Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.As a companion to our recently released VisualCAD 2019 Exercise Guide, MecSoft Corporation is proud to announce the release of The VisualCAD 2019 Companion, a FREE 300-page guide to VisualCAD, MecSoft’s free CAD program! VisualCAD can be downloaded as part of VisualCAD/CAM 2019, MecSoft’s flagship Computer Aided Manufacturing Software. This guide includes descriptions, command prompts and basic procedures for EVERY VisualCAD command! Easily access the command information you need to be production with VisualCAD 2019!
What’s Inside The VisualCAD Companion:
Here is a description of each section included in this guide:
1. Table of Contents Includes a complete Contents with links to every command topic.
2. Welcome to VisualCAD Covers the user interface and customization tools.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.3. VisualCAD Main Menu Covers EVERY main menu command as well as all of the VisualCAD System Options and how to access the VisualCAD Online Help system.
4. The VisualCAD Ribbon Bar Covers EVERY command on each of VisualCAD’s 10 ribbon bar tabbed menus: Home, Display, Modeling Aids, Curve Modeling, Surface Modeling, Mesh Modeling, Dimensions, and Modify/Transform.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. 5. The Status Toolbar Covers every element on VisualCAD’s status toolbar including the Object Snaps, Visual Aids, Properties editor and Layer Manager.
6. Index Includes an extensive 10-page index with links to EVERY VisualCAD command!
How to Download this Guide
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The VisualCAD 2019 Companion is available as a FREE download to ALL MecSoft users! To download this guide, just select the link below:
For more information about each of MecSoft’s CAM Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft Corporation is excited to announce the release of The 2019 CAM Automation Guide, a FREE 60-page guide to automating your CAM programming with its 2019 line-up of CAM plugins including VisualCAD/CAM, RhinoCAM, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM.
Many of you have asked for more ebook publications from the support team here at MecSoft Corporation. This guide delivers with comprehensive user information on the following topics:
Feature Machining Automation
Everything related to automatic and interactive feature machining is covered in detail in this guide. You will learn about Automatic and Interactive Feature Detection as well as Automatic and Interactive Feature Machining on any solid model! You will also learn how to set filters for feature detection and how to work with milling and hole features within knowledge bases!
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CAM Knowledge Automation
You will learn everything there is to know about Knowledge Bases including how to create one, how to load and apply one and most excitingly how to establish rules based geometry selection for your toolpath strategies!
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Cutting Tools Automation
Learn the basics of cutting tool automation with the use of tool libraries. How to create a tool library and load and unload a tool library are covered. You will also learn how to add new tools to a library and how to select a tool from a library to use in your toolpath strategies.
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What’s Inside
The 2019 CAM Automation Guide is packed full of information that will help you become more proficient with your MecSoft CAM software. Here is the complete list of topics included in this must-have companion guide.
Feature Machining Automation Feature Preferences The Features Tab Automatic Feature Detection (AFD) Interactive Feature Detection (IFD) Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) Interactive Feature Machining (IFM) Set Filters for Feature Detection List Features Knowledge Base for Milling Features Knowledge Base for Hole Features
CAM Knowledge Automation The K-Bases Tab Create Knowledge Base Load Knowledge Base Rule Based Geometry Selection Apply Knowledge Base The Feeds & Speeds Calculator Use The Preinstalled Tool Libraries Add your Existing Tools to a Library More about the Tools Tab More about the Create/Select Tools dialog
Cutting Tools Automation Save a Tool Library Load a Tool Library Unload a Tool Library Add Tools to a Library Select Tools from a Library
How to Download this Guide
The 2019 CAM Automation Guide is available as a FREE download to ALL MecSoft users! To download this guide, just select one of the links below:
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Julie Pedalino, owner and proprietor of Pedalino Bicycles in Lenexa Kansas is a RhinoCAM Professional user and one of just a handful of female bicycle designers and frame builders in the world. Julie is a regular contributor to the MecSoft Blog and just shared with us this fine example of design and craftsmanship in her latest bike frame build project.
Shown below is Julie’s Rhino 3D design and sample RhinoCAM toolpaths for a set of 17-4 stainless steel vertical dropouts with replaceable 2024 aluminum derailleur hangers.
Julie explains:
These dropouts are somewhat unique because there are three stay tabs instead of two. This is because the frame that the dropouts are going on is what is called a mixte frame, which is a type of step-over frame with twin lateral top tubes that connect the head tube directly to the dropouts instead of a single top tube that connects the head tube to the seat tube.
A rendering of the frame design is shown below.
Julie’s design is quite a machining job incorporating a complex mixture of 2½ Axis Facing, Pocketing and Profiling in multiple levels coupled with 3 Axis Parallel Finishing in the sculpted filigree areas. Shown in the RhinoCAM display below is one component in the set of two machined at the same time.
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The Rhino 3D design is shown with the first of three 3 Axis Parallel Finishing toolpaths displayed. The replaceable aluminum derailleur hanger is shown in white. The completed component is shown inset.
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Here are rendered images of the mixte frame and vertical dropout designs.
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Here are some additional close up images of Julie’s machined components. The image on the top-left shows both drop outs, one with the replaceable aluminum derailleur hanger. The image on the top-right shows the 3 Axis Parallel Finishing toolpath with visible stepover cusping incorporated into the texture of the design.
More content from Pedalino Bicycles
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.We want to thank Julie for allowing to showcase her latest work. Here is more content featuring Pedalino Bicycles on MecSoft.com:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Calton Cases located in Austin, TX manufactures custom fit musical instrument cases through a world-wide network of instrument dealers. Keith Calton started the company in 1969 – handcrafting well-made, nearly indestructible cases for devoted Musicians and Collectors. As Keith put it, “For Quality & Endurance”. With the help of CAD/CAM and CNC machining technology, the company that Keith founded is still thriving today and the cases they produce really are, well, nearly indestructible!
The Cases
Calton Cases manufacturers cases for 10 different lines and 350 different types of musical instruments, each custom fit to the customers exact specifications. The 10 instrument case types the company manufactures are shown below.
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Electric
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Acoustic
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Bass
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Archtop
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Banjo
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Mandolin
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Bouzouki
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Ukulele
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Violin
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Mandocello
The 10 music instrument case styles manufactured at Calton Cases.
The CAD/CAM Technology
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Anthony Pelosi has been with Calton Cases for 10 years, first as a fabricator, then a CNC operator and now as a Product Designer and Innovation Lead. Anthony started his career with a 4-year degree in Asian studies but with a love for music and good with his hands, he started manufacturing musical instruments for various companies. He soon became a hands-on fabricator of many different skills so he decided to go back to school and take some drafting classes.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.“At Calton Cases I can use any CAD/CAM software I want and I have used many. I always find myself coming back to Rhino and RhinoCAM because of the freedom it gives me to model and machine the way I want. It’s actually quite liberating!”
Anthony Pelosi, Product Designer & Innovation Lead Calton Cases, Austin, TX
The Mandolin Case (Beautiful & Durable)
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Anthony walked us through the process of creating a Calton Case. It begins with two mold cores (i.e., plugs). The cores are machined from a high-density polyethylene similar to a modeling board. The two cores are then used two thermoform ⅛” thick textured ABS cavities, one for the top and one for the bottom of the case. The textured ABS cavity forms are then used to layup the actual top and bottom case components from durable multi-layered reinforced fiberglass.
We should interject here that when Keith Calton started the company in 1969, these cores were hand carved and hand textured in a process that took up to 2 weeks! Today, Anthony can produce a production core mold in 1 hour!
The interior of the case is outfitted with cloth and foam inserts fitting the customers exact mandolin dimensions. The outside is fitted with hardware, sealing and labeling that protect the instrument from all-weather conditions. The end product is a sturdy and durable case that will provide lifelong protection to the instrument enjoyed by Musicians and Collectors alike.
The mandolin case in blue-silver from Calton Cases
Machining the Mandolin Case Mold Cores
The master CAD/CAM part file for the mandolin case mold cores is shown below in Rhino 6.0. It contains the 3D models of the top and bottom core as well as interior instrument templates and other CAD data. An entire mandolin core measuring 18” x 35” is machined from a 3D polysurface model requiring only two RhinoCAM toolpath strategies!
The only RhinoCAM selection is a simple 2D rectangle used to contain the outer boundary of the toolpaths. For bulk material removal a 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing toolpath is used. This removes material in Z levels. Finishing is performed with one 3 Axis Parallel Finishing (or Horizontal Finishing) toolpath! After coming off the CNC Machine the cores are lightly sanded with 120/220 sandpaper and then given a spray coating to withstand the temperatures of the thermoforming process. The Rhino file and the two resulting thermoform core molds are shown below.
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The Rhino 3D part file for the mandolin case is shown with the RhinoCAM plugin loaded on the left.
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The two mandolin case core molds are shown. The case top is on the left and the bottom is on the right.
“With just two operations, Horizontal Roughing & Parallel Finishing, we have a master thermoform mold core. It’s really just like magic!
“People seem to think they are locked into Mastercam, locked into SolidWorks, locked into the addons for SolidWorks. I’m sure these are good programs but I just have to say that I do believe, and this is why I still use MecSoft software, is that Rhino and RhinoCAM for Calton Cases is a genius that works for us!”
Anthony Pelosi, Product Designer & Innovation Lead
Calton Cases, Austin, TX
The roughing and finishing toolpaths and cut material simulations for the top case core are shown below. (A) and (B) show the Rhino 3D model and RhinoCAM box stock. (C) and (D) show the 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing toolpath and cut material simulation. (E) and (F) show a 3 Axis Horizontal Finishing toolpath. In (D) you can see that the roughing operation cleared all of the material using a ¾” diameter flat end mill including a finishing pass on the flat bottom surface. In (E) you can see that the finishing operation automatically cuts the vertical sides and top of the core using a ½” diameter ball mill. The ¼” radius at the base of the core is machined automatically.
