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Version 1.1
Alibre CAM
MecSoft Corporation
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Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................. 72 Creating the Hole Pocketing Toolpath .......................................................................... 73 Select Regions ...................................................................................................... 73 Hole Pocketing ...................................................................................................... 75 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................. 79 Creating the Hole Pocketing Toolpath #2 ..................................................................... 80 Copy/Paste Machining Operation.............................................................................. 80 Select Regions ...................................................................................................... 81 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................. 85 Creating the Outer Profile Toolpath ............................................................................. 86 Select Regions ...................................................................................................... 86 2 Axis Profiling .................................................................................................. 88 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................. 89 Post Processing ..................................................................................................... 90 Tutorial 3: Machining a 3D Mold .................................................................................... 92 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 93 Strategy to machine the mold ................................................................................. 93 Main Programming Steps ........................................................................................ 93 Loading the Part Model.............................................................................................. 93 Loading the Alibre CAM Browser ................................................................................. 95 Preparing the Part for Machining................................................................................. 95 Setup Machine ...................................................................................................... 96 Create/Load Stock ................................................................................................. 97 Locate Part Within Stock......................................................................................... 99 Set MCS..............................................................................................................100 Defining Cutting Tools..............................................................................................103 Create Tools ........................................................................................................103 Creating the 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing Toolpath ........................................................105 Select Tool ..........................................................................................................106 Set Feeds / Speeds ...............................................................................................107 Clearance Control .................................................................................................108 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing ....................................................................................109 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................113 Creating the 3 Axis Parallel Finishing Toolpath .............................................................114 Select Tool ..........................................................................................................114 3 axis Parallel Finishing .........................................................................................115 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................117 Post Processing ....................................................................................................118 Tutorial 4: Re-Machining a 3D Mold ..............................................................................120 Introduction ...........................................................................................................121 Strategy to Machine the mold.................................................................................121 Main Programming Steps .......................................................................................121 Loading the Part Model.............................................................................................121 Loading the Alibre CAM Browser ................................................................................123 Creating the 3 axis Pencil Tracing Toolpath .................................................................123 Create Tools ........................................................................................................124 3 axis Pencil Tracing .............................................................................................125 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................130 Creating the 3 Axis Valley Re-Machining Toolpath ........................................................131 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................134 Post Processing ....................................................................................................135 Tutorial 5: Hole Making...............................................................................................137 Introduction ...........................................................................................................138 Strategy to Machine the part ..................................................................................138 3
Main Programming Steps .......................................................................................138 Loading the Part Model.............................................................................................138 Loading the Alibre CAM Browser ................................................................................140 Preparing the Part for Machining................................................................................140 Setup Machine .....................................................................................................141 Create/Load Stock ................................................................................................142 Locate Part Within the Stock ..................................................................................144 Set MCS..............................................................................................................145 Defining Cutting Tools..............................................................................................148 Create Tools ........................................................................................................148 Creating the Drilling Toolpath....................................................................................150 Select Tool ..........................................................................................................150 Set Feeds / Speeds ...............................................................................................150 Clearance Control .................................................................................................151 Select Regions .....................................................................................................152 Drilling................................................................................................................154 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................158 Post Processing ....................................................................................................160 Tutorial 6: Machining a Gear........................................................................................162 Introduction ...........................................................................................................163 Strategy to Machine the Gear .................................................................................163 Main Programming Steps .......................................................................................163 Loading the Part Model.............................................................................................163 Loading the Alibre CAM Browser ................................................................................165 Preparing the Part for Machining................................................................................165 Setup Machine .....................................................................................................166 Set Post Options...................................................................................................167 Create/Load Stock ................................................................................................169 Locate Part Within Stock........................................................................................170 Set MCS..............................................................................................................171 Defining Cutting Tools..............................................................................................173 Create Tools ........................................................................................................173 Creating the 4th Axis Roughing Toolpath .....................................................................175 Select Tool ..........................................................................................................175 Set Feeds / Speeds ...............................................................................................176 Clearance Control .................................................................................................177 4th Axis Roughing .................................................................................................177 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................181 Creating the 4th Axis Finishing Toolpath ......................................................................182 Select Tool ..........................................................................................................182 4th Axis Finishing ..................................................................................................183 Simulate Toolpath ................................................................................................185 Post Processing ....................................................................................................186
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Version 1.1
Introduction
This tutorial will illustrate machining of a simple prismatic part such as this gasket using 2- milling operations. Even though we have created a 3-D representation of the gasket, it will be seen later on that we can machine this using just 2-D curves (sketches). In other words, for 2 axis operations it is typically not necessary, from a CAM perspective, to create 3D geometry. 2D sketches are sufficient. The reason we are able to do this is because of the prismatic nature of this model. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
You may have to repeat either all or part of these steps for subsequent operations.
Open: Loads Alibre Design parts or assemblies Import: Imports files created outside of Alibre Design. Save: Saves the current file. 1. Select File / Open Part, or click the Open Part icon from the Alibre Design standard toolbar.
