Introduction to FeatureWIRE for FeatureMILL users

FeatureWIRE is structured similarly to all other FeatureCAM products and the steps are used to walk you through the process.

$image\btn-steps-stock.gif$ A model of the stock is displayed in the graphics window.

$image\btn-steps-geometry.gif$ $image\btn-steps-curves.gif$ Geometry and curves are used to describe the shape of the part.

$image\btn-steps-feature.gif$ The geometry and curves are included in features and toolpaths are derived from these features.

$image\btn-steps-toolpath.gif$ Toolpaths are simulated in the graphics window using line drawings or 3D shaded graphics. 3D similation also allows the simulation of slug removal.

$image\btn-steps-gcode.gif$ Toolpaths are translated in to machine specific code using the appropriate post processor.

Differences between FeatureWIRE and other FeatureCAM products include:

The diameter and type of wire you are using are specified as part of the Stock wizard instead of on individual operations.
FeatureWIRE provides cutting condition tables instead of feed/speed databases. These cutting condition tables list registers that contain power settings, water (coolant) settings and sometimes cutter compensation. This information is machine specific and is supplied by the EDM machine tool vendor.
For some machine types, FeatureWIRE provides a single text file that can control the entire process. For other controls, FeatureWIRE provides a file that you must reference from a command file that you create at the control.