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(A)
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(B)
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(C)
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(D)
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(E)
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(F)
Machining the bottom core uses the same toolpaths as the top just regenerated with the bottom core 3D model displayed!
The 3 Axis Parallel Finishing toolpath for the bottom core mold of the mandolin case is shown.
More about Calton Cases
We want to thank Anthony Pelosi and the team at Calton Cases in Austin, Texas for allowing to showcase their work. To learn more about Calton Cases we invite you to visit them at their home page, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
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More about RhinoCAM
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RhinoCAM – MILL is available in five different configurations (Express, Standard, Expert, Professional and Premium). The part shown here was programmed using the Professional configuration. Here are some additional details about each of the available configurations. For the complete features list, visit the RhinoCAM Product Page.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Calton Cases located in Austin, TX manufactures custom fit musical instrument cases through a world-wide network of instrument dealers. Anthony Pelosi, Product Designer & Innovation Lead for Calton Cases uses RhinoCAM Standard and the companies Laguna 3 Axis Machining Center to machine the core molds shown below.
The cores are machined from a high-density polyethylene similar to a modeling board. The two cores are then used two thermoform ⅛” thick textured ABS cavities, one for the top and one for the bottom of the case. The textured ABS cavity forms are then used to layup the actual top and bottom case components from durable multi-layered reinforced fiberglass.
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The mandolin case in blue-silver from Calton Cases
Optimized Machining
The 3 Axis Horizontal Finishing toolpath strategy for the top mandolin case core is shown below. It illustrates the use of the Optimized Machining controls provided by this toolpath. Horizontal Finishing is a toolpath strategy that cuts in horizontal planes. It is used primarily for near vertical walls like the sides of the core shown below.
However, near horizontal areas like the top would normally require additional re-machining operations due to the wider offsets created. With Optimized XY Machining between Levels enabled (shown in the dialog below), additional toolpaths are added between Z levels in the near horizontal areas to allow full and complete finishing of the core on one operation! 3 Axis Horizontal Finishing is available starting with the Standard configuration of RhinoCAM.
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In the images above we have darkened the color of the core surface model on the left so you can better see the 3 Axis Horizontal Finishing toolpaths. Without Optimized XY Machining enabled, the toolpath offsets are greater in the top flatter areas. The cut material simulation on the right shows the uncut material in these areas clearly. This would normally require additional re-machining toolpaths.
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In these images, Optimized XY Machining is enabled. Additional toolpaths are automatically added between Z levels in areas that are flatter, eliminating the need for additional machining. RhinoCAM allows you to control the stepover and engage/retract paths in these areas. The result is a completely finished core in one finishing operation! Compare the two images on the right (top and bottom). The cut material simulation shows full coverage on both the top and sides.
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The finished core mold is shown.
More about Calton Cases
We want to thank Anthony Pelosi and the team at Calton Cases in Austin Texas for allowing to showcase their work. To learn more about Calton Cases we invite you to visit them at their home page, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft Corporation is excited to announce the release of three new user guides for VisualCAMc, the world’s first full-cloud based CAM plug-in for the Onshape Computer Aided Design platform. The VisualCAMc Quick Start Guide, Question & Answer Guide and Reference Guide are now available as free direct downloads. These guides can also be viewed from within your Onshape account with the VisualCAMc app loaded. Here is what’s included in these guides:
The VisualCAMc Quick Start Guide
Get a quick start to learning VisualCAMc by completing this 85-page tutorial. You will learn the basics of VisualCAMc by creating cutting toolpaths and CNC g-code to machine a basic part. Here is a list of what you will learn from the new VisualCAMc Quick Start Guide.
You will learn how to:
Load the VisualCAMc app into Onshape.
Get an understanding of the VisualCAMc user interface and create cutting tools.
Create a 2 Axis Facing toolpath including tool selection, control geometry selection, set feeds and speeds, clearance plane definition. Cutting parameters, cut level parameters, entry/exit parameters and advanced cutting parameters.
Create a 2 Axis Profiling and Hole Machining toolpaths.
Simulate your toolpath operations and view in-process stock.
Generate and download G-code to cut the part on your CNC machine.
The VisualCAMc Question & Answer Guide
The new 125-page VisualCAMc Question & Answer Guide contains concise information so that you learn quickly. Each question is answered with the menu selections required to complete the task and illustrations to help you understand the results.
Here are just a few examples of what’s included:
A complete Getting Started section answers all of the basic questions new users will have.
How to select geometry regions for machining.
Creating cutting tools and tool related questions such as how to load and export a tool library.
How to setup a part including defining stock dimensions and work zero locations.
How to generate and simulate a toolpath and how to access all of the cut related parameters.
How to edit toolpaths associatively and using Onshape part configurations.
How to setup a multi-sided part for flip-machining and indexed 4 and 5 axis machining.
How to analyse and measure part geometry from within VisualCAMc.
The VisualCAMc Reference Guide
The new VisualCAMc Reference Guide contains information on every VisualCAMc command and parameter. This 500-page guide is packed full of the useful and critical information you need to get your CNC cutting toolpaths generated, simulated and G-coded fast. This guide includes detailed instructions on using the new VisualCAMc Analyze toolbar as well as all of the other VisualCAMc toolbars, dialogs and parameters.
Download these Free Guides Today
These user guides are free to download and do not require you to be logged into your Onshape account. Just select from the links below to download.
If you are new or would like to learn more about design and CNC G-code generation on the cloud we invite you to learn more by visiting the following resources:
Irvine, CA, April 1, 2019: MecSoft Corporation, the developer of industry leading CAM software, has announced today a partnership with FlexCNC, a leader in large bed CNC milling machines. As part of this partnership, FlexCNC will be bundling MecSoft’s VisualCAD/CAM product with their FlexCNC milling machines.
“We are thrilled to announce that FlexCNC will be bundling MecSoft’s VisualCAD/CAM products with their FlexCNC milling machines. We look forward to working with the team at FlexCNC to bring to market the best of class CAD/CAM and CNC machining solutions.” says Joe Anand, President & CEO of MecSoft Corporation.
Nick Kennedy, President of FlexCNC, added, “Experience massive action with FlexCNC and MecSoft and see how we are changing manufacturing. We are very excited for what the future will bring.”
VisualCAD/CAM is MecSoft’s flagship CAD/CAM software product that addresses the CNC machining market needs. With modules VisualCAD, VisualMILL, VisualTURN, VisualNEST, and VisualART the product address specific needs of various CNC manufacturing processes, including 2D and 3D CAD Design, Artistic Modeling, 2 ½ Axis – 5 Axis milling, 2 Axis Turning and True Shape Parts Nesting.
FlexCNC offers vertical machining centers for face milling, helical milling, rough milling, drilling and more, of large or long parts in a single set-up. The Standard Edition model 20-06 SE boasts a 20-foot by 6-foot bed, to machine parts up to 20-feet in length. Custom-build options are also available, with 50’ long machine beds being a possibility. FlexCNC machines are ideal for the machining of long products like tube, or pipe, cutting keyways, and more.
About MecSoft Corporation
Headquartered in Irvine, California, MecSoft Corporation is a worldwide leader in providing Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software solutions for the small to mid-market segments. These solutions include products VisualCAD/CAM®, RhinoCAMImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view., VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS®, AlibreCAM® and VisualCAMc for Onshape®. These software products deliver powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions for users in the custom manufacturing, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, mold making, aerospace, automotive, tool & die, woodworking, and education industries.
About FlexCNC
FlexCNC is a subsidiary of Midwest Specialities, Inc. in addition to FlexArm, Inc, which has been manufacturing and selling tapping machines & assembly arms since 1984, and is an officially recognized ‘U.S. Veteran Owned Business’. In addition to the tapping lines, the FlexCNC machines they provide offer the largest, most versatile vertical machining center in the country. FlexCNC currently boasts over 20,000 current customers along with a dedicated internal team.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.VisualCAMc by MecSoft is the first full-cloud, production-ready CAM solution that allows you to perform CAM programming from anywhere and on any computer from your Onshape account. Let’s take a closer look at how one Onshape customer uses VisualCAMc to manufacture customized holographic labels to help brands fight counterfeiting.
John Humpherys is the Engineering Manager at DeLaRue Authentication Solutions, a UK-based global company that provides governments, central banks and commercial organizations with anti-counterfeiting products and services. DeLaRue’s Utah facility, where Humpherys is based, makes pressure-sensitive labels that are applied to a company’s product or packaging during manufacturing. The label applique, which can consist of holographic imaging, serialization and bar coding, alerts the consumer that the product they are looking at is authentic. With these labels, customers can track and trace the origins of their products.
These holographic labels are not embossed. They use proprietary laser imaging processes, all performed within a 0.001” inch thickness of photopolymer, a resin that changes its properties when exposed to light. The product packaging would include instructions on how the label should appear to the human eye. The DeLaRue image shown below is a simplified example of an authentication label:
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Because product authentication is a relatively niche market, there are no OEM manufactured systems that can produce these holographic authentication labels. The entire manufacturing apparatus is a unique and guarded proprietary process that is tailored to each customer’s authentication solution needs. We recently sat down with John to discuss his use of VisualCAMc for Onshape as his Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) solution of choice for machine design and manufacturing.
The CAD/CAM Platforms
John has been using desktop CAD design software tools since they were first introduced in the 1990s. His CAD system of choice for years has been SOLIDWORKS, and his CAM system of choice has always been VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS. I say has been because John has also been using Onshape’s cloud-based CAD system since its launch in 2012 and has also been using VisualCAMc, the full-cloud production CAM solution for Onshape, during its beta release and then production release in 2018.
The CNC Machining Centers
John relies on four different CNC machines on a daily basis. The MecSoft technical support staff worked with John to fine-tune VisualCAM post-processors for each of his machining centers using VisualCAM’s built-in Post-Processor Generator. The machining hardware in service at DeLaRue Authentication Solutions is listed and shown below:
We asked John what drew him to Onshape. Here is his short list of reasons:
The Future is in the Cloud: “The software industry in general has been moving to the cloud and we feel that Onshape is on the cutting edge of that migration for the CAD industry.”
