CAM Plan Manager (Ctrl+H)
The CAM Plan Manager is the primary
interface for VX CAM. The
graphical tree interface contains each section required to define and
output tool path operations within a CAM setup. A default setup is created
when the manager is first activated.
The CAM Plan Manager is activated by default and can be reactivated by pressing (Ctrl+H) or by selecting the icon from the Tool Bar. You can also resize the width of the CAM Plan Manager window by dragging its resize edge to the left or right.
See Tips & Techniques below for some helpful information.
See Basic CAM Walk Through for more about the CAM Plan Manager.
Interfacing
with the CAM Plan Manager
Interfacing with the CAM Plan Manager consists of Object Editor popup menus (see figure below) as well as selecting from the manager itself (e.g., the Features section requires selecting from the Geometry section). See below for a description of each CAM Plan Manager section. Refer to the Tips & Techniques section below for additional operating tips.
The Setup section (referred to as the CAM Setup Manager) contains one or more CAM components as well as tool clearance, approach and retract values relative to the origin of the setup Z axis. Local frames can also be introduced that override the default values of the setup and can be selected for individual tool path operations.
The Geometry section (referred to as the CAM Geometry Manager) contains the CAM components and features that you want to machine. CAM features such as profiles can also be used to limit tool path operations. Refer to the following topics for more information:
The Machine section (referred to as the CAM Machine Manager) contains all of the information need to define your NC machines including tool changers, axes and offsets, parameters, sequence files and programming details. Machine libraries can be created filtered and searched.
The Clearance section defines the default clearance, approach and retract distances for the default XY setup frame. Auto-clearance is supported. The Clearance section is discussed in the CAM Frame Manager section.
The frames section (referred to as the CAM Frame Manager) allows you to define alternate local coordinate frames within the setup each with unique clearance values.
Alternate Frames Form
The Application
Tactics Sections
Use this section (referred to as the CAM Application Tactics Manager) to automatically develop intelligent hole making operations. This is done by defining drilling, boring, reaming and sorting rules that VX CAM will use when analyzing CAM features.
Intelligent Hole Making RuleSet Form
The operations section (referred to as the CAM Operations Manager) contains all of the tool path operations for the setup. Hole making, 2-1/2 axis, rough, 3 axis, 5 axis and QuickMilling operations are supported. Over 50 unique operations are available. This section also contains the tool manager where libraries or tools can be defined, filtered and searched.
The CAM Operations Manager
CAM Operation Type Form
The output section (referred to as the CAM Output Manager) allows you to organize your tool path operations. Operations can be suppressed and queried. The rapid and solid verification of one or more tool paths are performed here. Stock, part, holder attachment and fixtures are all supported during verification. Last but not least, output files are also created here. NC program, G and M codes, tooling lists and operation lists are supported.
Solid Verify Tool Paths
The Synchronize button is enabled when the system indicates that the contents of the CAM plan manager may be out of sync with the CAM plan database. Modifications to CAM components referenced by the manager can trigger the activation of this button. When selected, this button will force a complete regeneration of the CAM plan manager, updating each section as required.
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