The Calcs Menu
The Basic
Calculator is a simple four function calculator
with some trig functions added. Results can be dragged via the left mouse button
into the editor window.
The Geometry Calculator contains
several special purpose functions contained on four tabs.Trig helps
calculate angles and sides of triangles. You can key angles and lengths into the
text boxes provided. When enough information is available, the Compute
button can be selected and the calculator will fill in the remaining boxes. The
Clear key clears all values. Two versions, one for right triangles and
one for oblique triangles, are available. Data from the text boxes can be
dragged into the editor.
Points contains a function that
calculates the distance between 2 points in 3D space. It also shows the angle of
a line between them with respect to three major planes. The horizontal axis in
each instance is considered to be zero degrees.
The Arcs tab
contains 3 functions related to circular arcs. Segments can be used to
measure chords and related items. The Compute button will be active when
adequate data is available to perform a calculation. 3 Points
determines the center of a circle, given 3 points on the circumference, while
2 Points + Radius calculates the two circles possible through 2
points with a given radius.
The Polygons tab contains a function
to calculate various dimensions related to regular polygons of 6 through 36
sides. Fill in either diameter measurement (D or d) or the width
of a side (s) and click the Compute button to calculate the other
values.
The Programming Calculator provides
various aids in developing feed rates, spindle speeds, and other values. It
consists of six main topics, an inch-metric calculator, a feedrate calculator,
spindle speed calculator, a drill calculator, a tap/thread calculator and a
method of creating points arranged in a circular arc. To select a main topic,
pick one of the six tabs at the top of the panel, and then one of the buttons
that are subsequently displayed.
Conversion - Convert between
inches and millimeters. If a commonly used fractional (inch) value results, it
is also shown.
Feedrate - Convert between inches per minute and
inches per revolution, and between feed-per-tooth and IPM. The same functions
are available in metric units by checking the metric option.
Speeds - Convert between RPM and surface feet per minute or
surface meters per minute.
Drill - Calculates drill tip length
based on tip angle and diameter and also assists with countersink
calculations.
Tapping - Calculates feedrate based on pitch or
threads per inch (or mm), and converts between pitch and threads per inch or
mm.
Hole Circles – Calculates coordinates for point to point moves
arranged in an arc. Drag the results into the editor using the
mouse.
Lettering – Calculates a toolpath for simple letters and
numbers. These are (upper case) letters A through Z, numerals 0 through 9, dash,
decimal point, space, and the # character. If more space is desired between
characters, enter a value in the Spacing text box. Cut depth is the distance the
cutter will drop before the first operation, and the letters will be cut to this
depth. In the example, starting the cutter at a Z height of 0.02 would result in
letters 0.01 deep. The function produces incremental (G91 mode) output. Drag the
results into the editor using the mouse.
Reference –
Contains reference information such as decimal equivalents, drill sizes, and so
on. The reference file is a plain text file that can be modified or extended.
For information on this, please click here
.
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