The Onshape Development Team: “We were comfortable in knowing that the same team that developed SOLIDWORKS is now developing the Onshape platform.”
Updates & Compatibility: “We don’t have to pay an IT group to come in and update our software. Onshape updates occur automatically every three weeks. We can also access our Onshape designs from any computer, anywhere in the world without worrying about hardware compatibility.”
Collaboration: “We can collaborate and share design information with colleagues and contractors who do not need a paid Onshape account to view them!”
Why VisualCAMc?
An early concern John had when migrating to Onshape was his ability to generate the g-code he needs to run his multiple CNC machines. CAM was the very first Onshape add-on application that he started looking for. John also shared these added benefits of using VisualCAMc for Onshape:
Onshape Compatibility: “VisualCAMc is a fully integrated Onshape-partner plugin. Other CAM solutions require you to download and translate part models on your desktop computer, breaking the link with the Onshape part. With VisualCAMc, our toolpaths are updated automatically when the Onshape part model changes.”
Accessibility:“I can use the same Onshape account with VisualCAMc at work and at home. I have custom built a CNC machine at home and can generate g-code for all of my CNC machines at any time and from anywhere.”
Minimal Learning Curve: “I have been using the desktop version of VisualCAM inside of SOLIDWORKS for years. This made the transition to VisualCAMc much easier because many of the same features are available in VisualCAMc for Onshape.”
Example Project
Here’s an example of how John Humpherys uses VisualCAMc for Onshape. The Inspection Light mechanism shown below is a typical machine design sub-assembly that incorporates multiple components that require CAM g-code to machine. The DeLaRue production system incorporates multiple stages, each stage being a production process that can incorporate as many as 100 or more machined components.
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The DeLaRue Inspection Light mechanism.
The parts and assemblies are displayed and worked on in the Part Studio tab of the Onshape Document. Toolpaths are generated and displayed in a separate but associated VisualCAMc tab within the same Onshape Document. When design changes are made in the Part Studio, the associated VisualCAMc toolpaths are updated automatically.
John adds that VisualCAMc for Onshape now helps his company iterate new prototypes significantly faster.
“Many of our initial parts now happily end up in the recycle bin. That’s because we can design, machine, evaluate, redesign and machine again all within the same day,” he says. “We now machine all of our development and prototype components in-house where design issues can be resolved quickly and economically before going to mass production.”
Example VisualCAMc Toolpaths
One of the components in the Inspection Light sub-assembly is shown below. It contains many prismatic features that were machined using 2½ axis toolpath strategies on DeLeRue’s CNCMasters Supra knee mill machining center. These include drilled holes of various sizes and depths, blind pockets, open slots, etc. These features are shown in the Part Studio tab and in the corresponding VisualCAMc tab both within the Onshape Document. The stock is ¼” aluminum plate measuring 13” by 1”.
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The Component Part in Onshape
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In the image above, we see an assortment of 2½ axis milling features including holes, pockets, slots and profiles whose toolpaths were created within the Onshape Document using VisualCAMc. We have added annotations to above VisualCAMc display for clarity. The component was machined from ¼” aluminum plate stock measuring 13” x 1”.
Pictured below (on the left) we see the contents of the VisualCAMc Machining Job tab. It defines the Machine Tool orientation in relation to the Onshape world coordinate system (WCS). This is followed by the Post and Stock definitions. The Setup defines the orientation of the machine tool coordinate system (MCS) for the machining operations contained within it. The Work Zero defines the machine zero location point from which all toolpath coordinates are measured from. This is then followed by the various Drilling, Pocketing and Profiling toolpath operations.
Moving the cursor over an operation in the Machining Job displays information about that operation such as its name, cutting tool, cut feed rate, estimated machining time, etc. On the right, we see the Tools tab containing an assortment of Drill and Mill tools located within the Document. Tools can also be saved and reused from a Tool Library.
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(Left) The Machining Job tab in VisualCAMc lists the CNC Machine and Setup definition as well as each toolpath operation strategy in the job. (Right) The VisualCAMc Tools tab shows the cutting tools currently defined in the Onshape Document as well as the currently loaded Tool Library.
Drilling
The component requires thru holes of four different diameters (0.07, 0.089, 0.107 and 0.128). Each are defined as Deep Drill operations with a specified step increment. This means that the drill will cut to each increment depth, retract, and re-engage until the full depth is obtained (similar to peck drilling). A minimum distance sorting rule is also applied to minimize machining time. The 0.107 diameter holes are shown.
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Pocketing
A 9.57 x 0.4 pocket runs nearly the full length of the component at a depth of 0.135. The pocket is cut in three levels using a ⅛” flat end mill and a 35% stepover. A 10-degree ramp entry motion is used along with a 45-degree linear exit retract motion. The side walls are cut with zero stock remaining leaving 0.063 radii in the four corners.
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Slot Profiling
To cut the 0.7 wide by 0.13 deep open slot, two Profiling operations are used that follow each side of the slot. Notice that the engage and retract motions (shown in magenta and white) are linear and set to zero degrees. This extends the toolpath out past the open slot at each end and for each of the three cut levels. The cyan paths are linear motions while the dark blue paths are arc motions. The entry motion is yellow, while the approach and transfer motions are red.
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Hole Profiling
To cut the counterbore holes, a Profiling operation is used, again with the same ⅛” end mill. A 10 degree ramp entry creates a helical motion (shown in magenta) to the first of three cut levels. Depth First cut levels ordering ensures that one complete counterbore is cut before moving on to the next.
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G-Code Sample
Shown here is sample g-code generated for the 2½ axis pocketing toolpath strategy shown above. The g-code was generated within the Onshape Document for the CNCMasters Supra knee mill using the VisualCAMc CNCMasters-Inch post processor.
This is one of over 300 post processors included free of charge within VisualCAMc.
John estimates that they have approximately 10,000 components that were originally designed and machined using VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS. Today, about 25% of their new CAD design and CAM programming is performed in Onshape and VisualCAMc. John expects that will increase to nearly 100% in 2019 as they migrate over to Onshape.
For an even deeper look at how DeLaRue uses VisualCAMc for Onshape, watch the video below:
If you’d like to explore how your company can experience similar benefits, please visit the Onshape App Store for a free 14-day trial of VisualCAMc.
Try a free 14-day trial of VisualCAMc, the first full-cloud, production-ready CAM solution that allows you to perform CAM programming from anywhere and on any computer from your Onshape account.
Irvine, CA, April 8, 2019: MecSoft Corporation announces today the release of CAMJam 2019, the Video Training Companion for their popular VisualCAD/CAM®, RhinoCAM®, VisualCAM® for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM® Milling modules. CAMJam 2019 is a video archive and viewing guide of training sessions conducted by the support staff at MecSoft Corporation. It includes updates for the new 2019 products as well as all of the CAMJam 2018 version videos.
“We’re super excited about our new CAMJam 2019 video archive and viewing guides. It builds upon previous versions and now includes videos on all of our CAM modules including MILL, TURN, NEST, ART and MESH. It also includes indexed and simultaneous 4 and 5 axis milling, multi-axis robot machining, the effective use of selections, additional bonus tutorial videos, printed user guides not available anywhere else and links to our popular Learn CAD/CAM blog series and case studies, all organized, indexed and searchable, so you know exactly which video to watch to get questions answered!” said Don LaCourse, Senior Application Engineer at MecSoft Corporation and one of the principals involved in the creation of this product.
CAMJam 2019 includes:
New instructional videos covering the complete suite of the MecSoft CAM module functionality including MILL, TURN, NEST, ART and MESH!
CAMJam 2019 PDF user guide for the organization and easy retrieval from the video library.
The source 2D & 3D practice part files referenced in the CAMJam video archive!
Plus bonus user guides including the 2019 Question & Answer Guide, the 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook and other print media.
About MecSoft Corporation
Headquartered in Irvine, California, MecSoft Corporation is a worldwide leader in providing Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software solutions for the small to mid-market segments. These solutions include products VisualCAD/CAM®, RhinoCAMImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view., VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS®, AlibreCAM® and VisualCAMc for Onshape®. These software products deliver powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions for users in the custom manufacturing, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, mold making, aerospace, automotive, tool & die, woodworking, and education industries.
For the latest news and information, visit mecsoft.com or call (949) 654-8163.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft Corporation is proud to announce the release of CAMJam 2019, the Video & Document Training Companion set for their popular VisualCAD/CAM®, RhinoCAM®, VisualCAM® for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM® CAM modules. This year CAMJam certainly lives up to its name by being jammed full of both video and document based training materials for new and experienced users alike.
What’s inside CAMJam 2019
CAMJam 2019 now includes over 80 instructional videos covering the complete suite of the MecSoft CAM module functionality including MILL, TURN, NEST, ART and MESH! The set includes the CAMJam 2019 PDF document that indexes and links directly to the content within each video so you know exactly what (and where) to watch to get your questions answered.
Here is a list of what you will find in CAMJam 2019:
Learn about all of the new functionality in MecSoft’s 2019 version CAM Plug-ins.
Must Watch Bonus Videos including best practices in 2 ½ and 3 axis machining, CAM Coordinate Systems Explored, Mold and Parting Line Machining, Machining Multi-Sided Parts and more.
VisualCAD Mash-up with links to every video subject that discusses MecSoft’s free drawing program.
All of the MILL Module features including Fundamentals, Feature Detection Machining, 2½, 3, 4 and 5 axis machining. That’s right, CAMJam 2019 now includes 5 Axis machining videos!
TURN Machining videos, Machining Scan Meshes, NEST and ART Module videos too!
Links to the most popular must-read MecSoft Tech Blog learning articles as well as the latest in-depth case studies of users like you, who are getting the most from their MecSoft CAM software.
