Using the Bar Feed Cycle

Use Bar Feed (Move menu) to set up the main spindle stock for the next program run through.  

Prior to selecting the command perform a tool change to select a bar stop device; this must be a fixed tool. The main spindle needs be selected as the coordinates for the cycle are relative to the main spindle part datum.

  1. Choose one of three different strategies to control the bar stop movements, depending on the type of bar stop device being used.

Z First –  Move the z-axis first

X First –  Move the x-axis first

Direct –  Move z and x-axis together

  1. Specify the Feedrate at which bar stop is traversed in units per minute or units per revolution.

  2. Specify the Speed at which the spindle rotates in revolutions per minute.

  3. Specify a Dwell Time in seconds. This will be applied to each dwell point in the process.

After specifying the dialog parameters you are prompted for an approach, start and end position. These can be digitised or specified using coordinate input. The bar feed cycle generates standard tool movements in EdgeCAM but makes no attempt to control the display of the stock feeding out.

The bar feed is typically performed at the start or end of the machining sequence (see below for an example of a typical bar feed process).

  1. Advance the bar stop device to X and Z approach position at rapid rate.

  2. Advance the bar stop device to X and Z start position at feed rate.

  3.  Open main spindle C. The bar will now be applying pressure against the bar stop.

  4. Dwell (time it takes for the chuck to open).

  5. Feed out to Z end.

  6. Close chuck.

  7. Dwell (time it takes for chuck to close). You must ensure that chuck is closed before moving off.