2. From the Open dialog box, select the Gasket.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials)
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Note: You must work in Shaded Mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in Shaded Mode.
The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging one of its sides.
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Setup Machine
1. Click on the Setup tab located under the Alibre CAM Browser and select Setup Machine
2. Set the Machine Type to 3 Axis. Click OK Close the Setup Machine Dialog.
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a. Folder where post processor files are located is set to the Posts folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. b. Select Show Selection Dialog when Post Processing c. Program to use for displaying output file can be set to notepad or WordPad. d. Click OK to accept the settings.
Create/Load Stock
5. Select Create / Load Stock from the Setup tab and choose Box Stock
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6. Click Copy Model Bounding Box. Alibre CAM determines the smallest possible stock geometry that can be fit around the part geometry. Click OK to create the stock geometry. 7. The stock geometry is now created, and a semi-transparent stock box is displayed on top of the part geometry. 14
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Note: If the Stock Geometry is not visible, Switch to the MOps tab and Make sure Show Stock is selected.
9. Set the Z alignment to Top and XY alignment to Center. (This would align the stock to the top of the part in Z and center in XY)
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Set MCS
The next step is to locate the machining coordinate system (MCS). The MCS is represented as a triad with 3 arrows, the Green arrow indicating X axis, Blue the Y axis and Red the Z axis. It is always a good practice to set the Machine Zero before generating a toolpath. 10. Select Set MCS from the Setup tab.
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11. Set the MCS Origin to Stock Box, Zero Face to Highest Z and Zero Position to Southwest Corner.
(This sets the machine home to the Southwest corner and top of the stock material).
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Create Tools
To machine the above part we will now create a inch (0.5) Flat End Mill. 1. Select Create / Select Tools from the Tools tab
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3. Set the tool name as FlatMill-0.5, Tool Diameter = 0.5, Tool Number = 1.
4. Click Save as New Tool. Click OK to close the Create/Select Tool Dialog. The tool is now created and listed in the Tools tab under the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Tool
1. Select Create/Load Tool from the Mops tab and select Flat Mill-0.5
2. Select FlatMill-0.5 from Tools in Library and Click OK to set this as the active tool.
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2. Set the Spindle Speed = 5000 rpm, Plunge, Approach, Engage Feed = 20 in/min, Cut Feed = 30 in/min, Retract & Departure Feed = 20 in/min.
Clearance Control
The Clearance Plane is a horizontal plane (set Z level) from which the approach motions start and retract motions end. After retracting, the tool moves rapidly along this plane to the position of the next engage. This plane is typically a certain safe distance above the part geometry. 1. Select Clearance Control from the MOps tab. 22
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Select Regions
Regions are sketches that already exist in your model, or separate new sketches you create within Alibre Design that coexist with your part, but do not contribute to its geometry (the sketch is not used for a feature). Regions serve different purposes in 2 and 3 axis milling. In 2 axis milling, however, regions determine the entire area to be milled. Part and stock geometry are not considered, and the tool always moves at a fixed Z level. Therefore, regions act as the drive curves, and their geometry is projected onto the stock. Regions must be selected before they can be used in an operation. Creating a region does not make it active; you must use one of the Select Regions tools before creating the toolpath. 1. Click Select Regions from the MOps tab.
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2. Select Sketch<2> as the region to be profiled. a. Move the cursor over the Gasket towards the edge of the inner circle, right click and choose Advanced Selector.
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Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools >Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches. You can also select sketches from the Design Explorer by switching to the Design Explorer tab.
2 Axis Profiling
1. Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling and Profiling
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2. In the Parameters tab make sure Stock value is set to 0, cut direction is set to Climb, cut side is set to Outside/Inside for Closed is checked and the cut side is chosen as Inside as shown. These settings will ensure that in the case of a. Open curves, the cutter will always cut to the left of the curve b. Closed curves, the cutter will always cut on the inside of the curve c. Or you can set Determine using a 3D Model if the sketch follows a 3D geometry.
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3. Click on the Cut Levels tab, and Set the Total Cut Depth = 0.125, Rough Depth = 0.125 and Rough Depth/Cut = 0.125.
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4. Switch to Entry/Exit tab and under Entry set the Approach Motion Length = 0, Engage Motion Radius = 0. Set the Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane.
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5. Switch to the Exit tab under Entry/Exit and set the Retract Motion Radius = 0 and Departure Motion Length = 0.
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6. Accept the other default parameters and click Generate. The profiling toolpath is generated and displayed as shown.
7. The 2.5 axis profile operation is now listed in the MOps browser.
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8. Right mouse click on the 2.5 axis Profile operation and rename the operation to Inner Profile.
Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Inner Profile Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. 3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Select Regions
1. From the MOps tab click Select Regions and deselect Sketch<2> if selected. Clicking outside the part in the Alibre Design window deselects the sketch. 2. Now Select Sketch<3> as the machining region. a. Click on the outer edge of the Gasket.
