The Application.ini Files

The application.ini files contain settings that affect the individual SmartCAM application that you are running. If you have multiple SmartCAM products installed, changes made to the application INI do not affect any other SmartCAM applications.

Utility - Options

In general, all the settings that you might want to change have entries in Utility - Options or other Utility menu dialogs. Descriptions for the options, include the Utility - Option property string (the text you see in the Options window) along with the actual description.

The .ini files contain a number of options and groups of settings. This topic groups related properties and INI sections together.

General .ini Settings

Section [Defaults]
Description The Defaults section includes a variety of basic properties.
Property AskUnits
Description Controls whether you are prompted, when using File - New to start a new process model, to set the units. When the value is 0, you are not prompted and the new process model uses the default units. When the keyword is set to 1, you are prompted for the units.
Property AutosaveTimeout
Options Description Minimum Time (In Minutes) Before Auto-Save
Description Turns on the SmartCAM auto-save feature. If the value is 0, this means auto-save is off. When a value is entered, the value is the number of minutes before SmartCAM attempts to do an auto-save. When the auto-save time interval is reached, SmartCAM will look for the first opportunity to safely save the model. This is exactly the same behavior as using File - Save. The maximum time allowed is 1440 minutes or 24 hours.
Property InchPMTemplate
MetricPMTemplate
Options Description Inch/Metric Process Model Template File
Description Establish a start-up template Process Model file for Inch or Metric sessions. The Template is a PM5/JOF combination that is read when the application starts or when File - New is used to start a new process model. The template can be used to establish commonly used layers and layer settings, groups, operations, and geometry. Anything added to the template process model is added to all new models.

If a template file is not selected, SmartCAM starts with a new empty process model, as before.

The template should be in the correct units. If you point to an Inch PM5 as your metric template, when you start your application or press File - New, your units will be changed to Inch (because that is what the template is using). To create a template, simply add your default settings to a regular process model and save it. Then modify this property to point the file you saved. This file becomes the template.
Property SheetColor
Options Description Sheet Color
Description For Advanced Fabrication only. This INI setting controls the color of the "Sheet" the default stock created when using Verification in Material Removal mode. When a stock is not specifically defined, SmartCAM uses the Sheet information from the Job Info - Material tab to define the rectangular stock and this INI setting to control the color.

The three values for red, green, and blue establish the color to use. Each of the three values can be a number between 0 and 255. If all three values are zero (i.e., SheetColor=0 0 0), the Sheet color is black. If all three values are 255, the color is white. Other colors are created by setting each individual color to a different value.
Property SidebarWidth
Options Description Sidebar Width
Description Width of docked sidebar windows; such as the List View and vertically orientated Insert panel. Default is 25, which is approximately 25 character widths.
Property StartupPanel
Options Description Start-up Control Panel SWEL Command
Description The active panel when starting SmartCAM is controlled with this setting. This setting contains the name of the SmartCAM panel to use as the default panel on start-up. To choose a panel, review the SWEL_DOC.HTM file, in your SmartCAM SHARED directory. This contains a full list of the SmartCAM SWEL Commands (SmartCAM Workplane Environment Language). Look in the Control Panel section.

You can only use control panels for this. Additionally, these should be panels that can be accessed with a new file, for example roughing panels usually require an active Step which you will not have on start-up. So they will not be available.

SmartCAMcnc recommends using a Geometry creation panel, such a GeomLine.
Property UnitsSystem
Description Sets the default application units. When set to 0 the units are Inch. When set to 1 the units are metric.
Property URSEN
Options Description Enable Undo/Redo System
Description Allows SmartCAM Undo/Redo system to be disabled. There are times when it may be helpful to disable the UNDO system to allow more memory to be used for the process model. This option allows the UNDO system to be temporarily disabled. It will only be disabled during the current SmartCAM session, if you exit and restart SmartCAM UNDO will also be restarted.
Property ViewOrientationInActivePlane
Description Stores the current state of the View Orientation > In Active Plane toggle. Set to 0 to turn this option off or to 1 to enable this option.
Property ViewOrientationRedrawSize
Description Controls the current state for the View Orientation > View Size > Base|Current|Full option. Set this value to 0 to use the Current zoom state, 1 for View Full, and 2 for View Base.
Section [Group]
Description Includes properties related to the Group behavior.
Property IncludeSplitSurfaces
Description Tracks the state of the split surfaces selection option, when using the Add, Seek Adjacent, and Tangent Surfaces surface selection functionality.
Section [HelpFiles]
Description This section specifies the location of the files for the SmartCAM online help system. This information is determined during installation, do not edit this section unless requested by SmartCAMcnc Technical Support.
Section [Hotkeys]
Description This section assigned hotkeys (shortcut keys) to SmartCAM functions. For information on assigning hotkeys, see "Customizing Hotkeys."
Section [IconBar]
Description This section contains INI settings related to your application's toolbars. These settings are automatically updated whenever you use the Toolbars submenu to reconfigure a toolbar.

