ProCAM II 2.5 Axis Mill Tutorial

2½ AXIS MILL
TUTORIAL
TekSoft, Inc.
An Company
www.teksoft.com
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Copyright ©2001 TekSoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PC18c November, 2001
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED 1-1
How to Use This Manual................................................................................. 1-2
Installing Learning Files ............................................................................ 1-2
Steps to Generate an NC Program................................................................... 1-3
Step 1: Draw the CAD Part or Open Part File .......................................... 1-3
Step 2: Start 2½ Axis Mill and Select the Controller................................ 1-4
Step 3: Set the Setup Information ............................................................. 1-4
Setup Information Dialog Box ............................................................. 1-5
Changing the Setup Information .......................................................... 1-5
Step 4: Put Cross Section Entities on What will be Cut ........................... 1-6
Step 5: Define the Operations ................................................................... 1-7
Step 6: Generate the Toolpaths ............................................................... 1-10
Step 7: Post Process the Part ................................................................... 1-11
More About Cross Section Entities ............................................................... 1-14
Inserting a Closed Cross Section Entity................................................... 1-14
Rounding Off Outside Corners Automatically ........................................ 1-15
CHAPTER 2 POCKET TOOLPATHS 2-1
Profile Pocket Toolpaths ................................................................................. 2-2
Profile Pocketing........................................................................................ 2-2
Profile Pocketing with a Taper Tool .......................................................... 2-4
Profile Pocketing with Islands ................................................................... 2-5
Lace Pocket Toolpaths..................................................................................... 2-8
Lace Pocketing........................................................................................... 2-8
Lace Pocketing with a Taper Tool ........................................................... 2-10
Lace Pocketing with Islands .................................................................... 2-10
Changing the Lace Angle......................................................................... 2-11
Controlling Where the Tool Feeds into a Part ......................................... 2-12
Using Start Holes................................................................................ 2-12
Breaking CAD Entities....................................................................... 2-16
Using Step Repeat.................................................................................... 2-17
Cutting a Part with Different Height Islands ........................................... 2-19
CHAPTER 3 PROFILE TOOLPATHS 3-1
Profile Toolpaths ............................................................................................. 3-2
Generating a Profile Toolpath.................................................................... 3-2
Generating a Profile Toolpath Using a Taper Tool.................................... 3-4
Cutting External Sharp Corners ................................................................. 3-4
Machine and System Compensation .......................................................... 3-6
Generating Multiple Profile Toolpaths ...................................................... 3-8
Using Wall Definition.............................................................................. 3-12
Cutting a Part with Multiple Wall Shapes and Islands ............................ 3-16
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Table of Contents
Cutting Parts with Multiple Drafts........................................................... 3-20

Defining a Passive Island ................................................................... 3-20
Defining Multiple Passive Islands...................................................... 3-25
Defining Multiple Internal Passive Islands ........................................ 3-28
Generating a Helical Profile Toolpath ..................................................... 3-32
CHAPTER 4 DRILL & FREE FORM CUT TOOLPATHS 4-1
Drill Toolpaths................................................................................................. 4-2
Drilling Different Size Holes ..................................................................... 4-2
Combination Drilling ................................................................................. 4-4
Thread Milling ........................................................................................... 4-6
Drill Roughing ......................................................................................... 4-11
Free Form Cut Toolpaths............................................................................... 4-13
Generating a Free Form Cut Toolpath on a Spline .................................. 4-13
Using Free Form Cut for Engraving ........................................................ 4-15
CHAPTER 5 WORKING WITH TOOLPATHS 5-1
Using the Utility Commands ........................................................................... 5-2
Order Utility .................................................................................................... 5-3
Viewing the Order of Toolpath Cutting..................................................... 5-3
Move Utility .................................................................................................... 5-5
Moving and Copying CAM Entities .......................................................... 5-5
Editing Toolpaths ............................................................................................ 5-7
Deleting Toolpath Nodes ........................................................................... 5-7
Moving a Toolpath Node ........................................................................... 5-8
Inserting a Toolpath Node.......................................................................... 5-8
Optimizing Toolpaths .................................................................................... 5-10
Optimizing Toolpaths in a Profile Operation........................................... 5-10
Optimizing Toolpaths for Multiple Drilling Operations.......................... 5-12
Attaching Attributes ...................................................................................... 5-14
Attaching Attributes to CAM Entities ..................................................... 5-14
Checking Entities for Attributes .............................................................. 5-15
CHAPTER 6 VERIFYING TOOLPATHS 6-1
Defining Stock................................................................................................. 6-2
Defining Rectangular Stock ....................................................................... 6-2
Using the 2-Point and 3-Point Definition Methods.............................. 6-2
Using the 4-Point Definition Method ................................................... 6-3
Using the Offset Method ...................................................................... 6-4
Defining Cylindrical Stock ........................................................................ 6-4
Defining the Cylinder Axis and One Point on the Edge ...................... 6-4
Using the Radius and Diameter Modifiers ........................................... 6-5
Using the Offset Method ...................................................................... 6-6
Defining Extruded Stock............................................................................ 6-6
Using a Cross Section Entity................................................................ 6-6
Using the Depth Modifier..................................................................... 6-7
ii
Table of Contents
ProVerify ......................................................................................................... 6-8

Stock Part Simulation................................................................................. 6-8
CHAPTER 7 INSERTING MACROS/SUBROUTINES 7-1
Using Macros................................................................................................... 7-2
Defining and Calling a Macro.................................................................... 7-2
Using a Grid Macro Call............................................................................ 7-4
Undefining a Macro ................................................................................. 7-12
Editing a Macro........................................................................................ 7-13
CHAPTER 8 MCS PROGRAM ZERO POINTS 8-1
Machine Coordinate System (MCS)................................................................ 8-2
Case 1 - Machining with Multiple MCS Offsets ....................................... 8-3
Case 2 - Machining with a Single Program Zero Point ............................. 8-6
Case 3 - Machining Using Macros............................................................. 8-7
Multi-plane Machining .................................................................................... 8-9
Programming a 3D Wireframe Part with Rotary Table ............................. 8-9
Programming a 2D Orthographic Part with No Rotary Table ................. 8-15
CHAPTER 9 SKILL BUILDER EXERCISES 9-1
Exercise 1 ........................................................................................................ 9-2
Exercise 2 ........................................................................................................ 9-4
Exercise 3 ........................................................................................................ 9-7
Exercise 4 ...................................................................................................... 9-11
INDEX
iii
Table of Contents
iv
Chapter 1 Getting Started
This manual introduces you to the features of the ProCAM 2½ Axis Mill system. The
information and exercises in this chapter help you understand the process to generate 2½ axis
mill toolpaths and NC code.
IMPORTANT! The ProCAM II Getting Started Guide explains the basics of working in
ProCAM and the exercises in this manual assume that you have read the Getting Started
Guide and have an understanding of how to use ProCAM.
Getting Started 1-1

