With parametric graphics, this branch is automatically inserted into
a milling Machine Tree to represent the part mounting position within
the machine graphics. The location is given by the branch's Location (X,
Y Z coordinate) properties relative to the Graphics Datum.
When creating a sequence within EdgeCAM, 'Primary Component Location' is
one of the choices for 'Mating Location', that relatively positions the
part and machine graphics. The other Mating Location choices are from
any additional 'Component' branches that you insert into the tree (see
above). In the Graphics Area you see a datum marker at this branch's location.
You cannot delete this branch type.
You cannot edit the Location coordinates until a graphic has been deleted
from the tree. This is because for parametric graphics the location is
fixed by the dimensions of the machine's parametric building blocks. However
once you delete a graphic, it is assumed you are using a custom graphic,
and as custom graphics cannot participate in setting the location, you
have to edit the Location coordinates manually.
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 offset from the Graphics Datum) and Min and Max (movement). Can contain further branches (axes, tables and so on) for the items that are mounted on the axis.
Although they would normally intersect, you can offset the two rotary axes by up to 1mm (specify different Origin properties for the two axes), so that the Five Axis cycle (only) takes into account the build inaccuracies or wear in the machine. See Adjustment for Non-intersecting Axes.
The Origin property for an axis is referenced to the Graphics Datum.
ATC Head
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 Head 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, Table, Turret\Head or Axis Mount. 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
&
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 parametric 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
This represents any additional part mounting locations that you might
want to create, in addition to the 'Primary Mounting Location' branch
(see below).
Whenever one of these branches is present the Tool Home (X Y Z) setting
for the turret in the tree is unavailable. (the branch might not be present
for older 'superseded templates'). The Tool Home position is automatically
determined within EdgeCAM.
Primary
Component Location
Machine
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).