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Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools >Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
2 Axis Profiling
1. From the MOps tab, Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling and Profiling 2. In the Parameters tab make sure Stock value is set to 0, cut direction is set to Climb, cut side is set to Outside/Inside for Closed is checked and the cut side is chosen as Outside as shown.
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3. Click on the Cut Levels tab, and Set the Total Cut Depth = 0.125, Rough Depth = 0.125 and Rough Depth/Cut = 0.125. 4. Switch to Entry/Exit tab and under Entry set the Approach Motion Length = 0, Engage Motion Radius = 0. Set the Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane. 5. Under Exit Tab set Retract Motion Radius = 0, Departure Motion Length = 0. 6. Accept the other default parameters and click Generate. The profiling toolpath is generated and displayed as shown. The 2.5 axis profile operation is now listed in the MOps browser.
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7. Select the 2 Axis Profiling operation, right click and rename the operation to Outer Profile.
Simulate Toolpath
1. Select the Outer Profile Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
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Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 1. In the MOps tab, select Machining Operations (located at the root level in the Browser window) and click Post Process.
This displays the Select Post Processor Dialog. 2. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
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3. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 1!
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Using 2 Axis Facing, Pocketing, Hole Pocketing & Profiling Toolpath methods
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Introduction
This tutorial will illustrate machining of a prismatic part such as this Shaft Base using 2 milling operations. Even though we have created a 3-D representation of the part, it will be seen later on that we can machine this using just 2D Sketches. The reason we are able to do this is because of the prismatic nature of this model. This tutorial will introduce the usage of 2 axis machining for a simple one-sided part. We will use facing, profiling, pocketing and hole pocketing operations. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
You may have to repeat either all or part of these steps for subsequent operations. 42
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2. From the Open dialog box, select the ShaftBase.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials) 3. The loaded part appears as shown below.
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Note: You must work in shaded mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in shaded mode.
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The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging the right side of the browser.
Setup Machine
1. Click on the Setup tab located under the Alibre CAM Browser and select Setup Machine.
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2. Set the Machine Type to 3 Axis. Click OK to close the Setup Machine Dialog.
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Create/Load Stock
3. Select Create / Load Stock from the Setup tab and choose Box Stock
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4. Use the following Dimensions. Length = 5.5, Width = 3.25 and Height = 0.625. Click OK to create the stock geometry. 5. The stock geometry is now created, and a semi-transparent stock box is displayed on top of the part geometry.
Note: If the Stock Geometry is not visible, Switch to the MOps tab and Make sure Show Stock is selected.
7. Set the Z alignment to Top and XY alignment to Center. (This would align the stock to the top of the part in Z and center in XY)
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The stock geometry is now aligned to the part and displayed as shown below.
Set MCS
The next step is to locate the machining coordinate system (MCS). The MCS is represented as a triad with 3 arrows, the green arrow indicating X axis, blue the Y axis and red the Z axis. It is always a good practice to set the Machine Zero before generating a toolpath. 8. Select Set MCS from the Setup tab. 49
9. Set the MCS Origin to Stock Box, Zero Face to Highest Z and Zero Position to Southwest Corner.
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(This sets the machine home to Southwest corner and top of the stock material).
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Create Tools
To machine the above part we will now create a inch (0.25) Flat End Mill. 1. Select Create/Select Tools from the Tools tab
3. Set the tool name as FlatMill-0.25, Tool Diameter = 0.25, Tool Number = 1. 52
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4. Click Save as New Tool. Click OK to close the Create/Select Tool Dialog. The tool is now created and listed in the Tools tab under the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Tool
1. Select Create/Load Tool from the Mops tab and select Flat Mill-0.25
2. Select FlatMill-0.25 from Tools in Library and Click OK to set this as the active tool.
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4. Set the Spindle Speed = 5000 rpm, Plunge, Approach, Engage Feed = 20 in/min, Cut Feed = 30 in/min, Retract & Departure Feed = 20 in/min.
Clearance Control
The Clearance Plane is a horizontal plane (set Z level) from which the approach motions start and retract motions end. After retracting, the tool moves rapidly along this plane to the position of the next engage. This plane is typically a certain safe distance above the part geometry. 6. Select Clearance Control from the MOps tab. 56
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Select Regions
Regions are sketches that already exist in your model, or separate new sketches you create within Alibre Design that coexist with your part, but do not contribute to its geometry (the sketch is not used for a feature). Regions serve different purposes in 2 and 3 axis milling. In 2 axis milling, however, regions determine the entire area to be milled. Part and stock geometry are not considered, and the tool always moves at a fixed Z level. Therefore, regions act as the drive curves, and their geometry is projected onto the stock. Regions must be selected before they can be used in an operation. Creating a region does not make it active; you must use one of the Select Regions tools before creating the toolpath. 1. Click Select Regions from the MOps tab.