How to Use This Manual
How to Use This Manual

IMPORTANT! The ProCAM II Getting Started Guide explains the basics of working in
ProCAM and the exercises in this manual assume that you have read the Getting Started
Guide and have an understanding of how to use ProCAM.
This manual is a tutorial. It is designed to guide you through the steps to generate an NC
program and introduce you to the features of the ProCAM 2½ Axis Mill system.
• The information and exercises in Chapter 1 help you understand the process of creating
an NC program.
• The exercises Chapters 2 through 8 provide an opportunity to learn how to use the
features and functions of the 2½ Axis Mill system.
Many of the ProCAM functions are the same whether you are working in 2½ Axis Mill or
Multi-surface Machining, for example, drilling, Free Form cut, verifying parts, using the
MCS, editing toolpaths, etc. Exercises for these functions are provided in this manual and
are not repeated in the Multi-Surface Machining Tutorial.
• Chapter 9 contains more advanced exercises to practice what you have learned.
• If you want more information about a particular feature or function, see the applicable
topics in the online Help system. To open the 2½ Axis Mill Help, select Help on the
ProCAM menu bar, then select 2½ Axis Mill Help.
Did You Know ...
The Manuals folder on the ProCAM CD contains a complete set of ProCAM manuals.
When you install ProCAM II from the ProCAM CD, the manuals are copied into the
\procad\manuals\ProCAM II folder on your PC. These files are in Adobe Portable
Document Format (PDF) and can be viewed, searched and printed using the Acrobat
Reader. If you do not have the Reader, you can install it from the AcrobatReader folder
on the CD or download it from the Adobe web site.
Installing Learning Files

Sample parts are provided for the exercises in this manual. A generic post processor,
FANTUTM, is also included. This post processor is to be used for learning purposes only.
The NC code it generates is not intended to actually run in your machine. When you ran the
Setup program to install ProCAM, the Setup program automatically created a
\procad\pcii\learn\mill folder containing the learning part files and copied the FANTUTM
controller files to the \procad\ctl folder.
For more information on installing ProCAM, see the ProCAM Installation Guide.
1-2 Getting Started

Steps to Generate an NC Program

The following steps are used to generate NC programs:
1. Draw or open the part in the CAD system.

2. Start 2½ Axis Mill and select the controller.
3. Set the Setup Information.
4. Put cross section entities (boundaries) on what will be cut.
5. Define operations.
6. Generate toolpaths.
7. Post process the part.
The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to generate a Profile toolpath
on a simple part. In order to give you a feel for how the 2½ Axis Mill system works, you are
asked to accept a number of defaults when you are defining the operation. This is done to
show you the basics of generating a toolpath without getting into details at this time.
Some of the exercises in this manual are for learning 2½ Axis Mill and may not correspond
to actual machining practices.
Step 1: Draw the CAD Part or Open Part File

Parts can be drawn in ProCAM or imported from other design systems in a number of
different formats.
Did You Know ...
Mill parts (.prt files) created in ProCAM 2D can be opened in ProCAM II and cut using
the 2½ Axis Mill cycles. The only restrictions are that tool files (.mtf) and operation
default files (.mdf) created in ProCAM 2D are not usable in the ProCAM II. You must
create new tool files and set up operation defaults in ProCAM II.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 2AxMill1.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

This part was drawn in ProCAM CAD.
Getting Started 1-3

Step 2: Start 2½ Axis Mill and Select the Controller

EXERCISE 1. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar.
The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of post processors.
The list that displays for your system depends on the number of
post processors you have installed.
2. Double-click FANTUTM or highlight FANTUTM and click OK.
− In the exercises in this manual, when you choose a controller
type, select FANTUTM. When you create your own parts, pick
the post processor that will be used to cut the part.
− If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the Setup
Information dialog box displays. This dialog box is explained on
the next page.
− If the Setup Information dialog box does not display
automatically, click CAM on the menu bar and select the Setup
Information command on the CAM menu.
3. Notice the following changes in the ProCAM window when you start 2½ Axis Mill:
− The Part Manager changes to the Operation tree. The Operation tree provides an
outline view of the controller, tools and operations you set up to machine the part. The
graphical display in the tree makes it easy to define operations and see how the part
will be machined. When you right-click on an operation, a shortcut menu provides a
list of applicable commands: New Operation, Edit Operation, Rerun Current, etc. The
Operation tree also contains a controller item that identifies the current controller
(FANTUTM) and a Tool item that lists the tools that are used in the operations. Right-
clicking the Tool item displays the Mill Tools dialog box.
Note that any time you want to display the Operation tree, you can
click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.
− The 2½ Axis Mill toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. This toolbar displays the 2½ Axis
Mill commands. The cutting cycle commands are also easily accessible from the
shortcut menu in the Operation tree.
Step 3: Set the Setup Information

The Setup Information dialog box is used to provide information required to generate the NC
program. The Setup options vary depending on the machine. This dialog box also provides
information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program file is generated.
1-4 Getting Started

Setup Information Dialog Box

The Setup Information dialog box
displays when you select a post
processor in the Controller Type
dialog box (if you have the Feed and
Speed Library installed) or when you
select Setup Information on the CAM
menu.
The parameters shown in the figure
are required for most NC programs.
Additional parameters may display if
they are required by the controller.
Option Description
Program This option is the program number that is used by the machine controller to
Number register the program into memory. In a Fanuc controller, this is a 4-digit
number. You do not need to enter the leading zeroes. For example, for program
number 10, you would type 10 not 0010.
If your machine needs something in front of the number, this is typically done
automatically by the post processor. For the Fanuc post that is being used here, a
letter O will be output in front of the program number by the post processor, so
it does not need to be entered in the Setup Information.
Material The 2½ Axis Mill system has a library of part materials with associated speeds
and feeds.
Part Some machines do not use this parameter.
Thickness
Machine % This option allows you to pick a percentage to vary the speeds and feeds by. For
example, if the part you are cutting cannot be held securely, you could pick
Light and the speeds and feeds would not be as fast.
Changing the Setup Information

EXERCISE 1. In the Setup Information dialog box, type 100 for the Program Number and press TAB.
2. Type 1212 for the Material and press TAB.
3. Type 1.5 for the Part Thickness and click OK.
Getting Started 1-5

Step 4: Put Cross Section Entities on What will be Cut

The next step is to identify the entities to be machined and the path the cutter will take. This
is done using the Cross Section Entity command. The exercise below shows how to put a
single cross section boundary on a part. Cross section entities are explained in more detail in
the next exercise.
EXERCISE 1. Select Axis on the Setup menu.
2. In the Axis dialog box, if the Axis On and Display Cplane Name options are checked,
remove the check marks, then click OK.
Turning off the axis display makes it easier to work with this part.
3. Make sure the Cplane is set to 1 Top.
The FANTUTM post processor, which is used for most of the exercises in this manual,
supports cutting only from the top plane. ProCAM also supports multi-plane machining,
which is explained in Chapter 8.
Pick here
4. Click the Cross Section Entity to start
button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity for Pick arc for last
entity in boundary
cross section start.
This part will be machined around the
outside starting at the top left.
5. Pick the left side of the top line.
The prompt line changes to: PICK next
entity for cross section.
6. Pick the .25" radius arc at the top left
for the last entity.
You do not have to pick each
individual entity in order because
ProCAM has an automatic chaining
function.
7. Click BUTTON 2.
The middle mouse button (BUTTON 2)
tells ProCAM you are finished with a
particular function. This button also
tells ProCAM to accept the input or
execute a command. Note that you can
press the Space Bar instead of clicking
the middle button.
The part should look like the figure on
the right.
1-6 Getting Started