Refer to your online Help or "Changing the SmartCAM Display" for information on configuring your toolbars.

Useful information on general SmartCAM customization can be found in the Automation/Customization section; especially in the Customizing SmartCAM topic.
Property Defaults
Description Path specifies the location of the iconbar.def.
Property SetupConfigFile
Options Description Toolbar Set File
Description Path and filename for the icon toolbar layout and configuration file, introduced in SmartCAM 2014. Used to track which toolbar button files you have imported, the ones you are displaying, their location and orientation, button size, text options, and visibility status. You should not normally need to modify this property directly.
Section [InsertBar]
Description This section specifies the Insert Property bar field values, bar visibility, and position. All of these entries can be configured directly on the user interface.
Property BarPosition
Description Stores the current Insert Bar location. Can be "TOP", "BOTTOM", or "FLOAT".
Property BarVisible
Description Tracks whether the Insert Properties Bar is visible (1) or not (0).
Property FloatingPosRelative
Options Description Relative Insert Bar Positioning
Description Toggles whether the floating Insert Bar's location is based on global Windows coordinates or in relationship to the Graphics View. When set to 1 (Yes), the floating insert bar is related to the graphics view window. So, as you move SmartCAM around on your screen, the insert bar will move along with the application. If disabled, set to 0 (No), the coordinates are based on the main desktop window and moving SmartCAM will not affect the floating insert bar's location.
Property RecentClear
Description Displays and specifies the last five Clearance values entered.
Property RecentLevel
Description Displays and specifies the last five Level values entered.
Property RecentProfTop
Description Displays and specifies the last five Profile Top values entered.
Property WithStepDefault
Options Description Default Element Insert Mode
Description The value of 1 (With Step) sets the default to CAM mode (With Step), value of 0 sets the default Insert Bar mode to CAD (On Layer).
Section [ListView]
Description This INI section contains properties that adjust the List View window.
Property Float
Description Tracks whether the List View is Docked (0), Floating (1), or Hidden (-1).
Property ViewType
Description Tracks which List, the List View is currently displaying.
Property FloatingPosRelative
Options Description Relative Floating List View Positioning
Description Tracks whether the floating List View position is relative to the application's graphic view or the Windows desktop; whether when you move the application window the floating List View moves with it or stays in the same location. When "Relative Floating" is enabled, the float window will move along with the SmartCAM application window. When this is disabled, the floating window will not change locations as you move the SmartCAM application window. Relative Floating is enabled when the value is 1. Set the value to 0 to turn off relative floating.
Section
Description This INI section contains the properties for maintaining the File and Macro Most Recently Used (MRU) file lists. The list of eight most recently opened Process Model/CAD files under the File menu, and the eight most recently run macros under the Macro menu.

The File menu uses the properties DfltFile# and the Macro menu uses DfltMclFile#. The # is replaced by the numbers 1 to 8; one each for the eight MRU slots.
Section [Paths]
Description These properties provide the paths for various files related to the operation of SmartCAM.
Property arrowfnt
Description Last used path and filename for arrow font file. This is the font file containing the arrow markers used for annotation.
Property blank
Description Identifies the file that SmartCAM uses to manage menu options. Path and filename established during installation, do not edit this line unless instructed to.
Property cnc
Description Last path used for generated NC code output.
Property CodeExtension
Options Description Default NC Code File Extension
Description Sets the default file extension for generated NC code files; created from SmartCAM. Enter the default extension you want to use for new NC code files. You do not need to add the "." separator character.
Property def
Description Last used path and filename for Process Model.
Property export
Description Provides the default path for exported files. This setting is updated each time you import a file.
Property fnt
Description Last used path and filename for text font file. This is for SmartCAM stroke fonts, not Windows OpenType fonts.
Property import
Description Provides the default path to search for files available for import. This setting is updated each time you import a file.
Property jof
Description Path of last used .JOF file.
Property mcl
Description Path of last MCL macro run.
Property Shared
Description Shows the directory where support files that are shared between SmartCAM applications are installed. The application and shared paths are established during installation. Do not edit this line, unless instructed to.
Section [ShowCode]
Description This section contains settings related to Verification.
Property MSDelay
Options Description Non-Animation millisecond delay 1-8
Description A millisecond delay which adjusts overall speed for non-Animate modes. The delay can be specified for speed settings 1 through 8. Speed 0 is always single step and Speed 9 is always as fast as possible.

The larger the value the slower the simulation runs. The default values are written to the INI file when they are absent. The default values are as follows:

MSDelay1 = 600
MSDelay2 = 400
MSDelay3 = 256
MSDelay4 = 128
MSDelay5 = 64
MSDelay6 = 32
MSDelay7 = 16
MSDelay8 = 8
Property OverallMSDelayMultiplier
Options Description Overall Non-Animation Delay Multiplier
Description Additional speed adjustment for Verification's non-Animate modes. The value entered here is applied equally to all non-animation speeds. The default value is 1, which equates to no additional speed adjustment. To slow down the non-animate modes, enter a value larger than 1; the larger the value the slower the simulation. To speed up the simulation, enter a non-zero value less than 1. The smaller the value, the faster the simulation (up to the maximum speed that your graphics support can handle).

