2012 IAT Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual
Table of Contents
Alphacam 2012 Installation Guide ............................................................................................................. 5
System Requirements.............................................................................................................................. 5
Software Installation ............................................................................................................................... 6
The Alphacam Key .............................................................................................................................. 6
The AutoPlay Menu ................................................................................................................................ 7
Language Selection ................................................................................................................................. 8
The Installation Wizard........................................................................................................................... 8
Running Alphacam ............................................................................................................................... 12
Obtaining and Using an Alphacam License File .................................................................................. 12
Network License Installation ................................................................................................................ 14
IMPORTANT NOTES ......................................................................................................................... 18
Alphacam General Knowledge ................................................................................................................. 19
Overview of Windows .......................................................................................................................... 19
Installing Alphacam and Basic Information ......................................................................................... 19
Open Alphacam for First Time ............................................................................................................. 19
Cartesian Coordinate System ................................................................................................................ 19
Manual Captions Explanation ................................................................................................................... 20
Cartesian Coordinate System .................................................................................................................... 22
Process Planning ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Operation Procedure ............................................................................................................................. 23
Design Fixture....................................................................................................................................... 23
Create Tool List .................................................................................................................................... 23
Create Geometry ................................................................................................................................... 23
Define Tool Path ................................................................................................................................... 23
Verify Tool Path ................................................................................................................................... 23
Geometry Creation and Editing Examples ............................................................................................... 24
Example Drawing #1 ............................................................................................................................ 24
Rectangle........................................................................................................................................... 25
Line ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Center + Diameter ............................................................................................................................. 27
2 Points + Radius .............................................................................................................................. 28
Example Drawing #2 ............................................................................................................................ 29
Rectangle........................................................................................................................................... 30
Line ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Line ................................................................................................................................................... 32
Arc..................................................................................................................................................... 33
Rotate ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Example Drawing #3 ............................................................................................................................ 36
Line ................................................................................................................................................... 37
Offset................................................................................................................................................. 39
Trim................................................................................................................................................... 42
Fillet .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Page 1 of 230

Join .................................................................................................................................................... 46
Chamfer............................................................................................................................................. 47
Fillet .................................................................................................................................................. 49
Example Drawing #4 ............................................................................................................................ 51
Rectangle........................................................................................................................................... 52
Line ................................................................................................................................................... 53
Trim................................................................................................................................................... 54
Join .................................................................................................................................................... 56
Center + Diameter ............................................................................................................................. 57
Array ................................................................................................................................................. 58
Set Geometry Z Levels ..................................................................................................................... 60
Center + Diameter ............................................................................................................................. 61
Repeat ............................................................................................................................................... 62
Set Geometry Z Levels ..................................................................................................................... 64
Saving an .ard File ................................................................................................................................ 65
Save ................................................................................................................................................... 65
Individual Geometry Creation Exercises .................................................................................................. 66
Handout 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 66
Handout 2 .............................................................................................................................................. 67
Handout 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 68
Process Planning ....................................................................................................................................... 69
Operation Procedure ............................................................................................................................. 69
What will be machined?.................................................................................................................... 69
Design Fixture................................................................................................................................... 69
Create Tool List ................................................................................................................................ 69
Create Geometry ............................................................................................................................... 69
Define Tool Path ............................................................................................................................... 69
Machining ................................................................................................................................................. 70
Multidrill ............................................................................................................................................... 71
Standard Drilling Routine ......................................................................................................................... 83
Rough or Finish..................................................................................................................................... 89
Verify Tool Path ................................................................................................................................... 98
Project Manager Simulation Tab .......................................................................................................... 99
Shad/Solid Simulation ........................................................................................................................ 105
Pocketing............................................................................................................................................. 106
Contour Pocket................................................................................................................................ 108
Linear Pocket ...................................................................................................................................... 115
Spiral Pocket ....................................................................................................................................... 116
3D Engraving .......................................................................................................................................... 118
Raised Letter Engraving ..................................................................................................................... 118
Plunge Letter Engraving ..................................................................................................................... 128
Creating a G-Code program .................................................................................................................... 132
Machining Styles .................................................................................................................................... 134
Machining Styles Practical Exercise ................................................................................................... 135
Nesting .................................................................................................................................................... 141
Nesting Methods ................................................................................................................................. 141
Page 2 of 230

True Shape Nesting ......................................................................................................................... 141
Rectangular Nesting ........................................................................................................................ 142
Manual Nesting ............................................................................................................................... 142
True Shape Nesting Example.............................................................................................................. 142
Creating and using Nest List for Nesting ............................................................................................ 151
Saving a Nest List ............................................................................................................................... 155
Constrained Parametric Sketching .......................................................................................................... 156
What can be constrained? ................................................................................................................... 157
What cannot be constrained? .............................................................................................................. 157
Constraints Project Manager Page ...................................................................................................... 158
Constraints Application Method ......................................................................................................... 159
Constraints Demo................................................................................................................................ 163
Tool Paths and Constrained Parametric Sketching ................................................................................. 172
Operation 1: Pocket............................................................................................................................. 172
Operation 2: Rough/Finish Pass.......................................................................................................... 172
Style-Layer Processing with CAD to CAM............................................................................................ 175
Getting Started Style-Layer Processing ........................................................................................... 176
Setup Style/Layer Main Buttons ......................................................................................................... 177
Job Data .............................................................................................................................................. 178
Layer Mapping Setups ........................................................................................................................ 178
Style-Layer Processing Example ........................................................................................................ 181
Layer Assignments Main Buttons ................................................................................................... 184
Making a Multidrill Layer Assignment .......................................................................................... 186
Making a Machining Style Layer Assignment ............................................................................... 188
Alphacam Button Bar Quick Reference Guide ....................................................................................... 200
File ...................................................................................................................................................... 200
View .................................................................................................................................................... 201
Display Options .................................................................................................................................. 202
Simulation ........................................................................................................................................... 202
Views .................................................................................................................................................. 203
Edit ...................................................................................................................................................... 204
Edit Mode............................................................................................................................................ 205
CAD Geometry ................................................................................................................................... 206
Arc....................................................................................................................................................... 206
Circle ................................................................................................................................................... 207
Splines ................................................................................................................................................. 207
Special Geometries ............................................................................................................................. 208
CAD .................................................................................................................................................... 208
Utils ..................................................................................................................................................... 209
Snaps ................................................................................................................................................... 209
3D........................................................................................................................................................ 210
Machine............................................................................................................................................... 210
Edit Machining.................................................................................................................................... 212
Clamps/Fixtures .................................................................................................................................. 213
Machine Configurations...................................................................................................................... 213
Styles ................................................................................................................................................... 214
Page 3 of 230

User Defined Code .............................................................................................................................. 214
Nesting ................................................................................................................................................ 215
Work Planes ........................................................................................................................................ 215
Multidrill ............................................................................................................................................. 216
APS Fast Geometry............................................................................................................................. 216
Specify Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 217
VBA .................................................................................................................................................... 217
CAD to CAM ...................................................................................................................................... 218
Alphaedit ............................................................................................................................................. 218
Select Standard Plane (Fast Work Volume) ....................................................................................... 219
Solid Model Extract ............................................................................................................................ 219
Solid Model Utilities ........................................................................................................................... 220
Milling Cycles ..................................................................................................................................... 220
Constraints .......................................................................................................................................... 221
Fabricate .............................................................................................................................................. 222
Waves .................................................................................................................................................. 222
Appendix A Alphacam Support (For customers current on their Alphacam Technical Support Plan)223
Appendix B - Training Course Schedule ................................................................................................ 224
Glossary .................................................................................................................................................. 225
Keyboard Function Keys ........................................................................................................................ 228
Notes: ...................................................................................................................................................... 229
Function Key Cutouts ............................................................................................................................. 230
Page 4 of 230

Alphacam 2012 Installation Guide
System Requirements
Processor
1.0GHz, 32 bit Intel Pentium compatible processor (2.0GHz Intel Pentium 4 or better recommended)
Operating System
Windows XP SP3 (XP Professional recommended), Windows Vista SP2 (Vista Business or Vista Ultimate
recommended), Windows 7 (Home, Professional or Ultimate recommended)
Alphacam will install and run on the 'Home' editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. However, this is not
recommended and we cannot guarantee to fix any Alphacam issues specifically related to these operating systems.
Alphacam is not supported on Windows 7 Starter Edition.
* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries
Memory
1GB RAM (2GB or more highly recommended for 32-bit OS, 4GB for 64-bit OS)
Video Card
OpenGL compatible with 64MB on-board memory (256MB or more recommended)
Monitor
1024x768 resolution (1280x1024 or higher recommended)
Hard Disk Space

1GB free hard disk space (minimum)
Disc Drive
DVD drive for software installation
Pointing Device
2 button, 3 button, or 2 button with wheel (recommended) Windows compatible mouse
Ports
USB 1.1 or 2.0 port for single user security key support
Network
TCP/IP required for network security support
Page 5 of 230

Software Installation
Please make sure you read this entire document prior to installation of the Alphacam software.
Before you start the installation process, it is recommended that you exit (close) all running applications.
Closing all running applications prior to installing any new program will insure that you get a clean
installation.
Ensure that your virus protection software is completely disabled. Please be aware, if this step is not
taken, you may experience problems with the Alphacam program.
As there are numerous types of computers and software packages for virus protection, please contact
your System Administrator or the manufacturer of the computer/software if assistance is required to
disable these items.
The Alphacam Key
If you received a USB key, please do not insert the security key into the USB port until the installation
has completed and the PC has rebooted.
If you have not received a USB key and are upgrading from a previous version of Alphacam, you will
continue to use your existing key. It is recommended that you remove your existing key until the
installation has completed and the PC has rebooted.
If you have purchased a network license of Alphacam, you may not have received a key.
Please see the Network License Installation section for more information.
If using an existing legacy DESkey dongle, the DESkey drivers are not installed during the
Alphacam installation process. However, the driver installation program is provided in the
Support\DesKey folder on the Alphacam installation disc. These drivers can also be
downloaded from the Downloads area on the DESkey web site (www.deskey.co.uk). If these
drivers are needed, they must be installed manually after the Alphacam installation has
completed.
Page 6 of 230

The AutoPlay Menu
Insert the Alphacam installation disc into the PCs disc drive. If your PC is configured to AutoPlay
CDs/DVDs, the AutoPlay Menu will appear after a few seconds.
If the AutoPlay Menu does not appear automatically, open My Computer, double-click the disk
drive that contains the Alphacam software and then double-click StartHere.hta to invoke the
menu.
Or, if asked to confirm the AutoPlay via the dialog shown below, click Run StartHere.hta.
Installation Instructions Click this link to open the Alphacam Installation Guide.
Whats New Click this link to open the Alphacam Whats New document.
Install Alphacam Click this link to start the Alphacam Installation Wizard.
Page 7 of 230
Install Part Modeler Click this link to start the Alphacam Part Modeler Installation Wizard.
Install Aspire for Alphacam Click this link to start the Aspire for Alphacam Installation
Wizard.
Browse Extra Add-Ins on DVD Click this link to open and browse the Extra Add-Ins folder
on the Alphacam installation disc within Windows Explorer. This folder contains a variety of
additional Alphacam products, such as Alphacam CAD Links, Alphacam APM Server, and
other add-ins.
Visit Product Website Click this to browse to the main Alphacam website
Read License Agreement Click this to browse to and read the Alphacam End User License
Agreement at www.planit.com/eula.
Language Selection
To change the language displayed within the AutoPlay menu as well as the language for the Alphacam
installation, simply select the desired from the menu in the upper-right corner of the AutoPlay menu.
The Installation Wizard
Page 8 of 230

Click the Next button to continue the installation wizard.
After accepting the License Agreement, click on Next to continue. You will then be asked to select the
location on your computer to install Alphacam.
If this is the first time Alphacam is being installed, the default location for the program files folder will
be C:\Program Files\Planit. This will in turn contain a folder which is named the same as the current
program release (e.g., C:\Program Files\Planit\Alphacam 2012 R1). The default location for the data
and user files is C:\Planit. The LICOMDAT and LICOMDIR folders will then be created automatically
within the selected location (e.g., C:\Planit\LICOMDAT and C:\Planit\LICOMDIR). If you already
have a version of Alphacam installed on your PC, these default values will be set with the existing
locations.
You may change the proposed locations to any path on your PC or on your network. To select another
location, click the Browse button and select the desired location. Click on Next to assign and confirm
the chosen paths.
The LICOMDAT and the LICOMDIR directories should be backed up on a regular basis to
prevent major data loss.
Page 9 of 230
After setting up the destination locations, you will then be asked to select the desired setup type. You
may select one of main manufacturing types that the Alphacam software covers; opt to install Alphacad,
Alphaedit, or Alphacam Shop Floor Editor individually, or opt to do a custom setup.
Be sure to select the manufacturing field that contains the module(s) that you have purchased.
Composites
Alphacam Essential Stone
Alphacam Standard Stone
Alphacam Advanced Stone
Alphacam Ultimate Stone
Metalworking
Alphacam Essential Mill/Lathe
Alphacam Standard Mill/Lathe/Wire
Alphacam Advanced Mill/Lathe/Wire
Alphacam Ultimate Mill/Lathe
Profiling
Alphacam Advanced Profiling
Alphacam Ultimate Profiling
Woodworking
Alphacam Essential Router
Alphacam Standard Router
Alphacam Advanced Router
Alphacam Ultimate Router
All main setup types include Alphaedit (Alphacad and Alphacam Shop Floor Editor do not).
Page 10 of 230

If selecting Alphacam Shop Floor Editor, you will also be asked to which Shop Floor module(s) to
install.
You can also install a combination of modules by selecting Custom Setup.
After selecting the module(s) to install, click on Next to confirm the installation destinations.
If the displayed program paths are correct, click on Next to continue the installation process.
If asked to reboot after the installation is complete, do so prior to running Alphacam.
Page 11 of 230

Running Alphacam
Upon completion of the Installation Wizard and reboot (if needed), Alphacam can be launched from the
Planit - Alphacam 2012 R1 folder within the Windows Start Menu.
Obtaining and Using an Alphacam License File

Upon Alphacam (or Part Modeler) startup, it will look for a local license first. If that fails, it then looks
for a license on the network. If that also fails, the message shown below is displayed. From here, you
can either browse to an existing license update or start the license request process. You can start the
license request process by either emailing the Lock Code to your Alphacam supplier, or by submitting
your Lock Code to the Request License web site.
To submit your Lock Code to the Request License web site, click the Web button and follow the
instructions on the web page. Once the license file is authorized and generated, an email will be sent to
the address registered in your My Support account with instructions on how to retrieve your license.
Note that your license files will remain on your My Support page and can be re-downloaded at any time.
Once your license file has been downloaded and saved, click the Browse button to select your license
update file. If your license file was successfully updated, you can then click the Retry button to restart
Alphacam.
Page 12 of 230
In order to run Alphacam on multiple PCs, the license file will need to be copied to any PC in
which the security key will be used. The easiest way to copy this file is to export it by using
the Export License File button located on the Alphacam About Box, which can be accessed
via the Help | About menu item within Alphacam. Upon exporting, you will be asked to save
the acam.upl file. Once saved, you can then transfer that file to your other PCs via email or
copying to a shared location
If you have installed the Part Modeler after installing Alphacam, or if you have install the
Part Modeler on a system without installing Alphacam, you may receive the message shown
below the first time to run the Part Modeler.
Page 13 of 230
This can be fixed by merging the appropriate .reg file located in the Support folder on the
Alphacam DVD. If running a 32-bit version of Windows, simply double-click the
PartModeler_LicFix_x86.reg file and then click Yes if asked to verify. If running a 64-bit
version of Windows, double-click the PartModeler_LicFix_x64.reg file instead. Then restart
Part Modeler.
Network License Installation

For network license implementation, the Sentinel License Manager must first be installed onto a
network server. This can be done via the steps below.
1. Insert the Alphacam installation disc and click the Browse Disc Contents link from the AutoRun
dialog. If the AutoRun dialog does not appear, browse to the disc drive via Windows Explorer.
2. Run (double-click) the InstallLM.bat file located in the discs root folder (e.g. D:\InstallLM.bat)
to start the Sentinel License Manager install. Alternatively, you can browse to the
Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\License_Manager_Installation folder
(e.g. D:\Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\License_Manager_Installation) and double-click the
Setup.exe file within that folder to start the installation process.
3. Upon completion of the License Manager install, browse to the
Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\Generate Lock Code folder on the Alphacam installation disc (e.g.
D:\Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\Generate Lock Code).
4. Run the echoid.exe file within that folder to generate the lock code.
5. Make a note of this lock code and send it to the Alphacam supplier via email, or by submitting
your Lock Code to the Request License web site.
Once the license file is authorized and generated, an email will be sent to the address registered
in your My Support account with instructions on how to retrieve your license. Note that your
license files will remain on your My Support page and can be re-downloaded at any time.
This can be to any PC that is part of the network and it is not required to have Alphacam on the
PC which is running the License Manager.
Page 14 of 230