Step 5: Define the Operations

ProCAM uses operations to define each cutting cycle. If you had a part that had a pocket and
a profile to be cut and a hole to be drilled, you would define three operations.
In this example, you have one operation, a profile. The operation contains all the information
necessary for cutting the perimeter of the part. During the definition of the operation, the
defaults are used for a number of parameters. All of these parameters are explained in the
online Help.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager on the left side of the
window.
2. Double-click layer 2 to make it the current layer to generate the toolpaths on.
This is a shortcut to turn on a layer and make it current. You can also right click the layer
and select Make Current on the shortcut menu.
3. Change the color by clicking the arrow next to the color selection box on the System
toolbar. You can select a standard color or click the Other button to select a custom color.
4. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.

5. Right click in the Operation tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select
Profile on the list of operations.
− The Set Operation – Profile Properties dialog box displays. Each operation contains
the cut information for that cycle. As you work with different cycles, the parameters in
the Set Operation dialog box change to reflect the cutting cycle you are defining.
− The tool text box on the Tool tab is highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER tool number.
In this exercise, you define a .50" diameter end mill cutter.

6. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab.
The Mill Tools
dialog box
displays.
When you
define an
operation, you
specify the tool
in the Mill
Tools dialog
box that will be
used to generate
the toolpaths.
Getting Started 1-7

The Turret in the Mill Tools dialog box represents the tools that will be loaded into the
machine tool turret. For ease of use, the tools in the turret can be saved in tool files and
used for multiple jobs.
In addition, ProCAM allows you to create a tool library, which is a database that can
represent all the tools in your current inventory. Tool libraries are more powerful and
flexible than tool files. You can create a library for all the tools in your shop or for all the
tools for a job. Tool libraries are created without regard to the number of stations in a
turret. Sample tool libraries (MillToolLibary_Inch.mtl and MillToolLibrary_Metric.mtl)
are provided and can be opened by clicking the Show Library button. For more
information on tool libraries, see the online Help.
7. Double-click on the first tool station in the list.
You can also highlight the tool, then click the Edit button.
The Set Tool dialog box
displays.
The Tool Name identifies the
Station # or Record # of the
tool you selected in the Mill
Tools dialog box. If you are
defining a tool in the Turret,
this is the Station # listed in
the Turret section of the Mill Tools dialog box and in the Set Operation dialog box when
you define an operation. This number is the tool number that is output in the NC program
during post processing. If you are defining a tool in the Tool Library, this is the Record #
for the tool in the database.
Tool Type Lists the types of tools you can define: end mill, hog nose, ball nose,
drill, taper end mill, taper ball nose, taper hog nose.
Diameter All tools require a diameter.
Corner Radius Only hog nose tools require a corner radius.
Length Refers to the cut length of the tool.
Taper Angle Defines the taper angle of the taper tool. The angle is measured between
the shank of the tool and the taper on the cutting edge of the tool.
Taper Length Defines the distance from the end of the taper tool to where the taper
meets the main diameter of the tool.
Number of The number of teeth or flutes on the tool. Feed and speed calculations are
Teeth partially based on the number of teeth.
Tool Material ProCAM uses the tool material to determine feed and speed values for
the toolpaths created from this operation.
1-8 Getting Started

Comment Comment is a 24-character optional field. The comment is for in-line

documentation and clarification only. Comments are typically output as
characters within parentheses (.....) in the output generated by the post
processor. The first 11 characters of the comment are also output in the
.set file (Setup Sheet).
8. Define the tool using the following information:
− Tool Type = End mill
− Diameter = .50"
− Length = .875"
− Comment = .50" End Mill
9. Click OK.
− The Mill Tools dialog box lists the information for Station #01.
− This is one way to define tools. In addition, you can use tool files and tool libraries to
eliminate having to define the tools for every part.
10. Click OK to exit the Mill Tools dialog box.
11. In the Set Operation dialog box, set the parameters on the tabs as listed below, then click
OK. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value Description
Tool Operation Profile This name displays in the Operation tree.
Name Cut
Profile Clearance .10" This is the height above the Z Face that the Z axis
Plane rapids to before feeding down in the Z axis. It is also
the height the Z axis positions to during rapid moves
to get from one cut to another with the same tool.
Profile Rapid Plane 2.0" This is the distance above Z0.000 that the Z axis
rapids to in the Tool Length Offset line in the
program. Specifying a value of 2 causes the tool
length offset line in this generic post to read: G00
G43 Z2.000 M08. This parameter is also the height
the Z axis returns to when the operation is complete.
Finish Depth Single Single Depth is used when you want the cutter to go
Parameters Depth to the Z depth defined in one pass. In this operation,
you are taking only one pass with the .5" end mill.
Z Depth -.50" This is the depth of the cut the Z axis feeds down into
the work.
XY 0.0 The amount of material to leave on the part. This
Allowance value is the actual distance the cutter stays away from
the finished part. The amount is defined per side.
Post Post checked This parameter determines whether this operation will
Operation be part of the NC program.
Getting Started 1-9

Step 6: Generate the Toolpaths

When you click OK to exit the Set Operation dialog box, the prompt line reads: PICK cross
section boundaries to profile (button 2 when done). You are now ready to generate the toolpaths.
EXERCISE 1. Pick the cross section boundary anywhere on the part.
The boundary is highlighted. Since cross
section boundaries are actually one entity, Pick outside circle
you can pick anywhere along the path.
2. Click BUTTON 2.
Two circles display at the start of the cross
section boundary.
The prompt line reads: PICK highlighted
circle to indicate which side. ProCAM is
asking you which side of the highlighted
line you want the toolpath to be inserted
on.
3. Pick the circle on the outside.
ProCAM generates the Profile toolpath.
The prompt line again asks you to pick the cross section boundaries for the toolpath. If
you had multiple Profile toolpaths, you would pick the next one and the operation
information would remain the same for that toolpath.
4. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.
This utility allows you to review the order
of toolpath cutting by running through the
part or by stepping through the part one
cutting movement at a time.
5. Make sure the Display Tool button is
highlighted.
6. Make sure the Step Through Cutting

Movements button is highlighted.
7. Click the Move Tool to First Cut

button.
8. If the tool is shaded, press the W key on
the keyboard to change the display to wire frame.
You can use the W and S keys to toggle between shaded and wire frame tool display.
9. Click the Next Move button several times to step through the toolpath. Notice that
toolpath information displays on the InfoBar tab in the Part Manager.
1-10 Getting Started

Step 7: Post Process the Part

The Post Process command translates toolpath and operation information into NC code that
can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC code for each toolpath in the part in
the order the operations are listed in the tree. The machining sequence can be changed by re-
ordering the operations in the tree using drag and drop.
EXERCISE Post processing is the final step in generating the NC program.
1. Select Save As on the File menu and save the part as Mill1.pcii.
The ProCAM II file extension is .pcii. The additional file formats that are supported are
listed on the Save as type pulldown.
2. Click the Post Process button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
The Save Post File dialog box displays. The \procad\txt folder is provided for NC
program and Setup Sheet files. You can use this folder or a different folder.
3. If Mill1.txt is not in the File Name text box, type Mill1.
You do not have to type the
extension.
Naming the Post file the same as the
Part file is the most common way of
saving parts and NC programs. Both
files can have the same name
because they have different
extensions. Part files have a .pcii
extension. Post files have a default
.txt extension or the extension you
specify.
Did You Know ...