Use the MSDelay# values to adjust the individual speeds to your liking; so that the speed changes between the values 1 to 8 change the simulation speed in increments that you prefer. Then, if you want to adjust all the speeds equally - overall or just temporarily - use the Non-Animation Delay Multiplier value to speed up or slow down the simulation.
Property OverallSpeedMultiplier
Options Description Overall Animation Speed Multiplier
Description An additional speed adjustment for Animate mode. The value entered here is applied equally to all Verification speeds. The default value is 1, which equates to no additional speed adjustment. To slow down the Animate mode of Verification, enter a non-zero value less than 1; the smaller the value the slower the animation. To speed up the Animation, enter a value larger than 1, the larger the value the faster the animation (up to the maximum speed that your graphics support can handle).

Use the SpeedFactor# values to adjust the individual speeds to your liking; so that the speed changes between the values 1 to 8 change the animation speed in the increments that you prefer. Then, if you want to adjust all the speeds equally - overall or just temporarily - use the Animation Speed Multiplier value to speed up or slow down the animation.
Property RunDiagnostics
Options Descriptions Extended Error Diagnostics
Description When enabled, additional diagnostic checks are made while the simulation is running. It examines and reports issues related to different common and rare conditions; for example, when the Peck Increment is not correctly set.

Values: 0 = Off (default), 1 = On
Property SpeedFactor
Options Description Animation speed factor 1-8
Description A scale factor which adjusts overall speed for Animate mode. The factors can be specified for speed settings 1 through 8. Speed 0 is always single step and Speed 9 is always as fast as possible. The larger the value the faster the simulation runs.

The default values are written to the INI file when they are absent. The default values are as follows:

SpeedFactor1 = 0.002
SpeedFactor2 = 0.004
SpeedFactor3 = 0.008
SpeedFactor4 = 0.016
SpeedFactor5 = 0.032
SpeedFactor6 = 0.064
SpeedFactor7 = 0.128
SpeedFactor8 = 0.256
Section [Snap]
Description These settings track the current state of the Snap points. Use the icons in the application's read-out line to set the snap points.

Data Translation and File Format .ini Settings

Section [FileFormat]
Description This section contains settings for specific default file formats.
Property ACISFileFormat
Options Description SmartCAM Version for ACIS Data
Description Controls the ACIS format, used in SmartCAM Process Model files, to offer some level of backwards compatibility between SmartCAM Process Model releases.

For example: to write ACIS data, in Process Model files, compatible with SmartCAM v2019, use the INI setting: ACISFileFormat=2019.0.
Property AcisSatSabExportVersion
Options Description ACIS Version for SAT Export
Description Sets the version of ACIS to use when exporting ACIS SAT or SAB files. This INI property is set to the ACIS version to use, not the SmartCAM version. To export using ACIS R2018, set this property to:

AcisSatSabExportVersion=2018.0
Section [TranslationSetup]
Description This section contains settings related to Data Import/Export.
Property DestinationPlane
Options Description CAD Import Destination Plane
Description Sets the default workplane used by File - Merge, when importing CAD data (does not apply to SmartCAM process model files). The # is an index into the list of Workplanes for your application. The numbers are:
0 = XY_PLANE
1 = YZ_PLANE
2 = XZ_PLANE
3 = ZX_PLANE (turning only)
4 = SUB_XY (Advanced Turning only)
5 = SUB_YZ (Advanced Turning only)
6 = SUB_XZ (Advanced Turning only)
7 = SUB_ZX (Advanced Turning only)

When this INI setting is not configured, SmartCAM uses the default values: XY_PLANE for all non-Turning applications and ZX_PLANE for turning applications.
Property LayerMap
Options Description CAD Layer Mapping to SmartCAM Layer
Description This is an optional setting, used to allow CAD importing (using File - Open or Merge) to do CAD layer mapping and filtering. Using this support it is possible to map specific CAD model layers to specific SmartCAM layer numbers. It can filter out (or ignore) specific CAD layers when importing the CAD model. Finally, it can set the SmartCAM layer's description to a supplied string.

This property provides a path and filename, which points to a configuration file. The configuration file, which uses the Windows INI format, specifies which CAD layers to map to which SmartCAM layers, and which CAD layers to filter out (ignore). It also specifies what optional description to add to a SmartCAM layer.

Layer Mapping cannot be used in combination with mapping by CAD color.

The layer mapping configuration format is as follows:

[LayerMap] 
CAD_Layer=SmartCAM_Layer

[LayerNames]
SmartCAM_Layer=Description

Where CAD_Layer is the name of the layer in the CAD model and SmartCAM_Layer is the valid SmartCAM layer number. For example:

[LayerMap] 
1=100
POCKET=1
4AB=2

In the above example, when importing the CAD model, any geometry on the CAD Layer 1 is assigned to SmartCAM layer 100. CAD geometry on a layer named POCKET is mapped to SmartCAM layer 1. Finally, geometry on CAD layer 4AB is stored on SmartCAM layer 2.