Bonus Guides and Tutorials. That’s right, CAMJam 2019 now includes training in PDF document format including The CAM Question & Answer Guide, The Cutting Tools Workbook and The 2019 F1 CO2 Racer Body Tutorial, all updated for MecSoft’s 2019 lineup of CAM module plug-ins!
The CAMJam 2019 User Guide for the organization and easy retrieval from the video library
Exclusive Bonus Guides
CAMJam now include exclusive guides and tutorials only available to MecSoft annual maintenance subscribers (AMS). These training guides are not available anywhere else! Have more than one MecSoft CAM plugin? CAMJam now includes exclusive videos, guides and tutorials for every module of every MecSoft desktop product including:
VisualCAD/CAM (MILL, TURN, NEST, MESH & ART)
RhinoCAM (MILL, TURN, NEST, MESH & ART)
VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS (MILL & TURN)
AlibreCAM (MILL & TURN)
The MecSoft CAM 2019 Question & Answer Guide
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The new MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide contains concise information so that you learn quickly. Each question is answered with the menu selections required to complete the task and illustrations to help you understand the results.
Here are just a few examples of what’s included:
Enable Cutter Compensation
Enable Inverse Time Feed Rate
Define Toolpath Properties
Accurately Estimate Machining Time
Edit Toolpaths Associatively
Add a Tool Change Point
Add more Materials
Add Tool Comments
Find Tool Related Preferences
Load a Tool Library Automatically
The 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.CAMJam now includes the newly updated 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook. This guide walks you through the process of creating tools and using the predefined tool libraries installed with the software as well as creating your own custom tool libraries. Also included is in-depth information on the Tools tab and the Create/Select Tools dialog including the Feeds & Speeds Calculator!
This guide also includes worksheets on every tool type supported by the new 2019 MILL and TURN modules! You can print these worksheets and use them to document your existing and new tool inventory for creating tools and setting up your tool library in the MecSoft CAM plugin of your choice!
VisualCAD/CAM (MILL, TURN, NEST, MESH & ART)
RhinoCAM (MILL, TURN, NEST, MESH & ART)
VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS (MILL & TURN)
AlibreCAM (MILL & TURN)
The 2019 F1 CO2 Racer Body Tutorial
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Back by popular demand, CAMJam now includes the F1 CO2 Racer Body Tutorial newly updated for every MecSoft 2019 CAM desktop CAM plugin. This tutorial walks you step-by-step through the process of setting up and machining the Racer Body in a two-sided machining process also referred to as flip machining using both 2½ Axis and 3 Axis toolpath strategies. This tutorial includes comprehensive illustrations to help guide beginners through the process of creating toolpaths.
To get your Annual Maintenance Subscription
To learn more about being an AMS subscriber and CAMJam just give us a call, chat or contact MecSoft sales and/or support. We will be happy to give all of the details.
More articles about CAMJam
How to Download your CAMJam Training Materials
The 2019 MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide!
The 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook
More about MecSoft CAM Products
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft is proud to announce the new Post-Processor Decoded Guide. Many of you have specifically asked that we write a comprehensive and easy to follow guide on how the PPG (Post-Processor Generator) operates. This guide is now available exclusively to all AMS subscribers as part of the CAM2019 download!
What’s Inside
This guide teaches you the about post-processor definition files and they are used to format and control out output of your G-Code files. We start with a basic example part that utilizes 12 of the 15 PPG sections, including Tool Changes, Circle/Helical Interpolation, Cutter Compensation and Canned Cycles. We then post a sample G-Code file and color-code every line with the PPG section that controls that line.
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You will learn about Cutter Compensation, the correct steps needed to implement it bot in MecSoft CAM and in your CNC controller.
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The 2½ Axis Profiling toolpath has a Clockwise spindle direction, a Climb Cut Direction, Cutter Compensation enabled and arc motion loops at each corner.
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You will learn how to post Arc motions in your G-Code for increased accuracy, smaller G-Code files, increased performance and less wear and tear on your CNC machine. This guide also teaches you about the I,J,K Arc format, how it is calculated and how to read it on your G-Code files.
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How arc motions are defined for our sample.
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You will also learn about helical motions and how they differ from Arc in the posted G-Code. How to make sure Arcs and Helical motions are being posted in your G-Code (G02 and G03) and also where to go in MecSoft CAM to control their format.
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The 2½ Axis Hole Profiling toolpath has a Clockwise spindle direction and a Convention (Up Cutting) Cut Direction. Two full 360 degree helical motions are created. At the bottom of the hole profile two 180 degree arc motions are defined.
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The guide does not stop there! You will even learn about canned cycles and specifically how to implement the G83 Deep Drill cycle and each of the variables that are assigned to the various Cut Parameters you see in the Drilling operation dialog.
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The Drill toolpath is set to Deep Drill (G83) and has an Approach Distance of 0.1 and a Step Increment of 0.1. Add Tool tip to Drill Depth makes the total drill depth 0.32 (shown on the G83 line) when the stock is only 0.25.
Want More?
How about learning about every PPG variable that was used to post the G-Code for these three sample toolpath operations and where the variable value was derived from!
Here is the complete Table of Contents:
What is a Post-Processor? What is the Post-Processor Generator (PPG)? PPG Variables & Macros Decoding a Sample G-Code File The Setup & Post Processor The Sample Toolpaths The Posted Setup G-Code File The 2½ Axis Profiling Operation G-Code The 2½ Axis Hole Profiling Operation G-Code The Deep Drilling Operation G-Code The Post-Processor Generator Dialog PPG > General PPG > Start/End PPG > Tool Change PPG > Setup PPG > Spindle PPG > Feed Rate PPG > Motion PPG > Circle PPG > Helical/Spiral PPG > Multi Axis Motion PPG > Cutter Compensation PPG > Cut Motion Start/End PPG > Cycles PPG > Misc PPG > Variables
Download the Resource files
As an annual MecSoft AMS subscriber you get this new guide absolutely FREE!
This guide and all of its source files are available for download as part of your CAMJam 2019 training archive package. It includes the sample part file with geometry and three machining MOps pre-defined in VisualCAD/CAM, RhinoCAM, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM.
Here is the complete source file list includes:
The part file and Toolpaths in *.vcp format (VisualCAD/CAM)
The part file and Toolpaths in *.3dm format (RhinoCAM for Rhino 6)
The part file and Toolpaths in *.sld_prt format (VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS)
The part file and Toolpaths in *.AD_PRT format ( AlibreCAM)
The Tool Library and Knowledge Base Files in vkb format.
The sample haas-blog.spm post definition file.
The sample G-Code file illustrated in this guide.
More about MecSoft CAM Products
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft Corporation is excited to announce the release of the new MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide for our new 2019 line-up of CAM Milling plugins. This 150-page guide answers many of the questions new users have about getting up and running with our CAM modules. This bonus guide is available to all of our Annual Maintenance Subscribers (AMS). Not an AMS subscriber? Contact MecSoft today to signup!
What’s Inside
This guide delivers with comprehensive Questions & Answers on the following topics:
What’s New Videos & Guides Print Media Archive About This Guide Feature Preferences
The Features Tab Automatic Feature Detection (AFD) Interactive Feature Detection (IFD) Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) Interactive Feature Machining (IFM) Set Filters for Feature Detection List Features Knowledge Base for Milling Features Knowledge Base for Hole Features
CAM Knowledge Automation The K-Bases Tab Create Knowledge Base Load Knowledge Base Rule Based Geometry Selection Apply Knowledge Base The Feeds & Speeds Calculator Use The Preinstalled Tool Libraries Add your Existing Tools to a Library More about the Tools Tab More about the Create/Select Tools dialog
Concise Information & Illustrations
The new MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide contains concise information so that you learn quickly. Each question is answered with the menu selections required to complete the task and illustrations to help you understand the results. Here is just a sample of what’s inside this guide.
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How to Setup a Part for Machining (Sample Procedure)
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How to control the Cut Start Point (Sample Illustration)
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How to Copy & Edit a Toolpath (Sample Instructions)
How to Download this Guide
The MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide is included, along with other bonus guides & tutorials, as part of your MecSoft Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS). As an AMS subscriber you get access new product updates, advanced one-on-one technical support, monthly user webinars and MecSoft’s CAMJam self-training video archive. To learn more about AMS and CAMJam just give us a call, chat or contact MecSoft sales and/or support.
More Information
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.MecSoft Corporation is excited to announce the release of The 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook, a FREE 120-page guide to working with cutting tools in its 2019 line-up of CAM plugins including VisualCAD/CAM, RhinoCAM, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM. This updated guide now includes MILL and TURN tools!
Many of you have asked for more comprehensive information on working with Cutting Tools in our CAM module plugins. This updated workbook delivers with the following in-depth information.
Creating Tools
This guide walks you through the process of creating tools and using the predefined tool libraries installed with the software as well as creating your own custom tool libraries. Also included is in-depth information on the Tools tab and the Create/Select Tools dialog including the Feeds & Speeds Calculator!
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The Create/Select Tools Dialog
Tool Related Answers
This updated workbook also includes answers to many of the questions that users ask most, including how to define a custom tool, print your tool list, define tool related preferences and tool related optimization such as machining time estimates and more.
Advanced Topics
This updated workbook also answers more advanced questions such as how to include tool comments, define a tool change point and enable cutter compensation in your posted g-code. How to customize the Feeds & Speeds Calculator with your own custom materials is also explained.
Worksheets
You may be asking yourself why is this guide called a workbook? That’s because it includes worksheets on every tool type supported by the new 2019 MILL and TURN modules! You can print these worksheets and use them to document your existing and new tool inventory for creating tools and setting up your tool library in the MecSoft CAM plugin of your choice! A sample worksheet is shown below.