6. Browse to the Alphacam installation disc and copy the entire
Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\Administer and Monitor folder to a local PC (or server), preferably
the same PC that the acam.upl file was saved to.
7. Once copied, run the WlmAdmin.exe file within that folder to start the License Monitor.
8. From within the License Monitor, find the license server by expanding the Subnet Servers node.
NOTE: If the server name is not listed, or if you receive the message shown below, it may be
necessary to manually add your server.
To manually add a server, please perform the following steps. Once these steps are complete,
the added server should be listed under the Defined Servers node rather than Subnet Servers
node.
1. Click the Edit menu and then Defined Server List
Page 15 of 230
2. Enter the server name into the Server field, then click Add and then OK
3. Once the server is detected, right-click on the server name to invoke the menus shown below
and click the To Server and its File option. Note that if the server was manually defined, it
will be visible within the Defined Servers node rather than the Subnet Servers node as
shown here.
4. Browse to and select the acam.upl that was saved in Step 6 of the Network License
Installation process.
Page 16 of 230
The license(s) should now be installed and it is now safe to close the WlmAdmin application.
Note that this application is not needed for the license server to work. It is only needed to
install or monitor active licenses.
Page 17 of 230
IMPORTANT NOTES
If Alphacam fails to find the Sentinel Network License Manager, it may be required to set the
license server name. This can be done one of two ways...
Option 1
1. Add an environment variable named LSHOST to the PC which is running Alphacam, not the
License Manager
2. Set the value of this variable to the name or IP address of the License Manager server (e.g.
SERVER_NAME or 192.168.0.100)
Please contact your System Administrator or Alphacam Technical Support for assistance in
setting this system variable.
Option 2
1. Create a new text file and name it LSHOST, with no extension. An example file can be
found in the Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\Sample LSHOST File folder on the Alphacam
installation disc.
2. Edit the LSHOST file (e.g. open in Notepad) and enter the name or IP address of the License
Manager server in the first line of the file (e.g. SERVER_NAME or 192.168.0.100)
3. Save and close the LSHOST file
4. Copy or move the LSHOST file to the main Alphacam folder (e.g. C:\Program
Files\Planit\Alphacam 2012 R1)
With either method, you can provide a list of license server names if multiple servers are to be
searched. Each name must be separated by a : symbol (e.g. SERVER_ONE:SERVER_TWO).
Alphacam will try each license server in the list, beginning with the first.
Page 18 of 230

Alphacam General Knowledge
Overview of Windows
Hardware basics Keyboard and Mouse Basics

Opening programs and understanding Task Bar
What is Windows Explorer and how to use it
Installing Alphacam and Basic Information
Load Correct Program DVD and Install Alphacam

o Load Alphacam DVD into computer. The install program will start automatically.
Follow instructions as posted.
Recognize Alphacams folders
o C:\Licomdat Stores Alphacam posts, tooling and drill head configurations
o C:\Licomdir Stores Alphacam drawing files and NC files
o C:\Program Files\Planit\Alphacam 2012 R1 stores main program files and special
add-in files that you may need to load
Discuss Backup Information
o C:\Licomdat and C:\Licomdir should be backed up
Open Alphacam for First Time
Open Program
o Start Programs Planit Alphacam 2012 R1 - Selected Module
Select Default Post
Review Alphacam screen layout
Configure button bars
Briefly explain each menu and its functions
Open and close a tutorial file
Cartesian Coordinate System
Review attached sheet

Discuss how it applies to machines
Page 19 of 230

Manual Captions Explanation
In this manual you will see captions similar to

the one on the left. For each command we
use, you will see the Pull Down Menu for
each item. This will help assist you to find the
commands we will be using as we work on the
examples in the manual.
After locating the command from the pull down menus, pay particular attention to the bottom of your
screen. This is where your Prompt bar is located. The prompt bar is where you will be asked to do
certain tasks or enter values for particular tasks. You will see captions of the prompt throughout this
manual, usually adjacent or below the pull down captions from above. Below is a sample of the prompt
bar.
Various commands in Alphacam also have additional windows that will be shown on your screen.
These windows will vary in size. Below is a sample of a typical window caption.
Page 20 of 230

Full screen captions will also be shown in the manual. The screen captions may be during or after a
particular command that we will be discussing, as well as at the end of each example to help you
compare your results with the manual. Below is a sample of a screen caption.
Page 21 of 230

Cartesian Coordinate System
The Cartesian Coordinate System is a two dimensional plane setup as a grid of lines
The lines run north to south and east to west
The center of the grid is known as the Origin
Any point to the right of the origin is known as an X positive position
Any point to the left of the origin is known as an X negative position
Any point above the origin is known as a Y positive position
Any point below the origin is known as a Y negative position
The position of a point is defined in parentheses listing the X axis, a comma, and then the Y axis
Page 22 of 230

Process Planning
Operation Procedure
What will be machined?
How many parts will you run?
How will you hold the parts?
Will you need fixtures?
What tooling will be used?
Design Fixture
Create fixtures as a separate job
Design the fixture
Make Fixture
Create Tool List
Decide what tools you will need
Can all the tools be used at the same time in the machine?
Are the tools defined in Alphacam?
Create Geometry
Design part in Alphacam. ** Remember to draw what you will cut. You are not
recreating a blueprint; you are drawing what you will machine.
Define Tool Path
Select tool to be used
Set tool directions
Apply tool path
Designate Speeds and Feeds rates
Assign lead-ins and lead-outs as needed
Verify Tool Path
Monitor tool path using Show Tools in the 3D views.
Be sure depths look correct.
Run Solid Simulation as extra verification.
Page 23 of 230

Geometry Creation and Editing Examples
Example Drawing #1
This exercise will create the following drawing step by step.
Follow the commands as entered on each of the next four pages. Each page displays how your screen
should look after completing each command.
Page 24 of 230

Rectangle
Geometry/Rectangle
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right

click on your mouse will cancel the Rectangle
command.
Page 25 of 230

Line
Geometry/Line
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right click on

your mouse will cancel the Line command.
Page 26 of 230

Center + Diameter
Geometry/Circle/Center + Diameter
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a

Right click on your mouse will cancel the Circle
command.
Page 27 of 230

2 Points + Radius
Geometry/Arc/2 Points + Radius

Right click on your mouse will cancel the Arc
command.
This drawing is complete!
Page 28 of 230

Example Drawing #2
Page 29 of 230

Rectangle
Geometry/Rectangle
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right click

on your mouse will cancel the Rectangle command.
Page 30 of 230

Line
Geometry/Line

your mouse will cancel the Line
Page 31 of 230

Line
Geometry/Line

your mouse will cancel the Line command.
Page 32 of 230

Arc
Geometry/Arc/2 Points + Radius

Right click on your mouse will cancel the
Arc command
Page 33 of 230

Rotate
Edit/Move Copy Etc/Rotate
With the Rotate command active in your prompt bar, you need to Left click with the mouse on the
Arc to select it. Once selected it will turn blue in color (see drawing on next page), if its blue, click
on Finish or press the ESC key to go to the next command.
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right click on your mouse will cancel the Arc
command.
Page 34 of 230
This drawing is complete!
Page 35 of 230

Example Drawing #3
Page 36 of 230

Line
Geometry/Line
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right click on your mouse will cancel the Line
command.
After canceling the Line command your geometry should match, as shown on the next page.
Page 37 of 230
Page 38 of 230

Offset
Edit/Break, Join etc/Offset
Click on the OK button. The prompt bar will then ask OFFSET: Select as shown on the next page.
Select the right vertical line, which then will turn blue.
Page 39 of 230
Alphacam now prompts for

shown below.
. Set your mouse inside the part and left click once as
Page 40 of 230

Now you will get a new geometry 2.5 left of your right edge.
You should now select the bottom line of your part.
Alphacam again prompts to

click once.
. Move your mouse to the inside of your part and left
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right click on your mouse will cancel the Offset
command.
Page 41 of 230

Trim
Edit/Break, Join etc/Trim
The Trim command is a two-step process. After
activating the Trim command, you will see your
prompt bar as shown.
The first step before you trim lines is to establish

boundaries that we want to trim to. You can select
Construction lines, Dimension lines, and APS
Geometry lines, for boundaries.
Select both of the new geometries created from the
Offset command as shown. After selecting both
lines, press ESC, Right click, or click on the
Finish button to continue to the second step of
trimming.
Page 42 of 230

Now for the second step of the Trim command. Your prompt bar should read as follows:
Using the two lines that have been selected as boundaries, we will now remove the lower right hand
corner of our green geometry. Move your mouse cursor to the lower right hand corner and left click
once on the green geometry. After removing this portion, press ESC, or Right click to cancel the
Trim command.
After successfully removing this portion, your screen should resemble the drawing below.
Page 43 of 230

Fillet
Edit/Break, Join etc/Fillet
Once the Fillet command is active, we have to

enter a value for the Fillet Radius, and select
one of the two options for Corners. With this
Fillet example, we will use a Fillet Radius
of 0, and our Corners method will be
Individual (Pick 2 Elements).
Select the horizontal offset line to the right of the vertical line as shown.
Page 44 of 230
Now select the vertical offset line below the horizontal line as shown below.
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right click on your mouse will cancel the Fillet
command. By completing this command correctly, you should have the same result as shown below.
Page 45 of 230

Join
Edit/Break, Join etc/Join
With the Join command active, you will notice that you
have to select the Geometries or Tool Paths you want to
join. You also have the option of selecting All. If
using the All option, make certain that you want to
join all elements on your screen, otherwise you will
select them individually.
With this example we will select the All button in the
prompt bar. After selecting all, you can press the ESC
button, or Right click with the mouse to cancel the
Join command.
Page 46 of 230

Chamfer
Edit/Break, Join etc/Chamfer
In the Chamfer command we need to set up our First Distance and Second Distance of the chamfer,
as well as selecting what option we will use for the Corners. Fill in the values for the Chamfer as
shown above and click on OK
Will be the first direction your prompt bar will give you. The first line we
will select will be the right hand side vertical line as shown below.
Page 47 of 230

After selecting this line notice the change in your prompt bar.
Now we need to select a second line to create the Chamfer between them.
Select the top horizontal line at this time as shown below.
Press the ESC button, or Right click with the mouse to cancel the Chamfer command.
Compare your screen with the screen shot below. Is your drawing correct? Does the Chamfer go in the
right direction?
Page 48 of 230

Fillet
Edit/Break, Join etc/Fillet
Once you enter the Fillet Radius of 3 and select

the Corners option, click on OK
Select the top horizontal line of the part.
Page 49 of 230
Now select the far left vertical line.
Press the ESC button or Right Click the mouse to cancel the Fillet Command. Your part should
match the drawing below. The drawing is now complete.
Page 50 of 230

Example Drawing #4
Page 51 of 230

Rectangle
Geometry/Rectangle
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard or a Right

click on your mouse will cancel the Rectangle command.
Page 52 of 230

Line
Geometry/Line
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right click

on your mouse will cancel the Line command.
Page 53 of 230

Trim
Edit/Break, Join Etc/Trim
Select the line that was created with the last line
command, at the top right of the rectangle.
Page 54 of 230

After selecting the line, press ESC, Right click, or click on the Finish button to continue to the
second step of trimming.
On the upper right hand corner select the green geometry between the two end points of our selected
boundary.
After it has trimmed the part, press the ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right click on your mouse
will cancel the Trim command. Compare your screen to the screen caption below.
Page 55 of 230

Join
Edit/Break, Join etc/Join
Using the Join command, select, ALL and press the

ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right click on your
mouse will finish and cancel the Join command.
Page 56 of 230

Center + Diameter
Enter the circle diameter.
Enter the X, Y value for the center of the circle

to be placed on your drawing and click on OK.
Press the ESC key on your keyboard, or a
Right click on your mouse will cancel the Circle
command.
Page 57 of 230

Array
Move, Copy etc/Array
After activating the Array command the prompt bar

will ask you to select what you want to array. If you
have trouble trying to select the small .1968 inch
diameter circle you can do a drag window to select the
circle. To do so, left click once, somewhere in the
vicinity of the circle, and move your mouse diagonally.
As you do this you will see a window increase in size
as you move the mouse. If the circle is inside of your
drag window, left click once more and any items in the
window will be selected and highlighted blue.
After selecting the circle, press ESC, or Right click on the mouse to continue to the next window of
the Array command.
Page 58 of 230

With the Rectangular Array window active, we will need to
input the quantity and displacement values for this example.
Fill in the values as shown to the left.
After inputting the correct values click on the OK button.
Press ESC, or right click on the mouse to cancel the Array
command.
Compare your screen with the screen caption below to see if
the Array command has been successfully completed.
Page 59 of 230

Set Geometry Z Levels
3D/Set Geometry Z Levels
After activating the Set Geometry Z Levels command,
your prompt bar will ask you to select geometry. Do a drag
window and select all the .1968 diameter holes.
Enter the values shown and click OK.
Page 60 of 230

Center + Diameter
Enter the circle diameter.
Enter the X, Y value for the center of the

circle to be placed on your drawing and click
on OK.
Press the ESC key on your keyboard, or a
Right click on your mouse will cancel the
Circle command.
Page 61 of 230

Repeat
Edit/Move, Copy etc/Repeat
After activating the Repeat command the

prompt bar will ask you to select what you
want to repeat. If you have trouble trying
to select the small 3/8th inch diameter
circle you can do a drag window to select
the circle. To do so, left click once,
somewhere in the vicinity of the circle,
and move your mouse diagonally. As you
do this you will see a window increase in
size as you move the mouse. If the circle
is inside of your drag window, left click
once more and any items in the window
will be selected and highlighted blue.
After selecting the circle, press ESC, or Right click on the mouse to continue to the next prompt bar
of the Repeat command.
Page 62 of 230

In the next prompt bar of Repeat we need to specify Displacement or Pick Base Point. With this
example the circle center is the base point. With the circle center all ready being the Base Point, we
will enter a value in Y for the Displacement, as shown in the next prompt bar caption.
After entering the Displacement value, click on OK and in the next prompt bar caption you will be
asked How Many Copies. Enter the number six in the next prompt bar, as shown, and click on OK.
Press the ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right click on your mouse will cancel the Repeat
command.
Page 63 of 230

Set Geometry Z Levels
3D/Set Geometry Z Levels
After activating the Set Geometry Z Levels command,
your prompt bar will ask you to select geometry. Do a drag
window and select all the .375 diameter holes.
Enter the values shown and click OK.
Page 64 of 230

Saving an .ard File
Example #4 geometry creation is now complete. Since we will be using this file in both the machining
and nesting portion of this manual we will want to save it. After saving we will continue on with more
geometry creation exercises.
Save
File/Save
After activating the Save command, you will have a Save As
window active as seen below. If your computer skills are good,
create a new folder in the LICOMDIR directory with your name on
it and then name your file example 4 or something similar. After
you have named your drawing file click on the Save button to save.
After you click on the Save button, another window will appear
telling you your file has been saved.
Page 65 of 230

Individual Geometry Creation Exercises
Up to this point, you have completed four Geometry Creation Exercises under the direction of your
Instructor. This portion of the class is to provide you with three handout examples that have been drawn
and dimensioned for you to transpose from paper, to the Alphacam software.
This exercise is to allow you enough time to get use to using Alphacam for geometry creation and
become more familiar with the Geometry creation commands, as well as Edit functions commonly used
in day to day geometry creation. This will be overseen by your instructor but not in a structured manner
that you have experienced until now.
If you have any question regarding the three following drawings, by all means ask your instructor for
any clarifications you may need to complete the drawing.
Handout 1
Page 66 of 230

Handout 2
After you have completed Handout 2, save this file for additional machining practice. Part will be 3/4
thick over all. The .315 and .1968 diameter holes will be 1/2 deep. The 2 x 4 rectangle will be
machined at a 1/4 deep. The 4 circle will be machined at a 1/2 deep. And the 5 x 9 rectangle will be
machined at 3/4 deep.
Page 67 of 230

Handout 3
After you have completed Handout 3, save this file for additional machining practice. Part will be 7/8
thick over all. The 1/4 and 1diameter holes will be 7/8 deep. The irregular geometry with the fillets
and chamfer will be pocketed at a 1/2 deep with a resulting 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 island.
Page 68 of 230

Process Planning
This next exercise will step through a planned process for creating an NC (or G-code) Program for
geometry Example #4.
Operation Procedure
What will be machined?
Drill the .375 and .1968 Diameter holes should be done first to ensure proper hold down.
Cut the outline of the part. One cut at full depth should be efficient.
How many parts will you run?