The configuration file is case-sensitive. So, CAD layers POCKET and pocket are not considered the same layer. Make sure the capitalization in the configuration file matches that used in the CAD model.

Any CAD geometry in the file that is not specifically called out, in the mapping configuration file, is imported using SmartCAM's default behavior.

There are two special symbols supported in the configuration file. The first is a wildcard character. The asterisk (*) character means any CAD layer not specifically listed in the configuration file. 

[LayerMap] 
A=1
B=2
*=99

In this case, CAD geometry on a layer named A is imported into SmartCAM layer 1. CAD layer B is imported to SmartCAM layer 2. All other geometry in the CAD model is imported into SmartCAM layer 99.

The following configuration tells SmartCAM to import ALL CAD model geometry to layer 1.

[LayerMap] 
*=1

The second symbol is <ignore>, which is used for layer filtering. Any layer that is mapped to <ignore> is ignored or filtered out during import. Example:

[LayerMap] 
4AB=1
4BB=<ignore>

In this example, CAD layer 4AB is imported to SmartCAM layer 1. Any geometry on CAD layer 4BB is ignored and not imported.

This feature can be used to filter out all non-essential geometry, when importing CAD models. Example:

[LayerMap] 
1=1
2=2
*=<ignore>

CAD geometry on layer 1 is imported to SmartCAM layer 1. Geometry on CAD layer 2 is imported to SmartCAM layer 2. All other geometry is ignored and not imported.

You can map many different CAD layers to a single SmartCAM layer. However, you cannot map the same CAD layer to multiple SmartCAM layers. Example: 

[LayerMap] 
A1=1
A2=1
B1=2
B1=3

This configuration file will map CAD geometry on layers A1 and A2 to SmartCAM layer 1. It will also map CAD layer B1 to SmartCAM layer 2. It will not also map B1 to SmartCAM layer 3. If you accidentally have duplicate entries for CAD layers, the first one found will be used.

Layer Descriptions

When importing CAD geometry, if the CAD layer name does not exactly map to a SmartCAM layer number, by default SmartCAM will use the first empty layer number as the destination layer for the imported geometry. It will then add the CAD layer name as the SmartCAM layer's description.

So, if the CAD model has geometry on layer A4-1 when imported the geometry gets placed on SmartCAM layer number 5 (as an example). The description for layer 5 will be updated to read A4-1. This behavior also applies to layers mapped using the configuration file. Example: 

[LayerMap] 
1=1
A4-1=2
B4-1=2

When this mapping is used, CAD layer 1 is imported into SmartCAM layer 1. Since layer 1 is a valid SmartCAM layer number, the layer's description is not updated. Geometry on CAD layer A4-1 is mapped to SmartCAM layer 2. Since this is a layer name change, the description for SmartCAM layer 2 is updated to read "A4-1." CAD layer B4-1 is also mapped to SmartCAM layer 2. However, there can only be one description for a SmartCAM layer and the description was already updated by A4-1 so B4-1 is not added to the description.

Using the [LayerNames] section of the layer mapping configuration file, you can address the above situation (and others) by forcing the layer's description. Example: 

[LayerMap]
A4-1=2
B4-1=2

[LayerNames]
2=A4-1 and B4-1

This maps CAD layers A4-1 and B4-1 to SmartCAM layer 2. This then forcibly updates the description for layer 2 to "A4-1 and B4-1."

The [LayerNames] mapping only applies to layers mapped by the configuration file. For example, if you had a CAD model with two lines; one on layer 1 and one on layer 2 and used the following configuration file:

[LayerMap]
2=2

[LayerNames]
1=First
2=Second

When importing the CAD model, geometry on layer 1 will be imported to SmartCAM layer 1, using default behavior. CAD layer 2 will be imported to SmartCAM layer 2 (because of the [LayerMap] entry and because it is also default behavior). The description for SmartCAM layer 2 will be forced to be "Second" because of the [LayerNames] entry. However, the description for SmartCAM layer 1 will be blank. Even though there is an entry for Layer 1 in the [LayerNames] section, there is no entry for it in the [LayerMap] section, so the description is not updated.

The order of precedence for layer description updating is as follows:

  • If a [LayerNames] entry exists for the destination layer, the description is updated with the description from the matching [LayerNames] property. Even if the layer already has a description.
  • If a layer has a description, but there is no entry in [LayerNames], the existing layer description will be preserved.
  • If a layer does not have a description, the description may be updated:
    • If mapped CAD layer name is an exact match with destination SmartCAM layer; example: 1=1, then no description update is made.
    • If mapped CAD layer name is not an exact match with destination SmartCAM layer; example: ONE=1, then the SmartCAM layer's description is updated with the CAD layer name. If more than one CAD layer is mapped to a single SmartCAM layer, the description is updated to the CAD layer name of the first mapped layer only.
Property TxdConfig
Description Points to an ASCII text configuration file, that can be used to control certain aspects of the data translator's behavior. The default configuration file, installed with SmartCAM, is located in the \Program Files\SmartCAM\SmartCAMv##\SYSTEM\PDETXD folder.

