General Lathe Information

The parts for the a lathe operation are designed in 2D geometry. The parts are turned on two axis lathes.

SURFCAM is compatible with any lathe axis orientation. The axis orientation is set by the user in SURFCAM. The actual axis orientation and direction is controlled by the post processor. You can create the standard output for many manufacturers with the sample post processors that are supplied. See the Post Processor for the procedure for configuring the different post processors. For display purposes, all references to the tool orientation are based on the turret that is at the rear of the part. Front lathe machine code is produced by the post processor.

You can generate NC programs in a local coordinate system. Thus you can machine different sections of the work with independent machining orientations—a necessity with many parts

Each Lathe operation has a separate dialog box. That box is displayed after you select the operation and identify the geometry on which it will be done. After you click the OK button on a Lathe dialog box, the prompt asks you to select a "Lathe Retract Point" and "Lathe Clearance Point."

Retract-Clearance Points

The retract point is the point where the toolpath begins and ends. The lathe retract point is normally the point where the tool changes are made.

A lathe clearance point defines a level or distance from the Z axis. The tool does a rapid move from the retract point to this level at the lathe cycle start. The tool does a rapid move from this level to the retract point at the end of the lathe cycle. These rapid moves are perpendicular to the Z axis. The lathe ID operations normally use the lathe clearance points.

If you do not need a retract point, click Done ( ). If you do not need a clearance point, click Done.

Configure the Lathe View

There are 3 lathe coordinate systems in SURFCAM. Click Tools > Axis. Choose Mill Axis, Lathe Radius, or Lathe Diameter.