For this example we will run one part only.
How will you hold the parts?
Lets plan to lay this part flat on a spoil board.
Will you need a fixture?
No
Design Fixture
We will not need a fixture for this job.
Create Tool List
0.1968 diameter drill

0.375 diameter drill
o Both drills should be loaded in the drill bank or multiple drills for each size may be
loaded.
0.5 diameter Routing Bit
Create Geometry
We have already drawn this part. Open the Example 4 file to the screen.
Define Tool Path
Page 69 of 230

Machining
Up to this point our main focus has been on the geometry creation within Alphacam. Now we will work
on taking the geometries that we have created, and start applying various machining methods to these
drawings to create the G-Code programs for the machine. In order to get these G-Code programs we
need to have tool paths applied to our drawings. But, before we start applying tool paths we need to
have an understanding of the different Z levels that will be at hand.
First and foremost, is that before applying tool paths to a drawing you need to know where or what
location on your machine is going to be Z zero. Depending on the type of machining you are doing
this can be in different locations with height offsets that can be adjusted on your machines control. Once
Z zero has been established we can set up the correct values on the tool paths.
Entry fields for the Safe Rapid Level (for rapid moves between one part and another), the Z level that
the tool is to Rapid Down To (before it starts feeding into the material), the Z level of the Material
Top, and the Final Depth of cut are provided. These are all absolute values, and on the machine they
are measured relative to the Z level that is set by the operator as the reference Z zero. This is often the
material top, but might be the machine bed or some other level. You must know your workshop
practices to set these values correctly.
Page 70 of 230

Multidrill
Machining/Multidrill
Page 71 of 230

MultiDRILL is an Alphacam VBA add-in. It is designed to assist in optimized drilling cycles utilizing a
multiple spindle drill block. The wizard style interface allows for easy access to editable properties of
each drill within the drill block as well as flexible machining parameters, travel limitations, and hole
selection options.
When launching for the first time, you will have to select a Drill Head Configuration. Select the
Generic 16 Spindle Inch.add for this example. Use the Load button on the next window at anytime
you wish to change configurations. If you want to view the configuration you have active, click on the
View Button.
Page 72 of 230

Drill Parameters Window
The first window in Multidrill is the Drill Parameters screen. All editable drill properties are displayed
in red. To edit, simply click within the desired cell and type in the desired value. For the Bit Type
assignments, simply click within the cell and select the desired type from the drop down.
Number This represents the drill ID or Number as related to the drill block configuration. This is
typically the same as what is displayed on the coinciding image of the drill block configuration.
Work Face This represents the Work Face, or direction, in which the drill is facing. This is typically
the desired axis direction when drilling the material.
Tool Offset The offset number to be used for the drill. This is the same as the Offset Number as
specified within Alphacam. Each drill can be assigned a unique value, or all drills can share the same
value. This is dependent on how offsets are being used within the machines control.
Page 73 of 230

Drill Parameters Window (continued)
Work Offset An additional (optional) value representing the work offset Number to be used for the
drill. This is typically used for machines equipped with extended work offsets. Note that the post
processor can only retrieve this value from the proper attribute.
Diameter The diameter of the drill bit. This is the same as the Diameter value as specified when
defining a tool within Alphacam.
Length The length of the drill bit. This is the same as the Length value as specified when defining a
tool within Alphacam. Typically, this is only taken into consideration when horizontal drilling is
applied, depending on your machine manufacturer.
Cone Angle The cone angle of the drill bit. This is the same as the Cone Angle value as specified
when defining a tool within Alphacam.
Bit Type The bit type, or style, of the drill bit. This allows for drills of a type to be utilized for only
holes of the same type. In order for bit types to be matched properly, bit type assignments must first be
made to the holes (circles) to be drilled. This can be done via the Assign Bit Types to Geometries
command within the Machine pull down menu.
All Same As Will make all entries within the active column the same as the selected cell.
Load Will prompt the user to select a Multidrill database (.add, .mdb, .dat) to load as active.
View Will display the associated bitmap image (if it exists).
Print Will display the active Multidrill configuration to report style text file.
Page 74 of 230

Drill Parameters Window (continued)
For this example make sure that drills 1 thru 5 have a drill diameter of .197. Drills 6, 9, and 12 should
have a diameter of .375. All other values can remain as they are from the database. After you have
changed the drill diameters, click on the Next button to continue.
Page 75 of 230

Machining Parameters Window
Some machines may have limitations on its ability to reach the full table with all drills. This page
allows you the opportunity to define those limitations. Should your machine not require this option
simply select the Disable option and this page will become unavailable. You may now click the
Next Button to move on.
Page 76 of 230
With the Machine Parameters window we have four areas of information that need to be filled in
correctly to get the desired results we are looking for. We will start in the upper left hand corner and
work clockwise around this window to set these values up.
Z Levels (or Distance from Plane)
Safe Rapid Level The safe Z-axis clearance position.
Rapid Down To The last rapid Z-axis position before entering the part.
Material Top The Z value representing the top of the material or part.
Traverse At The Z-axis position when traveling at rapid speed from one hole to another.
Page 77 of 230

Machining Parameters window (continued)
Bottom of Hole
Bottom of Hole The Z-axis position of the bottom of the hole to be drilled. Note that if
horizontal drilling, this may represent the X or Y value from the edge of the part.
Hole Depth At Specifies whether Alphacam should calculate the Bottom of Hole per the drill
shoulder taking into account the Cone Angle.
Auto Z Used for drawings with holes drawn 3 dimensionally. With AlphaCAM Essential
modules these drawings would have been imported from a CAD software or higher Module of
AlphaCAM. If checked, the Apply Bottom of Hole to Non-Auto Holes and the Auto Z
Tolerance options become enabled (otherwise they are disabled) and the Bottom of Hole option
becomes disabled.
Apply Bottom of Hole to Non-Auto Holes if checked, the Bottom of Hole option becomes
enabled. When importing 3 Dimensional files, this option allows for any holes that have not had
a Z value already assigned be drilled at the given depth. If this option is not checked, all selected
holes must contain a graphic Z value in order to be drilled.
Auto Z Stock Amount This amount adds to the depth of the drilling operation as AlphaCAM
will drill to the exact depth of the hole. This option allows you to send the drill deeper than the
drawn depth to insure achieving full diameter through the material. A negative entry would
cause the drill to travel short of the drawn depth.
Machining
Spindle Speed The spindle speed to be used for the drill unit. If Fixed is selected, this setting
becomes disabled and is not required.
Drill Feed The machining feed rate to be used when drilling.
Show Slaved Operations Will machine and flag all slaved operations, otherwise only master is
machined.
Output Horizontal as Boring Will output all horizontal work as a Boring cycle versus a Drilling cycle.
This setting determines which section of the post processor to be used for horizontal work. Note that
most post processors use the Boring cycle for horizontals. However, some do not allow this. If an error
is generated by your post processor, try checking this option off.
Page 78 of 230

Machining Parameters window (continued)
Tolerances
Drill to Hole Diameter The tolerance value to be used when analyzing drill diameter to hole
diameter.
Hole Center to Center The tolerance value to be used when analyzing hole center-to-center
spacing.
Auto Z Tolerance allows for potential variation between holes that have had a Z value set via
the Set Geometry Z Levels option and holes that have not.
Set all settings and values to match the Machining Parameters windows on page 92. After doing so,
click on the Next button.
Page 79 of 230

Machine Undrilled Holes
With this feature, if you have table limits with your drill block that doesnt allow you to drill all the
holes where they may be located, or if you dont have a matching drill diameter, or any undrilled holes,
you can assign a machining style from your library to address one of these three possibilities.
When using a Machine Style to process the undrilled holes, all machining data applied to those holes
comes from the Machining Style. Please ensure that the selected Machining Style contains the
appropriate tools and cutting depths.
Page 80 of 230

Hole Selection Window
This last dialogue box allows us to establish which holes we will drill.
Selection Method
All Holes All geometries within the active drawing will be selected and analyzed for drilling.
Selected Holes Upon selecting Finish the user will be prompted to select holes on the screen.
Only geometries selected will be analyzed for drilling.
Ignore Bit Type Assignments Will ignore any Bit Type Assignments when analyzing holes for
drilling.
Drill Holes with Unassigned Bit Types Will include selected holes that do not contain Bit Type
Assignments when analyzing for drilling. Any found hole will be included within the nearest
master.
Page 81 of 230

Hole Selection Window (continued)
Optimization Order
Method Will reorder all selected holes according to one of the six selected methods.
Face by Face Will reorder all selected holes according to the selected Method on a face-byface basis. Clicking the Set Order button and then adjusting the order within the Face Order
dialog can set the order in which the faces are to be machined.
Match Work Faces Will allow hole selection for holes only residing on the selected work faces all
others will be ignored.
Match Layers Will allow hole selection for holes only residing on the selected User Layers.
Match Drills Will allow hole selection for holes that match the selected drill diameters within
tolerance levels all others will be ignored.
Fill in the options to match the Hole Selection window caption shown on the previous page and click on
the Finish button. At this point your instructor will make sure that all have successfully completed
your first MultiDRILL operation.
Page 82 of 230

Standard Drilling Routine
Machine/Select Tool
Once you activate the Select Tool command, you will see a tool window
appear. This tool library is located in your LICOMDAT directory.
Router users will see a RTOOLS directory; Mill users will see a
MTOOLS directory and so on for the different modules of Alphacam. In
this library you will see various Standard and Metric tools already
created. Any of the tools in the library are editable. Below is a caption
of the tool library.
Highlight the Drill 3-8 in dia located in the *tools\Inch\Drills Twist\ directory. Click on the
Select Tool button at the top of the window. Once selected you will see an image of the tool
depending on what view it is that you are in. If you are in a Flatland or 2D view you will see a
diameter preview of the tool. If you are in an Isometric or 3D view you will see a 3 dimensional
wire frame of the tool. Notice the prompt bar information as seen on the next page.
Page 83 of 230
You will need to accept this tool. You can press the Enter key on your keyboard or Left click once
on the screen to accept the tool. If this tool is not what you wanted you can press the ESC key on your
keyboard and it will take you back to the tool library to select a different tool.
Machine/Drill/Tap Holes
Another method to drill holes would be to select a single drill to be held in the router spindle vs using
the boring block or in some cases a boring block may not exist on the machine. Follow the above menu
to the Drill/Tap Holes command.
Page 84 of 230
In the first window you will have options for Type of operation, Which Holes you wish to drill and NC
Code you wish to use.
Type;
Drilling will perform the basic operation you will perform almost all the time. This operation will
simply rapid the tool to a hole at the Safe Rapid level, then rapid to top of hole and then feed through
the hole.
Pecking will be similar to drilling except allow an opportunity to set a specific interval of depth at which
the tool will retract from the hole to remove existing chips and/or slightly cool the tool during deep
drilling operations.
Tapping is to apply threads to the hole by use of a tapping tool.
Boring will typically feed a single blade tool into the hole and retract out of the hole at a feed rate as
well.
The method at which each of these operations engages the tool to the workpiece is described in a
separate Template of the post processor. You should consult your machine supplier as to the best
methods should you desire to stray from the norm.
Which Holes;
All Selected Holes will drill all holes you select by use of a selection window or by selecting each hole
individually. After you complete the dialogue boxes you will be prompted to Select Holes.
Page 85 of 230

All Selected Crosses will drill at all the crosses you select. A cross being a horizontal and vertical line
specifying a hole location. This command is very seldom utilized.
Holes to Match Drill Diameter will drill any hole selected that matches the diameter of the drill within
.001.
All Holes of a Given Diameter will drill any hole selected that matches the given diameter entered in the
box to the right of this command.
Diameter Ranger will drill any hole selected whos diameter falls between the range entered in the
boxes to the right of this command.
NC Code
Canned Cycle will process code utilizing canned cycles available within the control of the machine.
Choosing this option tells AlphaCAM to use the designated section of the post for each operation type
chosen. This option is used almost all the time.
Subroutine will process each hole using a subroutine defined in the post and created as a separate
program and stored at the machine.
Global/Linear will produce code without utilizing any special functions at all. This is very seldom used
unless your machine does not have canned cycles.
Make the appropriate selections and click the OK button.
The second dialogue box will address Z Levels, Traverse height and Hole Depth.
Page 86 of 230

Z Levels;
Safe Rapid Level is the height you will travel when the machine rapids from one hole to the next. The
amount you enter will be relative to the programmed Z Zero point.
Rapid Down to (R-Plane) is the Z position the tool will rapid to just prior to drilling the hole. This is
also considered the start point for feeding the drill.
Material Top is the top of the material where the hole is being drilled. This is not necessarily Z zero,
you could be drilling holes on a different plane than Z zero.
Bottom of Hole is the final depth of the programmed tool. This is not necessarily the bottom of the hole.
Most often you will prefer to drill deeper than the bottom.
Traverse At;
Safe Rapid will cause the tool to retract to the safe rapid level after each hole and traverse at this level to
the next hole.
R-Plane will cause the tool to retract to the R-Plane after each hole and traverse at this level to the next
hole.
Hole Depth;
Drill Tip will send the drill to the depth specified in Bottom of Hole.
Shoulder will send the drill to the depth specified in Bottom of Hole but also calculate the extra depth
required to bring the full diameter of the drill to final depth. This extra depth will be calculated from the
angle given in the tool definition of the drill being used.
Make the appropriate selections and click the OK button.
Page 87 of 230

In the last dialogue box, we need to enter tool number, offset number, spindle speed, and feed rate.
Keep in mind that Standard drilling routines are for the router spindle to do the machining. We are not
using the drill block configuration to do this machining. Fill in the information and click OK,
Your prompt bar will ask you to Select Circles
. Draw a selection box around all the .375 diameter holes as shown below.
You have just completed your first Standard Drilling routine. Using the same steps that we used for the
.375 holes go ahead and set up on your own, the Standard Drilling routine for the .1968 diameter holes.
As you work on this, the instructor will go around and assist any person in need of help.
Page 88 of 230

Rough or Finish
Machine/Select Tool
Double click the Flat 1-2 in dia. or highlight the tool and choose
the Select Tool icon in the windows tool bar.
After selecting the tool, left click on your screen or press the Enter key to accept the tool you have
picked.
Page 89 of 230

Machine/ Tool Directions
Select CCW under Direction and Outside under

Side. If you wish to change the start point of the
geometry while applying Tool Direction, make sure
in the section Set Start Point on Closed
Geometries you select Manual or the Auto
option. If using the Auto option for start points,
you will need to determine where the start point will
be for Inside, Outside and Center tool side cuts as
shown below.
Choose Manual for this example. Alphacam will now ask you to Pick Point on Geometry. At this
point, you can enter exact X, Y coordinates, or use any of the snap functions to select your Start Point.
Page 90 of 230

Press the F7 function key and your prompt bar will show as follows.
F7 will reference the Mid Point of geometry. Select the far right vertical line of the outer profile of
the cabinet side as shown below.
Notice the Ghost Tool that appears at the Mid Point of the far right vertical line as shown below.
Press the Close button on the tool directions window to cancel the Tool Directions command.
Page 91 of 230

Machine/ Rough or Finish
Click Selected for this example and the following dialogue box appears.
Compensation
1) APS Tool Center - Outputs the tool center coordinates, no compensation is applied to the tool
path. This is the most common type used.
2) Machine Comp (G41/42) - Outputs the geometry coordinates and the appropriate tool
compensation G-code.
3) G41/42 Center Comp - Outputs the tool center coordinates and the appropriate tool
compensation G-code.
Page 92 of 230

Apply Compensation on Rapid Approach/Retract
This option allows you to set the flag that will be sent to the post processor, telling it to apply the above
selected compensation type on rapid movements or not.
XY Corners
Roll Round
This type of corner will generate a 'rounded' corner as the tool will roll around corners as shown above
on the far left.
Straight
This type of corner will, typically, generate a straight corner as the tool will have straight motions as
shown above center image.
Loop
There are two types of loops available, standard loops, or 'knife' loops. Both will create a sharp straight
edge on the part.
Loop Radius - this property allows you to specify the radius that will be used to create the loop if
the Loop option is selected under XY Corners
Knife Loops - this flag allows you to specify that Alphacam should generate a 'Knife' loop when
using the Loop option under XY corners.
Select Machine Comp (G41/42) under Compensation and Straight under XY Corners. Click on the
OK button.
Next, enter the figures as shown below and click on the OK button.
Page 93 of 230
Safe Rapid Level

