Tool Path Operation Definition Forms - Appearance Tab

 

Each tool path operation definition form contains an Appearance tab that provides analysis and appearance options for individual tool paths. You can set the style, width and display mode.  You can also toggle the display of lead and link motions and automatically update the display when tool path definitions are saved.

 

 

Style

The entire tool path will be displayed using one of the default line styles.  You can also set the style to change with the feed rate of each cutting motion by selecting Feed.

 

Width

The entire tool path will be displayed using one of the default line widths.

 

Display Mode - Standard

The tool path reverts to the standard VX colors for tool paths. These are the same as the Feed Rate and Tool Colors for Verify Sessions shown below.

 

Display Mode - Standard

 

 

Display Mode - User Color

This option allows you to define the tool path color.  Select a color using the Color Browser.

 

Display Mode - User Color

 

Display Mode - Distance per Span

This display mode is ideally suited for tool paths whose Cut Direction is set to Climb/Conventional such as the 2-1/2 axis Spiral and Profile Cut operations.  Each span is displayed with a color spectrum from Blue (start of cut) to Red (end of cut).  This mode is useful for a quick flow analysis of toolpaths with multiple regions or pockets having intermediate approach and retract moves.

 

Display Mode - Distance per Span

 

 

Display Mode - Distance All

This display mode is ideally suited for the 2-1/2 axis, 3 axis and 5 axis ZigZag tool path operations.  The entire path start (Blue) to end (Red) is displayed with a single color spectrum.

 

Display Mode - Distance All

 

 

 

Display Mode - Z Value

This display mode is an analysis of the Z depth across the entire tool path.  The color spectrum ranges from the lowest Z depth (Blue) to the highest (Red).  The color spectrum bar is also displayed.  This mode is suitable for parts with variable steep regions.

 

Display Mode - Z Value

 

 

 

Display Mode - Feed Rate

This display mode is an analysis of feed rate across the entire tool path.  This mode is useful for analyzing QuickMilling tool paths that have Adaptive Feed Control (AFC) enabled. The color spectrum ranges from the fastest feed rate (Blue) to the slowest (Red).  The color spectrum bar is also displayed.

 

Lead In, Lead Out, Link

Check each appropriate box to display the lead and link paths.

 

Redraw after Save

Check this box to redraw the display after the operation definition form is updated (i.e., when you pick OK).  The operation must already be calculated before the display mode will update.  See The Operations Manager - Calculating a Too Path for more information.

 

 

 

Attributes (CAM Level)

 

Use this form to set color attributes for solid and rapid verify sessions. These sessions are performed using the Verify tab of the Output Manager.  They analyze the CAM components and create an alternate representation which is optimized for material removal calculations and display speed.

 

These colors are assigned to the CAM components (e.g., stock, part, clamps) and cut conditions (e.g., undercuts and gouges) during verify sessions.  See Feed Rate and Tool Colors for Verify Sessions below for additional color assignments during verify sessions.

 

 

1. Set the verification color attributes as desired. Refer to the tables below.  

2. Pick the close button in the upper right corner of the form to accept the new attributes and close the form.
    

 

Colors for Solid/Rapid Verification

 

• Stock - Starting color for stock material. Left-click and select a color.

• Targ Part - Color for the surfaces of the part. Select a color as described above.

• Tool - Starting color for the tool. When stock material is removed during the verification process, it inherits the color of the tool used at that time.

• Holder - Color for the tool holder

• Attachment - Color for the tool holder attachment (if desired).

 

This may be changed whenever the tool motion is paused, or between verifying different tool paths.

 

• Clamps - Color for the surfaces of clamps.

• Undercut - Color for excess stock outside of the part.

• Gouges - Color for material removed from the part or clamps.

 

 

Colors for Rapid Verification (Wireframe Mode)

 

• Stock - Color for stock material.

 

 

 

 

As material is being removed during solid verify sessions, the freshly cut stock boundaries will inherit the color of the tool used to remove the material at those locations. The color of the tool will change based on the feed rate mode (e.g., engage, cut, retract).  The table below shows the colors assigned to the feed rate modes and thus the tool.

 

These are also the default colors used when Standard is selected for the Display Mode on the Appearance tab of any tool path definition form.  See Tool Path Analysis & Appearance Options above for more information.