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2. Select Sketch <6> and Sketch <7> as machining regions. a. To select Sketch <6> Move the cursor over the Shaft Base towards the outer edge of the raised boss, right click and choose Advanced Selector.
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b. Select Sketch<6> from the selection list. The Sketch<6> is now listed under Selected Regions.
c. Hold down the Shift Key and select Sketch <7> (the outer rectangle).
d. Sketch <6> and Sketch <7> are now added to the Selected Regions window.
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e. Click OK to accept the selected regions. Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools>Selection Filters and 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
2 Axis Facing
1. Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling -> Facing
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2. In the Roughing tab, set the Tolerance = 0.001, Stock value is set to 0, cut pattern as Island Offset Cuts, cut direction is set to Mixed.
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3. Switch to Cut Levels tab. 4. Set Total Cut Depth = 0.375, Rough Depth = 0.375 and Rough Depth/Cut = 0.125.
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5.
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6. Click Generate to create the Facing Toolpath. The 2 Axis Facing Operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the Facing Toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the 2 Axis Facing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. 3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Regions
1. From the MOps tab click Select Regions and deselect Sketch<6> and Sketch <7> if selected. Clicking outside the part in the Alibre Design window deselects the sketch. 2. Now Select Sketch<5> as the machining region. a. Click on the inner edge of the boss, right mouse click and select Advanced Selector.
b. Select Sketch <5> from the selections dialog. The selected sketch is now highlighted and displayed under the Selected Regions dialog.
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c. Click OK to accept the selection. Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools >Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
2 Axis Pocketing
1. Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling -> Pocketing
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2. In the Roughing tab, set the Tolerance = 0.001, Stock value is set to 0, cut pattern as Offset Cuts, cut direction is set to Climb.
4. Set Total Cut Depth = 0.25, Rough Depth = 0.25 and Rough Depth/Cut = 0.125.
5.
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6. Click Generate to create the Pocketing Toolpath. The 2 Axis Pocketing operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the pocketing Toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the 2 Axis Pocketing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Select Regions
1. From the MOps tab click Select Regions and deselect Sketch<5> if selected. Clicking outside the part in the Alibre Design window deselects the sketch. 2. Now Select Sketch<2> as the machining region. a. Click on the inner edge of the outer hole, right mouse click and select Advanced Selector.
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b. Select Sketch <2> from the selections dialog. The selected sketch is now highlighted and displayed under the Selected regions dialog.
Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools ->Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
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Hole Pocketing
1. Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling -> Hole Pocketing
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a. Tolerance = 0.001, b. Hole Depth = 0.0625, c. Hole Diameter = 0.5, d. Cut Direction to Climb, e. Step over distance to 25 % (of tool diameter).
3. Switch to Cut Levels tab. 4. Set Step Down Control to 50 % (of tool diameter).
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5. Switch to Entry/Exit tab. a. Set the Helix Diameter = 0.125 (this value must be smaller than the difference of the hole diameter to the tool diameter). b. Helix Pitch, Height = 0.1 c. Approach Distance = 0.025
6. Click Generate to create the Hole Pocketing Toolpath. The Hole Pocketing operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the hole pocketing Toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Hole Pocketing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Regions
4. Expand the Hole Pocketing0 folder and double click on Regions. 5. Click outside the part in the Alibre Design window to deselect Sketch<2>. 6. Now Select Sketch<8> as the machining region. a. Click on the inner edge of the inner hole, right mouse click and select Advanced Selector.
b. Select Sketch <8> from the selections dialog. The selected sketch is now highlighted and displayed under the Selected Regions dialog.
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c. Click OK to accept the selection. Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools>Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
7. Double click under Parameters and set the Hole Depth = 0.1875, Hole Diameter = 0.315.
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8. Leave the Cut Levels tab at default values. 9. Switch to the Entry/Exit tab and set the Helix Diameter to 0.09.
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10. Click Generate. The Hole Pocketing Operation for the inner holes is now created. The 2nd Hole Pocketing operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the hole pocketing toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Hole Pocketing0 Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Select Regions
1. From the MOps tab click Select Regions and deselect Sketch<8> if selected. Clicking outside the part in the Alibre Design window deselects the sketch. 2. Now select Sketch<9> as the machining region. a. Click on the outer edge of the Shaft Base.
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b. Right mouse click and choose Advanced Selector. c. Now select Sketch <9> from the Selection List. d. Sketch<9> is now highlighted and added to the List of Selected Regions. e. Click OK to accept the selection.
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2 Axis Profiling
3. From the MOps tab, Select Milling Methods -> 2 Axis Milling -> Profiling 4. In the Parameters tab make sure Stock value is set to 0, cut direction is set to Climb, cut side is set to Outside/Inside for Closed is checked and the cut side is chosen as Outside as shown.