The configuration file may contain the following properties.

  • process_dxf_model=0|1
    Option Preference: Import DXF/DWG Model Space
    Controls whether the Model Space of the DXF/DWG file is imported. Values are 0 (do not import) or 1 (import). The default value is 1 (import).
  • process_dxf_paper=0|1
    Options Preference: Import DXF/DWG Paper Space
    Controls whether the Paper Space of the DXF/DWG file is imported. Values are 0 (do not import) or 1 (import). The default value is 0 (do not import).
  • map_blanked=0|1
    Options Preference: Import Blank Entities
    Controls whether to read entities marked as blank. Will import blanked entities when value is set to 1, does not read them when set to 0 (default).
  • use_insert_layer=0|1
    Options Preference: Use DXF/DWG Insert Layer for Insert Items
    Controls whether Block Inserts are placed on the layer of the original geometry or whether the geometry is imported into the layer that the Insert instance is using. Values are 0, which means to use the layer of the original block. Or 1, which means to import the Insert on the layer that the INSERT is associated with - not the layer that the original referenced Block is using. The default value is 0.
  • tracing_level=0|1|2
    Options Preference: Log File Tracing Level
    Controls the amount of information written into the translation log file. Lowest level of tracing is zero (0), with two (2) being the highest level of tracing. Leave this set to Off, unless instructed by SmartCAMcnc Technical Support.
  • interop_option_file
    Options Preference: Inventor/SOLIDWORKS Import Option File
    Specifies the path and filename for the InterOp (used by the Inventor and SOLIDWORKS Connections) configuration file. This option file is not regularly used. The option file is an ASCII text file that can contain InterOp translation options. Generally, only use this feature when instructed by SmartCAMcnc Technical Support. Technical Support will inform you of the options you need to set in the configuration file.
Property UseColor
Options Description Map CAD Color to SmartCAM Layer
Description This is an optional setting, normally only added when needed. When this INI setting is set to 1 (Yes) SmartCAM will translate the CAD model's color number to a layer number. This enables a model that was organized by color, rather than by layer, to be organized by layer in SmartCAM. The color numbers are numeric expressions of RGB values. Unique color values are assigned unique layer numbers in SmartCAM. The actual colors in the CAD model are not preserved. When in this mode, only the color values matter, any layer assignments are ignored.

If this INI setting is set to 0 (No) or does not exist, SmartCAM will use the CAD model's layer assignments when importing data. It will ignore any unique color assignments or color-based data organization.

The color number to layer number support does not work along with Layer Mapping and Filtering. You can use one or the other.

JOS and Planner .ini Settings

Section [Inch]
Description JOS default settings, when working with inch units.
Property AutoDescription
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, that describes how Step and Tool descriptions are displayed in the Job Operation Planner. This file is written in the same format as the report generator.
Property AutoID
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, which contains default configuration information for creating a Tool or Step. Path and file established during installation, do not modify.
Property ctg
Description Stores path where your Custom Tool Graphics (CTG) files reside. For information on custom tool graphics, refer to your application's Help system. Also, see Creating Custom Tool Graphics (CTG) Files. and the CTG section of Customizing SmartCAM.

Property is updated, when you change your CTG file in the applications.
Property JOSDefaults
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, which contains the default values for creating a Tool or Step. Path and file established during installation, do not modify.
Property smf
Description Stores path to your Inch machine files (SMF and CGT). Path is updated when a new path is selected.
Property StepListFormatFile
Options Description Step List Format File
Description Path and filename of the Inch format file which controls the display of the Process Step List.
Property StepListFormatFile
Options Description Tool List Format File
Description Path and filename of the Inch format file which controls the display of the Tool List.
Section [InchMaterialLibrary]
Description Tracks location and name of files which contain information about Materials.
Property ListFile
Description Contains the path and filename of the Part Material List file, which contains information to calculate process parameters based on the selected part material.
Property TemplateFile
Options Description Inch Material Template File
Description Specifies the Material file template to use when defining a new Material; from the application's Job Information Material tab.
Section [Job]
Description These settings control the Job Operations Planner and Job Library storage options.
Property InchDflts
MetricDflts
Description Path and filename is inch and metric default settings files. Paths and filenames established during install, no reason to modify.
Property LibAlwaysRenumber
Description Tracks whether new Steps or Tools will always be renumbered when storing in the Library, or whether it will attempt to keep the existing number.