If you want a different default folder to open in the Save Post File dialog box, select
Folders on the Setup menu and change the default folder globally for all post
processors or individually for each post processor.
If you want a different file name extension for NC program files, you can edit or
create a .pinf file and specify the new extension.
For more information on making these changes, see the Folder Dialog Box and
Creating Post Information Files and Changing Output File Extension topics in the
Customizing ProCAM section of the online Help.
4. Click OK.
The Post Window dialog box and modifier toolbar display.
Getting Started 1-11

5. Select only the View Code button. During post processing, ProCAM will display the
code in the Post Window dialog box.
Note that you can decrease posting time significantly by using the Fast Posting modifier
or by turning off the Highlight Cut, Display Cutter and View Code modifiers.
6. Click the Run button.
− ProCAM generates the NC program and displays the program in the Post Window
dialog box. You can stop post processing at any time by pressing any key. This puts
ProCAM in Step mode. In Step mode, you can position the pointer in the work area,
then click BUTTON 2 or press the Space Bar to continue one step at a time. You can
change modifiers, zoom in on an area of the part, then resume post processing by
clicking the Run button.
− When you click the Run button, ProCAM creates two files: MILL1.TXT (the NC
program for the machine) and MILL1.SET (the Setup Sheet). The files should look
similar to the listing on the next page.
− The .TXT file is the NC program file that contains the CNC commands for the
machine control unit to activate the tool functions and cutting tool movements for the
part. This program contains the commands to make the machine do the required
operations. You can edit the file, if necessary, using a DNC editor, the control unit
edit mode, or a word processor.
− The .SET file is not used to control the machine tool. It is a text file that contains
information the operator can use to set up the machine tool. The information includes:
the machine, the controller, estimated machine time, the part material, and the tool
type and size. This file is located in the same folder as the NC program file. The Setup
Sheet is a text file that can be read or printed using a word processor or text editor.

NC Program: MILL1.TXT
O0100
N1 G20
N2 (.5" End Mill)
N3 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0
N4 T01 M06
N5 S2000 M03
N6 G90 G54 G00 X.25 Y.26
N7 G43 Z.1 H01 M08
N8 G01 Z-1. F5.
N9 G03 X-.26 Y-.25 I0 J-.51 F10.
N10 G42 D21 G01 X-.26 Y-2.75
N11 G03 X.25 Y-3.26 I.51 J0
N12 G01 X4.25
N13 G03 X4.51 Y-3. I0 J.26
N14 G01 Y-1.6875
N15 G03 X4.4338 Y-1.5037 I-.26 J0
N16 G01 X4.1213 Y-1.1912
N17 G03 X3.9375 Y-1.115 I-.1838 J-.1838
N18 G01 X2.51
N19 Y-.3125
N20 G03 X2.4338 Y-.1287 I-.26 J0
N21 G01 X2.1213 Y.1838
N22 G03 X1.9375 Y.26 I-.1838 J-.1838
N23 G01 X.25
N24 G00 Z5. M09
N25 G91 G28 Z0
N26 G28 X0 Y0
N27 M30
Setup Sheet: MILL1.SET

( PART NAME=MILL1 )
( PROGRAM NUMBER=0100 )
( MACHINE=MILL TUTORIAL )
( CONTROLLER=FANUC TYPE )
( MATERIAL=1212 )
( THICKNESS=1.5 )
( STATION TOOL TYPE X SIZE Y SIZE RADIUS ANGLE DESCRIPTION )
( ------------- ---------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------------------- )
( 001 END_MILL 00.500 .5" End Mill )

More About Cross Section Entities

The Cross Section Entity command on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar is used to identify the
entities to be machined and the path and direction of the cutter. In 2½ Axis Mill, cross
section entities are also referred to as cross section boundaries. Any entities that are to be
machined (except for drilled holes and entities cut with Free Form Cut and Curve Cut
operations) must have cross section entities on them. ProCAM uses cross section entities to
compensate the cutters and to check for interference between cut paths.
Inserting a Closed Cross Section Entity

Putting cross section boundaries on all the cutouts in the part shown below would take a
considerable amount of time if you had to pick each cutout individually. In this exercise, you
use modifiers to pick all the cutouts at the same time.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Cross Section Bndry.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the

CAD toolbar and double-click
FANTUTM in the Controller Type dialog
box.
3. Click the Cross Section Entity button
on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
If the Feed and Speed Library is installed,
the Setup Information dialog box
displays. Click OK to continue.
4. Click the Chained button on the
Modifier toolbar to display the Closed
Loop modifier.
5. Make sure the Break button is
highlighted.
The Break modifier is used to determine whether the cross section entity starts at the end
of an entity or at its midpoint.
If this modifier is selected, ProCAM looks to see if any entities were broken with the
Break Utility. If ProCAM finds a break, it starts the cross section entity at that point. If
ProCAM does not find any previous break, it automatically breaks the longest line in the
path at its midpoint and starts the cross section entity at this point.
If the Break modifier is not selected, the cross section entity starts at the endpoint of the
longest entity.

6. Make sure the Counterclockwise modifier button is highlighted.

If a direction is not selected, ProCAM uses the original direction of the first entity in the
cross section entity (from the start of the entity to the end of the entity).
7. Window pick all the inside cutouts.
Do not window pick all the entities on the outside path. With the Closed Loop modifier
selected, leaving any entities outside the selection window prevents ProCAM from
putting a cross section boundary on them.
If you miss any of the entities for the cutouts in the window, you can either window pick
the ones you missed or pick them individually with BUTTON 1. You can continue to select
entities until you click BUTTON 2.
8. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM processes all the information and
inserts a cross section entity on all the
cutouts.
If any of the entities around the outside
were picked, these entities remain
highlighted after ProCAM finishes
inserting cross section entities on the
cutouts. A message at the bottom of the
screen reads: Note: Cross section not
inserted on highlighted entities. Because you
are inserting closed cross section entities,
ProCAM cannot recognize entities that do
not form a closed path. This message
would also display if any of the cutouts were not completely closed. The entities would
remain highlighted and they would not have a cross section entity on them.
Rounding Off Outside Corners Automatically
When you use the Cross Section Entity command with the Closed Loop modifier, you can
have ProCAM round off all the outside corners automatically. With a part like the one in this
exercise, you could save time by using the automatic rounding function instead of inserting
fillets on the corners of the CAD entities.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 2AxMill1.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar and double-click FANTUTM in
the Controller Type dialog box.
If the Feed and Speed Library is installed, the Setup Information dialog box displays.
Click OK to continue.
3. Click the Cross Section Entity button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
4. Click the Chained button to display the Closed Loop modifier.