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Sample MILL Tool worksheet from The 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook
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Sample TURN Tool worksheet from The 2019 Cutting Tools Workbook
Data Sheets
In addition to the worksheets mentioned above, the Reference section also includes the parameter values of every INCH and METRIC tool that comes installed in the predefined tool libraries so that you know exactly which parameter to adjust to make them YOUR custom tool library!
What’s Inside
The Cutting Tools Workbook is packed full of information that will help you become more proficient with your MecSoft CAM software. Here is the complete list of topics included in this must-have companion guide.
What’s New
Videos & Guides
Print Media Archive
About This Guide About the MILL Module About the TURN Module Using this Guide
Getting Ready After Installing MILL Locate the Tools Tab The Create/Select Tools Dialog
Creating Tools Create a Tool Create a Tool Library The Feeds & Speeds Calculator Use The Preinstalled Tool Libraries Add your Existing Tools to a Library More about the Tools Tab More about the Create Tools dialog
Tool Related Answers Where can I find Tool Preferences? How can I Print a Tool List? How can I add a Custom Tool? Why are my Feed Rate values too High/Low? What about Tapping Feed Rates? Optimize Machining Time Estimates?
More Advanced Answers How to add Tool Comments? How to add a Tool Change Point? How to add more Materials? How to enable Cutter Compensation?
The Cutting Tools Workbook is included, along with other bonus guides & tutorials, as part of your MecSoft Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS). As an AMS subscriber you get access new product updates, advanced one-on-one technical support, monthly user webinars and MecSoft’s CAMJam self-training video archive. To learn more about AMS and CAMJam just give us a call, chat or contact MecSoft sales or support.
More Information
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Being a new user on MecSoft’s Annual Maintenance Subscription service (AMS) you not only get annual upgrades, enhanced one-on-one support and access to our user forums. You also get exclusive access to our CAMJam Self Training materials! This download includes the CAMJam Video Archive Guide, the MecSoft CAM Question & Answer Guide, The Cutting Tools Workbook, The F1 CO2 Racer Body Tutorial and the training part file archive.
Here are the basic steps to download your CAMJam Self Training materials:
2. Enter the email address and password provided to you in the email. Note: Make sure you see and check the CAPTCHA to confirm that you are a real user!
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3. From your MecSoft VisualSERVE Customer Portal home page, locate the Download CAMJam button and select it.
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4. Download the MecSoft CAMJam archive file to your local hard drive, extract the contents and you are on your way to self-learning your MecSoft CAM plugin!
To get your Annual Maintenance Subscription
To learn more about being an AMS subscriber and CAMJam just give us a call, chat or contact MecSoft sales and/or support. We will be happy to give all of the details.
For more information about each of these Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Kelsey Britton is the Composites Technology program manager and instructor at IYRS School of Technology & Trades in Newport, RI. We recently sat down with Kelsey to discuss her use of RhinoCAM as part of the curriculum in her Composites Technology class. Kelsey says that she uses many of the articles on the MecSoft Tech Blog to learn and teach her students how to be proficient in RhinoCAM. Here is a project by IYRS student Wyatt Jeffries recently completed in Kelsey’s class with the help of RhinoCAM.
The Bicycle Helmet Project
In this project, Wyatt manufactures a bicycle helmet using composite technology materials and techniques. The helmet design was loaded into Rhino 3D where the surfaces were used to design mold cavities. The mold was then used to create the composite fiberglass lay-up of the outer shell. It was also used as a fixture to machine the helmet’s foam inserts. The 3D model of the helmet is shown in Rhino below.
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The 3D surface model of the bicycle helmet is shown in the Rhino 3D modeling program. The design consists of an outer shell and an inner foam insert.
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.“We chose to teach Rhino 3D to our students because of its dominance in the marine industry. RhinoCAM was a natural extension of that decision and honestly I love our RhinoCAM! I like the fact that its surface based. I can do just about anything with it. Also, the articles on the MecSoft Blog have been very helpful for setting up my curriculum. Every semester I feel that MecSoft supplies more ways to access support and that is huge for me.”
Kelsey Britton, Program Manager & Instructor IYRS School of Technology & Trades, Newport, RI
For this project right and left mold halves of the outer helmet shell were designed in Rhino using surfaces extracted from the original 3D CAD model. Only the outer shell needs to be represented by the cavity. Shown below is the right side mold cavity block. After the cavity block design is completed, RhinoCAM is used to create the toolpath strategies and the G-Code needed for the Fagor 8055 controller on the school’s Freedom Patriot 3 Axis CNC router.
In the left side image below we see the right half cavity mold. The four locators indicate which face is mated with the left side cavity. In the right side image we see a 2½ Axis Facing operation to level the parting plane and a 3 Axis pocketing operation for the four locators.
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(Left) The Rhino model of the left side cavity block mold is shown. (Right) We see the cavity block cut material simulation and in-process stock displayed in RhinoCAM. The parting plane and 4 locators are shown.
Machining the Cavities with RhinoCAM
In the left side image below we see the cut material simulation and in-process stock results of a 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing toolpath strategy also referred to as Z-Level Roughing. Using a 12.7 mm diameter flat end millI, this strategy is used to clear out material from the cavity. Cutting parameters include a 0.6 mm stock allowance, an Offset cut pattern and a Mixed cut direction. The cutting tool works its way out from the center of the cavity at a 40% stepover distance. Each cut level begins with a 10 degree path entry and removes material at a depth of 50% of the cutting tool diameter. Arc fitting in each XY plane is also performed to maximize surface finish and accuracy.
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(Top Left) We see the cavity cut material simulation and in-process stock from the 3 Axis Horizontal Z-Level Roughing operation. (Top Right) We see the completed cut material simulation and in-process stock from the 3 Axis Horizontal Z-Level Finishing operation.
In the right side image above we see the results of a 3 Axis Horizontal Finishing toolpath strategy using a 6.35 mm diameter ball mill. This toolpath strategy is also referred to as Z-Level finishing. Cut parameters include a Stock Allowance of zero, a Climb cut direction and a Stepdown of 1 mm between Z levels. In this strategy the steep side areas of the cavity are cut with the radius and sides of the tool. In the flatter areas, optimized machining is enabled which adds additional cutting paths utilizing the tip of the ball mill, all in one toolpath.
Production
Each cavity block is made up of 6 levels of 10 mm thick MDF. The machined cavities are then visually checked, hand sanded where needed and the right and left halves are clamped together using the locators for alignment. To prepare the cavity for composite layup, 4-5 coats of epoxy resin are applied, then up to 600 grit sanding, buffing and polishing. The completed cavity is shown in the left side image below. On the right we see the fiberglass composite material placed into the cavity. The same cavity mold is also used as a fixture to machine the inner foam inserts of the helmet!
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(Top Left) The completed and assembled right and left side cavities, coated, sanded and polished. (Top Right) The composite fiberglass lay-up of the helmet outer shell.
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(Top Left) Wyatt gives the mold cavities some last minute preparation. (Top Right) The final composite helmet and foam insert assembly.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a non-profit, post-secondary experiential learning school located in Newport, Rhode Island. The school offers education & training programs for craftspeople, artists, fixers, technicians, thinkers, problem-solvers, and creatives! Set on Aquidneck Island, Newport and its yacht-filled harbor hosted the America’s Cup, a renowned annual sailing regatta, for many years. The school’s alumni are rapidly employed into the local shipbuilding industry which helps makes Newport one the most popular lifestyle and tourist destinations on the New England sea coast.
Kelsey Britton is the Composites Technology program manager and instructor at IYRS School of Technology & Trades and considers shipbuilding to be more a way of life than a job! Her mother taught Kelsey how to sail as a child. Her brother is a ferry boat captain in New London, CT and her father is a career marine mechanic and manager. Kelsey started her career in hospitality, doing everything from bussing tables to managing entire restaurants. Soon however, the love of the boat building trade urged her back home where she enrolled and excelled in the school’s yacht restoration program. Kelsey made such a positive impression on the staff that in no short order she was offered and accepted a full-time position to teach at the school she loves!
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.“The marine industry and shipbuilding specifically is more a lifestyle than a job. I love what I do – teaching others how to find that passion and help them move forward in life and hopefully continue and work in the marine industry!”
We recently sat down with Kelsey to discuss her use of RhinoCAM as part of her curriculum in her Composites Technology class. Kelsey says that she uses many of the articles on the MecSoft Tech Blog to learn and teach her students how to be proficient in RhinoCAM. Kelsey likes how RhinoCAM’s user interface pop-ups helpful information about the various machining parameters and specifically mentions MecSoft’s technical support as a key part of her classes success. Here is a project that IYRS student Simon Pride recently completed in Kelsey’s class with the help of RhinoCAM.
The Marine Steering Wheel Project
In this project Simon designs and manufactures the marine steering wheel shown in Rhino below using composite technology materials and techniques. Simon used the 3D model to split and subtract a cavity to design the mold block. The design consists of the main steering wheel that is 22 mm in cross-section and 445 mm in outer diameter. The center connecting spoke is 6 mm thick and blends into the main wheel at both ends. The central parting line lies in on XY plane. The steering wheel 3D model is shown below in Rhino.
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The 3D model of the steering wheel design is shown in Rhino. The transition area between the spoke and the wheel is shown enlarged so you can see the blending of surfaces that need to be incorporated into the mold cavities.
3 Axis Z-Level Roughing in RhinoCAM
In the left image below we see the bottom cavity mold half for the steering wheel. The view shows where the center spoke transitions into the outer wheel. In the right image we see the remaining cut material simulation and in-process stock left after a 3 Axis Horizontal Roughing toolpath using a 3 mm diameter end mill.
The cut parameters include a Stock Allowance of 1.259 mm, an Offset cut pattern, Mixed cut direction, an Inside start point and a 40% tool Stepover. For cut levels, a Stepdown distance of 2 mm and a maximum Top Z height of 50.8 mm. The Clear Flats option is also checked which ensures that a cleanup finish pass is located on the floor of the spoke cavity. The 1.259 mm stock allowance ensures that only the vertical side walls of the spoke need to be finished.
