Use the Analysis Model command to create a surface analysis model. This functionality was originally used with the Combination Finishing cycle but is still useful as an aid for visualising models.
The command is not in any menus or toolbars in the default configurations; you will need to add it yourself. The command is in the Mill Cycles command category.
The Analysis Model is dependent upon the current CPL of the machining sequence, and so is created as a Manufacturing Instruction. The cycle uses the Model to generate the containment boundaries used by the Parallel Lace and Profiling cycles.
The Analysis Model data is referenced in the database as a new entity type. This maintains associativity with the part file and all surfaces selected to generate the model. The entity also holds relevant data such as density and colour. Each EdgeCAM part file (ppf) can create a number of Analysis Models, and these are typically stored in the folder \edge\cam\Analysis\. You can change this folder in the Analysis Model Folder parameter in the Surface tab of the Preferences (Options menu) command.
The Selection Strategy allows you to select all visible surfaces, digitise them individually or to specify a digitised window. Digitise Window has the benefit of containing the analysis model to a square area rather than to the extents of the selected surfaces.
The Resolution of the model can be set to Low, Medium, High or specify grid size. A high density gives a greater accuracy of model but takes longer to compute. ‘High’ does produce smoother and more accurate containment boundaries. If desired you may select the Specify Grid Size option, where the distance between the grid points can be entered directly. However, a warning will be issued if the overall density of the model is too large.
The analysis model forms a rectangular grid of points lying along the X axis of the CPL. The Grid angle can be used to tip the grid through the specified angle to better match the selected surfaces.
Once complete the command displays a Patch grid of the Analysis Model over the surfaces. The parameters controlling this patch grid are on the Display tab.
At any time during the machining sequence, you can create additional Analysis Models on different regions of the part. Some of the selected surfaces may already be members of two or more Analysis Models.
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