This property is the Z Level at which Alphacam will specify in your NC Code that the tool can safely
traverse the machining area at a rapid speed
Rapid Down To
This property is the Z Level at which Alphacam will specify in your NC Code that the tool can move
down to at a rapid speed.
Material Top
This is the Z Level of the top of the material to be machined. If the Material Top Z level is greater than
the Safe Rapid Level, you will see a warning dialog box after selecting the OK button.
Final Depth
This is the Z Level at which the tool will make it's final pass
Number of Cuts
This allows you to specify the number of cuts that Alphacam will use to create this operation with
Bi-Directional
This flag allows you to specify whether or not Alphacam may create Bi-Directional cuts on open paths,
or if the operation created must start from the start of the geometry and end at the end of the geometry
for each cut.
NC Code for Multiple Cuts
This option will determine if you use Linear NC Code, or Subroutines for your NC Code type.
Depths of Cut
This option allows you to specify the thickness of an operation that uses multiple cuts.
Page 94 of 230
Tool Number
This allows you to change the default tool number for the selected tool.
Offset Number
This allows you to change the default tool offset number for the selected tool.
Diameter
This only displays the diameter of the selected tool.
Spindle Speed
This allows you to change the default Spindle Speed used for this operation
Down Feed
This allows you to change the default Down Feed speed for this operation.
Cut Feed
This allows you to change the default Cut Feed speed for this operation.
Page 95 of 230

Stock to be Left
This allows you to specify an amount of material to be left after machining is completed.
Lead In/Out
This allows you to apply automatic lead ins and lead out while applying the Rough/Finish pass. With
this option on, select the Edit button to determine what type of lead in and lead out you want applied.
Coolant
This option allows you to specify the type of coolant used during machining.
Page 96 of 230

Click on OK when you are finished. Take note of the prompt bar at the bottom of your screen.
Alphacam will tell you to Select Geometries. Select the outer geometry as shown in the next screen
caption.
Press ESC on your keyboard or Right click the mouse to cancel the Rough/Finish command. At
this point you should be able to see a tool path around your part as shown below.
Page 97 of 230

Verify Tool Path
There are a number of options to view and verify the tool paths that we have created up to this point.
The first will be Basic Simulation or sometimes referred to as a Wire Frame Simulation. The
second option we will discuss will be a Shade/Solid Simulation that will show a three dimensional
view of the part being machined.
View/3D Views
Once you have activated the 3D View command, you will notice your part
on the screen is no longer in a two dimensional view. The view you see
now is an Isometric view. Refer to the next screen caption.
Page 98 of 230

Project Manager Simulation Tab
For simulations, utilize the Simulation Tab in the Project
Manager. Once you have this tab active use the black triangle
button to start the simulation.
At the top of this page, you will find a set of buttons that control
the general operation of the simulation:
Close Simulation When a simulation is running you can
click this button to return to the normal Alphacam operation.
Shade/Solid Simulation This button will allow switching
between the two simulations available. Wire Frame simulation
and Shaded/Solid simulation.
Stop Simulation This will allow you to stop the simulation
when you need to. If you attempt to play the simulation after
clicking on this button, it will run from the beginning.
Play Simulation This will allow you to begin/continue a
simulation.
Pause Simulation This will allow you to pause the
simulation at its current point so that you can restart from that
location at another time.
Show Tools When you are in Solid Simulation mode, this
allows you to display the tools as they are to be used on the
machine.
Turning the 'Show Tools' button off will greatly increase
the speed of the Solid Simulation.
Page 99 of 230

Project Manager Simulation Tab (continued)
Operation by Operation While this button is activated,
the simulation will pause after each operation that is completed.
Single Step While this button is active, the simulation
will pause after each step that is performed.
Show Tool Colors While this button is active, the cuts

performed in the Solid Simulation will show as the color of the
tool as opposed to the standard color.
Next you will find the speed controls for the simulation. They
are comprised of a slider and three buttons:
The slider gives you a generalized view of the speed of the

simulation. When the slider bar is centered, the simulation is
running at normal speed and the tools are moving as they should
on your machine. Sliding the bar to the right will speed up the
simulation. Sliding the bar to the left will slow down the
simulation.
The buttons below the slider bar can be used as follows:
Slower Display Each time you click on this button, the
slider will move over to slow the simulation by a factor of 1/2
the current speed.
Real Time Clicking on this button will re-center the
slider and set the simulation speed to normal
Page 100 of 230

Faster Display Each time you click on this button, the
slider will move over to speed up the simulation by a factor of 2
the current speed.
Next, you will find the advanced controls of the simulation:
This set of buttons allows you to perform advanced functions on

your part in the Solid Simulation mode and can be used as
follows:
Vertical Section When you click on this button, you can

draw a line that runs along the 'Flat Land' area of Alphacam that
will create a cross section through the part.
Horizontal Section When you click on this button, you

can draw a line that runs along the YZ axis area of Alphacam
that will create a cross section through the part
Remove Section When you click on this button, any

sectioning that you have created will be removed from the part
Save Stock Clicking on this button will display the

Windows Save File dialog. You can then save the stock that is
displayed in the Solid Simulation as an STL file.
Split into Separate Parts While this button is activated,

every part will be given a different color.
Page 101 of 230

Tolerance - this allows you to specify the 'smoothness' of the
simulation. The smaller the value, the smother the simulation will
be, but the higher the processing time to complete the simulation.
Next you will see the transparency settings of the Simulation.
These controls are only functional while you are in the Solid
Simulation mode:
Each slider that is here controls the transparency of a specific item

in the simulation. They are as follows:
Stock
Clamps
Holder and Shank
Tool
Machine
While you are in the Solid Simulation mode, you can move these
sliders up and down. While the slider is at the top of the bar, the
transparency is 0 (100% opacity), while the slider is at the bottom
of the bar, the transparency is 100 (0% opacity).
Next, you will see the progress bar:
This bar will give you an approximation of the time required to

complete the current simulation.
Page 102 of 230

For a better visual verification we will now run a Shade/Solid Simulation. But we must first specify
our material size. To do this we need to create another Rectangle.
Geometry/Rectangle
Pressing the ESC key on your keyboard, or a Right

click on your mouse will cancel the Rectangle
command.
3D/Set Materials
Activate the Set Materials command. Prompt bar will show as
follows.
Select the rectangle that we just created, and a Material

window will be active. Fill in the values as shown in the
window caption, and click on OK.
After setting the material size, you should be able to see that your part now has a three dimensional
frame around it, as shown in the next screen caption.
Page 103 of 230
Page 104 of 230

Shad/Solid Simulation
Activate the Shade/Solid Simulation
command on the simulation project manager tab. Use the
Play Simulation
button to start the Shade/Solid Simulation.
Page 105 of 230

Pocketing
Pocketing can be a very useful machining option to remove material within closed geometries.
Pocketing has two different types of boundaries that it recognizes. These boundaries are referred to as
Hard and Soft boundaries. A Hard boundary is a geometry (closed) that has Tool Side set to
Outside or Inside. A Soft boundary is a geometry (closed) that has Tool Side set to Center.
It is imperative to understand the use of Hard and Soft boundaries within pocketing operations to
insure you achieve desired results.
We will begin by creating the geometry used to display the three types of pocketing commands and how
they work.
Geometry/Rectangle
First corner values,
Second corner values, Click on OK,
That created our 1st Rectangle, Lets create a 2nd Rectangle.

First corner values,
Second corner values,
Click on OK and press the ESC key or Right click to cancel the Rectangle command
Page 106 of 230
Circle diameter
Circle location
Click on OK then press ESC key or Right click to cancel the Circle command.
After completing the rectangle and the circle, your drawing should look like the one displayed below.
Page 107 of 230

3D/Set Materials
Select the 12 x 12 square for your outline of material.
Set top and bottom values as shown above, and click on OK.
Contour Pocket
Machine/Select Tool
Select the Flat - 1-2 in dia tool from the Inch directory in your tool library.
Page 108 of 230

Using the information provided above, set

tool direction and side to the 12 x 12 square on
your screen.
Using the information provided above, set tool

direction and side to the 6 diameter circle.
Page 109 of 230

View/ Display Options/ Ghost Tools
Activate the Ghost Tools option and compare the locations of your ghost tools to the locations of the
ghost tools on the next screen caption. Is your square set to the inside and your circle set to the outside?
Page 110 of 230

Machine/ Pocketing
After activating the Pocketing command you will see a Pocketing window appear as shown above.
Click on the Selected button to initiate the Pocketing command.
The first pocket we are going to do is a Contour

pocket with an island in the middle. Fill in the
information as shown to the left. Click on the OK
button to continue to the next window.
Fill in the information as shown to the left, and click

on the OK button to continue.
Page 111 of 230
Fill in the information as shown to the left, and click on

the OK button to continue.
After clicking the OK button on the last window, your prompt bar will ask you the following.
Select both the 12 x 12 square and the 6 diameter circle highlighting them both. Click on the
Finish button in your prompt bar.
You should end up with a pocketing routine (tool path) that matches the screen below.
Page 112 of 230

View/ Simulation
View/3D views
Activate the 3D Views

to show the drawing in
isometric view.
Activate the Simulation

tab in the project manager
and see the results from
the machining.
You can now watch the simulation to evaluate the pocket routine as shown below.
Before we perform another pocketing routine we need to delete the tool path we just generated.
Page 113 of 230

Edit/ Delete
Activate the Delete command. The prompt bar will show as follows.
Select the Contour pocketing tool path and the Rough/Finish pass around the island as shown below.
Click on the Finish button in the prompt bar. You will see an Alphacam warning window,
confirming that you want to delete two tool paths. Click on the OK button.
The Delete command is still active after this in your prompt bar. Click on the Finish button or Right
click the mouse button to cancel or end the Delete command.
Page 114 of 230

Linear Pocket
Machine/ Pocketing
After activating the Pocketing command the same as you did in the first example you will perform all
the same procedures except for the 1st Dialogue Box shown below.
This time you will select Linear

as the Type of pocket as shown.
As shown in this snap shot view

choosing Linear generates a
different tool path pattern that may be
more conducive to the desired
manufacturing process.
Page 115 of 230

Once again you need to initiate the Delete command and delete the tool paths we just created. Please
refer back to the delete process we went through on the last operation. We will now step through the
last type of pocket.
Spiral Pocket
Machine/ Pocketing
For this pocket we are going to do it

as a Spiral pocket. Select Spiral
for Type and click OK.
The next two dialogue boxes can accept the same information as the last examples. After clicking the
OK button on the last window, your prompt bar will ask you the following.
Select the 6 diameter circle. Click on the Finish button in your prompt bar.
You should end up with a pocketing routine (tool path) that matches the screen caption as shown.
Page 116 of 230
A few notes about the Spiral Pocketing command;

Only applicable to circles.
Ignores the Ghost Tool.
Tool paths will always be on the Inside.
Page 117 of 230

3D Engraving
Raised Letter Engraving
Geometry/Rectangle
First corner values
Second corner values, Click on OK and press the ESC key or Right click to cancel the rectangle
command.
View/ Zoom All
Activate the Zoom All command.
Page 118 of 230

Geometry/Text
Activate the Text command.
Enter the information as shown above and click on the OK button. The prompt bar will ask you to
select a start point.
Click on OK and you will need to Enter Text in the prompt bar. Enter the following text.
Click on the OK button and press the ESC key or Right click on the mouse to cancel the Text
command.
Page 119 of 230

Machine/Select Tool
Select the Flat 1-8 in dia from the Inch directory in your tool library.
Machine/Tool Directions
With tool direction on this example we are not concerned about

Direction as much as we are concerned about Side. We want to
select Automatic for Pockets for side and click on the All
Geometries button.
Alphacam will assign Ghost Tools to all geometries to prepare
them for engraving.
Page 120 of 230

Machine/Pocketing
Select All Geometries.
Fill in the next three pocketing windows as shown.
The key component is the stock to be

left. When cutting .05 high letters
with a 45 degree angle we need to
leave .05 of stock on the side wall of
the letters during the roughing passes.
Click the OK button, because you selected All

Geometries when initiating the Pocket command the
tool paths are now applied to all geometries as shown
in the screen caption below.
Page 121 of 230
Machine/Select Tool
Select the T00 dummy flat from the Inch directory in your tool library.
Fill in the Define Tool box as shown below.
Once you have the correct information entered, click on OK and left click once on the screen or press
the Enter key on your keyboard to accept this tool.
Page 122 of 230

Machine/Pocketing
Select All Geometries
Fill in the next three pocketing windows as shown. Make sure that Take Account of Previous
Machining is checked.
Page 123 of 230

When all entries are complete your screen should match the following screen:
Machine/Select Tool
Select the Cone - 1-2 in dia from the Inch directory in your tool library.
Page 124 of 230
Machine/3D Engraving
Fill in the 3D Cut/Engrave dialogue boxes as shown below
After all the information is filled in correctly, click

on the OK button. Your screen should match the
following screen:
Page 125 of 230
You have now completed Raised Letter Engraving.
Page 126 of 230
3D/Set Materials
Select the outside rectangle of the part, it will highlight blue and the Material dialogue box will
appear. Fill in the box as shown below.
View/Shade/Solid Simulation
Page 127 of 230

Plunge Letter Engraving
So you dont have to redraw the same geometry over again, you will be instructed to delete all the tool
path with one command without disturbing the existing geometry.
File/ Clear Memory
The Clear Memory command will allow us to clear or delete the

information that is associated with the Alphacam layers. In the
window, put a check mark by the Toolpaths layer and click on the
OK button. You will notice that all the tool paths will be deleted.
Machine/Select Tool
Select the Cone - 1-2 in dia from the Inch directory in your tool library.
Machine/Tool Directions
Page 128 of 230
With tool direction on this example we are not concerned about Direction as much as we are
concerned about Side. We want to select Automatic for Pockets for side and do a drag window
around the text geometries only.
After selecting only the text, press the Close button to cancel the tool directions command. You
should see the tool directions being applied to the text.
Page 129 of 230

Machine/3D Engraving
Fill in the 3D Cut/Engrave dialogue boxes as shown below.
Alphacam will tell you to Select Geometries. Create a Selection box around the text only as shown
below.
Page 130 of 230
You have now completed Plunge Engraving.
Page 131 of 230

Creating a G-Code program
Up to this point we have created geometry and applied tool paths to them. We need to convert the
drawing to a G-Code program for the machine to interpret and machine the part.
File/ Select Post

The first step of this process is making sure you have the correct post
selected for the machine you want to create a program for. After
activating the Select Post command you will see that you are directed to
the *posts directory located in LICOMDAT. Select the appropriate post
and click on the Open button.
File/Output NC
After selecting the correct post, activate the Output NC command.
Once doing so you will see that the post you selected is listed and that
you can also change that post here. You also have three options for
outputting the code.
Page 132 of 230

If you Output to a File a window will appear and you create a file name, click on the Save button to
save the file. With todays industry, most of the pc-based controls are networked. If this is the case for
your shop, this would most likely be the option you would select.
If Outputting with the Machine option, Alphacam will automatically open Alphaedit with your G-code
program already open. There will be a dialogue box opened prompting you to Output RS232. This does
require you to have a communications cable from your programming PC to your control. For now we
will cancel out of that box because we are not connected to a machine.
What you will see is your newly generated G-code in Alphaedit.
Page 133 of 230

Machining Styles
The Machining Styles display shows a tree structure of all the Machining Styles available in the module
and all the Machining operations that they contain.
The use of machining styles can improve productivity when used with parts that have similar machining
operations. When creating machining styles, please pay special attention to the mix of tooling and tool
numbers associated within a style.
A machining style can contain one or more 2D/3D machining operations, which can be individually
applied to selected geometries or automatically to geometries on assigned layers.
The machining operations contained within a style can be modified prior to application or the operation
can be altered under the Operations tab after it has been associated to the geometries.
Page 134 of 230

Machining Styles Practical Exercise
Open Example 4 that was drawn on the first day and tool paths applied on the second day of training.
Page 135 of 230

Creating/Saving a Machining Style
With the Operations tab active in the Project Manager, Right click on the Finish Pass that uses Tool 1.
(To activate the Project Manager, select VIEW from the menu bar and click on Project Manager).
We have two options that deal with Machining Styles at this point. We can either Save As New Style
or we can Add to Existing Style. We will Left click on Save As New Style and the following
window will appear:
Save your new Style as IAT DEMO. After you have entered the name, Left click on Save.
Page 136 of 230

Machine Styles and Rough/Finish Operations
If saving a Rough/ Finish operation off as a Machining Style, note that you have the ability to Auto
Apply Lead In/Outs automatically to the tool path when creating it (reference page 111 of this manual).
If you used this option and have saved the
Rough/Finish pass as a machine style, the lead in and
lead out data that was assigned will carry over to the
operation saved as the machine style.
If you have not applied any lead in or lead out data to a
Rough/Finish pass prior to saving it as a machine style,
then the operation in the machine style when applied
will not have a lead in or lead out.
Page 137 of 230

Go to File/New and get a clean screen. Draw some type of geometry on your screen, and set tool
direction to it using the Machine/Tool Direction command. Activate the Machining Styles tab in the
Project Manager. You should see the Style we just created. If so, Right click on the IRT DEMO
style.
Now you have various options that are available

to that Style. We are going to Apply Style to
Selected Geometries. Your prompt bar will ask you select the geometries that you want to apply this
style to, select the geometry on your screen and select Finish.
Page 138 of 230