5. Double-click the Radius text box in the Info tab.

The prompt line reads: ENTER fillet radius.
6. Type .75, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: Select entities for inserting cross section.
7. Window pick the entire part and click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the cross section entity on the part and puts a .75" radius on all the sharp
corners. Notice that ProCAM does not actually put fillets on the CAD entities. It simply
puts a radius in the cross section entity.
2AxMill1.pcii Cross Section Entity with Rounded Corners

Chapter 2 Pocket Toolpaths
Pocketing is a 2½ axis mill roughing cycle. There are two types of pocketing:
• Profile pocketing removes material from a pocket following the shape of the profile.
• Lace pocketing removes material by making a series of planar cuts across the stock.
Both types have the ability to avoid islands.
This chapter shows you how to use the Pocket and Lace Pocket commands.
Pocket Toolpaths 2-1

Profile Pocket Toolpaths

The Pocket command generates toolpaths starting either from the inside and working
outward or from the outside and working inward to remove all of the material inside the
pocket, excluding any selected islands.
Pocketing creates compensated toolpaths based upon perimeter and island cross section
entities. A cross section entity must be inserted before a profile pocket toolpath can be
generated.
Profile Pocketing
In this exercise, you cut the pocket using different options to see their affect on the pocket.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Pocket.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager on the left side of the
window.
This part already has a controller selected and a cross section boundary inserted.
Pocket in the list of operations.
The Set Operation - Pocket Properties dialog box displays.
5. In the Mill Tools dialog box, double-click on Station #01.
6. In the Set Tool dialog box, define a .375" End Mill, then click OK.
8. Define the operation parameters using the following information. You can use the
defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (.375" End Mill)
Operation Name Pocket
Pocket Rapid Plane 1.00"
Cut Amount .1875"
Milling Type Climb
Finish Depth Parameters Single Depth
XY Allowance .01"
2-2 Pocket Toolpaths

Tab Parameter Value

Pattern Types Pocket In/Out Pocket Out
Cut Direction Perimeter Direction
(The direction of the Pocket
toolpath will be the same as
the cross section boundary
direction indicated by the
arrow.)
9. Click OK to accept the changes.

The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries to pocket
(button 2 when done).
10. Pick the cross section entity, then click BUTTON 2.
The Pocket toolpath is generated.
11. Change the View to 7 ISO 1.
You can use the Order utility to review the order of the toolpath by stepping through the
cycle one move at a time.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.
2. Make sure the Display Tool button is highlighted.
3. Make sure the Step Through Cutting Movement button is highlighted.
4. Click the Move Tool to First Cut modifier button.
5. If the tool displays in shaded mode, press the W key on the keyboard.
The W and S keys are shortcuts for toggling between wire frame and shaded tool display.

6. Click the Next Move repeatedly.

Notice that the tool is cutting in the same
direction as the cross section entity arrow
(counterclockwise).
You can change the color of the tool by
clicking the down arrow next to the Color box
on the System toolbar and selecting a different
color.
7. Right click the Pocket operation in the tree and
select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
8. On the Pattern Types tab, change the Cut
Direction to Clockwise, then click OK.
9. Right click the Pocket operation in the tree and select Rerun Current.
When ProCAM cuts the pocket this time, the cut is going in the opposite direction of the
cross section boundary.
10. Run the Order utility again to see the machining direction.
Did You Know ...
ProCAM does not do a finish cut automatically. If you want a finish cut, you can define
a Profile operation (see Chapter 3).
Profile Pocketing with a Taper Tool

EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part file Pocket.pcii in the work area.
2. Right click the Pocket operation in the tree and select Edit Operation on the shortcut
menu.
3. On the Tool tab, click the Active Tools button.
4. In the Mill Tools dialog box double-click on Station # 02.
5. Define a Taper end mill with a .375" Diameter and a 5 degree Taper Angle, then click
OK.
7. Click the Finish tab and change the Depth Parameter to Step Repeat.
When you select this option, ProCAM makes multiple cuts in the X,Y plane, stepping
down in the Z axis the Z First Cut amount, then multiple Z Sub Cut amounts to the Z
Depth.
8. Change the Z First Cut and Z Sub Cut to .25", then click OK.
9. Right click in the tree and select Rerun Current on the shortcut menu.

10. Change the View to 1 Top, then zoom near the area at the start of the cross section entity
and notice the offset for the taper tool at each depth.
Toolpath: Single Depth with End Mill Toolpath: Step Repeat with Taper End Mill
Profile Pocketing with Islands

2. Click the All button at the bottom right of the ProCAM window to fit all the entities in the
work area.
3. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and pick the toolpath to delete it.
4. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.

5. On the Layers tab, turn on Layer 3.
6. Double click Layer 5 to turn it on and make it the Current layer.
7. Turn off Layer 4.
8. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part

Manager.
9. Right click the operation in the tree and select Edit
Operation on the shortcut menu.
10. On the Tool tab, change the tool to 1 (the .375" end
mill).
11. On the Finish tab, change the Depth Parameter to Single
Step, then click OK.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries to
pocket (button 2 when done).
12. Window pick the entire part, then click BUTTON 2.
For non Z-wall features, you can window pick closed
areas, including the outside pocket and islands.
ProCAM automatically identifies the islands and the
profile pocket.
The pocket should look like the figure on the right.

EXERCISE ProCAM includes ProVerify, which allows you to graphically simulate actual material
removal from stock. You can see the material being removed from the stock as the cutter
proceeds along the toolpaths.
2. Click the Verify button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.

If your license/security key is not programmed for Sirius Verify (an optional third party
program that runs as a separate program outside ProCAM), ProVerify starts
automatically.
If your license/security key is programmed for Sirius Verify, the modifier toolbar displays
two buttons to select between running the external Sirius Verify and the integrated
ProVerify.
If the Modifier toolbar displays, click the ProVerify button.
When the ProVerify starts:
− The stock part displays as a rendered solid.
− The ProVerify toolbar displays in the ProVerify window.
3. Make sure the Tool Display button is not highlighted.

4. Click the Go to End button on the ProVerify toolbar.
The simulation completes the entire part before the results are displayed. This allows you
to verify the tool cutting quickly without seeing every tool cut.
5. Click the Reset to Start button.
6. Click the Tool Display modifier button
to highlight it.
With this modifier selected, ProVerify
simulates the tool cutting. The tool steps
through the part showing each cut and the
stock is updated after each cut.
7. Click the Forward by 1 Cut button
several times.
The simulation advances one toolpath cut
each time you click the button.
8. Click the Go to End button on the
ProVerify toolbar.
With the Tool Display modifier button turned on, you can see every cut; however, for
complex parts the simulation can be time-consuming.

