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Use the Analysis Model (Cycles menu) command to create a surface analysis model to use with the Combination Finishing cycle. If you select Combination Finishing without having created an analysis model, the Analysis Model dialog is automatically started.
Please note that Granite models will not work with the Combination Finishing cycle. The cycle is performed using an analysis model that is generated from one or more selected surfaces. When loading Granite models there is no EdgeCAM surface generation, making analysis model creation impossible. Please also note that wrapped over surfaces may cause unexpected results.
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 Z Level Finishing cycles. A Combination cycle cannot take place unless you can digitise a valid model.
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 \edgecam\cam\analysis. You can change this location using the Analysis Model Folder parameter on the Surface tab of the Preferences (Options menu) dialog.
The Selection Strategy parameter allows you to select all visible surfaces, digitise them individually or specify a digitised window. Digitising a 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 or high, or you can specify a grid size. A higher density gives a greater accuracy of the model but takes longer to compute. It also produces smoother and more accurate containment boundaries. If desired, you may select the Specify grid option that allows you to directly enter the distance between the grid points. However, a warning will be issued if the overall density of the model is to large.
The analysis model forms a rectangular grid of points lying along the X axis of the CPL. The Grid Angle parameter 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 can be found 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 part of other analysis models.
When a Combination Finishing cycle is applied to an analysis model, the slope regions are identified and used to generate a number of 2D containment boundaries.
When a part file is opened at a later date and the analysis and tool offset models cannot be found, the system regenerates the data only if a Combination Finishing cycle is regenerated or edited.
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