If the existing number is in use, it will renumber using 1 plus the current highest ID value in the library, regardless of this setting. The default is 1 (On), set to 0 to turn Off.
Property LibStoreDuplicateSteps
Description Controls whether SmartCAM will check and see if the current Step is a duplicate. By default, this option is set to 0 (Off); in this case, duplicate Steps will not be stored. If set to 1 (On), the duplicate Step will be stored.
Property LibStoreDuplicateTools
Description Controls whether SmartCAM will check and see if the current tool is a duplicate. By default, this option is set to 0 (Off); in this case, duplicate tools will not be stored. If set to 1 (On), the duplicate tool will be stored.
Property StepIncr
Options Description Step Numbering Increment
Description Defines the increment between step numbers in the job operations setup. To change the step increment, open the Job Operation Planner and select Renumber to open the Renumber Process Step dialog box. Enter the desired increment in the Incrementing by Input field, and accept your changes.
Property ToolIncr
Options Description Tool Numbering Increment
Description Defines the default increment value for new Tools. This value is added to the last highest Tool number to create the new Tool number.
Section [Metric]
Description JOS default settings, when working with metric units.
Property AutoDescription
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, that describes how Step and Tool descriptions are displayed in the Job Operation Planner. This file is written in the same format as the report generator.
Property AutoID
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, which contains default configuration information for creating a Tool or Step. Path and file established during installation, do not modify.
Property ctg
Description Stores path where your Custom Tool Graphics (CTG) files reside. For information on custom tool graphics, refer to your application's Help system. Also, see Creating Custom Tool Graphics (CTG) Files. and the CTG section of Customizing SmartCAM.

Property is updated, when you change your CTG file in the applications.
Property JOSDefaults
Description Specifies the path and filename, of the file, which contains the default values for creating a Tool or Step. Path and file established during installation, do not modify.
Property smf
Description Stores path to your Metric machine files (SMF and CGT). Path is updated when a new path is selected.
Property StepListFormatFile
Options Description Step List Format File
Description Path and filename of the Metric format file which controls the display of the Process Step List.
Property StepListFormatFile
Options Description Tool List Format File
Description Path and filename of the Metric format file which controls the display of the Tool List.
Section [MetricMaterialLibrary]
Description Tracks location and name of files which contain information about Materials.
Property ListFile
Description Contains the path and filename of the Part Material List file, which contains information to calculate process parameters based on the selected part material.
Property TemplateFile
Options Description Metric Material Template File
Description Specifies the Material file template to use when defining a new Material; from the application's Job Information Material tab.
Section [Planner]
Description Primarily stores information related to the size and location of the Planner window.
Property ColorStatus
Description Tracks the state of the Job Operation Planner's Color check box. Set to 1 to enable the Color check box, 0 to disable.

Planner Cycle List Overrides .ini Settings

Section [AbrasiveType]
Description Specifies the path and file name of the user list file which contains the available abrasive types for a waterjet cutter.
Property ListFile
Description The data in this file is used by the Job Operation Planner to display the list of available abrasive types. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FABR_TYP.LST
Section [BoringCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains the available boring operation data for milling and turning.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file used to populate the Cycle list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used for the Boring Operation Type, in the Milling and Turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [CenterDrillingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains the available center drilling operation data for milling and turning.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file used to populate the Cycle list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used for the Center Drilling Operation Type, in the Milling and Turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [CoolantList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Coolant list, for milling and turning.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file used to populate the Coolant list for Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in the Milling and Turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCOOLANT.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCOOLANT.LST
Section [CornerGasList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Corner Gas list, for fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file used to populate the Corner Gas list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FCORNER_GAS.LST
Section [CornerMethod]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information on negotiating an arc or sharp corner, for fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file that describes the methods available for negotiating an arc or a sharp corner. The data in this file is used by the Job Operation Planner to display the list of available arc and corner negotiation methods. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FCNR_MTH.LST
Section [CornerPulseList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the corner pulse list, for fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Corner Pulse list, for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FCORNER_PULSE.LST
Section [CounterBoringCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Counterboring cycle list, for milling and turning.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Counterboring cycle list, in the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used for the Counterboring Operation Type, in the milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [CounterSinkingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Countersinking cycle list, for milling and turning.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Countersinking cycle list, in the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used for the Countersinking Operation Type, in the milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [CutGasList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Cut Gas cycle list, for Advanced Fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Cut Gas list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FCUT_GAS.LST
Section [CutPulseList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Cut Pulse cycle list, for Advanced Fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Cut Pulse list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FCUT_PULSE.LST
Section [DrillingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Drilling Operation type cycle list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Drilling Operations Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [FlushPressure]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Flush Pressure cycle list, for Advanced Wire EDM.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Flush Pressure list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Wire EDM. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Wire Sample List File: WIRE\JOSDEF\WFLUSH_PRESS.LST
Section [FlushType]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Flush type cycle list, for Advanced Wire EDM.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Flush Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Wire EDM. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Wire Sample List File: WIRE\JOSDEF\WFLUSH_TYPE.LST
Section [FormHoleCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Form Hole Making Operation cycle list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Form Hole Making Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [PeckDrillingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Peck Drilling Operation cycle list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Peck Drilling Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [PierceGasList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Pierce Gas cycle list, for Advanced Fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Pierce Gas list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FPRC_GAS.LST
Section [PierceMethod]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the waterjet cutter's piercing methods cycle list, for Advanced Fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the available piercing methods for a waterjet cutter. Information is used by the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FPRC_MTH.LST
Section [PiercePulseList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Pierce Pulse cycle list, for Advanced Fabrication.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Pierce Pulse list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is by Advanced Fabrication. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Fabrication Sample List File: FAB\JOSDEF\FPRC_PULSE.LST
Section [ReamingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Reaming Operation Type list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Reaming Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [SpecialTurningCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Special Operation Type list, for turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Special Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used by turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [SpotDrillingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Spot Drilling Operation Type list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Spot Drilling Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [SpotFacingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Spot Facing Operation Type list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Spot Facing Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [TappingCycleList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for the Tapping Operation Type list, for milling and turning applications.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the Tapping Operation Type list for the Edit Process Step's Operation tab. This INI section/property is used in milling and turning applications. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