5. Click on the Cut Levels tab, and Set the Total Cut Depth = 0.25, Rough Depth = 0.25 and Rough Depth/Cut = 0.05. 6. Switch to Entry/Exit tab and under Entry set the Approach Motion Length = 0, Engage Motion Radius = 0. Set the Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane. 7. Under Exit Tab set Retract Motion Radius = 0, Departure Motion Length = 0. 88
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8. Accept the other default parameters and click Generate. The profiling toolpath is generated and displayed as shown. The 2.5 axis profile operation is now listed in the MOps browser.
Simulate Toolpath
1. Select the 2 Axis Profiling Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 1. In the MOps tab, select Machining Operations (located at the root level in the Browser window) and click Post Process.
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2. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
3. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 2! 91
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Introduction
This tutorial will illustrate machining this mold using 3-axis milling operations, as well as introduce the usage of several 3-axis operations such as horizontal roughing, parallel finishing, and horizontal finishing. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
You may have to repeat either all or part of these steps for subsequent operations.
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2. From the Open dialog box, select the 3DMold.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials) 3. The loaded part appears as shown below.
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Note: You must work in shaded mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in shaded mode.
The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging one of its sides.
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The Setup tab allows the user can specify Machine Setup, Stock Geometry, Machine Coordinate System (Machine Zero) & Alibre CAM Preferences.
Setup Machine
1. Click on the Setup tab located under the Alibre CAM Browser and select Setup Machine.
2. Set the Machine Type to 3 Axis. Click OK Close the Setup Machine dialog.
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Create/Load Stock
3. Select Create / Load Stock from the Setup tab and choose Box Stock.
4. Use the following Dimensions. Length = 5.5, Width = 6.50 and Height = 1.25. Click OK to create the stock geometry. 5. The stock geometry is now created, and a semi-transparent stock box is displayed on top of the part geometry.
Note: If the Stock Geometry is not visible, Switch to the MOps tab and Make sure Show Stock is selected.
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7. Set the Z alignment to Bottom and XY alignment to Center. (This would align the stock to the bottom of the part in Z and center in XY)
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The stock geometry is now aligned to the part and displayed as shown below.
Set MCS
The next step is to locate the machining coordinate system (MCS). The MCS is represented as a triad with 3 arrows, the green arrow indicating X axis, blue the Y axis and red the Z axis. It is always a good practice to set the Machine Zero before generating a toolpath. 8. Select Set MCS from the Setup tab. 100
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9. Set the MCS Origin to Stock Box, Zero Face to Highest Z and Zero Position to Southwest Corner.
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(This sets the machine home to Southwest corner and top of the stock material).
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Create Tools
To machine the above part we will now create a inch (0.5) Flat End Mill, and a inch (0.25) Ball End Mill. 1. Select Create / Select Tools from the Tools tab.
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3. Set the tool name as FlatMill-0.5, Tool Diameter = 0.5, Tool Number = 1.
4. Click Save as New Tool. Creating a Ball End Mill 5. Select the Tool Type to Ball Mill. 6. Set the tool name as BallMill-0.25, Tool Diameter = 0.25, Tool Number = 2.
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7. Click Save as New Tool. Click OK to close the Create/Select Tool Dialog The tools are now created and listed in the Tools tab under the Alibre CAM browser.
In this type of toolpath, Alibre CAM uses stock geometry and part geometry to determine the safe machining region at each user-specified Z level. The safe machining region is the region in which the tool can safely traverse removing stock. Once this machining region is determined, a tool traversal pattern such as a zigzag or offset machining cut pattern can then be applied to remove stock. Note: For 3-axis milling, you can also create and activate regions that act as machining boundaries. An example would be if you wanted to machine only one surface; you could define a region around that surface so that no other areas will be milled. Regions can be created by drawing a sketch around the geometry in Alibre Design or by using Sketch->Project to Sketch to extract the sketch from the 3D model Regions are sketches that already exist in the model, or sketches you create within Alibre. In the Setup tab of the Browser, you will see that several sketches already exist in this file. MOps stands for Machining Operations. All machining operations you create are listed here, in order of creation.
Select Tool
1. Select Create/Load Tool from the Mops tab and select Flat Mill-0.5.
2. Select FlatMill-0.5 from Tools in Library and Click OK to set this as the active tool.
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2. Set the Spindle Speed = 5000 rpm, Plunge, Approach, Engage Feed = 20 in/min, Cut Feed = 30 in/min, Retract & Departure Feed = 20 in/min.
Clearance Control
The Clearance Plane is a horizontal plane (set Z level) from which the approach motions start and retract motions end. After retracting, the tool moves rapidly along this plane to the position of the next engage. This plane is typically a certain safe distance above the part geometry. 1. Select Clearance Control from the MOps tab.
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The Horizontal Roughing dialog is invOKed, in which you can set parameters for the toolpath. 2. In the Cut Parameters tab, set the Intol, Outol = 0.01, Stock value to 0.025, cut pattern as Stock Offset, and cut direction to Mixed.
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3. Switch to Cut Levels tab. 4. Set the Step Down control = 50 (% of tool diameter) and the Cut levels ordering to Depth First.