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(Top Left) The 3D model of the bottom cavity mold is shown in Rhino. (Top Right) The cut material simulation showing the in-process stock after the 3 Axis Horizontal Z-Level Roughing toolpath is completed.
3 Axis Horizontal Z-Level Finishing
For finishing the cavity, two RhinoCAM 3 Axis Horizontal Z-Level Finishing operations are performed using the same 3 mm diameter ball mill. The first finishes the outer wheel cavity and the second finishes the inner spoke cavity. A 3 Axis Pencil Trace operation is also performed using the same 3mm ball mill as a finishing pass. It calculates the bi-tangent path between the spoke floor and the drafted spoke side walls. In the right side image we see the actual mold half after being prepared for composite lay-up.
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(Top Right) The resulting RhinoCAM cut material simulation after the 3 Axis finishing toolpaths are completed. (Top Right) The actual mold cavity after being prepped for composite layup.
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Student Simon Pride prepares his composite marine steering wheel for assembly.
— Cool project Simon! —
We want to thank Kelsey Britton and IYRS School of Technology & Trades in Newport, RI for allowing us to showcase their student’s work!
IYRS Alumni Help Restore The Mayflower II
Alumni of the two-year Boatbuilding & Restoration program at IYRS School of Technology & Trades in Newport, RI are featured in this video focused on the restoration of the Mayflower II and the IYRS externship with Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Welcome to our 4-Part series on Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM using MecSoft’s CAM plug-ins. The complete 4-part Guide is available to all AMS subscribers as part of your CAMJam Self-Training package. See How to Download your CAMJam Training Materials for information about CAMJam and how to reap the benefits of your AMS subscription!
In part 1 of our series we explore all of the different techniques available for selecting geometry for hole machining. These techniques include selecting from 2D drawings, from a 3D surface and from a 3D solid model. You will also learn how to use the Diameter Range Filter coupled with selecting Holes on a Flat Area. You will learn about pre-defined regions, how to create them and use them as hole machining regions. You will also learn how to project the start point geometry to an irregular underlying 3D surface (for 3 Axis Hole Machining) from which each hole depth will be calculated from. And more…
The following 4 blog articles are included in this series:
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 1: Geometry Selections
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 4: Output Control – COMING SOON!
Hole Selection Techniques
Each hole machining operation, including Drill, Tap, Bore and Reverse Bore, provides multiple ways to select the control geometry that will define the Hole locations. For example, you can select just points, arcs, and/or circles. Like all toolpath strategies you can also select a region that you have previously defined (i.e., a predefined region) using the Regions tab of the Machining Objects Browser. You can also select holes automatically from a flat area or from hole features that you have previously detected in your model. Each of these methods are discussed below.
Selecting from a 2D Drawing
The hole geometry does not need to be completely defined in your part file. If you only have a 2D drawing you can draw points arcs or circles to locate your holes.
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Selecting Holes from a 2D Drawing
Selecting from a 3D Model
Similarly if you have a 3D model that does not have holes defined, you can still draw points arcs or circles to locate your hole operations. The geometry that you add can lie on the XY plane, located anywhere along the Z axis. Alternatively, the geometry can lie directly on the part model.
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Selecting Holes from a 3D Model
Selecting from a 3D Solid Model with Hole Features
If the 3D model has hole features defined you can still use the selection techniques mentioned above. Alternatively you can select the circular face edge defining the hole (or partial hole). You can also use the feature detection tools on the Features tab of the Machining Objects Browser to identify and locate your hole features.
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Selecting Holes from a 3D Solid Model with Hole Features
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Selecting Holes from the Feature Tree
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Note: Your part must be a polysurface (i.e., solid) model to use the Features tab options. You can set Diameter Range Filters from here also. Once hole features are identified, you can execute the required hole operation from the feature definition.
Selecting Holes on Flat Areas
If your 3D model has a flat area that contains one or more holes (i.e., defined as complete and closed circles) you can use the Select Holes on Flat Area button located on the Hole Features tab of any of the hole operations (Drill, Tap, Bore or Reverse Bore). This option is very versatile and works if your flat area is a mesh, an open surface model or closed polysurface model.
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Selecting Holes on Flat Areas
Using the Diameter Range Filter
If you have many holes of different sizes, you can enable the Diameter Range Filter option located on the Hole Features tab of each hole operation dialog. Just check the box to enable the filter and then enter the minimum and maximum diameter to detect. When using the Select Holes on Flat Area button, only the hole edge geometry within these two range values are selected. Similar diameter filters are located on the Regions tab and the Features tab of the Machining Object Browser.
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The Diameter Range Filter
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The Diameter Range Filter
Using Predefined Hole Regions
You can predefine the hole geometry that you plan to use for any of the hole machining operation types by using the options on the Regions tab of the Machining Objects Browser. You can set Flat Area Region Selection Filters including Diameter Range Filters from here also.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Note: To use the Flat Area and Diameter Range Filters, you must have a flat area to select from.
The flat area can be a 3D planar surface or planar mesh.
Here are the basic steps to create predefined regions for hole machining:
1. Open the part file with hole features defined. The part can be a 2D drawing, 3D surface or a polysurface solid model.
2. Select the Regions tab from the Machining Objects Browser. If you do not see the Regions tab, make sure the Machining Objects Browser is displayed.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. There is a toggle located to the left of the Program tab. Select it until the Machining Objects Browser displays.
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Locating the Machining Objects Browser Toggle
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The Regions Tab
3. To set the diameter range filter, select the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Flat Areas Selection Filter icon to display the dialog and check the box to User diameter filter and enter the minimum and maximum diameters to select.
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Specify Flat Areas Selections Filter
4. Make sure the box to Ignore all inner regions is unchecked and then pick OK.
5. Now from the Regions tab pick the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Select Flat Areas icon.
6. Select a flat area from the part and then press Enter, right-click or pick OK.
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Flat Area Selected
7. A Machining Region Set is created and the detected hole regions are added to the set in the Machining Regions folder tree in the Machining Objects Browser.
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Holes on Flat Area are Filtered and Selected
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Flat Area Regions (i.e., each Hole) is Listed in a Machining Region Set
8. Now select one of the Hole machining operations to display its operation dialog.
9. In the case of a Hole operation (i.e., Drill, Tap, Bore or Reverse Bore) from the Hole Features tab pick the Select Predefined button to display the selection dialog. In the case of 2 Axis Hole Pocketing or Hole Profiling, pick the Select Predefined button on the Control Geometry tab.
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The Select PreDefined Button
10. Select a Region or a Machining Region Set and then pick OK.
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Select PreDefined Regions Dialog
11. The regions are added to the Selected Holes list on the Hole Features tab and highlighted on the part.
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PreDefined Regions are added to the Hole Features tab
Projecting Selections to Part Geometry
If you have an irregular surface that you want to drill into and still maintain a consistent hole depth in relative to the surface, you can enable the Project to 3D Model option. This is located in the Location of Drill Points group of the Cut Parameters tab of each hole operation dialog. This allows you to locate your drill points on an XY plane. The drill points will be projected to the surfaces and the Drill Depth will be calculated relative to the projected located on the surface. This is illustrated in the example below.
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Project Drill Points to the 3D Model
Machining Partial Holes
You may encounter parts that require you to machine a partial hole. For example when a hole passes through multiple stepped levels of stock material. For selection purposes the partial hole must contain an arc so that the program can calculate the proper center point to drill or to calculate the diameter if 2 Axis Hole Pocketing or Hole Profiling is used. Partial holes can also be machined using a standard 2 Axis Profiling toolpath strategy.
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Machining Partial Holes for 2 Axis Hole Profiling
For more information:
Here is the list of articles in this series:
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 1: Geometry Selections
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Welcome to our 4-Part series on Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM using MecSoft’s CAM plug-ins. The complete 4-part Guide is available to all AMS subscribers as part of your CAMJam Self-Training package. See How to Download your CAMJam Training Materials for information about CAMJam and how to reap the benefits of your AMS subscription!
In part 2 of our series we explore the Hole Cutting Parameters available to each hole operation. You will learn about each hole type’s canned cycle code properties and the Cut Parameters of two 2 Axis Milling toolpath strategies that are used exclusively for cutting holes. These are 2 Axis Hole Pocketing and 2 Axis Hole Profiling. Hole Sorting Rules are also included in this section.
The following 4 blog articles are included in this series:
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 4: Output Control – COMING SOON!
Hole Machining Parameters
Each hole operation dialog has a Cut Parameters tab that contains all of the cycle parameters needed to define the hole. For example the Drill operation dialog includes a Drill Type selection menu that allows you to define the type of drill cycle to define. For drilling, the menu includes Standard Drill, Deep Drill, Break Chip Drill, Countersink Drill as well as four User Defined Drill Cycles. The Canned Cycle Parameters and the Hole Milling parameters are discussed in a separate section below.
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Standard Drill
Deep & Peck Drill
Countersink Drill
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Tap
Bore
Reverse Bore
The tables below list the canned cycle parameters supported by each hole type. You will notice that some parameters enable or disable other parameters. For example, in the CountersinkDrill type, CountersinkDiameter is enabled and Depth is disabled.
For larger holes you can select from one of the 2 Axis Milling toolpath strategies that are specifically designed for cutting circular holes and pockets using mill cutting tools. These include 2 Axis Hole Pocketing, 2 Axis Hole Profiling. It should be noted here that these are not canned holes cycles. They are 2 Axis mill cutting paths that output Linear, Arc and Helix motions. Hole Pocketing combines a helical entry motion with a spiral cut motion at each cut level. Hole Profiling is a helical cut motion combined with entry and exit motion.
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Hole Pocketing Example
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Hole Profiling Example
Hole Milling Cut Parameters
In addition to the Location of Cut Geometry parameters, additional Cut Parameters include a global Tolerance (t), Hole Depth (H), Hole Diameter (D), Cut Direction and Helical Pitch. Hole Pocketing also includes Stepdown (Dz), Stepover (S) and the ability to add a Cleanup Pass at each cut level. Both of these operations allow you to optionally create full 360 degree helical motions and output each helix individually in the posted G-Code. The cut parameters for each operation type are listed below.