Milling Sample List File: MILL\JOSDEF\MCYCLE.LST
Turning Sample List File: TURN\JOSDEF\TCYCLE.LST
Section [ToolMaterialList]
Description Specifies the path and filename of the user list file which contains information for displaying the list of tool materials.
Property ListFile
Description Specifies the path and filename for the user list file which is used to populate the list of available tool materials. See "Customizing User Lists" for specific instructions about customizing the file.

PCB and Menu .ini Settings

Section
Description These INI sections allow you to add custom control panel elements to existing Main Menu entries. INI properties under the [CreateMenu] section, allow you to add to the Create Menu. [EditMenu] to the Edit Menu and [ProcessMenu] to the Process Menu.

Your menu extensions are added to the bottom of the menu, after all the default menu items are displayed.

[UserMenu] is slightly different, as the User Menu does not exist until you add it using the INI properties under [UserMenu].

You may add up to 10 custom panels to each of the menus. When adding items, do not leave gaps between the menus. If you are adding a custom panel to slot 1, adding a second custom panel must be added to slot 2, do not skip slot 2 and add to slot 3. Additionally, if you remove a custom panel from the menu, if this creates a gap in the sequence, you will need to move your remaining items up as to not leave a gap in the sequence.

Adding a custom panel to the menu is very straightforward. You add the name, as you want it shown in the menu, as an INI property, followed by the path and filename of the PCB file to use.

See "Changing the SmartCAM display" for more information about configuring the User menu.
Property UserMenuName
Options Description User Menu Name
Description This property only applies to the [UserMenu]; the special menu that only exists and is displayed after you create it.

This property lets you assign the name, the text displayed on the Main Menu for your customer user menu. If you do not set this property, the default User is used.

Section [PcbPaths]
Description These INI properties allow custom PCB/MCL automations to be integrated into specific existing SmartCAM task sets. A single panel-based PCB can be added to the listed task sets. Please note, these INI entries are primarily used by SmartCAM itself. Many of the entries are already populated and if you change the associated PCB, you will lose access to some SmartCAM functionality.

SmartCAM may use these INI entries at any time. If you have a custom PCB automation associated, the SmartCAM installation will override your automation and replace it with the SmartCAM file.

The following task sets can be extended:

Dimens: Dimensions (All products) - Options Preference: Create Dimensions PCB
hole_making: Hole Making (Milling only) - Options Preference: Process Hole Making PCB
Mchevnt: Mach Events (All products) - Options Preference: Create Machine Event PCB
mrough: Roughing (Milling only) - Options Preference: Process Mill Rough PCB
Options: Options (All products) - Options Preference: Process Options PCB
punchcut: Punch/Cut (Adv. Fabrication only) - Options Preference: Process Punch Cut PCB
regions: Regions (Milling/ATurn) - Options Preference: Create Regions PCB
Rentry: Ramp Entry (Milling) - Options Preference: Create Ramp Entries PCB
surfmach: Surface Machining (FFM only) - Options Preference: Process Surface Machining PCB
Transit: Transitions (Adv. Fabrication only) - Options Preference: Process Transitions PCB
trnsfrm: Transform (All products) - Options Preference: Edit Transform PCB
trough: Turn Rough (Turning only) - Options Preference: Process Turn Rough PCB
Usrelmt: User Elmts (All products) - Options Preference: Create User Element PCB
wrough: Rough (Adv. Wire EDM only) - Options Preference: Process Wire EDM Rough PCB

To add a custom PCB to these task sets, update the INI entry for the task set to modify. Add the fully qualified path and filename of the PCB file to attach.

Note: SMF question 470 will override the Mchevnt [PcbPath] entry. If SMF question 470 contains the fully qualified path and filename for a panel-based PCB file, SmartCAM will integrate this PCB file into the Machine Events task set, rather than the PCB file entered in the INI file.