If all works well you will see a tool path around the geometry you created without ever having to go
through the Rough or Finish dialogue boxes.
As stated before, Machining Styles can be a very useful tool when the information and tool paths are
created properly. This is only one small part of this function, and will require you to practice and
explore other possibilities of this tool. Listed below is a brief description of the other options you have
available to you when applying styles to geometries.
Machining Style Applications descriptions
Apply style to Selected Geometries

This will apply all the machining operations stored in the style to the geometries selected.
Apply style to Assigned Layer
This will apply all the machining operations stored in the style to the geometries, which are on the
assigned user layer.
Apply style to Selected Layer
This will apply all the machining operations stored in the style to the geometries, which are on a user
layer. The user layer is selected from a list of current user layers.
Assign Layer for Geometries
This will assign the style to the layer name. The layer can either be selected from the list of current
layers or the name can be specified. If the layer does not exist, this command will not create it. When
deleting the assigned layer names in the dialogue box this will un-assign a layer for the operation.
Copy Style
This creates a duplicate copy of the style, which can then be modified to create a new style.
Delete
This deletes the style from the display and removes the style file from the style folder.
Page 139 of 230

Machining Style Applications descriptions (continued)
Rename Style
This will allow you to change the name of the style.
Paste Operation
This allows you to paste a copy of an operation into the current style.
Create Layers for Styles
This creates any layers, which have been assigned to the machining style and operations that do not
currently exist in the job.
Page 140 of 230

Nesting
When covering the material in this section, please keep in mind that there are numerous parameters that
can be changed to get the desired nesting results. This will take a commitment from the end-user to
explore all of these possibilities. Over time, the end-user will be able to relate to subtle changes in
parameters that will result in different nesting yields. It is recommended that you experiment with the
different settings to achieve your best results.
Nesting Methods
True Shape Nesting
True Shape Nesting can be used to nest rectangular and non-rectangular parts (with or without tool
paths), with any given rotation angle, along with mirroring, distance between parts, and all other nesting
parameters.
True Shape Nesting will handle closed geometries, or closed tool paths with or without a lead-in/out. If
geometries (without tool paths) are nested, the outer geometries can contain other geometries (which can
be open or closed) inside the closed outer contour. All the geometries inside an outer closed contour are
automatically selected if just the outer geometry is selected. If a closed outer contour has a closed
contour inside it, and the Ghost Tool is set to the inside of the innermost contour, the space inside the
inner contour is considered to be scrap, so that small geometries can be positioned there.
Tool paths to be nested can be cut with different sized tools, and can have internal open or closed tool
paths and drilled holes. The outer tool path must be closed, must totally enclose any other tool paths and
must have been programmed to be on the outside of the outer geometry to be nested. Tool paths with
lead-in/out that leave a gap or produce an overlap can be nested.
If a closed outer contour has a closed contour inside it with the tool on the inside: the space inside that is
considered to be scrap, so small parts can be positioned there. But this only applies if the depth of cut of
the inner contour is the same as or deeper than that for the outer contour. If the depth of cut of an inner
contour is less than the depth of the outer contour, the inner contour is considered to be a design, and
small parts will not be positioned inside it. If the tool is on the center line of inner contours, Alphacam
cannot know if the internal spaces are parts or scrap, and will not attempt to fit a small part here.
You can select any number of sheets of any shape, and you can select a sheet with parts already nested
to add more parts to it. If you nest tool paths, any geometries already on the sheet will be considered as
no go areas and will be avoided. This enables you to specify areas where parts are not to be nested for
some reason, e.g., clamps, holes or poor quality material etc.
In all cases, the NC code for each sheet assumes that the X0/Y0 reference is at the bottom left corner of
that sheet (or min X, min Y for non-rectangular sheets) so the position of the sheets on the screen is not
important.
Page 141 of 230

Rectangular Nesting
Rectangular Nesting can be used to nest rectangular and non-rectangular parts. With the nonrectangular parts, Alphacam will establish a default rectangular size to this part. With-in this default
rectangle, the part will be located and all other material in that default rectangle will be scrap. No
mirroring and rotation angles are limited to 0 or 90 degrees only.
Rectangular Nesting will handle closed geometries, or closed tool paths with or without lead-in/out.
Manual Nesting
With all parts and sheet sizes determined on your screen, you can select parts, determine rotation angle
and place the parts on the given sheets manually.
Geometries to be nested will only be checked against existing geometries, and tool paths against tool
paths, so no go areas marked by geometries should be checked visually. Also, lead-in/out moves are
not checked for fouling during Manual Nesting, so visual checking is needed.
True Shape Nesting Example

File/New
Lets start with a new screen.
Geometry/Rectangle
Press the ESC key on your keyboard or Right click to cancel the Rectangle command.
Page 142 of 230

File/Insert
The Insert command will allow you to insert an .ard file that you
have previously saved into the active drawing on your screen.
When you execute the Insert command, the Open dialogue box
will appear as shown below. Browse to find the file saved earlier
titled Example 4. Double click this file or select the file name
and click Open.
Your prompt bar will ask you to Drag to position or Enter Coordinates. Locate the part somewhere
outside of the rectangle that we have created. The view below will help guide you.
Page 143 of 230

The larger rectangle represents a 9 x 5 sheet we will use to nest our part. With your part on the screen
and a sheet drawn, we are ready to start nesting.
Utils/ Nesting
Fill in the information as shown above and click on the

OK button. The prompt bar will then ask you to:
Page 144 of 230
Window around your part and the next window will become available.
With this window we will Define Part Parameters.

Define Part Parameters
Name of Part
With the Select Parts from Screen option, the parts will default to From Screen 1 numerically in
consecutive order. Otherwise, if doing so using a nest list the part name will reflect the name of the file.
Number Required
If using Maximum possible, Alphacam will place as many pieces possible into a single sheet or fill all
sheets if using a fixed quantity of How Many of these Sheets (see page 174). Or you have the option to
set a specific quantity to your part.
Rotation Angle here you have five options.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dont rotate, is self-explanatory. The part will nest just as it is orientated on the screen.
Any Angle, will allow the part to nest into the sheet by any angle including 1 degree angles.
90, allows the part to be positioned in only 90 degree increments, 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees.
180, allows the part to be positioned in only 180 degree increments, 0 and 180 degrees.
Try Mirrored Shape

This allows the part to nest in a mirrored manner. If you have specific left and right handed parts this
option would not be one that you would want to use.
Priority
Setting Priority numbers will affect the outcome of your nesting yield. If part A had a priority of 1,
and part B had a priority of 2, Alphacam will nest as many of part A on a particular sheet, before it
attempts to nest any of the part Bs.
Page 145 of 230

Once you have the particular part parameters defined for that part you then click on the OK button.
You will notice with this example the part we just selected has disappeared, this is supposed to happen.
If we had other parts we would just continue the process. Your instructor should be able to provide you
with practice time to try different things with Nesting once this example is done.
At this point we do not have any other parts to select, go ahead and press your ESC button at this time.
After you press ESC you will see your part or parts become visible again. And your prompt bar is
asking to:
Select the rectangle.
After selecting the sheet, the Define Sheet Parameters window will appear.
Define Sheet Parameters
Page 146 of 230

This is where you will determine how many sheets Alphacam will have to nest your parts.
In most cases Sheet Thickness and Sheet Material does not need to be changed. Only if you were to
utilize the sheet material database in Alphacam, would you change these values. If you want more
information on the sheet material database, discuss it with your instructor.
For this example we will only be using one sheet. Click on the OK button at this point. You will
notice that your prompt bar will ask if you have any more sheets to select. Press ESC at this point.
After pressing ESC the Nesting Parameters window comes up.
Nesting Parameters
Typically with nesting most of the end users are going to be using Linear for NC code. If you do not
know that your machine and control have the abilities to run sub routines, most likely you cannot. If
you are not sure, please contact the machine dealer and ask.
Page 147 of 230

Nesting Parameters (continued)
Next is your Pack to options. Select where you want to pack your nesting to. You also have the option
to select a custom angle if you wish.
Search Resolution specifies the basic grid on which the parts are placed prior to adjustment, according
to the nesting parameters. The search resolution should not be bigger than 20% of the smallest part being
nested.
Minimum Gap between Paths specifies what is the closest distance together the tool paths/geometries
could be positioned. Usually the gap is greater than the minimum as other parameters take affect.
Gap at Sheet Edge specifies how close to the edge of the sheet the parts can be positioned.
Extra Gap at Lead-In Start provides an additional allowance, which is added to the minimum gap
between paths at the position of the tool path lead in position.
Time Per Sheet option sets the amount of time used to determine the best nesting result per each sheet.
It is recommended that the default setting be used and to only adjust this setting for complicated nests.
Nest list Name shows the current active nest list being used. Even when nesting and selecting parts
from screen, Alphacam creates a temporary nest list that cannot be saved but is visible on the Nesting
tab in the Project Manager.
Nesting parameters Special functions
Assisted Nest
This option causes an additional dialogue to be displayed, which shows a list of parts in the nest list.
Each part can be selected and placed on the sheet manually allowing selective parts at predetermined
positions on the sheet. Each part manually placed will be deleted from the nest list quantity. ** Ask
your instructor if you wish to see a demonstration of this.
Cut Small Parts First
This provides the option to specify additional small part cutting options to nested parts. If checked on,
paths within the nested sheet operations will be resorted from smallest to largest.
Cut Whole Part Together
This causes the operations to be reordered so that each part is cut complete before moving to the next
part. This is used in conjunction with Drill then cut Inner Paths First and NC Code set to Linear.
Drill then Cut Inner Paths First
This will cause the operations in the nest to be ordered so that all drilling operations are first, followed
by any inner tool paths.
Group Each Part Separately
An Alphacam group is created containing the tool paths and/or geometries in each part as it is nested.
Page 148 of 230

Nesting parameters Special functions (continued)
Leave Edge Gap Uncut
Normal nesting will try to position the geometry being cut up to the edge created by the gap at edge of
sheet. This option ensures that its the outer edge of the outer tool path in each part is placed inside the
edge gap.
Merge Like Part Quantities
If checked on, quantities for all parts within the nest list that point to the same drawing file will be
merged prior to nesting. This is designed to avoid multiple item numbers for identical parts within the
same nest.
Minimize Tool Changes
This causes the operations in the nest to be ordered by tools to minimize tool changes.
Nest Small Parts First
Nesting will normally try to nest the largest components first unless this option is selected.
Onion Skin Small Parts
This provides the option to specify additional small part cutting options to nested parts.
Order By Part
This will cause the operations to be ordered so that all copies of the same part are cut before moving to
the next part.
Part Quantity Multiplier
This allows the user to multiply all required part quantities within a nest list upon nesting. Prior to
nesting, the user is presented with a dialog asking for the multiplier to be used for the nest list to be
processed. The quantities for each part within that nest list in then multiplied.
Remove Groups
This will remove any grouping that has been assigned to any parts prior to the nesting operation.
Re-Multidrill
For already Multidrilled parts to be re-drilled during the nesting process. This allows for drilling
optimization (movement) to be done on a per sheet basis, rather than per part basis. In most cases, this
dramatically increases cycle times. In addition, this allows for multidrilled parts to be rotated within the
nested sheet increasing yield.
Repeat First Row/Column
This is only applicable when one part is being nested and the nest is required in strips.
Page 149 of 230

Nesting parameters Special functions (continued)
Suppress Final Sort
When Alphacam does a nest the last thing it does is to resort the tool paths. Sometimes this will
change the original order of the tool paths and can result in the part being cut from the sheet before some
inner tool paths have been cut. Therefore Suppress Final Sort stops Alphacam re-ordering the tool paths
after it has nested.
Suppress Redraw
This gives a significant speed improvement when running very large nests. Simply suppressing the
drawing of each sheet until the nest is complete saves time.
Try Rotated Part First on all Parts
Normally the first part tried in the nest will be in its original position this option causes rotated part to be
tried first.
Once you have determined all of the Nesting Parameters you can then Left click with the Mouse on the
OK button. If you have entered the same information from the manual for this example, after clicking
OK, you should see results like the next screen shot.
Your first True Shape nesting is complete!
Page 150 of 230

Creating and using Nest List for Nesting
Again using the Nesting tab in the Project Manager, you should see a New Nest List button in the
lower left hand corner of your screen. Click on this button.
You will need to select what Nesting Method (True Shape

Nesting) you want to use and also you need to Select Path
Types to Nest (Toolpaths an Enclosed Geometries). Then
click on the OK button.
The next window you see is where you are going to select the file or files you are going to add to your
new list. You can browse to wherever the files you want to select are located.
Highlight Example 4 that we created earlier, and click on Open.
Page 151 of 230

The next screen is Part Parameters. Fill in the information as shown below and click on the OK
button.
After clicking OK, you will notice that you
can continue to select parts. You are not
limited to the number of parts that you want to
add to any given Nest List. For this example
we will only use one part, so press your ESC
button at this time.
After pressing ESC you will then need to set the Nesting Parameters to the Nest List that we are
creating. Fill in the information as shown below and click OK.
Page 152 of 230

After clicking OK you will notice that on the Nesting tab in the Project Manager there is a New Nest
List 1.
At this point, draw a rectangle from X0,Y0 to X108,Y60,

to represent our sheet. After drawing your sheet refer back
to the bottom left hand corner and select the Nest button.
Nesting window will come up and we will select True
Shape Nesting and we are going to Use Nest List. Make
sure that the nest list name matches what is shown in your
Project Manager.
Click on the OK button. Your prompt bar will ask you to select the sheets to nest into. Select the
rectangle.
Page 153 of 230

We will set the sheet count to 0, so that it will
use as many sheets as it needs to, in order to
accommodate our 10 parts. Click on the OK
button. We have no more sheets to select, so
press ESC.
After pressing ESC you will see the Nesting Parameters window come up again. This should have the
same information that you have entered when we made the Nest list. You do have the ability to change
Parameters here if you wish, otherwise you can click on the OK button and you will see the nesting is
complete. You should have the same screen below if you have followed the manual step by step.
Nesting with a nest list is complete!
Page 154 of 230

Saving a Nest List
If you wish to save the Nest List we just created, Right click on the New Nest List 1 in your Project
Manager on the Nesting tab and select Save NestList. Alphacam will default to a Nest List Folder that
is located in your LICOMDIR folder. You can save this wherever you wish, just as long as you know
where to go to get it back. Give your list a name and click on Save.
After saving this list you may go back and Load it when ever you want to run these parts again at any
time. You can even come back in and modify the details, change quantities, add or remove parts and so
on. At this point your instructor should run through other demonstrations and provide you with some
time to explore and use nesting in the classroom, so that you will be able to return to your shop and be
able to run nesting without any problems.
Page 155 of 230

Constrained Parametric Sketching
Alphacam Advanced Modules see the implementation of the
Design Constraint Manager. This allows us to take charge of
how our sketches react when elements within the sketch are
modified. Element lengths and distances between elements can
be driven by parameters and the sketch re-solved instantly. This
is an excellent tool for any manufacturer making families of
parts with small dimensional changes. Open the Drawing,
modify the parameters, apply your Machining Style and the job
is completed in seconds. A parts architecture can be constrained
in many ways. For example, a simple rectangle could be
constrained so that the opposing sides are of equal length and
parallel to each other. We may also constrain the joining edges
to be perpendicular to each other. For these reasons it is
important to obtain some feed back from the part as we try to
change the dimensions. We can use a drag command to get hold
of a point or element within the sketch and move it about the
screen with the mouse. The way the shape behaves, provides us
feed back with the amount of constraint applied. In a fully
constrained sketch it would not be possible to distort the shape
by dragging. We can also drive the behaviour with Parameters
set at values. These can control dimensions of length, distance,
angle and radius values.
Constraints can be found at the top of your screen in the pull
down menus.
Constraints can be applied to any geometry or construction
geometry, in any user layer, in any work plane. The Material
size can also be constrained to give realistic Advanced
Simulation. Work Planes can be constrained so that their Global
Datum position can be dynamically updated as the parameters
are changed. This proves an invaluable tool for any panelprocessing user.
There is a button bar for constraints as well. You can turn this
on or off depending if you wish to use it. The button bar is
shown below.
Page 156 of 230

What can be constrained?
Geometry
Constraints can be applied to any geometry or construction geometry in any user layer or on any work
plane.
Material
A geometry that has been defined as material can also be constrained to give realistic Advanced
Simulation.
Work Planes
Work Planes can be constrained so that their Global Datum (Origin) position can be dynamically
updated as parameters are changed. This proves an invaluable tool for any panel processing user.
What cannot be constrained?

