Rough Milling Operations
(CAM Manager) Operations 
3X
Mill (CAM Level)
Rough milling operations are essentially 2-1/2
axis tool paths computed against three-dimensional surfaces or solids.
Each is similar to their 2-1/2 axis counterparts.
Refer to
the links below.
Cutting begins at the "top" Z value specified in the Operation Definition Form (see below) for each tool path type. It ends at the "bottom" Z specified. If one or both are not specified, it will be calculated automatically.
These tool path operations use the following:
Frames, speeds and containments
Approach and retract macros
Boundary and island cleanup
Predefined access holes, flexible step-over and depth of cut controls
Explicit profile, surface or solid stock definition for rough cuts
Implicit stock definition for cast cuts. Thickness values for remaining stock and offsets for stock removal.
Region or depth priority for cut sorting
Ramping to next cut level and tapered tools
The ability to machine parts with undercut conditions
Geometry for these tool paths can be specified through either the use of complete CAM Components or through surface or solid CAM features. Stock can be defined explicitly by using a component within the assembly whose CAM class attribute is set to stock. Stock can also define implicitly using profile, surface or solid CAM features.
How
to Define Rough Milling Operations
In the CAM
Plan Manager, right-click on Operations,
select Insert and then select
the rough milling operation from the form provided. The
operation will be added to the manager tree.
Select Parameters
under the operation you just added and set the parameters using the definition
form provided. Pick
Accept when you are done. Each
rough operation uses a unique definition form. They
are shown below under each operation type. See
Rough Milling Operation Form Parameters for a definition
of each parameter.
Notice that (undefined) is
shown next to Features under the
rough operation you just added. This
means that no features are yet defined for the operation.
Your CAM features (once you define
them) are listed under the Geometry
section of the manager tree. Under
Geometry, find the CAM component
(i.e., part : name)
and expand it (i.e., select 
to the left of the part)
to list the CAM features currently defined for that component and select
one. It
will now be listed under Features
for the rough operation you just created. The (undefined)
flag will be removed.
To create a new CAM feature: Again, under Geometry
right-click on the CAM component, select Add
Feature and follow the forms and prompts. You
will be prompted to select geometry from the graphics window.
The spiral rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis spiral cut but is used for the removal of rough stock explicitly defined by profile, surface or solid stock definitions.
Sample Spiral Rough Operation
The box rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis box cut but is used for the removal of rough stock explicitly defined by profile, surface or solid stock definitions.
Sample Box Rough Operation
The zigzag rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis zigzag cut but is used for the removal of rough stock explicitly defined by profile, surface or solid stock definitions.
Sample Zigzag Rough Operation
The contour rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis contour cut but is used for the removal of rough stock explicitly defined by profile, surface or solid stock definitions.
The spiral cast rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis spiral cut but is used for the removal of implicitly defined stock using thickness values for remaining stock and offsets for stock removal.
The box cast rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis box cut but is used for the removal of implicitly defined stock using thickness values for remaining stock and offsets for stock removal.
The zigzag cast rough operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis zigzag cut but is used for the removal of implicitly defined stock using thickness values for remaining stock and offsets for stock removal.
The Contour Cast Rough Operation is similar to the 2-1/2 axis contour cut but is used for the removal of implicitly defined stock using thickness values for remaining stock and offsets for stock removal.
As with all operations involving surfaces, care should be taken to ensure the correct side of the surface to machine is either set at the Part Level in modeling (test by shading) or in the CAM surface feature. Since solids always have surfaces whose normals are directed outward, this need not be set for CAM components containing solids or in CAM solid feature.
