Parameter Relations

Parameters can be defined as mathematical functions of other parameters, or as functions of cutter data or geometry data. Parameter relations in NC provide the following advantages:

• One set of variables can be used to control the values of the procedure parameters.

• Modal parameter values can be input as equations that perform arithmetic functions upon relevant variables.

Notes:

• If you hold your cursor over a value in a Parameter Table, a tooltip will appear. If a relation was used to define that parameter, it will appear in the tooltip.

• You can save your parameter relations by using the NC Preferences.

Parameter Relationship Format

Relations in Parameter Tables

Special Parameters - Maxpz and Minpz

Example of using Parameter Relations

Parameter Relationship Format

The side step is to be equal to half the cutter diameter, or Side Step = Cutter Diameter * 0.5.

In the Side Step field, enter the following: "tldi * 0.5".

If the cutter diameter is changed, the side step value will be automatically updated.

For more details, see the Example.

Relations in Parameter Tables

In the parameter table, the following symbols will tell you what the status is of relations for a particular parameter:

- a relation can be used for this parameter; currently no relation is specified.

- a relation was specified for the variable.

- a relation was specified but produces an illegal value.

Maxpz and Minpz

These two variables are related to the geometry of the model.

Maxpz: The highest Z value of a box bounding all surfaces and solids in the procedure UCS.

Minpz: The lowest Z value of a box bounding all surfaces and solids in the procedure UCS.

Notes:

• These variables are calculated for the bounding box containing faces and solids only. Entities such as curves and points are not included.

• The bounding box contains all surfaces and solids in all sets, whether or not all sets are displayed. Hidden entities are also included.

• Before Maxpz and Minpz are calculated, they will appear in variable form (not as numerals) in any parameter relation equations. The values can be calculated by selecting NC-Utilities / Calculate Maxpz / Minpz from the main menu. Or, when you close the procedure, these values will be calculated automatically.