Tool Paths
You cannot constrain Tool Paths. Since the tool paths can be updated when the geometry is resolved
then this is not required.
Geometries in different Work Planes
You cannot constrain between elements of two different geometries in different work planes. However,
you can create rectangles that represent the edges of the work volume, work plane, or panel and the
same parameter value can be used in different planes to constrain the distance from the rectangle/panel
edge to the element being constrained.
NOTE: Before constraining geometry, make sure that you have the Start
Point, Tool Side and Tool Direction established.
Page 157 of 230

Constraints Project Manager Page
All constraints and parameters assigned in a drawing will be displayed in the Constraints project
manager page. Constraints can be deleted and parameters have their values modified in the project
manager page. When a constraint is selected in the project manager page the geometry it is assigned to,
if visible, is highlighted on your screen.
Page 158 of 230

Constraints Application Method
Below is a guideline of the thought process when applying parametric constraints to your drawings.
This is strictly a guideline and by no means does it have to be done in this manner. However, youll find
by implementing this with your drawings, you may experience fewer problems.
1. Create a detailed list of the adjustable dimensions.
2. Create an accurate base set of geometries.
3. Prepare the geometries for machining, set tool side, set tool directions and set start points.
4. Create the parameter list using the base geometries dimensions as the default parameter values.
5. Auto Constrain the base geometries.
6. Apply additional constraints manually that auto constrain did not apply, if needed.
7. Apply the controlling constraints using the parameters from the parameters list. This may also
include the use of equations if applicable.
Note: Before constraining geometry, make sure that you have the
Start Point, Tool Side and Tool Direction established.
Note: Parameters that are to be used in equations must be defined
before it can be used in the equation.
Note: Auto Constrain Criteria and Priority; the Auto Constrain dialog
allows you to set what constraints are to be automatically assigned and
to specify the order in which the assigned constraints are applied.
Note: You will not be able to successfully modify a constrained
geometry using CAD modification methods such as move, copy, fillet,
trim, chamfer, etc. The constraint manager will not automatically
adjust the assigned constraints if the geometry integrity is
compromised.
Note: The Auto Snap function is not recommended for use during the
applications of Parametric Constraints. It is recommended to use the
function keys to reference end points, mid points, center of, etc.
Page 159 of 230

As you can see with some of the previous captions, there are quite a few types of Constraints we can
apply to our geometries. The following is a list of the types and additional commands from the pull
down menu with brief explanations of each and a caption of each button if one exists.
All
All is for use with the Auto constrain function this allows you to constrain all
geometries on the screen, current workplane, or selected geometry.
Fix
An elements end point or the complete element can be fixed from

further modifications.
Horizontal
Lines can be designated to remain Horizontal.
Vertical
Lines can be designated to be Vertical.
Length
Lines can be assigned a length value or set to a parameter.
Radius
Arcs/Circles can have their radius value set to a value or defined as a

parameter.
Coincident
Line or Arc element end points can be designated to be coincident (the same as)
other Line/Arc element end points or Arc centers.
Perpendicular Select two lines that are to be set at 90 degrees of each other.
Tangent
A line may be set to be tangential to an arc. Two arcs can be set to be

tangential to each other.
Distance
The distance can be assigned between two elements, from end points,
arc centers, etc. They can be a value or set to a parameter.
Angle
The angle between two adjoining lines can be a value or set as a

parameter.
Equal Radius A group constraint where multiple arcs/circles can be selected

and their radii will be made the same.
Page 160 of 230

Equal Length A group constraint where multiple lines can be selected and
their lengths will be made the same.
Parallel
A group constraint to make a selection of lines all parallel to each

other.
Concentric
A group constraint that supports arc/circle centers and end-points to be

the same.
Midpoint
Lines or points can be constrained to the mid point of other lines.
Create
Element Set
A group constraint that allows you select multiple elements to be controlled

by one of the controlling constraints.
Drag
Drag is used to select a point or element. Moving the mouse on the screen will
determine the amount of constraint applied.
Constrain Z
Levels
Allows the user to set, as well as constrain the Z level of any geometry.
View
Constraints
This command allows you to view all of the constraints that have been placed
upon an element in the Drawing.
Constrain
Workplane
This will allow the user to constrain the global origin, as well as the tilt
and angle of the workplane.
Delete All
This command has two options: Delete the constraints in a drawing or delete
constraints and variables from the drawing.
Edit Variables Existing parameter values can be modified and the sketch automatically
re-solved. These values can be changed either from the Project Manager
tab or from the menu selection.
New Parameter New parameters can be created with a name and a value.
New Equation This command allows you to create new equations.
Page 161 of 230

Show All
Parameters
If any parameters have be hidden at any time this will show all again
Show All
Equations
If any equations have been hidden at any time this will show all again.
Import
Variables
This will allow you to import variables from one constrained drawing into the
active drawing.
Insert
Constrained
Drawing
This will give you the ability to insert one constrained drawing into the active
drawing.
Define/Edit
Rules
Allows the user to create IF statements and or create copy rules.
The main purpose for covering constraints in this class is to expose you to this powerful feature. In a
classroom environment we present each topic to the user as we have a limited amount of time.
However, in order to become proficient with constraints, each user must make a commitment to further
their knowledge and understanding by working on several class examples outside of classroom time.
In the next few pages we will begin to work with a classroom example. It is imperative that you pay
close attention to your instructor so you are able retain as much information as possible. This will
enable you to go through the example on your own when you return to your shop, as well as understand
the constraints feature.
Page 162 of 230

Constraints Demo
Geometry/ Rectangle
Page 163 of 230

Constraints/ Auto Constrain/ Selected
Activate the
AutoConstrain/Selected...
command. After doing so, please
refer to the window caption on the
next page.
Page 164 of 230
This is the Auto Constrain

window. In this window, you
have the option of selecting what
constraints you want it to find
automatically for you.
For our first example, check the items listed above. Click on the
OK button when finished. Select the outer most rectangle on the
screen and then click the OK button in the prompt bar area. After
doing so, activate the constraints tab in your project manager.
Based on the rectangle and the Auto Constrain functions we have

used, you will see that there are five constraints that it has created.
Two of these are Equal Length constraints, two of these are Parallel
constraints and one is a Perpendicular constraint. We will now add
three more additional constraints to finish this geometry.
Page 165 of 230

Constraints/ Fix
Go to the Constraints pull down and activate the Fix constraint. Once active, the prompt bar will tell
you to Select Geometry. Move your mouse to the bottom left hand corner until you see a construction
(purple in color) circle with the center point at X 0, Y 0, and left click the mouse button once. After
doing so, you will notice that there has been a Fix constraint added to the Constraints tab in your
project manger.
Page 166 of 230

Constraints/ Length
Activate the Length constraint command and select the bottom horizontal line of the rectangle. You
then will see a Value window and you will have to select either Set Value or Use Parameter. If you use
Set Value, the element you have selected will always be this value; by using Use Parameter we will be
able to change this value to create different size geometries. In this example we will select the Use
Parameter option and Create New Parameter.
After clicking on the OK button in the Value window, you will see the next window.
With this constraint we are applying a parameter along with it. This will allow us to change the width of
the rectangle. Name this parameter as shown above and leave the value as well. Click on the OK
button when you are finished.
Page 167 of 230

With the same length constraint we will now apply this to the left vertical line of our rectangle, and
again we will Use Parameter, and create a new one. This parameter name will be Height.
Looking at the Constraints tab in the project manager, you will then see both length constraints and the
parameters associated with them, as well as the parameters listed at the bottom.
The rectangle is now constrained. Using the Constraints tab in the project manager, we can now change
our parameter values and apply them to make rectangles of different sizes. To change the value of a
parameter, double click the parameter name in your constraints tab to activate the Edit Existing
Parameter window. Change the value and left click the OK button. Then left click the Apply button on
the bottom of your constraints tab.
Page 168 of 230
At this point if we changed parameters, we would notice that the

outside rectangle will change in size but the inside rectangle
remains the same from the offset. This is because we have yet to
apply any constraints to the inside rectangle.
Make changes in the parameter values and apply them a few
times. After you are done testing this geometry, return the
original values of 20 for the Width and 30 for the Height, and
apply these changes so that we are back to the original size we
started with in this example.
Constraints/ Auto Constrain/ Selected

We will now Auto Constrain the inside rectangle in the same manner that we Auto Constrained the
outside rectangle. Make sure you Auto Constrain only the inside rectangle and not the whole drawing
by using the selected option vs. all option.
Even with the inside rectangle constrained, if we were to change parameters on the outside rectangle and
apply them, nothing would change, except the size of the outside rectangle. This only means that we
need to have more constraints added that associate the outside and inside rectangle together as one. We
will do this by applying four distance constraints that will also have a parameter associated with them.
Page 169 of 230

Constraints/ Distance
Activate the Distance constraint and select the two left vertical lines as shown below.
After selecting both left vertical lines, the Value window for parameters will be displayed. The two
options we will utilize are Use Parameter and Create New Parameter. After you click on the OK
button, the Create Parameter window will be displayed. Name the Parameter as shown below.
Page 170 of 230

At this point we have only established one of the four Distance constraints needed to complete this
drawing. The left side is complete. Starting on the bottom of the panel and working counter clockwise,
create a distance constraint on the other three sides of the part. With each Distance constraint you will
see the Value window and select Use Parameter. However, instead of creating a new one, we will select
from the list and select our previously created parameter named Stile and Rail Width, as shown below.
Again, make sure you apply this process to the bottom, right, and top parallel lines so that when we start
to change the parameters, the drawing will react the way we expect it to.
When all sides are constrained, you should have the same constraints applied to this drawing as shown
below. Feel free to change any of the three parameters and apply them to see the changes made to the
panel. Please notify the instructor if your drawing does not react the same way as the instructors
drawing.
After you have made sure your drawing reacts as it should after applying
the constraints needed to do so, make sure to save this file. We will open
this file and discuss machining and constrained drawing during the
machining discussions on day 2 of the training course. You can call this
file Constrained Door if you like.
Page 171 of 230

Tool Paths and Constrained Parametric Sketching
Keep in mind Tool Paths cannot be constrained. Since the tool path is associated with a geometry, we
can use the Update Tool Paths command to quickly change the tool paths to adjust to any new
parameters we apply to our constrained drawing.
Open the Constrained Door drawing from day one of the training.
The first step is for you to create two tool paths from the following instructions:
Assume the panel is of an inch thick. If your parameters have changed value set these back to our
original settings that were 20 inches wide, 30 inches high and assign a stile and rail width of 2. Follow
the instructions below and when all students are finished your instructor will continue to the next step.
Operation 1: Pocket
First you need to set Tool Direction from the Machine pull down menu. Tool Side needs to be set to the
Inside of the smaller rectangle. Do not change the tool direction or the start point of the geometry. Now
select a inch diameter flat end tool from the Select Tool option from the Machine pull down menu.
With this tool, activate the Pocketing option from the Machine pull down menu and create a pocket that
is an inch deep into the panel.
Operation 2: Rough/Finish Pass

Again, make sure to apply the correct Tool Side to the Outside of the outer rectangle. Do not change the
tool direction or the start point of the geometry. Using the same tool from the pocket routine, activate
the Rough/Finish command from the Machine pull down menu. Make sure your tool path is deep
enough to go all the way through the panel.
If you have completed both operations correctly, your drawing should match the one shown on the
screen of the next page.
Page 172 of 230
At this point change the parameters to different values and click on the Apply button. You will notice
that the geometries change size, but the tool paths remain unchanged.
Page 173 of 230
Update Tool Paths

From the Machine pull down menu, activate the Update Tool Paths
command. You will then see the old tool paths automatically
adjust for the new size of the geometry.
Page 174 of 230

Style-Layer Processing with CAD to CAM
CAD to CAM is a tool for linking both cabinet design software and user created CAD drawings (e.g.,
DXF, DWG) to CNC woodworking machines, providing fast and powerful automation to the process of
generating NC code files for successful and profitable nested-based manufacturing.
CAD to CAM is based entirely upon the world-leading CAD/CAM program, Alphacam. The macro
automates the processes that you could otherwise perform manually using Alphacam. So, if you can use
Alphacam you can use CAD to CAM.
The macro is easy to use and to understand, and the Help file contains guidance in the step-by-step use
of the macro.
Style-Layer processing can be used with properly configured and layered .dxf, .dwg or Alphacam files
(.ard). Also required are properly configured machining styles.
To process properly, there are (3) Free Add-ins that need to be turned on from your Utils pull down
menu: Cad to Cam (A.P.P.), Multidrill (A.P.P) and Nesting Reports and Labels (A.P.P.).
Page 175 of 230

****When processing third-party drawing files, it is important to recognize that successful use of the
macro depends upon your having a thorough understanding of the originating CAD software that you
use, and that it is correctly configured to output data in the proper format for use by CAD to CAM. You
must also, of course, be completely conversant with the features and operation of your CNC machine.
And, finally, you must be competent in the use of Alphacam as the NC programming tool for your CNC
machine.****
Getting Started Style-Layer Processing

Access to CAD to CAM related features can be gained via the CAD to CAM menu within the main
Alphacam menu bar or the new C2C toolbar. Both contain the following items:
CAD to CAM Launches the CAD to CAM Processing Wizard

Style-Layer Processing Launches the Style-Layer Processing
Options Launches the CAD to CAM Options dialogue
Help Launches this help file (the Help file is also accessible from within the macro itself)
About Alphacam CAD to CAM Launches the CAD to CAM About dialogue. This dialogue box
provides information about the version and build numbers of the macro which will be needed if you call
for technical support.
Page 176 of 230

Activate the Style-Layer Processing option.
Job Data and Part Files
The main Style-Layer Processing dialog consists of three primary areas as described below.
Setup Style/Layer Main Buttons

Options This will display CAD to CAM's main options page where various processing defaults are set.
Save This allow the user to create and save all current settings and assignments without having to
process any files.
.
Page 177 of 230

Next After the correct Layer Mapping Setup has been selected along with specifying files to process
and Job information, selecting Next will advance CAD to CAM's processing wizard to the next stage of
the process.
Cancel This will shut down CAD to CAM. It is important to select the Save button if you wish to save
any changes you might have made prior to cancelling.
Job Data
Information
Job Name A job name must be specified in order proceed with processing. The Job Name will be
utilized throughout the entire processing, including labels and reporting.
Customer, PO, Programmer, Urgent Job, Ordered and Due Date (Optional) If supplied the
information will be used for the reports and labels. For selecting dates for setting Ordered and Due
Dates, select the down arrow for a calendar dialog to choose from.
Save as Default When enabled the information entered in the Information section will be available for
future processing.
Layer Mapping Setups

Setups A drop-down containing a list of user created Layer/Machining Style Setups. Even though a
single Setup can contain all the mappings to process your files, CAD to CAM's Style/Layer Processing
allow the creation of multiple setups. This gives the user the flexibility to separately process files with
differing types of layering schemes (See Below).
Layer Assignments Gives the user an overview of the various layer assignments in the current selected
setup. Selecting the Edit button allows you to make modification to the selected setup.
Move Up & Move Down When processing parts, Machining Styles are applied to parts in the order
they appear within the Layer Assignment grid. The Move Up & Move Down feature allows the user to
change the assignment priority by moving selected rows up or down within the grid. This feature applies
only to those assignments involving Machining Styles.
New The below dialog will appear allowing the user to specify a name for a setup they wish to create.
This name must be unique so as not to conflict with other setups. The dialog will also allow the user to
Page 178 of 230

base this new setup from an existing one. To do so check the Copy Existing Setup checkbox, this will
enable a drop-down list of existing setups to choose from. Once you select OK the Layer Assignment
dialog will open where you can add and modify the setup (see Creating a Style-Layer Assignment).
Edit Layer Assignment dialog will open where you can add and modify the existing setup.
Delete Will deleted the currently selected setup. Deletion is not reversible.
NOTE: If you encounter a row within your grid where the font color is red, this is an indication that
assignment is no longer valid and needs to be reassigned.
Part Files Tab Main Buttons
Add Selecting Add will open a dialog window where you can select part file(s) (DXF, DWG or
Alphacam Drawings) to process through CAD to CAM. To add multiple files, you can either use the
mouse to window the files, hold down the Shift key to select contiguous files, or hold down the Control
(Ctrl) key to select non-contiguous files.
Clear This feature will remove all parts from the parts grid.
Delete All highlighted rows will be removed. By holding down the Shift or Control (Ctrl) key you can
select contiguous or non-contiguous rows respectively (see Add feature above).
Insert Default Settings This feature will insert the values from the Default Part Settings section in all
selected rows in the parts grid.
Page 179 of 230

Refresh This feature will assure all updates are reflected in the parts grid.
Default Part Settings
Material Drop-down list of all user defined Alphacam materials to select from. The same list can be
accessed by selecting the Select Material in the Machine menu item. To edit this list please utilize the
Edit Material File add-in.
Qty (Quantity) Lets the user set the quantity of a given part to process through CAD to CAM.
Rotation You may set the angle interval that you wish the program to use to nest the selected part, and
the program will rotate the part through a series of steps at the specified rotation angle interval. The
smaller the selected angle, the more fitting tests the program will attempt, but this will also increase the
time taken to nest parts, especially where there are a large number of many irregular shapes and many
sheets.
Priority Parts will be nested into the specified number of sheets in descending order of the priority you
have set. If you leave this parameter set to the default of 1 the program will automatically nest the
largest selected parts first and then fit each of the smaller parts in descending order of size.
Use Defaults When Adding Files When adding new parts to the list, if this feature is enabled, the
values in the Default Part Settings section will be used for each new part you add.
Use File name as Part Name If enabled the actual file name will be used to fill in the Part Name for
each part. An example would be if you selected a part file named Shelf_01.dxf, with this feature
enabled, the resulting part name would be Shelf_01.
Part Files to Process
Page 180 of 230

Editing the Part List The user can edit all but the File Name column of each part by selecting the grid
cell they wish to change. Selecting any cell within the Material column will execute a drop down list of
all user defined Alphacam materials.
Style-Layer Processing Example

****To save time during this example, you will need to have specific files in place prior to continuing
on. If you are completing this training, at a Planit Solutions training facility these files should be in
place****
Activate the Style-Layer Processing option.
Enter the Job Data Information below to start the order you want to process.
Page 181 of 230
Page 182 of 230

The next step in this process is to select a Setup for use. In the Layer Mapping Setups area of Job Data
tab, click on New to create a new Setup. Enter you name for the Name of the New Setup and left click
the OK button.
After clicking the OK button previously, a Layer Assignments window will be activated.
Page 183 of 230

This dialog allows the user to import layer names from DXF, DWG and Alphacam drawing files and
map a Machining Style and/or Multidrill assignment to them.
Layer Assignments Main Buttons

Import Part Layers Selecting this button will open a dialog window where you can select files (DXF,
DWG or Alphacam drawings) for the system to pull available layer names from. To add multiple files,
you can either use the mouse to window the files, hold down the Shift key to select contiguous files, or
hold down the Control (Ctrl) key to select non-contiguous files.
After gathering all layer names from the selected part files, the dialog shown below will be displayed,
allowing the user to check which layer names to add to the main assignment treeview. Selecting or
unselecting the very topmost checkbox will toggle all layer names on or off. Select OK when finished.
TreeView Buttons:
Expand All All tree nodes will be visible.