Report Creation .ini Settings

Section [JosReport]
Description Contains default settings for the File - Print - JOS Report report function.
Property FormatFile
Description Specifies the path and filename of the last report format file (.FMT) that was used during report generation.
Property IncludeJob
Description Stores the state of the Report Content Job Info checkbox. A value of 0 is off and 1 is on.
Property IncludeTools
Description Stores the state of the Report Content Tooling checkbox. A value of 0 is off and 1 is on.
Property IncludeSteps
Description Stores the state of the Report Content Steps checkbox. A value of 0 is off and 1 is on.
Property OutputDevice
Description Tracks your selected output device; chooses between Pinter (0) and File (1).
Property OutputFile
Description This INI property contains the path and file name for the resulting output report file. This is used when the output device is set to File, not Printer. When the Use Model Name As Save File Name option is enabled, the properties' path and filename extension are used, however the actual report filename is taken directly from the active PM5 model file.

When the report is generated, the path in this property, is updated to match the path provided by the customer. This way, the user can change the path and all subsequent reports will be generated to the new location.
Property PageLength
Options Description Page Length in Lines
Description The number of lines per page. When number of lines is reached, a new page is created which may include a form feed. The default is 64 lines.
Property PageWidth
Options Description Page Width in Characters
Description The number of characters per output line. When number of characters is reached, a new line is created. The default is 80 characters.
Property UseFinalFF
Options Description Use Form Feed After Last Page
Description Specifies whether to use a form-feed character after the final page of the report. To use a final form feed, both UseFormFeed and UseFinalFF must be on. The default is 1 (Yes), which is on. Set to 0 (No) to disable.
Property UseFormFeed
Options Description Use Form Feed Between Pages
Description Specifies whether to use form-feed characters to separate the pages in the report. The default is 1 (Yes), which is on. Set to 0 (No) to disable.
Property UseModelName
Options Description Use Model Name As Save File Name
Description When enabled (1) by setting option to Yes, SmartCAM will use the current Process Model filename as the generated report filename. When disabled (0), by setting to No, SmartCAM will use the path and filename from the OutputFile property.

Surface and ACIS .ini Settings

Section [LogFile]
Description These settings specify the path and filename of the current import and export log files. And filename and path for surface machining log.
Property Export
Description Path and filename for data export log.
Property Import
Description Path and filename for data import log.
Property Machine
Description Path and filename for Surface Machining log.
Section [SurfaceMachine]
Description This section contains settings used by the surface machining tools.
Property ContourAdjustDepth
Description When enabled Contour machining makes a small adjustment to the depth of cut to avoid conflicts that can occur when toolpath coincides with horizontal surfaces such as island tops. When you use this setting, it changes the distance between passes, so the absolute offset increases with each Z level. If ContourAdjustFirstPass or ContourAdjustFinalPass is set to Yes, Contour ignores the ContourAdjustDepth setting. The default setting is Yes.
Property ContourAdjustValue
Description Sets the value used by the other ContourAdjust settings to adjust a Contour toolpath. The value used must be appropriate for the units (inches or metric) in the process model. The default is the evaluator expression 0.01*(INTOL+OUTOL)/2, which uses the In Tol and Out Tol settings from the Contour panel to calculate the adjustment value.
Property ContourAdjustFinalPass
Description Sets Contour machining to make a small adjustment to the final pass Z level to avoid conflicts that can occur when toolpath coincides with horizontal surfaces such as island tops. If the ContourAdjustFirstPass setting is Yes, Contour ignores the setting. The default setting is Yes.
Property ContourAdjustFirstPass
Description Sets Contour machining to make a small adjustment to the first pass Z level to avoid conflicts that can occur when toolpath coincides with horizontal surfaces such as island tops. The default setting is Yes.
Property IntermediateWrite
Description Used internally for debugging procedures. Leave this setting blank.
Property MaxMegaBytes
Description Sets the maximum memory that is available for surface machining procedures. When this setting is 0, no limit is established and an error message is displayed if available memory is exceeded. Valid settings are dependent on your hardware configuration. The default setting is 0.
Section [SurfaceMode]
Description This section configures the ACIS model checking functions. Model checking is used to check curve and surface model geometry and topology to help you find errors in the model. Use these settings to determine the types of checking performed in each of the three SmartCAM supported levels of ACIS model checking.

Refer to the "ACIS Model Checking Definition" topic in the online Help for the model checking variables, their definitions, and default .inifile settings.

Do not modify the ModelCheckLow, ModelCheckMed, and ModelCheckHigh .ini properties. The values listed, associated with each property, are specific values which tell SmartCAM which tests to run.
Section [Surfoff]
Description These settings affect specific functions, used in surface mesh operations. For optimal performance, do not edit the established defaults.

Related Topics

Integration with SmartCAM User Interface

SmartCAM INI Overview

The SmartCAMcnc.INI File

Creating a User Interface Overview

SmartCAM Automation Overview