Manufacturing parameters enable you to control how an NC sequence is generated. It is important to understand the different
ways in which you can configure manufacturing parameters.
Manufacturing Parameters Theory
• Control NC sequences
• Examples:
– CUT_FEED = 100
– SPINDLE_SPEED = 500
– STEP_DEPTH = 2.5
– SCAN_TYPE = TYPE_1
Figure 1 – Feeds and Speeds Category
Manufacturing Parameters Theory
Parameter Types
• Six logical categories:
– Feeds and Speeds
– Cut Depth and Allowances
– Cutting Motions
– Entry/Exit Motions
– Machine Settings
– General
• Required Parameters
– Must be configured
• Optional Parameters Parameter List Variation
• Based on type of NC sequence
• You create NC sequences by selecting or creating geometry to machine. You then determine how to generate the toolpath by modifying
manufacturing parameters.
• There are many different parameters that you can configure, including:
– CUT_FEED – Controls the feed rate of NC sequences during cutting motions.
– SPINDLE_SPEED – Controls spindle speed in NC sequences.
– STEP_DEPTH – Controls the incremental depth of each pass when cutting.
– SCAN_TYPE – Controls the method of scanning the machined area.
Parameter Types
• Categories – Parameters are grouped into six logical categories, enabling you to quickly locate the relevant parameters to configure. The categories are:
– Feeds and Speeds – Parameters such as CUT_FEED and RETRACT_FEED.
– Cut Depth and Allowances – Cut parameters, such as STEP_DEPTH, and stock allowance parameters.
– Cutting Motions – Parameters that specify the type of the cut, such as SCAN_TYPE.
– Entry/Exit Motions – Parameters that specify the entry and exit path for the tool, such as plunge angle, lead-in, approach, and exit path.
– Machine Settings – Machine-related parameters, such as spindle speed and coolant options.
– General – Machine and NC data file names.
• Required Parameters – These are parameters that you must set to create an NC sequence.
– Examples include STEP_DEPTH, CUT_FEED, and SPINDLE_SPEED.
– These parameters are highlighted in a light yellow color in the Edit Parameters dialog box until they have been configured. This enables
you to easily identify the parameters required to create an NC sequence.
• Optional Parameters – Some parameters are optional and you can set them if required. They provide additional control of the toolpath.
– One example is PLUNGE_FEED, which you can use instead of defaulting to the CUT_FEED.
Parameter List Variation
• The parameters available for configuration can vary depending on the type of NC sequence that you are creating.
– Some parameters such as feed rate and spindle speed are present in all NC sequence types.
– Some parameters are specific to certain types of sequences. When you create NC sequences, only the relevant parameters are available
for configuration.