Collapse All Only layer nodes will be visible. You can select the plus sign next to a particular
node you wish to expand.
Show All Layers All layers nodes will be displayed showing the entire layer assignment setup.
Show Unassigned Layers This will show only those layer names that have not been assigned to a
Machining Style or Multidrill. This makes it easier to complete layer assignments.
Delete Layer or Assignment Depending on which node is currently selected this function will
delete a layer assignment or delete the layer name from the tree view.
Define New Layer Allows the user to manually specify a layer name to add to the setup without
having to specify part files to pull layer names from.
Edit Assignment Once a layer assignment has been applied, this feature will allow the user to
make changes to the assignment parameters.
Page 184 of 230

Click on the
button. Browse to C:\LICOMDIR\Style-Layer Processing Examples
and select all of the files that have .dxf file extension as shown below. Once all the .dxf files have been
highlighted, click on the Open button.
Put a check by the Drawing Layers and this should check all Layers visible in the Layer Selection
window shown below. If all layers are checked, click on the OK button.
Page 185 of 230

Making a Multidrill Layer Assignment
NOTE: For a description and information regarding the functionality of Multidrill, please refer to
Multidrill's help file.
After clicking the OK button, note the changes you see in the Layer Assignments window. The layers
that were checked are now visible. Also in this view the Machining Styles have been expanded to show
you the operation that each Style has assigned to it.
The nest step is to assign machining to the layers for this Setup. This is simply done by left clicking
either the Multidrill or named Machining Style and dragging it to the layer name you want to assign the
operation to. Left click and hold the Multidrill option and drag it to the _1968-5MM_HOLES layer.
Release the left button of your mouse once you are over the layer name.
Page 186 of 230

Once you release the left mouse button a Machining Parameters window is opened. This window will
confirm the Layer name and the Machining Style to be used for this Layer. Hole Z Values are also
established here, set the Hole Z top to 0 and the Hole Z Bottom to -.5.
Perform the same process to the _315-8MM_HOLES layer. Set the Hole Z top to 0 and the Hole Z
Bottom to -.75. Your Layer Assignments should reflect the image below.
Page 187 of 230

Making a Machining Style Layer Assignment
Assigning Machining Styles to layer is a bit different process than applying Multidrill operations to a
Layer. Left click and hold the Dado_Cut machining style and drag it to the Dado layer as shown below.
Release the left button of your mouse once you are over the layer name.
Fill in the information below for the DADO layer. Left click the OK button when finished.
Page 188 of 230

Now left click and hold the Through_Grommet machining style and drag it to the Grommet layer.
Release the left button of your mouse once you are over the layer name. Fill in the information below for
the Grommet layer. Left click the OK button when finished.
Do the same to apply Outside_Blank machining style and drag it to the Perimeter layer.
Page 189 of 230

All Style/Layer associations have been complete. Your window should have all layers with assigned
Styles as shown below.
Left Click the OK button on the Layer Assignments window.
Review the Setup that was just completed. Make sure the list of Layer names and the assignments are
listed in the order that you would like them to be applied and machined once this order is processed. If
they are not in the order you desire, highlight the Layer, and use the Move Up or Move Down buttons to
adjust accordingly.
Page 190 of 230

Activate the Part Files tab.
Using the Add button we need to add files we want to process.

Browse to C:\LICOMDIR\Style-Layer Processing Examples and select all of the files that have .dxf file
extension as shown below. Once all the .dxf files have been highlighted, click on the Open button.
Once you have the parts listed, review the information on all parts and make any needed editing to get
the results you are looking for. Once any edits are made, left click on the Next button.
Page 191 of 230

Part List Verification
Style-Layer Processing is a function of the CAD to CAM add-in. What has been done up to this point is
all the set up required for Style-Layer Processing. From this point on will be dialog boxes that are for the
CAD to CAM portion of the process. The dialog box below is the part list that was created during the
Style-Layer Processing set up. What does need to be edited and checked in this window, is primarily the
Material List based on the materials selected during
Within this stage of the Style-Layer Processing Wizard, the user can setup the material and part data for
processing.
Material List
Process If checked, parts for this material will be processed. Some or all of these parts may be
processed depending on the selection within the Parts List (see below).
Name The name of the material. This name is retrieved from the cutlist and cannot be edited.
Width The sheet width (X axis) of this material. This width value is used when nesting into this
material.
Length The sheet length (Y axis) of this material. This length value is used when nesting into this
material.
Thickness The sheet thickness (Z axis) of this material. This thickness value is used for cut depth
verification when machining parts relative this material.
Quantity The quantity of sheets of this material available for nesting. Use a quantity of 0 (zero) if an
unlimited amount of sheets are available.
Page 192 of 230

Part List
Process If checked, the selected part will be processed. If unchecked, the selected part will be
bypassed and not be processed.
Quantity The quantity of this part to be processed. This value is retrieved from the cutlist but is
editable prior to processing.
Rotate The rotation angle to attempt when nesting this part. This value is retrieved from the cutlist but
is editable prior to processing. Typically, this value is set to 0 if grain restrictions are in play or 90 if
there are no grain restrictions.
Description A description of the part. This description is retrieved from the cutlist and is not editable.
Reports and Labels
Within this stage of the Style-Layer Processing Wizard, nesting reports and/or part labels can be
generated.
Page 193 of 230

Information
This information determines whether Reports, Labels, Both Reports and Labels, or no Reports and
Labels are to be generated. You can select the desired output via the Output drop down box. Basic
customer and order information pertaining to the current job can also be provided.
Use External Label Application Allows for labels to be generated by an external, third party
application. If checked, the Label Barcode and Layout Options will change to contain the set of
properties below.
App Path Path to the external application to be used
Template Path to the label template to be used by the external application. (optional)
Command Prefix (optional) Command line switches to be placed after the application path and
before the label template.
Command Suffix (optional) Command line switches to be placed after the application path and
the label template. NOTE: Please consult the documentation of the third party software for the
proper use of some of these properties.
Image Type The part drawing image type to be used (DXF, WMF or EMF). CAD to CAM will
save each part drawing as this type. NOTE: Please consult the documentation of the third party
software for the proper use of some of these properties.
Barcode and Layout Options
Printer The printer to be used. If no printer is found, a Virtual Printer will be used.
Caption The text represented by the barcode.
Style This is the barcode style to be used within the Report or Label. See Barcode Descriptions for a
complete list of available styles.
Notches This determines where the notches are on a UPC barcode.
Width The width for the Barcode's narrow bars.
Prefix Character(s) to be placed in front of the barcode caption.
Suffix Character(s) to be placed after the barcode caption.
Strip File Path If the selected Barcode Caption refers to a filename, this option is enabled. If checked,
the path to the file will be stripped off and only the filename will rename. (e.g.
"C:\DIRECTORY\FILENAME.EXT" becomes "FILENAME.TXT").
Page 194 of 230

Strip File Extension If the selected Barcode Caption refers to a filename, this option is enabled. If
checked, the file extension will be stripped off of the filename (e.g. "FILENAME.EXT" becomes
"FILENAME").
Convert Dims to Inch Will convert metric (mm) dimensions to be displayed as inches. Note that this
does not change the NC code or drawing output, only the dimensions displayed within the labels/reports.
Display Dims ass Fractions Will convert decimal values and display them as fractions.
Label Layout Options
Setup This will launch the Label Sheet Setup dialogue.
Report Layout Options
Portrait/Landscape Specifies how the report is positioned on the printed page. For an example of how
the orientation will look, click Portrait or Landscape to display the proper orientation image.
NOTE: Also see the Nest Reports and Labels help file accessible from the stand alone version of that
add-in.
To keep this example relatively simple, for right now set the Output in the Information area to None and
left click on the Next button.
Page 195 of 230

Machining Parameters
Within this stage of the Style-Layer Processing Wizard, the user can setup all Multidrill and misc
parameters.
Many of the following options are only applicable if the Multidrill option is available and checked.
Drill Head Configuration All editable drill properties are displayed in red. To edit, simply click within
the desired cell and type in the desired value.
Page 196 of 230

ID/Number This represents the drill ID or Number as related to the drill block configuration.
Work Face This represents the Work Face, or direction, in which the drill is facing. This is typically
the desired axis direction when drilling the material.
Tool Offset The offset number to be used for the drill. This is the same as the Offset Number as
specified within Alphacam. Each drill can be assigned a unique value, or all drills can share the same
value. This is dependant on how offsets are being used within the machines control.
Work Offset An additional (optional) value representing the work offset Number to be used for the
drill.
Diameter The diameter of the drill bit. This is the same as the Diameter value as specified when
Length The length of the drill bit. This is the same as the Length value as specified when defining a
tool within Alphacam. Typically, this is only taken into consideration when horizontal drilling is
applied.
Cone Angle The cone angle of the drill bit. This is the same as the Cone Angle value as specified when
All Same As Will make all entries within the active column the same as the selected cell
Load Will prompt the user to select a Multidrill database to load as active
View Will display the associated bitmap image (if exists)
Print Will display the active Multidrill configuration to report style text file
Feeds and Speeds
Feed Rate The machining feet rate to be used when drilling. This is the same as within Alphacam.
Spindle Speed The spindle speed to be used for the drill unit. This is the same as within Alphacam.
Tolerances
Drill to Hole Diameter The tolerance value to be used when analyzing drill diameter to hole diameter.
Hole Center to Center The tolerance value to be used when analyzing hole center to center spacing.
Page 197 of 230

Machining
Hole Depth At Specifies whether Alphacam should calculate the Bottom of Hole per the drill shoulder
taking into account the Cone Angle.
Traverse At The Z-axis position when traveling at rapid speed from one hole to another. This is the
same as within Alphacam.
Ignore All Horizontal Drilling If checked, all horizontal drilling operations will be discarded.
Output Horizontal as Boring Will output all horizontal work as a Boring cycle versus a Drilling cycle.
This setting determines which section of the post processor is to be used for horizontal work. Note that
most post processors use the Boring cycle for horizontals. However, some do not allow this. If an error
is generated by your post processor, try checking this option off.
Apply Travel Limitations If checked, the travel limitation Setup button will become active and
Multidrill unit travel limitations will be applied (see Drill Unit Travel Limitations for more information).
Note that the Multidrill database must be configured properly for these limitations to be recognized.
Show Slaved Operations Will machine and flag all slaved operations, otherwise only master is
machined.
Optimization Will reorder all selected holes according to the selected method.
Z Levels (or Distance from Plane)
Safe Rapid Distance The distance from the material surface at which the router tool may safely rapid
without the danger of colliding with the material or any part of the machine, such as a work clamp.
Feed Down Distance The final distance from the material surface to which the router tool may rapid
down, typically a small distance.
Final Z Tolerance The maximum allowed Z depth below that of the material thickness when Z-Zero is
set to material top, or the maximum allowed Z depth below that of the spoil board top when Z-Zero is
set to the top of the spoil board. This is provided as a safety feature to insure that inadvertent damage to
the machine does not occur if an imported file specifies a final Z depth beyond the panel thickness plus
the Final Z Tolerance. During operation of the macro, if a file contains one or more Z depths that exceed
the set tolerance, a warning message appears and allows you to acknowledge the warning and halt the
process by clicking NO, or to ignore the warning by clicking on YES and continue.
Set Material Top As Z Zero If checked, all Z-axis coordinates will be calculated with the Z0 point
being at the top of the material. Otherwise, these calculations will be done with the Z0 point being at the
bottom of the material (top of spoil board). For example, with this option active, if the material thickness
is 0.75, and the cutting depth is also 0.75, the final Z output would be Z-0.75 (0-0.75). With this option
inactive, the final Z output would be Z0.0 (0.75-0.75).
Page 198 of 230

Splines
Convert Splines to Lines/Arcs If checked, all splines that existing within the file being processed will
be converted to lines/arcs. This is particularly useful when processing DXF files that may contain spline
objects.
Tolerance - The value that gauges the accuracy of the lines and arcs that are created from the converted
splines. This is the same as within Alphacam.
At this point the instructor will work with each one of you to get the Machining Parameters set properly.
Refer to page 208 of the manual as most of these will be the same for each student other than the
Multidrill configurations that are needed for your machine.
Once you have completed the settings for the Machining Parameters left click the Finish button to begin
the automated processing and completion of this order.
After the processing is done you can access all the information created for this order in the following
folder with the Job Name used as the working folder:
C:\LICOMDIR\Example1
Page 199 of 230

Alphacam Button Bar Quick Reference Guide
This has been created for quick reference of the individual buttons and the commands they activate.
File
Button
Command
Button
Command
New
Print Preview
Open
Input NC
Save
Insert
Open Template
Input CAD
Save as Template
Output CAD
Output NC
Parametric Macro
Select Post
Convert Raster to
Vector
List NC Code
Drawing Notes
Clear Memory
Output to Laser
Projector
Printer/Plotter
Page 200 of 230

View
Button
Command
Button
Command
Zoom All
Set Limits
Zoom Window
Background Color
Zoom Previous
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Zoom Limits
Pan
Display Options
Refresh
Shading
3D Views
3D Surface
Verification
Reverse View
Page 201 of 230

Display Options
Button
Command
Button
Command
Ghost tools
Show Tool Angles
Show Tools
Draw Tool Holder
Material Cut
Draw Materials and

Fixtures as Solids
Draw Rapids
Draw Solid As
Wireframe
Show Breaks
Simulation
Button
Command
Button
Command
Simulation
Close Solid
Simulation
Solid Simulation
Single Step
Page 202 of 230

Views
Button
Command
Button
Command
XY
Left
YZ
Right
XZ
Top
Iso
Bottom
Horizontal Iso 1
Work Plane
Horizontal Iso 2
Normal to Work
Plane
Front
Set View down

Normal
Back
Page 203 of 230

Edit
Button
Command
Button
Command
Undo
Extend
Redo
Fillet
Delete
Chamfer
Move
Offset
Copy
Change
Rotate
Group
Mirror
Ungroup
Scale
Start pt
Stretch
First
Skew
Order
Repeat
Explode
Array
Advanced Rotate
Page 204 of 230

Edit (continued)
Button
Command
Button
Command
Break
Break at Element
Endpoints
Trim
Change Circle Size
Join
Keep
Break at Distance
Linear Order
Extend By Distance
Scale Z levels
Auto
3D
Edit Mode
2D
Page 205 of 230

CAD Geometry
Button
Command
Button
Command
Line
Construction
Arc
Close and Finish
Circle
Splines
Rectangle
3D Polyline
Digitize
3D Surfaces
Text
Edit/List Geometry
Edit Text
Create Pocket Inlays
Arc
Button
Command
Button
Command
Start + Second +
End
Start + Center +
Angle
2 Points + Radius
Tangent to Line/Arc
+ End
2 Points + Center
Page 206 of 230

