Pattern Example

The following example of using a Pattern will machine the base plate shown below. Six workgroups will be created-three template shapes, and three patterns for the templates. Each of the template shapes will be created around the origin point (X0Y0) of the workgroup so that the points in the pattern workgroup can be created in the same location as they appear on the blueprint.

We will create the stock outline slightly larger than indicated on the print so that the template shapes can easily be created around the origin point. Once the machining operations have been created, we can change the stock to a more appropriate size. Instead of adjusting the stock size, the template shapes could be created and then translated about the origin point using the Modify menu. Another option (using Advanced Milling) would be to create another coordinate system with an origin point more towards the center of the stock shape.

Create the stock shape with the following specifications: X+ = 300mm, X- = -25mm, Y+ = 200mm, Y- = -25mm, Z+ = 0mm, Z- = -20mm. We will adjust the stock size when we are done programming the part.
The first workgroup will contain the pattern of points for machining the 60mm diameter circles. Create points at X = 50, Y = 150; X = 125, Y = 160; X = 200, Y = 140; X = 75, Y = 40. These are the center points of the circles.
Create a second workgroup. Create a circle with a 60mm diameter with X0Y0 as the center point.
Create a 15mm finish endmill (Fin EM) with a 2mm bottom corner radius. Create a roughing process with this tool. Cut Width = 7.5mm; Finish Entry/Exit 90° Radius = 1.5mm; Surface Z = 0; Floor Z = -15mm; Desired Z Step = 15mm. Click the Pattern checkbox and select Workgroup #1 in the pattern pop-up menu. If you are creating this part in Level 2 make sure that Use Stock is unchecked, since the circle extends outside of the stock boundary. Select the circle and click the Do It button to create the operation. Notice that toolpaths are only created at the points contained in the pattern workgroup and not where we initially drew the circle.
Create a third workgroup. This will contain the pattern of points for the 2" slots. Create points at X = 50, Y = 90; X = 150, Y = 90; X = 190, Y = 40.
Create a fourth workgroup. Create the geometry for the slot around X0Y0.
Using the same process as the Circle pattern create a second operation using the slot pattern. Select the slot pattern Workgroup #3 in the Pattern pop-up menu. Change the Depth of the cut to 6mm, select the slot geometry and create the operation.
Create a fifth workgroup. This will contain the pattern of points for the D-Holes. Create points at X = 260, Y = 130; X = 270, Y = 180; X = 280, Y = 155.
Create the last workgroup. Create the geometry for the D-Holes around X0Y0.
Create a 6mm finish endmill (Fin EM) with no bottom corner radius. Create a roughing process with this tool. Select Workgroup #5 in the Pattern pop-up menu. Select the D-Hole geometry and create the operation.
Change the stock size to match the blueprint: X+ = 300, X- =0, Y+ = 200, Y- =0, Z+ = 0, Z- = -20.

You should have a total of six workgroups and three operations which machine the base plate. If you encounter any problems, check to make sure that the correct pattern of points is selected in the Pattern pop-up menu for each of the operations. Also, make sure that each of the template shapes was drawn around the origin point, X0Y0. The cut part rendered image of the base plate should look like the picture shown below.

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