VX CAM reference
Section	Title	Description
1	The Basics	VX CAM basics including concepts, the CAM interface and an introduction to the CAM level.
2	Tool Path Preparation	CAM managers for tool path preparation including the Component, Feature, Machine, Tool, Speed/Feed and Setup Managers.
3	Tool Path Generation	CAM managers for tool path generation.  Including the Operations Manager where tool paths are developed.  Also included are the Macro Manager and the Application Tactics Manager where intelligent hole making operations are created.
4	Tool Path Processing	CAM Output Manager where you can organize, verify and output your tool paths.
5	Appendix	CAM tools, tips & techniques.

 

 

 

Menu selection sequences are shown in the following format:

 

Help > Interactive Mode

 

 

 

Many key words and phrases are shown in bold type for emphasis.  They may be the key words on a form or button.  Many are also phrases or form names that contain hypertext jumps in the online version of the documentation.  Command and document icons are used at section headings to convey at a glance different types of information.  The icons used are shown below.

 

	Command icon - These are used in the VX interface.  They are shown along side the command name and/or description.
	Blank icon - These indicate that the command does not have an icon in the VX interface.
	Required Inputs. These indicate inputs that are required for the command to function.  The input forms themselves are not shown.
	Required Inputs. These indicate inputs that are required for the command to function.  The input forms themselves are not shown.
	Forms and Dialogues. These indicate that the following documentation relates to VX forms and dialogues.  The images of the forms and dialogues may not be present in all cases.
	General information - These distinguish general information about VX from command specific information.
	Right-click to access function - These indicate that the function that follows can only be accessed using the right mouse button over geometry or manager tree entity.
	Applying VX - These indicate sections that show how VX can be applied to real-world applications (CAD Reference only).
	Invoked by - This indicates a menu sequence that can invoke a command.  In VX there are usually multiple ways to invoke commands.  The Pull Down Menu method is usually the one indicated.
	References - These indicate links to other related and useful help topics.
	Notes - These indicate that a list of command or topic specific notes are to follow.
	Caution - These indicate caution. The command or procedure that follows may cause objects or files to be damaged or deleted if not performed correctly.  You should understand the procedure and proceed carefully.
	Tips & Techniques - These indicate an operating tip or technique.  It will be followed by valuable information that will help you take full advantage of VX CAD/CAM.  See CAM Tips & Techniques for a complete list.

 

 

 

Operational sequences are numbered:

 

Example:

 

1. Select the edges to chamfer.

2. Select the face on the first side of the edge. This face will receive the first setback distance. You may only select a face that borders the selected edge.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all of the edges you want to chamfer are selected and their faces are specified and then middle-click to continue.

4. Specify the first setback distance.

5. Specify the second setback distance (or angle if the Angle option is selected - see below).

6. Middle-click to execute the command.

      

OR

 

If there is only one operational step, it is preceded by a bullet.

 

Example:

 

• Press the Control Keys (Ctrl+K) to toggle the coordinate readout on/off.

 

 

 

An arrow is used to identify important notes in the middle of a topic.  These notes are highlighted.

 

Example:

 

You can associate a tool holder with a tool using the above Tool Shape forms. Pick Attach a Holder and then select the tool holder to associate with the tool.  If different tool holders are attached to different tools, the holders will be changed automatically as tools change during a Solid Verify session.

 

Some topics have notes listed at the bottom of the page in a Notes section.  These are not highlighted.  

 

Example:

 

Notes

 

• Third party post-processors are started from VX via a script called runpost.
   

• The steps involved in adding a post-processor to runpost:
  
  Add your post-processor in file "PostProcessors" in the directory "cam_config".
  Select an extension name and make an entry in file "OutputExtNames" in the directory "output_def"..
  Modify script "rpunost" to include your post-processor.
   

• The arguments accepted by runpost are:
  
  $1 = input source NC program from VX (*.cl)
  $2 = requested post-processor
  $3 = requested configuration for post-processing
  $4 = filename for outputting post-processed program.

 

 

 

Tips & Techniques are provided throughout the documentation.  They provide useful information and guidance that can help you take full advantage of VX and its advanced features.  An example is shown below.  See Tips & Techniques for a complete list and links.

 

Example:

 

 

 

 

Documentation for the contents of forms and dialogues is presented in the following format.  Many forms are not shown graphically.  The icon shown below is used to alert you that a form or dialogue is being documented.  

 

The title of the form or section within a dialogue will appear to the right of the icon.  Option titles or form content will appear below the icon followed by a description.

 

 

Example 1:

 

Definition

 

Name

For a new machine definition, enter a name for the machine.  To select from a list of machines currently defined in the active CAM plan, pick the Name button and select a machine.  Its name and parameters will populate the form.

 

Class

Pick the Class button and select a machine class.  The following classes are supported: 2-axis M.C., 3-axis M.C., gantry mill, spar mill, drill or router.  You can enter your own classification name and filter by that class if desired.  See Apply Filter below.

 

  

Example 2:

 

Machine Details Form

 

• Speed Units - Defines the units in which the spindle is programmed.

• Maximum Speed - Defines the maximum allowable spindle speed.

• Spindle Dir - Specifies the supported spindle directions. Select CLW, CCLW, or both.

• Feed Units - Defines the units in which the feed rate programmed.

• Maximum Feed - Defines the maximum allowable feed rates.

• Accuracy - Defines the realistic accuracy (i.e., the limits of machining precision) of the machine positioning mechanism measured in the defaults units.

• Precision - Defines the precision of the current accuracy value.

 

 

 

The VX online help pages contain "drop-down" topics.  These topics are indicated with bold blue underlined text.  They drop-down (i.e., expand) the current page when selected and then collapse when selected again.

 

 

 

 

"What's New" icons and "What's Updated" icons may appear throughout this documentation alerting you to new and updated functionality and for the current release.

 

 

 

What is VX CAM?

What does VX CAM Offer