Using Process Parameter Sets with Milling

Supported Applications: Milling
Time Required: 10 - 15 minutes

Finished Milling Process Parameter Set Tutorial SmartCAM installs a default KBM Library database that contains a small set of example parameter sets. Using these defaults, you will quickly step through the process of loading, saving, and editing process parameter sets.

Required File Process Parameters Milling.pm5

Concepts Explored

Step One: Load the Existing Process Model

This exercise begins with an existing process model containing roughing and profile finishing process containers. You will modify these existing process containers and regenerate them using the shipped example parameter sets.

From the SmartCAM menu, choose File - Open.

In the Open dialog, locate and select Process Parameters Milling.pm5.

Step Two: Modify the Pocket Rough Process Container

You will start by modifying the existing POCKET_ROUGH process container. Recall a sample Parameter set and regenerate the toolpath.

  1. Right-click on the POCKET_ROUGH container element, element number 5, and select Container > Recall from the pop-up menu.

    The Rough - Pocket control panel is opened. The original settings used to create the sample toolpath are displayed.

  2. Load one of the sample Process Parameter sets. Use Process - KBM Library - Load Process Parameters or click on the ellipses button (...), on the Pocket control panel, and pick Load Process Parameters from the pop-up menu.

    This opens the Load Process Parameters dialog. The Process Category is set to Rough and the Process Type is set to Pocket. The Category and Type are set to these values because the active control panel is the Rough - Pocket control panel.

    The shipped database contains a number of sample parameter sets for the Pocket process. Click on the parameter set names, in the Parameter Sets list. This will update the Description, so that you can see what notes are stored with each one.

    The process model used the Spiral path type in the original model. You will change this to use the Part Offset path type. Additionally, you will enable Smoothing - to eliminate sharp corners. So, click on the Example Parameter Set 02 entry in the Parameter Sets list. The Description is updated and displays, Smooth Part Offset Pocketing.

    Click on Accept to use this parameter set. Notice the Path Type changes to Part Offset.

  3. On the control panel, click on the Regen button to regenerate the toolpath. The toolpath is updated to use the Part Offset path type with smoothing enabled. Click Accept to keep the updated toolpath.

Step Three: Update the Finish Profile

Use the following instructions to quickly update the Finish Profile.

  1. Modify element 6, the FINISH_PROFILE.
  2. Open the Load Process Parameters window. The Process Category will default to Rough and the Process Type will default to Profile.
  3. Select Example Parameter Set 01, the Description is Unidirectional Profile Roughing with Leads. Click on Accept to load this parameter set.
  4. The Profile Input will change to Partial - because that was the setting when this parameter set was saved. Change Profile Input to Whole.
  5. Click on Regen to regenerate the toolpath with the new settings.

  6. Click on Accept to keep the regenerated toolpath.

Step Four: Create a New Parameter Set

Create a new Rough - Pocket parameter set.

  1. Modify element 5 (POCKET_ROUGH) and select Container > Recall. The Pocket control panel is displayed, using the Part Offset with Smoothing settings from the earlier step.
  2. Modify the Width of Cut field and change it from 0.25 to 0.15. You will simply create a new parameter setting with a tighter step over.
  3. Use the control panel's ellipses button (...) or the Process - KBM Library - Process Parameters menu and select Save Process Parameters. This opens the Save Process Parameters window.
  4. Make sure the <new> Parameter Set is selected. This creates a new parameter set. If you click on an existing set, you are not making a new set, you are modifying the existing set.
  5. Enter the Parameter Set Name and Description; use the following example graphic for what to enter.

  6. Click on Accept to create the new parameter set.

Step Five: Use the New Parameter Set

To show that your newly created parameter set works, you will use it.

  1. On the Pocket control panel, click on the Cancel button. This closes the panel without first regenerating your toolpath with the Width of Cut change.
  2. The Modify panel is displayed, set the Element to Modify to 5. Then select Recall and Accept.
  3. The Pocket panel is displayed. Notice the Width of Cut is back to the original 0.25 value.
  4. Open the Load Process Parameters window. Scroll down to find the new Tutorial Parameter Set 001 entry and click on it. The Description is updated to display the text you typed in. Use Accept to load these settings.

    Notice the Width of Cut changes to 0.15.

  5. Use Regen to regenerate the toolpath.

  6. Click Accept to keep the regenerated toolpath.

Step Six: Rename and Delete Parameter Sets

You will rename the Parameter Set that you created and then delete it.

  1. Open Process - KBM Library - Process Parameters - Manage Process Parameters. This displays the Manage Process Parameter Sets window. From where you can rename or remove stored parameter sets.
  2. Set the Category to Rough and the Type to Pocket. Then scroll down the Parameter Sets list and click on Tutorial Parameter Set 001.

  3. To rename the parameter set, just type in a new name in the Parameter Set Name input field. For this tutorial change the name to To Be Deleted 001. After replacing the name, click on the Apply button.

    The Parameter Set name is updated to reflect the new name.

  4. To remove a stored Parameter Set, click on the set name in the Parameter Sets list. So, make sure the To Be Deleted 001 parameter set is highlighted. Then click on the Delete button.

    Click Yes when prompted whether you want to delete this parameter set.

    The parameter set is removed and the Parameter Sets list updated.

  5. Click on Close to exit the dialog window.

Done

This exercise is complete.