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Hole Pocketing Cut Parameters
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Hole Pocketing Cut Parameters
Hole Pocketing/Profiling Cut Parameters
Parameter
Hole Pocketing
Hole Profiling
Tolerance (t)
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Location At Top
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Location At Bottom
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Location Pick Top
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Hole Depth (H)
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Depth from 3D Model
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Hole Diameter (D)
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Use Arc Diameter
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Cut Direction
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Stepdown (Dz)
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Stepover (S)
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Do Cleanup Pass
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Helical Entry
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Linear Entry
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Radial Entry
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Ramp Entry
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Full 360 Degree Helix
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Output each Helix Individually
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Hole Sorting Rules
If you have many holes to machine in one operation, you can take advantage of the Sorting tab on each hole operation dialog. It allows you to perform a Minimum Distance Sort and Directional Sort of the holes. In Minimum Distance Sort you can specify the starting location such as Lower Left, Upper Right, etc. The program will calculate the hole machining sequence based on the distance between holes.
If you have a lot of holes in a close pattern this option will keep the machining time to a minimum. If you have a lot of holes in multiple patterns you can use the Direction Sort option. This allows you to specify a Primary and Secondary Direction as well as the Traversal Pattern (i.e., Zig or ZigZag). The Sort tab is also available all Hole operation dialogs as well as many other Milling operations.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Welcome to our 4-Part series on Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM using MecSoft’s CAM plug-ins. The complete 4-part Guide is available to all AMS subscribers as part of your CAMJam Self-Training package. See How to Download your CAMJam Training Materials for information about CAMJam and how to reap the benefits of your AMS subscription!
In the third installment of our series we explore Automation techniques that will help you get your hole geometry programmed faster. This section includes Feature Detection, Feature Machining, How to set a default AFM Knowledge Base, how to machine from that Knowledge Base and how to add hole features to a new Knowledge Base of your own.
The following 4 blog articles are included in this series:
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 3: Program Automation
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 4: Output Control – COMING SOON!
Hole Machining Automation
You can automate the task of generating a toolpath operation for a selected hole feature. During this process a toolpath operation is automatically selected from an Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) Knowledge Base, calculated and displayed. MecSoft CAM is installed with a predefined AFM Knowledge Base in both INCH and METRIC units. The topics below explain how the process works.
Hole Feature Detection & Machining
If your part file consists of a closed polysurface solid model, you can use hole feature detection and machining techniques to speed up the selection, classification and toolpath generation of your hole features. These commands and techniques are available from the Features tab of the Machining Objects Browser.
Detecting Hole Features
If the 3D model has hole features defined you can still use the selection techniques mentioned in Part 1: Hole Selection Techniques above. Alternatively you can use the feature detection tools on the Features tab of the Machining Objects Browser to detect your hole features.
Note that your part must be a polysurface solid model to use the Features tab options. You can set Diameter Range Filters from here also. Once hole features are identified, you can also manually execute a hole operation from the feature definition. First you need to detect your features.
Here are the basic steps to detect features:
1. Open the 3D polysurface solid model that contains hole features.
2. Select the Features tab from the Machining Objects Browser. If you do not see the Features tab, make sure the Machining Objects Browser is displayed. Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. There is a toggle located to the left of the Program tab. Select it until the Machining Objects Browser displays.
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Locating the Machining Objects Browser Toggle
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Features Tab
3. To set the diameter filter range, pick the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Set Filters for Feature Detection icon to display the dialog.
4. From the Global Filters tab make sure the box for Holes is checked.
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Set Filters for Feature Detection Dialog
5. From the Hole Feature Detection Filters tab check the box to Use diameter filter and enter the minimum and maximum diameters to select. There is also a box to Include Partial Holes if needed. Now pick OK to close the dialog.
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Hole Feature Detection Filters
6. The first two icons on the Features tab will detect features. You must use one of these two icons. The first icon will perform Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Automatic Feature Detection (AFD). If you select it, ALL features in all orthographic orientation (not just holes) will be detected and added to your Features tree. They are also identified on your part geometry.
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Detected Features List
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Detected Features on Part
7. The second icon performs Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Interactive Feature Detection (IFD) and allows you to detect features only from a selected flat area. This would be similar to using the On Flat Areas selection technique mentioned in Part 1: Hole Selection Techniques except that ALL features detect on the flat area will be added to your Features tree, not just holes. The features are also identified on your part geometry.
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Detected Features List
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Detected Features on Part
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Note: If you do not see your features highlighted on the part go to CAM Preferences, select Features and make sure the box Turn on preselection highlighting is checked.
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CAM Preferences Dialog > Features
Hole Feature Types
The types of holes that are supported by AFM are any hole which has a cross-section that is made purely of straight line segments. In addition to this there cannot be any concave sections in the cross-section. The supported hole types are shown below.
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Hole Feature Types Supported
Note all of these holes have straight line cross-sections with no concavities. In addition to this, the segments that make up a hole’s cross-section can be classified as 3 distinct types.
1. Vertical
2. Horizontal
3. Angled
The Angled segment is a segment that makes an angle between 0 and 90 degrees to the vertical. That is 0 < angle < 90. The reason for these three distinctions is that each type of segment will be machined in a similar manner. Thus Vertical segments may be drilled, horizontal segments may be spot-faced and angled segments may be machined with a tool of a similar angle.
Hole Feature Cross-Section Rules
The following rules are applied when a detected hole feature’s cross-section varies from those found in the Default AFM Knowledge Base.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Rules when similar Hole Features are detected
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.ALWAYS perform a Cut Material Simulation after Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) to verify that the resulting toolpaths are what you are expect and desire. This should ALWAYS BE DONE before posting your toolpath!
Rules when a Similarity of Holes Diameters are encountered during AFM
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Hole Types Supported
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Hole Pocketing & Profiling
If the tool is smaller than diameter
Create the operation with the same tool.
If the tool is larger than diameter
Create the operation with the same tool but mark the operation as dirty.
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Countersink
If the tool is smaller than diameter & matches the chamfer angle
Create the program with the same tool.
All other cases
Create the operation with the same tool but mark the operation as dirty.
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Drilling
The tool matches the diameter exactly (within a user specified tolerance).
Create the operation with the same tool.
The tool is larger or smaller than the hole diameter.
Create the operation with the same tool but mark it as dirty.
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Spot Drilling
In all cases
Create the operation with the same tool but mark it as dirty.
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Spot Facing
In all cases
Create the operation with the same tool but mark it as dirty.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Hole/Z Depth Rules when similar Hole Features are detected
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.ALWAYS perform a Cut Material Simulation after Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) to verify that the resulting toolpaths are what you are expect and desire. This should ALWAYS BE DONE before posting your toolpath!
Rules when a Similarity of Hole Z Depths are encountered during AFM
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Hole Section Anatomy
Variation
Conditions & Rules
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Condition: Start Z position is at start of a segment. Z Depth spans an entire section.
Rule: Map start Z position to start of similar segment. Map Z depth to the entire depth of similar segment.
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Condition: Start Z position is at start of a segment. Z Depth spans multiple sections.
Rule: Map start Z position to start of similar segment. Map Z depth to span all similar segments.
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Condition: Start Z position is at start of a segment. Z Depth is smaller than the same segment height.
Rule: Map start Z position to start of similar segment. Map Z depth to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments.
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Condition: End Z position is at end of a segment. Z Depth is smaller than the same segment height.
Rule: Map end Z position to end of similar segment. Map Z depth to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments.
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Condition: Both Start and End Z positions are between the start and end of a segment.
Rule: Map start and end Z positions to values computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments.
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Condition: Start Z position is at start of a segment. End Z position is between another segment.
Rule: Map start Z position to start of similar segment.
Map end Z position to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments where the Z height ends.
Make sure all completely spanned segments between the start and end Z are also completely spanned.
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Condition: Start Z position is between a segment. End Z position is at the end of a segment.
Rule: Map start Z position to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments where the Z height starts.
Map end Z position to end of similar segment.
Make sure all completely spanned segments between the start and end Z are also completely spanned.
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Condition: Start Z position is between a segment. End Z position is also between a segment.
Rule: Map start Z position to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments where the Z height starts.
Map end Z position to a value computed as a ratio of the Z heights of the similar segments where the Z height ends.
Make sure all completely spanned segments between the start and end Z are also completely spanned.
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Condition: Completely dissimilar holes are found.
Rule: The system will ignore the operations and have a status message (or error message) stating that some KB operations were not applied.
Listing Hole Features
Once all of your hole features are detected they can be listed. Here is the procedure to obtain your hole feature list:
1. Open the 3D polysurface solid model file with hole features defined.
3. Once your hole features are listed in the Features tree, select the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. List Features icon from the Features toolbar.
4. All of your features will displayed in the Machining Features Information table. The table will include information on Feature Type, Feature Name, and Feature Parameters. The Parameters column will contain the hole depth and minimum and maximum diameter dimensions. A Print button is provided if you with to print and save your list.
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Machining Features Information Dialog
Machining Hole Features
You can only machine hole features AFTER the features are detected in your 3D solid model. See Detecting Hole Features above for the basic procedure to do this. Once your hole features are detected, you can execute the required hole operation directly from the feature definition.
Here are basic steps to do this:
1. First detect your hole features so that they are listed in the Features tree. The features tree is located in the Machining Objects Browser when the Features tab is selected.
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Detected Features List
2. Then right-click on a hole feature listed in the Features tree and select from the context menu of compatible toolpath operations. Only the operations that can be performed in the selected feature are listed in the menu.
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Right-click Feature Machining Context Menu (from Features List)
3. Similarly, you can right-click on a hole feature that is detected and identified on your part model. By “identified” we mean that feature detection was performed and the hole feature displayed on your part model when you move the cursor over it.
