Branch
Tree
Notes
Machine
Double-clicking this branch opens the Machine Parameters dialog for entering or editing the machine's 'physical' configuration information, such as the toolchange positions.
Machine
There are X,Y, and Z and A,B and C axes. They have properties such as Origin (an XYZ position) and Min and Max (movement). Can contain further branches (axes, turrets and so on) for the items that are mounted on the axis.
Indexing Turret
Machine
Properties include Number of Stations and Axis (X, Y and Z values). Axis sets the direction of the indexing vector that the turret rotates around. Set X, Y, and Z to the end coordinates of the vector, as in this indexing around Z example or this cranked indexing example. Note the station numbers increase moving anti-clockwise when looking along the vector from the end point towards 0,0,0. For more details, including indexing on Z, X and Y examples, see Setting Turret Indexing Vectors.
ATC Turret
Machine
Only has a name property.
Machine
&
Fixture
Graphic. Can be your own custom graphic, or the automatically created 'parametric' graphic.
There are different parametric graphic types, such as Chuck Graphic and Turret Graphic. This reflects the different properties required - Chuck Graphics need a Jaws Number property, for example.
Graphics have an Origin property, so that you can re-position the graphic.
Graphics also have a Type property which can be Fixture, Guard, Base, Turret or Spindle. This allows the graphics to be shown or hidden in groups, using the Display toolbar buttons; there is a button to show or hide each type.
Machine
Only has a name property.
Machine
&
Fixture
Use this as a container for other branches. Part of the machine tool might be represented by a custom graphic for visualisation and a paremetric graphic for simulation. Place these graphics into a folder to group them - you could move the group by moving the folder, for example.
Folders have a Name property (editing this property is how you change the name).
Machine
&
Fixture
Only has a Name property. Can be part of the machine tool setup in the Machine Tree, or in the Fixtures Tree, to be available for use on a job-by-job basis. Always created with a Chuck Graphics branch, which sets the properties of the chuck (number of jaws and so on).