................................................98
16.1 VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL LINES.......................................................................................................... 99

16.1.1 LINEAR Z PROFILE ............................................................................................................................... 99
16.1.2 CIRCULAR Z PROFILE .......................................................................................................................... 99
16.2 ARCS OR DIAGONAL LINES ..................................................................................................................... 100
17
CAM: GENERAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................102
17.1
17.2
18
19
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 102

MENUS & TOOL BARS ............................................................................................................................... 103
SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS .............................................................................103

CAM: COMMANDS ................................................................................................104
19.1 File .................................................................................................................................................................. 105

19.1.1 File: Save ............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.2 File: Exit .............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.3 File: CAD ............................................................................................................................................. 105
19.1.4 File: Preferences .................................................................................................................................. 105
19.2 Display............................................................................................................................................................ 105
19.3 Machine .......................................................................................................................................................... 106
19.3.1 Machine: Select Configuration ............................................................................................................. 106
19.3.2 Machine: Select Tooling ...................................................................................................................... 106
19.3.2.1
Machine: Modify Tooling ............................................................................................................ 106
19.3.2.2
Machine: Head ............................................................................................................................. 107
19.4 Machining ....................................................................................................................................................... 107
19.4.1 Machining: Borings .............................................................................................................................. 108
19.4.2 Machining: Holes drop ........................................................................................................................ 109
19.4.3 Machining: Routings ............................................................................................................................ 110
19.4.4 Machining: Lead-in .............................................................................................................................. 111
19.4.5 Machining: Lead-out ............................................................................................................................ 112
19.4.6 Machining: Set slot .............................................................................................................................. 112
19.4.7 Machining: Sequence ........................................................................................................................... 112
19.4.8 Machining: Invert direction .................................................................................................................. 114
19.5 Process ............................................................................................................................................................ 114
19.5.1 Process: Optimize ................................................................................................................................ 114
19.5.2 Process: Deoptimize ............................................................................................................................. 115
19.5.3 Process: Create Part-Program .............................................................................................................. 115
19.5.4 Process: Part-Program Origin .............................................................................................................. 115
19.5.5 Process: Animation .............................................................................................................................. 115
19.6 Options............................................................................................................................................................ 116
19.6.1 Options: View ...................................................................................................................................... 116
19.7 Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 116
19.7.1 Information: Machining ....................................................................................................................... 116
19.7.2 Information: Status ............................................................................................................................... 117
20
21
APPENDIX: PROGRAMS FOLDER.......................................................................119

APPENDIX: TUTORIAL .........................................................................................120
21.1
21.2
21.3
SUPERVISOR ................................................................................................................................................ 120

CAD................................................................................................................................................................ 121
CAM ............................................................................................................................................................... 124
ASPAN
137
21.4
SUPERVISOR ................................................................................................................................................ 125
22
23
24
25
APPENDIX: ASCII > ASPAN................................................................................125

APPENDIX: INSTALLING ......................................................................................129
APPENDIX: PC CONFIGURATION .......................................................................130
APPENDIX: AUTHOR 660 .....................................................................................130
138
ASPAN

ASPAN User Manual

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CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL

a commands sequence or the path to execute a command are

Select the language to be used for the procedure.

SPECIAL AND PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

Sets and modifies default parameters.

verify that type and release of the numerical control, associated to

Machine > Machine Tooling >

Machine > Machine Tooling >

Machine > Utility > Feed

Machine > Utility > Defaults

Machine > Utility > Serial port

Creates a new drawing (or opens an existing one).

Machine > Part-Program

Exits from the program if no other work on drawings is required.

Select the drawing to be copied to the service disk in the

GENERAL FUNCTIONS: INTRODUCTION

MENUS & TOOL BARS

double click in the drawing quadrant executes the CAD command

outlined with blue lines (A).

standard hole (green) or through hole (black);

Selecting a single entity.

on the screen to indicate the direction and distance of the move.

SUPERVISOR: MAIN COMMANDS

This menu item provides access to commands for working on files

In the following the list of these commands.

File: Drawing list

This menu item provides access to a series of commands for entering

In the following the list of these commands.

This menu item provides access to a set of commands: to call up the

In the following the list of these commands.

Machine: CAM Furniture

This menu item provides access to a series of commands for

The configuration and the equipment used by the

- description of commands File

opens another part-program to be edited.

looks in the document for the string required.

instruction replaces the instruction previously indicated by the cursor

displays the environment variables for the current machine

Displays the part-program for the current drawing.

Deletes the part-program selected from the archive.

Machine: Machine Tooling

This menu item provides access to a series of commands for handling

In the following the list of these commands.

Machine Tooling: Select

Machine Tooling: Edit

These data items refer to a tool mounted on a fixed head

- fields description Number

Tool identification number (1 - 96)

Machine Tooling: Import

Machine Tooling: Copy

Machine Tooling: Rename

Machine Tooling: Delete

Cancels an existing tooling associated with the current machine configuration.

This menu item provides access to a series of commands for handling

Configuration: Copy, Rename, Delete

Machine: Vacuum cups

Vacuum cups: Configure

Configures the machine worktable and related suction cups.

Current position and X-axis limits of the current cross beam.

Vacuum cups: Set out

This menu item provides access to a series of commands for handling

each line corresponds to a speed number. For example line 0 refers

Routing speed which will be assigned if the routing diameter does