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Right-click Feature Machining Context Menu (from Part)
4. If you do not see the feature highlighted, go to the Features section of the CAM Preferences dialog and make sure the box is checked to Turn on preselection highlighting. Also check the box to Turn on pre-selection information tooltips.
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CAM Preferences > Features
5. When the selected toolpath operation is executed, the hole feature information is automatically populated into the Hole Features tab of the toolpath operation dialog.
6. Complete the remaining tabs in the toolpath operation dialog and then select the Generate button to calculate and display the toolpath.
Set the Default AFM Knowledge Base
Before you can perform any Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) you should first check to make sure the correct AFM knowledge base is set. You can do this from the CAM Preferences dialog.
1. From the Machining Objects Browser select the CAMPreferences icon. It’s located on the top right end of the Machining Browser, next to the Help icon.
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Set CAM System Preferences menu item
2. From the dialog select Features from the left side dialog menu.
3. Under the Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) Knowledge Base section locate the data field. It should show the folder location and file name of the AFM knowledge base.
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CAM Preferences > Features
Example: C:\ProgramData\MecSoft Corporation\RhinoCAM 20xx for Rhino x.0\FeatureBasedMachiningKBs\DefaultAFM_INCH.vkb
This example is pointing to the location of the default AFM knowledge base in inches for RhinoCAM. There is a similar file and location for VisualCAD/CAM, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS and AlibreCAM.
4. If the incorrect folder and/or file name is listed, select the “…” button to the right of the field to display the file browser.
5. Browse to the correct folder, select the DefaultAFM_INCH.vkb file and pick Open. If you work in metric units select the DefaultAFM_MM.vkb file and pick Open.
6. Now pick OK to close the CAMPreferences dialog.
Perform Hole Machining from a Knowledge Base
Here are the basic steps to automate hole machining using the default hole machining knowledge base:
1. First detect your hole features so that they are listed in the Features tree folder. The folder is located in the Machining Objects Browser when the Features tab is selected.
2. Then right-click on a hole feature listed in the Features tree and select Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) from the context menu. Alternately you can select the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Automatic Feature Machining (AFM) icon located on the Features tab toolbar.
3. You can perform the same procedure when you right-click on a detected hole feature directly from the 3D part model.
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Right-click Feature Machining Context Menu (from Part)
If you do not see the feature highlighted on the part, go to the Features section of the CAM Preferences dialog and make sure the box is checked to Turn on preselection highlighting. Also check the box to Turn on pre-selection information tooltips.
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CAM Preferences > Features
4. A Hole Feature MOpSet is added to the active setup in the Machining Job tree of the Machining Browser. If a hole feature match is found in the default hole machining knowledge base the machining operation created is generated automatically.
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5. If the Hole Feature MOpSet created in the Machining Job is flagged, this means that no match could be found in the current default AFM knowledge base.
6. If this occurs, expand the Hole Feature MOpSet folder, right-click on the toolpath operation and pick Edit.
7. Select a tool and check the parameters in each tab of the operation dialog and pick Generate. The flagged should disappear. If it does not, check your parameters and try again.
Add Hole Features to the Default AFM Knowledge Base
Hole features are stored in the default AFM knowledge based on the cross-section dimensions of the hole. If an exact match (all diameters and depths of the hole) is found in the knowledge base it is used. You can add hole feature MOpSets to the default AFM knowledge base.
Here are the basic steps to edit the default AFM knowledge base:
1. First make sure the default AFM knowledge base is set. See: Set the Default AFM Knowledge Base for the procedure to check this.
2. Load the part file that contains the 3D solid model of the hole feature,
3. Detect the hole features in the part. You can use either the Automatic Feature Detection (AFD) command or the Interactive Feature Detection (IFD) command. Both are located on the Features toolbar. See: Detecting Hole Features above for this procedure.
4. From the Features tree select and right-click on the hole feature that you want to add to the knowledge base. You can also right-click on the detected hole feature directly from the 3D part model. If you do not see the feature highlighted on the part, go to the Features section of the CAM Preferences dialog and make sure the box is checked to Turn on preselection highlighting. Also check the box to Turn on pre-selection information tooltips.
5. From the context menu that displays select Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. Create Hole Feature for Machining KB. Alternatively, you can select the icon from the Features toolbar.
6. This will display the Select/Load/Create Operations for Matching Hole Feature dialog. This dialog allows you to assemble a MOpSet of toolpath operations to associate with the selected hole feature. For reference a cross-section of the selected hole feature is displayed along with its dimensions.
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Select/Load/Create Operations for Machining Hole Features Dialog
7. On the left side of the dialog you will see a list of toolpath operations that are compatible with the hole feature you have selected. Your hole feature is listed on the right. Consider how you want to machine the hole feature and then Drag & Drop the toolpath operations from the left to the right. Hint: Select and drag the folder of the toolpath operation past the vertical dividing line and drop it. It will locate itself under your hole feature folder.
8. Once you have all of the toolpath operations dropped into your hole feature folder, you can Drag them up or down in the list.
Note: In this dialog you are creating the MOpSet that will be executed when a matching hole feature is found. So make sure you arrange the toolpath operations in the order that you want then executed. For example if your hole feature is a counter-bore hole you may want the following operations listed in your hole feature folder:
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9. When you are satisfied with your hole feature MOpSet (machining operation set), you can select one of the save buttons located at the bottom of the dialog.
Create Hole Feature MOpSet: Adds the MOpSet directly to your Machining Job. Save as Knowledge Base: Saves the MOpSet to a new knowledge base file. Save in AFM Knowledge Base: Adds the MOpSet to the current default AFM knowledge base defined in the CAM Preferences dialog. Save in Knowledge Base: Select this button to save the Hole Feature and its Desired Operations into an (AFM) Knowledge Base file that is not set as the Default (AFM) defined in the Features section of the CAM Preferences dialog.
Add Hole Features to a New AFM Knowledge Base
You can also create a new AFM Knowledge Base.
1. See: Add Hole Features to the Default AFM Knowledge Base above and complete steps 1-8.
2. Pick Save as Knowledge Base.
3. From the File Save As dialog navigate to the folder where you want to locate your knowledge base file. Enter a name for the knowledge base and pick Save.
Welcome to our 4-Part series on Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM using MecSoft’s CAM plug-ins. The complete 4-part Guide is available to all AMS subscribers as part of your CAMJam Self-Training package. See How to Download your CAMJam Training Materials for information about CAMJam and how to reap the benefits of your AMS subscription!
In this fourth and final installment of our series we explore posting your Hole Machining operations to G-Code. This includes posting Hole Operations to canned cycles and how to optimize the cycle output to reduce files sizes by up to 75%. If your controller does not support canned cycles, we also cover user-defined hole cycles and the ability to post your hole operations as linear motions.
The following 4 blog articles are included in this series:
Hole Machining in 2 & 3 Axis CAM Part 3: Output Control
Hole Machining Output Control
By default, hole machining operations including Drill, Tap, Bore & Reverse Bore are posted out as canned cycles. See Hole Machining Parameters above for more information on which canned cycles are used. If your controller cannot handle canned cycles you can output these hole operations as linear motions. There are also options within each post definition file for controlling how your posted G-Code is formatted for hole operations.
Posting Canned Hole Cycles
By default your hole operations (Drill, Tap, Bore and Reverse Bore) are posted out as canned cycles. See Hole Machining Parameters above for more information on which canned cycles are used. If you are not seeing canned cycle codes in your posted file, go to the CAM Preferences dialog. Select Machining from the left side of the dialog and look for the Drill Cycle Output section. Make sure the box for Always output as linear motions is unchecked.
For more information about posting canned cycles we have a guide called Post-Processor Generator (PPG) Decoded. You can download this guide from our 2019 Printed Media Guide.
Optimizing Hole Cycles Output
If your part has many holes that are being output as canned cycles there is an option to Optimize your Cycle Output. This option is located in your post-processor definition file. It will reduce the amount of code in your G-Code file for canned cycles. For more information about this option you can refer to the Post-Processor Generator (PPG) Decoded guide. You can download this guide from our 2019 Printed Media Guide.
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Fixture Plate requires over 85 pre-drilled holes
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Drill Cycle Output
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Optimized Drill Cycle Output Reduces posted code by 75%
User Defined Hole Cycles
If you need to post a specific line or lines of G-Code for a hole cycle you can use one of the User Defined Cycles. Each hole operation type (Drill, Tap, Bore and Reverse Bore) has several user defined cycles that can be utilized.
Here is the basic procedure for a user defined Drill cycle. The procedure is similar for Tap, Bore and Reverse Bore cycles:
1. Create the toolpath operation for the Drill cycle.
2. From the Drill Type selection menu on the Cut Parameters tab, select User Defined Drill1. There are four to choose from.
3. Complete the remainder of the Drill operation dialog and Generate the toolpath.
4. Edit your post definition by going to the Program tab and select Post.
5. From the Set Post-Processor Options dialog, make sure your desired post is selected and then pick the Edit button (to the right of your post selection) to display the Post-Processor Generator.
6. From the left side, expand the Cycles selection and pick the corresponding User Defined Cycle. In this example we used User Defined Drill1 so select User Defined Drill Cycle 1 from the list of Cycles.
7. Use the dialog to enter information about your cycle including the Cycle G-Code, Cycle Code and other options specific to the cycle type.
8. To add the User Defined Cycle to your existing post definition pick Save. Optionally you can pick Save As and save the post definition file to a different file name.
9. Post your hole operation and review your G-Code, adjust as needed.
Post Hole Operations as Linear Motions
If your CNC controller does not support canned cycles you can post your hole operations as linear motions. Go to the CAM Preferences dialog. Select Machining from the left side of the dialog and look for the Drill Cycle Output section. Check the box to Always output as linear motions.
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CAM Preferences > Drill Cycle Output (as Linear Motions)
For more information:
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