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6. Use the default settings. 7. Click Generate to create the Horizontal Roughing Toolpath. The Horizontal Roughing operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Horizontal Roughing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Select Tool
From the MOps tab 1. Open the Select/Create Tools window 2. Click the Ball End Mill tab, and select BallMill-0.25. Click OK to make this the active tool. You could also double-click the tool name.
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2. From the Cut Parameters tab, set the Intol, Outol = 0.001, and Stock = 0. 3. Step Over Control = 10 (% of tool diameter).
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4. Leave the other parameters at the default values and click Generate to create the toolpath. The Parallel Finishing operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the Toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Parallel Finishing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 1. In the MOps tab, select Machining Operations (located at the root level in the Browser window) and click Post Process.
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2. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
3. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 3!
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Introduction
This tutorial will introduce the usage of advanced 3-axis operations such as pencil tracing & valley remachining. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. However, if you prefer to work straight through the steps without any additional reading, loOK for the following symbol: Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
You may have to repeat either all or part of these steps for subsequent operations.
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2. From the Open dialog box, select the 3Dmold_2.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials) 3. The loaded part appears as shown below.
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Note: You must work in shaded mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in shaded mode.
The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging one of its sides.
Create Tools
1. Switch to the Tools tab. You would find 2 tools listed under the Tools browser. FlatMill0.5 and BallMill-0.25. We will now create a BallMill-0.125 for the remachining operations.
2. Select Create / Select Tool and click Ball Mill. 3. Specify tool Name BallMill-0.125, Diameter = 0.125, Set the Tool Number = 3 and click Save as New Tool.
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2. Click Create/Select Tool from the Mops tab and select BallMill-0.125.
We will use the same settings for Feeds / Speeds and Clearance Plane for the Pencil Tracing toolpath. 3. Select 3 Axis Milling -> Pencil Tracing
4. Click on Cut Parameters tab. Set Intol and Outol = 0.001, Stock to leave =0.0, and Cut Direction to Climb.
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5. Switch to Advanced Cut parameters tab and leave the settings at default values.
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6. Select the Entry/Exit tab and switch the Cut Transfer from Skim to Clearance Plane.
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7. Click Generate. The Pencil Tracing Toolpath is now generated and the operation is listed in the MOps browser in Alibre CAM.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select Machining Operations from the Mops Browser and click CAM Stock Simulation window. to launch the Alibre
Note: As we have not simulated the Roughing and Finishing operations, selecting Machining Operations will simulate all operations in the sequence they were created. 2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
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2. From the Remachining Parameters tab set the Intol, Outol = 0.001, and Stock = 0. 3. Set the Reference Tool Diameter = 0.25 (This is the diameter of the tool that was used for parallel finishing operation), Cut Direction to Climb.
4. Switch to the Entry/Exit tab and set the Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane.
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5. Click Generate. The Valley Re-Machining Tracing Toolpath is now generated and the operation is listed in the MOps browser in Alibre CAM.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select Valley Remachining and click window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock Simulation
2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 1. In the MOps tab, select Machining Operations (located at the root level in the Browser window) and click Post Process.
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2. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
3. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 4!
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Introduction
This tutorial will illustrate machining holes using Drilling operation. Even though we have created a 3-D representation of the part, it will be seen later on that we can machine this using just 2-D curves. The reason we are able to do this is because of the prismatic nature of this model. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
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2. From the Open dialog box, select the HoleMaking.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials) 3. The loaded part appears as shown below.
Note: You must work in shaded mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in shaded mode. 139
The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging one of its sides.
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The Setup tab allows the user can specify Machine Setup, Stock Geometry, Machine Coordinate System (Machine Zero) & Alibre CAM Preferences.
Setup Machine
1. Click on the Setup tab located under the Alibre CAM Browser and select Setup Machine
2. Set the Machine Type to 3 Axis. Click OK to close the Setup Machine Dialog.
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Create/Load Stock
3. Select Create / Load Stock from the Setup tab and choose Box Stock.
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4. Use the following Dimensions. Length = 8, Width = 8 and Height = 1. Click OK to create the stock geometry. 5. The stock geometry is now created, and a semi-transparent stock box is displayed on top of the part geometry.
Note: If the Stock Geometry is not visible, Switch to the MOps tab and Make sure Show Stock is selected.
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7. Set the Z alignment to Top and XY alignment to Center. (This would align the stock to the top of the part in Z and center in XY)
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The stock geometry is now aligned to the part and displayed as shown below.
Set MCS
The next step is to locate the machining coordinate system (MCS). The MCS is represented as a triad with 3 arrows, the green arrow indicating X axis, blue the Y axis and red the Z axis. It is always a good practice to set the Machine Zero before generating a toolpath. 145
9. Set the MCS Origin to Stock Box, Zero Face to Highest Z and Zero Position to Southwest Corner.
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(This sets the machine home to Southwest corner and top of the stock material).
