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Generating tool path

Topological Mode: launching the topological analysis engine

Presentation

The topological mode of TopSolid'Cam allows to study a face of a geometrical model Solid and to deduct from it which type of elementary machining it is possible to apply to it.

When several machining are possible, the topological mode of TopSolid'Cam proposes all the plausible solutions and the user owes choose which operation seem to be  the best for him.

Launching the topological analyze engine

1. Select me Menu function  Milling | Topologic or click on the icon.

2. Specify the face to be machined..

3. The topological analysis engine decides on the type of operation applicable to the selected side.

4. In the question bar, TopSolid'Cam proposes to the user different solutions

• The pull down list contains all the available operations for the selected face. Just select what is needed.

• The button allows to call a user specific process to machine this face. It then possible to use more than one tool to machine the face. For example, a groove or pocket detected by TopSolid'Cam can be totally created through the integration of roughing, finishing and rework operations.

• The button allows to copy and existing tool path.  In such a case, all the parameters of the original operation are used for the current operation. Of course, the 2 operations MUST be identical

• The button gives geometrical information on the selected side ( such as minimum radius, surface area,  dimensions in X, Y and Z., ...)

5. Choose the appropriate tool to perform the operation (Tool selection).

6. Adjust parameters for the machining operation in the dialogue box.

7. Once the adjustments are made, click on the “validate” button to launch the operation or on “cancel” to leave the function.

Topological Analysis Results

The following figures represent the elementary topological configurations detected by TopSolid'Cam.

• Side(s) on which facing operations are to be performed

• Side(s) on which pocketing operations are to be performed

• Side(s) on which open pocket operations are is to be performed

• Side(s) on which contouring operations are to be performed

• Side(s) on which spiral contour milling operations are to be performed

• Side(s) on which grooving operations are to be performed

Mode automatic

Presentation

In this case, the user can machine what he wants as he wants.

The user has to define the profile he wants to machine

The users has to select the machining he wants

Nota:

Of course, it's necessary to have a profile to access to these functions.

Launching

1. Call the required machining function in the menu Milling | ... or click on the corresponding icon (For example in our sample 'contouring').

2. Select the profile to use.

3. Input the final Z value or select a face.

4. Select the tool (Tool Selection).

5. Adjust parameters for the machining operation in the dialogue box.

6. Once the adjustments are made, click on the “validate” button to launch the operation or on “cancel” to leave the function.

Result

• Finish part and the updated stock

• Finish part and the machining area

Feature Based Machining and Cylinders machining

Within TopSolid, the user can define a geometrical model by using pre manufactured shapes.  These shapes are called “Features” and allow rapid creation of tapping holes, pockets, grooves, etc. It's also possible to machine  in automatic all these features with the function "Hole analysis / Milling forms analysis".

If the finish part is not defined by TopSolid, it's also possible to machine quickly all the holes with the function "Cylinder analysis"

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