Circle
Button
Command
Button
Command
Center + Diameter
3 Points
Center + Radius
Tangent, Radius
Unknown
Center + Point
Tangent, Known
Radius
2 Points
Splines
Button
Command
Button
Command
Create Spline
Reverse Spline
Edit Spline
Convert Spline to
Lines/Arcs
Order Spline
Page 207 of 230

Special Geometries
Button
Command
Button
Command
Polygon
Equi-Spaced Holes
Ellipse
Enclosing Rectangle
Bolt Hole Circle
Get Tool Geometry
Involute Curve
Wine Rack
Slot
Fill Area with Holes
CAD
Button
Command
Button
Command
Dimensions
Edit Line Type
Hatch
Line Properties
Magnify
Move Dimension
User Layers
Hide Parts
APS Layers
Show All
Set Line Type
Import User Layers
Page 208 of 230

Utils
Button
Command
Button
Command
Ortho Mode
Radius of
Snap Mode
Auto-Close Contours
Set Snap/Ortho
Common Line
Removal
Nesting
Add-Ins
Area Estimate
Convert Nested
Sheet
Distance/Angle
Quick Nest
Geometries
Report Coordinates
Snaps
Button
Command
Button
Command
Auto-Snap
Snap Tangent to
Snap to Endpoint
Snap Perpendicular
to
Snap to Midpoint
Snap Parallel to
Snap to Arc Center
Snap to Arc/Circle
Quadrant
Page 209 of 230

Snap to Intersection
3D
Button
Command
Button
Command
Set Work Volume
Set Geometry Z
Levels
Set Materials
Edit Geometry Z
Levels Point by Point
Reverse Tool Side
Auto Set Work

Volume
3D Project
Auto Set Work

Volume on Input
CAD
Wrap onto Surface
Convert Geometry to
3D Polyline
Create Section
Auto Set Material
Edit 3D Polyline
Fast Work Volume
Machine
Button
Command
Button
Command
Select Tool
Set/Unset Open
Elements
Tool Directions
Set Element Saw

Angle
Rough/Finish
Cut Between 2
Geometries
Page 210 of 230

Machine (continued)
Button
Command
Button
Command
Pocketing
Define Tool
3D Engraving
5 Axis Toolpath From

Polylines
Drill/Tap Holes
Auto Cutout
Sawing
Boring Along 2D Line
Cut Spline or Polyline
Apply Style
Horizontally Along 2D
Line
3D Surface
Machining
Color to CAM
3D Solid Machining
Corner Drill
Lead-In/Out
Explode Visible
Operations
3D Lead-In/Out
Export Drawing Tools
Update Tool Paths
Edit Material File
Edit Operations
Relief Cut
Select Material
Saw or Groove
Page 211 of 230

Machine (continued)
Button
Command
Button
Command
Machine Holes
Select Aggregate
Manual Tool Path
Shower Base
Machining
Drill/Tap Holes Auto

Z
Styles-Tools Sync
Edit Machining
Button
Command
Button
Command
Tool Path Data
Edit Tool Angle
Edit Feed Rate
Edit 5-Axis Toolpath
Adjust Rapids
Tool Axis Conversion
Reverse Tool Path
Add Support Tags
Edit Z Point by Point
Remove Support
Tags
Page 212 of 230

Clamps/Fixtures
Button
Command
Button
Command
Define
Clamps/Fixtures
Set Initial Positions
Move
Clamps/Fixtures
Edit Clamps/Fixtures
Machine Configurations
Button
Command
Button
Command
Open Machine
Define Machine
Component
Save Machine
Set Tool Home

Position
Clear Machine
Define Axes
Set Default Machine
Set Safe Area
Reset Default
Machine
Move Part
Machine
Configuration
Rotate Part
Page 213 of 230

Styles
Button
Command
Button
Command
Apply Style to
Selected Geometries
AutoStyle Apply
Apply Style to
Assigned Layer
AutoStyle Edit
Apply Style to
Selected Layer
AutoStyle New
Edit Style
User Defined Code
Button
Command
Pre-defined
Button
Command
User Cycle
Direct Input
Page 214 of 230

Nesting
Button
Command
Button
Command
Open Nest List
Nest Information
Nest Part
Save Offcut
Create Nest List
Sheet Database
Work Planes
Button
Command
Button
Command
Slice Work Volume
Cancel Current Plane
2 Lines for X and Y

Axes
Set Work Plane

Origin
Existing Geometry
Work Plane
Properties
Parallel to Current
Plane
Best Fit Plane

Through Points
Reverse Current
Plane
Create Work Plane

from Solid Face
Perpendicular to
Current Plane
Work Plane by
Surface Normal
As Current Plane,
Different Origin
By Line Element
Vector
By Name
Page 215 of 230

Multidrill
Button
Command
Button
Command
Multidrill
Clear Existing
Multidrill Operations
Re-Multidrill
Multidrill Assign Bit

Types to Geometries
APS Fast Geometry
Button
Command
Button
Command
Point
Arc to Line
Known Arc
Arc to Arc
Line to Line Blend
Delete Last
Line to Line Chamfer
Finish
Line to Arc
Close and Finish
Page 216 of 230

Specify Panel
Button
Command
Button
Command
Specify Panel
Left
Top
Cancel Current Plane
Front
Show Panel Edges
Right
3D Views
Back
VBA
Button
Command
Button
Command
Macros
VBA Editor
New VBA Project
Help Alphacam API
Open VBA Project
Load VBA Add-In

Toolbar Button
Open VBA Post for

Editing
Page 217 of 230

CAD to CAM
Button
Command
Button
Command
CAD to CAM
Unset Multidrill Holes

for APM
Style-Layer
Processing
Options
Set Multidrill Holes

for APM
Alphaedit
Button
Command
Button
Command
Launch Alphaedit
Alphaedit API Help
Open Active Post
Alphaedit Help
Page 218 of 230

Select Standard Plane (Fast Work Volume)
Button
Command
Button
Command
Select Standard
Plane Top
Select Standard
Plane Back
Select Standard
Plane Front
Select Standard
Plane Left
Select Standard
Plane Right
Solid Model Extract
Button
Command
Button
Command
Automatic Extraction
Z Level Section
Drillable Hole
Extraction
3D Edge Extraction
Hole Chamfer
Extraction
Edges from Face

Outlines
Contour from Picked

Edges
Profiles from
Extended Edges
Contour Around
Picked Faces
Extract Solid Body

Outlines
Contour Through the

Current Work Plane
Spun Outline
Extraction
Surface from Faces
Configure
Projected Face
Outlines to Work
Plane
Page 219 of 230

Solid Model Utilities
Button
Command
Button
Command
Offset Faces
Align Part
Cap Holes
Set Face Color
Create Bounding
Work Volume
Paint Face
Remove Contours
Defined as Holes
Face/Edge/Point
Details
Reset Geometry Z
Levels
Body Check Report
Auto Align Part
Milling Cycles
Button
Command
Button
Command
Face Milling
Thread Milling
Helical Milling
Trochoidal Pocketing
Open Pocket
Trochoidal
Rough/Finish
Page 220 of 230

Constraints
Button
Command
Button
Command
All
Equal Length
Fix
Parallel
Horizontal
Concentric
Vertical
Midpoint
Length
Create Element Set
Radius
Drag
Coincident
Constrain Z Levels
Perpendicular
Constrain Work Plane
Tangent
Edit Variables
Distance
New Parameter
Angle
New Equation
Equal Radius
Parametric Rules
Page 221 of 230

Fabricate
Button
Command
Button
Command
Cut
Subtract
Delete Area
Overlapping Areas
Crop
Intersecting Areas
Unite
Waves
Button
Command
Waves in XY
Button
Command
Convert Lines/Arcs to
Z waves
Waves in Z
Page 222 of 230

Appendix A Alphacam Support (For customers current on their
Alphacam Technical Support Plan)
Telephone support:
Phone:
E-Mail support
acam.support@planitsolutions.com
Please have the

following information
available:
Sales Support and

Contact Information:
Another efficient way to receive Alphacam support is to E-mail your

questions or concerns to our Alphacam Technical Support Team.
Please ensure your name, company name as well as a detailed

description of the current issue is included in all e-mails.
Attach any .ard or relevant files that show the current issue.
Company Name
Alphacam module
Alphacam version
Key type
Operating System
Alphacam Customer Service Representative

Phone: (800) 461-2015
Email:
General Contact
Information:
(800) 461-2015
alphacam.sales@planitsolutions.com
Address: Planit Solutions, Inc.

One Water Ridge Plaza
2201 Water Ridge Parkway, Suite 470
Charlotte, NC 28217
U.S.A.
Phone: (704) 393-5551
Fax:
(704) 393-7320
Website: www.Alphacam.com
Page 223 of 230

Appendix B - Training Course Schedule
Course Duration:
3 days 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM:
Day-1:

Overview of the training course

Software Installation Basics
Introduction to the course material that will be covered day 1
Overview of Windows
Introduction to Alphacam
Process Planning
Geometry Creation
Lunch
Individual Geometry Creation Exercises
Multidrill
Standard Drilling Routine
Review of the days course material

Review of the previous days training

Rough/Finish Routines
Verifying Tool Paths / Simulations
Pocketing
3D Engraving to include Raised Letter and Plunge Engraving
Creating G-Code and Alphaedit
Lunch
Machining Styles
Nesting Options and Examples
Review of the days course material

Review of the previous days training

Constrained Parametric Sketching
Tool Paths and Constrained Parametric Sketching
More Tool Path Creation Exercises
Lunch
Style-Layer Processing with CAD to CAM
Additional Alphacam Commands
Course Review-Questions and Comments
Alphacam Functionality Demonstration
Training Course Conclusion
Day-2:
Day-3:
Page 224 of 230

Glossary
Adjacent
1. Close to; lying near

2. Next to; adjoining
Angle
1. The figure formed by two lines diverging from a common point
Arc
1. A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse

2. A curvature in the shape of a circular arc or an arch
Array
1. A rectangular arrangement of quantities in rows and columns, as in a

matrix
Boundary
1. Something that indicates a border or limit

2. That which indicates or fixes a limit or extent, or marks a bound, as of a
territory; a bounding or separating line; a real or imaginary limit
CAD
1. Computer-Aided Design
2. The use of computer programs and systems to design detailed two- or
three-dimensional models of physical objects, such as mechanical parts,
buildings, and molecules
1. Computer-Aided Machining
2. The process of using specialized computers to control, monitor, and
adjust tools and machinery in manufacturing
CAM
Circle
1. A closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed

point within the curve
2. Ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated
by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
Contour
1. The outline of a figure, body, or mass

2. A line that represents such an outline
Coordinate
1. Any of a set of two or more numbers used to determine the position of a

point, line, curve, or plane in a space of a given dimension with respect to
a system of lines or other fixed references
Diameter
1. The length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle, and
connecting two points on the circumference
Dongle
1. A hardware device that serves as copy protection for certain software by

rendering the software inoperable when the device is not plugged into a
printer port
Geometry
1. The mathematics of the properties, measurement, and relationships of

points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
2. A physical arrangement suggesting geometric forms or lines
Page 225 of 230

Intersection
1. The point or locus of points where one line, surface, or solid crosses
another
Line
1. A geometric figure formed by a point moving along a fixed direction and

the reverse direction
Method
1. A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way

of accomplishing something
Nesting
1. To put snugly together or inside one another

2. A set of objects of graduated size that can be stacked together, each fitting
within the one immediately larger
Offset
1. One thing set off or developed from something else
Operation
1. The act or process of operating or functioning

2. An instance or method of efficient, productive activity
Optimize
1. To make as perfect or effective as possible

2. To make the most of
Origin
1. The point of intersection of coordinate axes, as in the Cartesian coordinate

system
2. The point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives
Parallel
1. Being an equal distance apart everywhere

2. Of, relating to, or designating two or more straight coplanar lines that do
not intersect
3. Of, relating to, or designating two or more planes that do not intersect
4. Of, relating to, or designating curves or surfaces everywhere equidistant
Parameter
1. A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same

general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve or
surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces
2. One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of a
point.
Page 226 of 230

Parametric
1. A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same

general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve
or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or
surfaces
2. One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of
a point
Polygon
1. A closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments
Profiled
1. To draw or shape a profile of
Projection
1. The image of a geometric figure reproduced on a line, plane, or

surface
Quadrant
1. A circular arc of 90; one fourth of the circumference of a circle

2. Any of the four areas into which a plane is divided by the reference
axes in a Cartesian coordinate system, designated first, second,
third, and fourth, counting counterclockwise from the area in which
both coordinates are positive
Radius
1. A line segment that joins the center of a circle with any point on its
circumference
Rectangle
1. A four-sided plane figure with four right angles
Rotate
1. To turn around on an axis or center
Scale
1. A proportion used in determining the dimensional relationship of a

representation to that which it represents
2. To alter according to a standard or by degrees; adjust in calculated
amounts
Skew
1. An oblique or slanting movement, position, or direction
Surface
1. The boundary of a three-dimensional figure

2. A portion of space having length and breadth but no thickness
Tangent
1. A line, curve, or surface meeting another line, curve, or surface at a

common point and sharing a common tangent line or tangent plane
at that point
2. Making contact at a single point or along a line; touching but not
intersecting
Page 227 of 230

Keyboard Function Keys
In Alphacam function keys (labeled F1 to F12) have particular uses.
The [F1] key has two uses. When used during coordinate or numerical value input it means unknown
and the system will use other entered data to calculate the unknown value. When used other than during
coordinate or numerical value input it calls the Help file.
[F2] = Auto-Snap
If [F2] has been pressed (one time only) the snap will automatically be to the end or middle of a line or
arc or to the center of an arc or circle or to the nearest quadrant point of a circle whichever is nearest to
the screen arrow pointer. Press [F2] again to cancel the auto-snap.
[F3] = Ortho on/off
The [F4] key is used when creating geometry to close and finish an open geometry. Function Key
equivalents exist for most of the buttons available in the UTILS menu button bar.
[F5] = Screen Grid Snap
[F6] = END-point of . . .
[F7] = MID-point of . . .
[F8] = CENTER of . . .
[F9] = INTERSECTION of . . .
[F10] = TANGENT to . . .
[F11] = PERPENDICULAR to . . .
[F12] = PARALLEL to . . .
If the [Ctrl] key is held down when [F3], or [F5] [F10] are pressed, the Snap is modal, and will remain
active until the mouse RIGHT button (or [Esc] key) is pressed.
The next page contains a cheat sheet that you may cut out and place onto your computer keyboard for
future reference.
Page 228 of 230

Notes:
Page 229 of 230

Function Key Cutouts
Esc
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
Finish
Unknown
(Various)
Ortho
On/Off
Close &
Finish
Snap
On/Off
End
of
Middle
of
Centre
of
Intersect
of
Tangent
to
Perpend
to
Parallel
to
Esc
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
Ortho
On/Off
Close &
Finish
Snap
On/Off
End
of
Middle
of
Centre
of
Intersect
of
Tangent
to
Perpend
to
Parallel
to
Finish
Unknown
(Various)
Esc
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
Close &
Finish
Snap
On/Off
End
of
Middle
of
Centre
of
Intersect
of
Tangent
to
Perpend
to
Parallel
to
Finish
Unknown
(Various)
Ortho
On/Off
Esc
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
Finish
Unknown
(Various)
Ortho
On/Off
Close &
Finish
Snap
On/Off
End
of
Middle
of
Centre
of
Intersect
of
Tangent
to
Perpend
to
Parallel
to
Esc
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
Finish
Unknown
(Various)
Ortho
On/Off
Close &
Finish
Snap
On/Off
End
of
Middle
of
Centre
of
Intersect
of
Tangent
to
Perpend
to
Parallel
to
Page 230 of 230

2012 IAT Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2012 IAT Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2012 IAT Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

Hard Disk Space

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

The Alphacam Key

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

The Installation Wizard

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

You can also install a combination of modules by selecting Custom Setup.

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

Obtaining and Using an Alphacam License File

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

Network License Installation

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

Hardware basics Keyboard and Mouse Basics

Installing Alphacam and Basic Information

Load Correct Program DVD and Install Alphacam

Open Alphacam for First Time

Cartesian Coordinate System

Review attached sheet

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

In this manual you will see captions similar to

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

The lines run north to south and east to west

The center of the grid is known as the Origin

Any point to the right of the origin is known as an X positive position

Any point to the left of the origin is known as an X negative position

Any point above the origin is known as a Y positive position

Any point below the origin is known as a Y negative position

2012 Introductory Alphacam Training Manual

What will be machined?

How many parts will you run?

How will you hold the parts?

Will you need fixtures?

What tooling will be used?

Create fixtures as a separate job

Design the fixture

Create Tool List

Decide what tools you will need

Are the tools defined in Alphacam?

Define Tool Path

Select tool to be used

Set tool directions

Apply tool path

Designate Speeds and Feeds rates

Assign lead-ins and lead-outs as needed

Verify Tool Path

Monitor tool path using Show Tools in the 3D views.