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Create Tools
To machine the above part we will now create a inch (0.5) Standard Drill. 1. Select Create / Select Tools from the Tools tab
3. Set the tool name as Drill-0.5, Tool Diameter = 0.5, Tool Number = 1. 148
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4. Click Save as New Tool. Click OK to close the Create/Select Tool Dialog. The tool is now created and listed in the Tools tab under the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Tool
1. Select Create/Load Tool from the Mops tab.
2. Select Drill-0.5 from Tools in Library and Click OK to set this as the active tool.
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4. Set the Spindle Speed = 5000 rpm, Plunge, Approach, Engage Feed = 20 in/min, Cut Feed = 30 in/min, Retract & Departure Feed = 20 in/min.
Clearance Control
The Clearance Plane is a horizontal plane (set Z level) from which the approach motions start and retract motions end. After retracting, the tool moves rapidly along this plane to the position of the next engage. This plane is typically a certain safe distance above the part geometry. 6. Select Clearance Control from the MOps tab.
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Select Regions
Regions are sketches that already exist in your model, or separate new sketches you create within Alibre Design that coexist with your part, but do not contribute to its geometry (the sketch is not used for a feature). Regions serve different purposes in 2 and 3 axis milling. In 2 axis milling, however, regions determine the entire area to be milled. Part and stock geometry are not considered, and the tool always moves at a fixed Z level. Therefore, regions act as the drive curves, and their geometry is projected onto the stock. Regions must be selected before they can be used in an operation. Creating a region does not make it active; you must use one of the Select Regions tools before creating the toolpath. 1. Click Select Regions from the MOps tab.
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2. Select Sketch <3> as machining region. a. To select Sketch <3> Move the cursor over the hole, right click and choose Advanced Selector.
b. Select Sketch<6> from the selection list. The Sketch<6> is now listed under Selected Regions.
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c. Click OK to accept the selected regions. Note: If you are unable to select a Sketch, from the Alibre Design Menu bar select Tools>Selection Filters and ensure 2D Sketches are selected. Keeping this unchecked will not allow the user to select Sketches.
Drilling
1. Select Hole Machining -> 3 axis Hole Machining -> Drilling
2. In the Cut Parameters tab, under drill types choose Standard Drill, Drill Depth = 1, Select Add Tool tip to Drill Depth. 154
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3. Switch to the Engage/Retract tab and set the Approach Distance = 0.1, and Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane.
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4. Switch to the Hole Sort tab and leave the Hole Sort parameters at default settings.
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5. Click Generate to create the Standard Drill toolpath. The Drilling Operation is now displayed under the MOps Browser and the Toolpath is displayed as shown below.
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Simulate Toolpath
Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the Standard Drill Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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2. Click Simulate from the Stock Simulation window to run the simulation.
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window.
Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 1. In the MOps tab, select Standard Drill and click Post Process.
This displays the Select Post Processor Dialog. 2. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
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3. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 5!
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Introduction
This tutorial will illustrate machining the gear using 4 axis-milling operations. This tutorial will introduce the usage of several 4-axis operations such as 4 axis roughing and finishing. The stepped instructions are accompanied by explanatory and introductory text. Reading this text will help you understand the tutorial methodology and provide information about additional options available. Dont forget to save your work periodically! You may want to save the file under a different name so that the original file will be preserved.
You may have to repeat either all or part of these steps for subsequent operations.
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2. From the Open dialog box, select the Gear.AD_PRT file from the Tutorials folder in the Alibre CAM installation folder. (Default location C:\Program Files\MecSoft Corporation\Alibre CAM\Tutorials) 3. The loaded part appears as shown below.
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Note: You must work in shaded mode in order to be able to visualize toolpaths created in Alibre CAM. It is suggested for best visual performance with Alibre CAM to work with only one view port open and the view port operating in shaded mode.
The Alibre CAM browser is now loaded and is docked over the Design Explorer. You can toggle between the CAM browser and the Design Explorer from the tabs at the bottom of the window. It can be hidden by un-checking Browser on the Alibre CAM menu bar. To redisplay the hidden Browser window, you can re-check Browser from the Alibre CAM menu entry. You can also resize it by dragging one of its sides.
The Setup tab allows you to specify Machine Setup, Stock Geometry, Machine Coordinate System (Machine Zero) & Alibre CAM Preferences.
Setup Machine
1. Click on the Setup tab located under the Alibre CAM Browser and select Setup Machine
2. Set the Machine Type to 4 Axis 3. Rotary Axis to X (A) Axis and the Rotary Center to 0,0,0 in X Y and Z.
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a. Folder where post processor files are located is set to the Posts folder in Alibre CAM installation folder. b. Select Show Selection Dialog when Post Processing c. Program to use for displaying output file can be set to notepad or WordPad. d. Click OK to accept the settings.
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Create/Load Stock
7. Select Create / Load Stock from the Setup tab and choose Cylinder Stock.
8. Use the following Dimensions. Radius = 1.1, Length = 3. Click OK to create the stock geometry. 169
9. The stock geometry is now created, and a semi-transparent stock box is displayed on top of the part geometry.
Note: If the Stock Geometry is not visible, Switch to the MOps tab and Make sure Show Stock is selected.
11. Set the Z alignment to Center and XY alignment to Center. (This would align the stock to the center of the part in Z and center in XY)
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Set MCS
The next step is to locate the machining coordinate system (MCS). The MCS is represented as a triad with 3 arrows, the green arrow indicating X axis, blue the Y axis and red the Z axis. It is always a good practice to set the Machine Zero before generating a toolpath. 12. Select Set MCS from the Setup tab.
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13. Set the MCS Origin to Stock Box, Zero Face to Mid Z and Zero Position to West.
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Create Tools
To machine the above part we will now create 2 tools. 1. Select Create / Select Tools from the Tools tab.
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3. Set the tool name as BallMill-0.25, Tool Diameter = 0.25, Tool Number = 1.
4. Create a 2nd Ball End Mill. Set the tool name as BallMill-0.125, Tool Diameter = 0.125, Tool Number = 2. 5. Click Save as New Tool. Click OK to close the Create/Select Tool Dialog. The tools are now created and listed in the Tools tab under the Alibre CAM browser.
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Select Tool
1. Select Create/Load Tool from the Mops tab and select Ball Mill-0.25
2. Select BallMill-0.25 from Tools in Library and click OK to set this as the active tool. 175
5. Set the Spindle Speed = 5000 rpm, Plunge, Approach, Engage Feed = 20 in/min, Cut Feed = 30 in/min, Retract & Departure Feed = 20 in/min.
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Clearance Control
The Clearance Plane is a horizontal plane (set Z level) from which the approach motions start and retract motions end. After retracting, the tool moves rapidly along this plane to the position of the next engage. This plane is typically a certain safe distance above the part geometry. 1. Select Clearance Control from the MOps tab.
2. Set the Clearance Plane to Automatic under the 4 Axis Clearance Plane tab.
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If the Machine Zero is not set at the center of the part in X, Y & Z, a warning message dialog would be displayed at all times when a 4 axis machining operation is selected. Users can override this message by clicking OK in the dialog.
2. In the Cut Parameters tab Set the Intol and Outol = 0.001, Stock to leave =0.005, Cut Pattern to Along Axis, Zig Zag and Low to High, Cut Containment Low Value = 0 and High Value = 3 (as the Machine Zero is set to the left edge of the stock/ part). Use Step Distance = 25 (% of tool diameter).
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3. Switch to the Step Down Control Tab. 4. Use the Following Settings: a. Cut Levels: check Top (T) and specify Top (T) = 1.1 (radius of stock material) b. Step Down Control = 50 (% Tool Diameter).
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5. Click Generate. The 4th axis Roughing toolpath is now generated, and the operation is listed under the Alibre CAM MOps browser.
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Simulate Toolpath
Note: You must switch the simulation model to Polygonal model to run 4 axis simulations. Select Preferences->Simulation Preferences from the Setup Tab and switch the simulation model to Polygonal if set to Voxel. Make sure Show Stock is selected on the MOps Browser. 1. Select the 4th Axis Roughing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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Note: You can pause/stop, step, and skip the simulation using the controls available on the Simulation window. To control the simulation speed, select Simulation Settings from the Stock Simulation window. 3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Select Tool
From the MOps tab: 182
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1. Open the Select/Create Tools window 2. Click the Ball End Mill tab, and select BallMill-0.125. Click OK to make this the active tool. (You could also double-click the tool name.)
2. In the Cut Parameters tab Set the Intol and Outol = 0.001, Stock to leave =0, Cut Pattern to Across Axis, Zig Zag and Low to High, Cut Containment Low Value = 0 and High Value = 3 (as the Machine Zero is set to the left edge of the stock/ part). Use Step Distance = 10 (% of tool diameter).
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3. Click Generate. The 4th axis Finishing toolpath is now generated, and the Operation is listed under the Alibre CAM MOps browser.
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Simulate Toolpath
1. Select the 4th Axis Finishing Operation and click Simulation window. to launch the Alibre CAM Stock
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3. Once the simulation is complete, you can close the Stock Simulation window and return to the Alibre CAM browser.
Post Processing
Once the toolpath has been generated, it can be post-processed to a specific machine controller. Alibre CAM Standard comes with a set of post-processors to choose from. Each postprocessor is represented by an *.spm file, all of which are located in the Posts folder under the Alibre CAM installation folder. 4. In the MOps tab, select Machining Operations (located at the root level in the Browser window) and click Post Process.
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This displays the Select Post Processor Dialog. 5. Browse to the desired output directory and assign a file name for the output. Make sure that this file name is a valid file name and you have permissions to write to the specified file. Then double-click on the post-processor you want to use (such as Haas).
6. When complete, the post output file will open in the default text editor (Notepad by default). This file contains all the G-code for your toolpaths. End of Tutorial 6! 187