EXERCISE Change the tool to a Taper end mill and rerun the operation:
1. Continue using the part in the ProVerify window.
2. Click the part tab (the tab with the 2½ Axis Mill icon) at the bottom of the ProVerify
window to switch back to the original part in the work area.
The two tabs at the bottom of the window allow you to make changes to operation
parameters and quickly verify the updated toolpaths.
The tabs do not display if your operating system is Windows 98. You need to close
ProVerify by right clicking in the work area and selecting Close ProVerify on the shortcut
menu.
3. Right click the operation in the tree and select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
4. On the Tool tab, change the tool to 2 (the .375" Taper end mill).
5. On the Finish tab, change the Depth Parameter to Step Repeat.
7. Right click on the operation in the tree and select Rerun Current on the shortcut menu.
Zoom near the area at the start of the cross section entity and notice the offset for the
taper tool at each depth.
8. Click the ProVerify tab (the tab with the ProVerify icon) at the bottom of the work area to
return to the simulation.
If your OS is Windows 98, start ProVerify as explained in step 2 in the previous exercise.
9. Click the Update Simulation button on the left side of the ProVerify toolbar.
If you edit an operation when ProVerify is still open, this button is activated. If you have
made changes and rerun an operation, you must click this button to see the updated
simulation.
This function is not supported under Windows 98.
10. Click the Go to End button.
The simulation is run and the taper end mill displays for the pocket operation.
11. To exit the simulation, right click in the work area and select Close ProVerify on the
shortcut menu.

Lace Pocket Toolpaths

The Lace command is a roughing cycle for removing stock by making a series of parallel
cuts across the stock. Depending on the lace cycle type selected, the toolpath retracts and
pierces between cuts or it follows the cross section boundary with continuous cutting to the
next lacing move.
Lace Pocketing
If this part is currently open, do not save the changes.

3. Double-click layer 6 to turn it on and make it the Current layer.

Lace in the list of operations.
6. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab in the Set Operation – Lace Properties
dialog box.
7. In the Mill Tools dialog box, highlight Station #1 and click the Edit button.
Tab Parameter Value
Lace Rapid Plane .50"
Milling Type Conventional
XY Allowance .01"
Pattern Types Pattern Type ZigZag
Lace Cut .25"
(This is the cut between lace toolpaths. The default
Lace Cut amount is the tool radius. You can change
this value as required.)
Lace Angle 0
Profile Profile After


12. Pick the pocket perimeter, then click BUTTON 2.
The pocket should look like the figure on the left below. The dotted line on the left side of
the part is the rapid move to the start of the profile cut after the lace pocket. ProCAM
automatically rapids the Z axis up, rapids to the start of the profile cut, then feeds the Z
axis back down.
13. Right click the Lace operation in the tree and select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
14. On the Pattern Types tab, change the Lace Angle to 90 degrees, then click OK.
15. Right click the operation in the tree and select Rerun Current to update the toolpath.
0 Degree Angle 90 Degree Angle
EXERCISE Edit the operation and change the Leadin and Leadout for the Profile toolpath.
Did You Know ...
When using Leadin and Leadout options, be careful to check for interference. ProCAM
does not do interference checking for the leadin and leadout.
1. Right click the Lace operation in the Operation tree and select Edit Operation on the
shortcut menu.
2. On the Leadin/Out tab, change the Leadin to Arc and use the following values:
− Leadin Amount = .25"
− Leadin Angle = 0
− Leadin Overlap = .125"
− Arc Radius = .25"
− Arc Angle = 90

3. Change the Leadout to Arc and use the same values as the Arc
Leadin.
4. Click OK to exit the Set Operation dialog box.
5. Right click the operation in the tree and select Rerun Current
to update the toolpath.
6. Edit the operation and change the Leadin and Leadout to see
the difference in the toolpaths.
Lace Pocketing with a Taper Tool

2. Right click the Lace operation in the Operation tree and select Edit Operation.
4. In the Mill Tools dialog box double-click on Station # 02.
5. Define a Taper end mill with a .375" diameter and a 5 degree Taper Angle, then click
OK.
10. Zoom near the area of the leads and notice the offset for the taper tool at each depth.
Lace Pocketing with Islands

EXERCISE 1. Continue using Pocket.pcii in the work area.
2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and pick the toolpath to delete it.

4. Turn on layer 3.
5. Double-click layer 7 to turn it on and make it the Current layer.
6. Turn off layer 6.

8. Right click the Lace operation in the Operation tree and

select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
9. On the Tool tab, change the tool to 1.
10. On the Finish tab, change the Depth Parameter to Single
Step.
11. On the Leadin/Out tab, change the Leadin and Leadout to No
Leadin and No Leadout, then click OK.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries to pocket
12. Window pick the entire part, then click BUTTON 2.
The pocket should look like the figure on the right.
13. Edit the operation: change the tool to 2 (the Taper end mill),
the Depth Parameter to Step Repeat and the Z First and Sub
Cut to .25".
14. Rerun the operation and notice the difference in the toolpath.
Changing the Lace Angle

The pocket in this exercise is at a 45 degree angle to the part. This exercise shows how
selecting a different Lace Angle can shorten the machining cycle time by eliminating wasted
moves.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Lace Pocket.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

The Set Operation - Lace Properties dialog box displays.
5. In the Mill Tools dialog box, highlight Station #1 and click the Edit button.
Tab Parameter Value

Pattern Types Lace Cut .1875"

Lace Angle 0
10. Window pick the cross section boundary for
the lace pocket, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM generates a pocket toolpath. Notice
the short moves in the corners.
11. Right click the Lace operation in the
Operation tree and select Edit Operation on
the shortcut menu.
Lace Angle = 0 Degrees
12. On the Pattern Types tab, change the Lace

Angle to 45, then click OK.
13. Right click the operation in the tree and select
Rerun Current on the shortcut menu.
Lace Angle = 45 Degrees
Controlling Where the Tool Feeds into a Part

Using Start Holes
Specifying a start hole allows you to determine where the end mill feeds into the part. The
start hole can be an actual start hole that you pre-drilled, a specific location that you can
identify using a Snap modifier or it could be a location you digitize. Start holes can be used
with Profile Pocket, Lace Pocket and Profile toolpaths.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you change the Start Type for a Lace Pocket toolpath.
1. Open the part file Pocket Start.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar.

3. In the Controller Type dialog box, double-click

FANTUTM.
If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the
Setup Information dialog box displays. Click OK to
continue.
4. Insert a cross section boundary starting at the top
of the left vertical line.
5. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part

Manager.
6. Turn on layer 1 - Start Hole.
A hole displays on the part.

Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button and define a .375"
End Mill)
Lace Rapid Plane 1.00"
Z Depth -.50"
XY Allowance .01"
Type Zigzag
Lace Angle 0

Pattern Types Profile No Profile

If you select Profile Before or Profile After, you
need to make sure the tool does not feed in or ramp
from the start hole and cut through walls or islands.
ProCAM DOES NOT check for interference when it
is feeding in or ramping from the start hole.
The position of a start hole may be correct for the
pocketing. If you specify a profile cut before or after
the pocketing, however, the tool may cut right
through the walls or islands to get from the start
hole to the start of the cross section boundary for the
profile. To eliminate this possibility, you could
define a separate Profile operation to cut around the
perimeter and/or islands.
Start/End Start Type Plunge At Start Hole
End Type Retract at Leadout End
11. Pick the cross section entity, then click
BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate
for start hole.
12. Click the Entity Origin button on the

Snap toolbar and pick the circle.
The toolpath is generated.
13. Select Zoom Views on the View menu.
14. Change the View to 7 ISO 1 for better
viewing. Plunge at Start Hole
15. Change the View back to 1 Top.
16. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and delete the toolpath.
17. Right click the Lace operation in the
tree and select Edit Operation.
18. Edit the operation and change the
Start Type to Ramp From Start
Hole, then click OK.
19. Follow the prompts to generate the
toolpath.
20. Change the View to 7 ISO 1 and
rotate the part for better viewing.
Ramp from Start Hole

21. Change the View to 2 Front.

22. Change the View back to 1 Top.
23. Delete the toolpath.
24. Edit the operation again and change the following on
the Start/End tab:
Change the Start Type to Spiral Ramp at Start Hole Front View
Change the Spiral Radius and Depth/Rev parameters to .25".
25. Click OK.
26. Follow the prompts to generate the toolpath.
27. View the start of the toolpath by pressing F7, then press F2 to see the Front view.
Spiral Ramp at Start Hole – ISO 1 View Front View
EXERCISE The start location does not have to be inside the perimeter of the part as shown in this
exercise.
1. Continue using the part in the work area.
2. Change the View to 1 Top.
4. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager,

5. Turn off layer 1 and turn on layer 2 - Start Point.
A point displays to the left of the bottom of the part.

7. Double-click the Lace operation in the Operation tree.
8. In the Set Operation dialog box, change the following:
− On the Finish tab, change the XY Allowance to -.1872" (to extend past the boundary
to face off the part).
− On the Start/End tab, change the Start Type to Plunge at Start Hole
9. Click OK.

10. Pick the cross section boundary, then click

BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate
for start hole.
11. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap

toolbar.
12. Pick the point.
The toolpath is generated.
Breaking CAD Entities
This exercise shows you how you can use the Break utility to break a CAD entity into
multiple entities, which provides control over where a Profile toolpath starts.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Pocket Start.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
If the part file is currently open, do not save the changes.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar, then double-click FANTUTM in
If the Setup Information dialog box displays, click OK to continue.
3. Click the Break button on the Utility toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity to break.
4. Pick the left vertical line.
The prompt line reads: PICK intersection location for
break location.
5. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

6. Pick the line again, then click BUTTON 2.
7. Insert a cross section boundary starting at the
middle of the vertical line and going counterclockwise
around the perimeter.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button and define a
.375" End Mill)


XY Allowance .01"
Lace Angle 0
Leadin/Out Leadin & Leadout Arc
Leadin/Leadout Amount .125"
Leadin/Leadout Angle 0
Leadin/Leadout Overlap .05"
Radius .25"
Arc Angle 90
11. Pick the cross section entity, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the toolpath with the leadin and
leadout in the middle of the line.
Using Step Repeat

2. Click the Operations tab at the

bottom of the Part Manager.
This part already has a controller
selected and a cross section boundary
inserted.
4. Right click in the tree, select New
Operation on the shortcut menu, then
select Lace in the list of operations.

Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click Active Tools and define a .5" End Mill)
Lace Clearance Plane .10"
Rapid Plane .75"
Finish Depth Parameters Step Repeat
Z Depth -.875"
Z First Cut .25"
Z Sub Cut .125"
XY Allowance .01"
Lace Angle 0
7. Pick the cross section boundary for the lace pocket, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM generates a pocket toolpath using six depths.
8. Change the View to a side view (Front, Back, Right or Left) to see the cutting depths.
Z First Cut
Z Sub. Cuts
9. Right click the Lace operation in the Operation tree and select Edit Operation on the
shortcut menu.
10. On the Finish tab, change the values for Z First Cut and Z Sub. Cut, then rerun the
operation.

Cutting a Part with Different Height Islands

Wall Definition can be used to cut a part with different height islands.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Pocket Wall Def.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

This part already has a controller selected and a cross section boundary inserted. In this
exercise, only the lace pocket operation is defined. If you were actually cutting this part,
you would also define a drill operation to tap the holes.
3. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Lace in the
list of operations.
Tab Parameter Value
End Mill)
Finish Depth Parameters Wall Definition

Z First Cut & .25" (These parameters determine how much of a Z

Z Sub Cut increment to take and give the effect of Step
Repeat.)
XY Allowance 0.0"
Z Cut Method Vertical Cuts
Z Allowance 0.0"
Lace Angle 0
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundary for perimeter wall.
6. Pick the cross section boundaries for the walls of the perimeter.
The prompt line reads: PICK
cross section boundary for Island 1 2 3
island walls (button 2 when
done).
7. Pick the cross section
boundaries for the island walls
from left to right, then click
BUTTON 2.
cross section boundary for
perimeter.
Perimeter Island 1 Island 2 Island 3
Wall Wall Wall Wall
8. Pick the perimeter cross section boundary.

The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundary for islands (button 2 when done).
9. Pick the island cross section boundaries in the same order you picked the cross section
boundaries for the island walls.
ProCAM generates the lace pocket toolpath.
EXERCISE Run ProVerify to see how the islands are cut:
3. Make sure the Tool Display button is highlighted.
5. To exit the simulation, right click in the work area and select Close Verify.

Chapter 3 Profile Toolpaths
The Profile Toolpath command is used to insert a profile toolpath. The Profile toolpath can
be inserted using options for corner type, leadin and leadout, and compensation.
This chapter provides exercises for using the Profile command.
Profile Toolpaths 3-1

Profile Toolpaths
Profile Toolpaths
The Profile command is used to insert a Profile toolpath offset a distance from a cross
section entity. A Profile toolpath is a complex entity (a complex entity has more than one
entity) composed of lines, arcs, points and spline toolpaths. A cross section entity must be
inserted before a Profile toolpath can be generated.
Generating a Profile Toolpath

In this exercise, you generate a Profile toolpath to machine around the outside with a .375"
diameter end mill.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
If the Feed and Speed Library is
installed, the Setup Information dialog
box displays. Click OK to continue.
3. Click the Cross Section Entity
4. Put a cross section boundary on the part
starting at the bottom of the left line and
going clockwise around the part as
shown in the figure on the right.
5. Change the color.
6. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager, then double-click layer 2 to
turn it on and make it the Current layer.

8. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Profile.
9. In the Set Operation – Profile Properties dialog box, define the operation parameters
using the following information. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button, define a .375" End
Mill)
Operation Name Profile
Profile Rapid Plane 1.00"
Cut Amount .1875"
XY Allowance .01"
3-2 Profile Toolpaths

Profile Toolpaths
Leadin/Out Leadin Parallel

Leadin Amount 1.00"
Leadin Angle 0
Leadin Overlap 0.0"
Leadout Perpendicular
Leadout Amount .25"
Leadout Overlap .125"
Start/End Start Type Plunge at Leadin Start
cross section boundaries to profile
11. Pick the cross section boundary
and click BUTTON 2.
highlighted circle to indicate which
side.
12. Pick the circle on the outside.
The Profile toolpath is
generated. Plunge at
13. Change the View to 7 ISO 1 and notice that the tool plunges to depth at Leadin Start
the leadin start.
14. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and delete the
toolpath.
15. Double-click the Profile operation in the Operation tree.
This is a shortcut to display the Set Operation dialog box.
16. Edit the operation and change the Start Type on the Start/End tab to Ramp on
Ramp on Leadin Line. Leadin Line
17. Generate the toolpath again.
The tool now ramps to depth on the leadin line.
18. Change the View to 7 ISO 1 and 5 Right to see the ramp.

Profile Toolpaths
Generating a Profile Toolpath Using a Taper Tool

EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.
2. Double-click the operation in the tree.
4. Double-click Station # 1.
5. Change the tool type to a Taper end mill and set the Taper Angle to 5
degrees, then click OK.
8. Change the Z First Cut and Z Sub Cut to .25" and click OK.
9. Right click the operation in tree and select Rerun Current.
10. Zoom near the area of the leads and notice the offset for the taper tool at each depth.
Cutting External Sharp Corners

The Outside Corner Type option is used to change the type of corner ProCAM inserts on
external sharp corners when generating a Profile toolpath. A sharp corner is defined as any
corner where the entities meet to create a point.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile Corners.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Mill button on the

FANTUTM.
If the Setup Information dialog box
displays, click OK to continue.
3. Put a cross section boundary on
the part as shown in the figure on the
right.
5. Click the Layers tab at the

bottom of the Part Manager.
6. Double-click layer 2 to turn it on and make it current.
7. Click the Operations tab.

Profile in the list of operations.
The Set Operation - Profile Properties dialog box displays.
Define the operation parameters using the information on the next page. You can use the

Profile Toolpaths
Tab Parameter Value

.375" End Mill)
Pattern Types Corner Type Round
Compensation System Comp Left
10. Pick the cross section boundary.
The round corner is noticeable on the
external corner at the top right side
of the part.
Round Corners
11. Right click the Profile operation

in the Operation tree and select
Edit Operation on the shortcut
menu.
12. On the Pattern Types tab, change
the Corner Type option to Sharp
Corner, then click OK to exit the
dialog box.
13. Right click the operation in the
tree again and select Rerun
Current. Sharp Corners
14. Notice the sharp corners.
15. Edit the operation again and pick

the Square Corner option.
16. Rerun the operation and notice
square corners.
17. Edit the operation and try the other
Corner Type options.
Square Corners

Profile Toolpaths
Machine and System Compensation

Machine Compensation
EXERCISE In this exercise, the tool tip center will cut down the centerline of the slots in the part, so the
NC program does not need to output a command to turn on compensation.
1. Open the part file Profile Machine Comp.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

This part already has a controller selected and cross section boundaries inserted.
Tab Parameter Value
End Mill)
Profile Profile Type Open
Pattern Types Compensation Machine Comp Left or Right
Type When you select a Machine Compensation option,
ProCAM inserts the toolpath directly on the cross
section boundary centerline, not offset by the radius
of the cutter, and outputs only the G code
compensation markers for machine compensation.
These options ignore the XY Allowance and tool
radius. If you wanted to offset the end mill, you
would need to input the tool radius and tool wear at
the machine.
Post Compensation Off
This parameter is used in conjunction with the
Compensation Type option and determines if the
compensation commands are output in the NC
program. Since the end mill will cut down the
centerline of the slot, you do not need to have the
NC Program output a command to turn on
compensation.
Post Operation Checked

Profile Toolpaths

6. Window pick all the cross
section boundaries.
Since only the slots have cross
section boundaries, you can
window around the entire part.
ProCAM inserts Profile
toolpaths only on cross section
boundaries.
7. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts Profile
toolpaths on the slots.
System Compensation
In this exercise, you use System Compensation, which allows you to insert a Profile toolpath
that is offset from the cross section boundary by the radius of the cutter. The System
Compensation options output the G41/G42 code for Dxx compensation. Compensation at the
machine should be tool wear only, NOT the tool radius. When you select either Left or Right
Offset, ProCAM automatically inserts the Profile toolpath to the right or left of the line.
Using either Left or Right Offset eliminates the need to select the compensation side after
you pick the cross section boundary. These options also set the correct G41, G42.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile System Comp.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

Tab Parameter Value
.125" End Mill)
Rapid Plane .50"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Pattern Types Compensation Type System Comp Left

Profile Toolpaths
Leadin/Out Leadin Arc

Leadin Amount .125"
Leadin Overlap .05"
Arc Radius .062"
Leadout Arc
Leadout Amount .125"
Arc Radius .062"
5. Click OK to accept the
changes.
6. Window pick all the cutouts
and click BUTTON 2.
All the Profile toolpaths are
inserted on the inside of the
cutouts because the cross
section boundaries were put
on counterclockwise and Left
Compensation was picked.
7. Post process the part to view the G41/42 code.
Generating Multiple Profile Toolpaths

In this exercise, you cut around the outside of the part. Then, using the same end mill, you
cut the inside of the two circles.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Multiple Profiles.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Mill button on the CAD toolbar and double-click FANTUTM.

Profile Toolpaths
3. Put a cross section boundary around the

outside starting at the bottom of the left line as
shown in the figure on the next page.
4. Pick one of the circles somewhere above the
center, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the cross section boundary in a
counterclockwise direction (climb milling) with
the start point at the three o'clock position.
5. Pick the second circle somewhere above the
center, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts a cross section boundary on the
second circle in a counterclockwise direction with
the start point at the three o'clock position.
Note that if you wanted to cut the inside of the Pick here for
circle clockwise (conventional milling), you would counterclockwise
pick the circle somewhere below the center (as
shown in the figure on the right).
Cross Section
6. Change the color. Boundary Start/End
7. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part
Manager and double-click layer 2.

9. Right click in the Operation tree, select New Pick here for
Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Profile clockwise
in the list of operations.
Tab Parameter Value
.25" End Mill)
Operation Name Profile Perimeter
Rapid Plane .5"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Leadin Amount .75"
Leadin Overlap 0

Profile Toolpaths
12. Pick the perimeter cross section boundary and click BUTTON 2.
13. Pick the outside circle for the compensation.
After the outside Profile toolpath has been inserted, the prompt line asks you to pick a
cross section boundary to insert a profile on. If you picked the circles now, a Profile
toolpath with the same Leadin and Leadout would be inserted. This would cut through the
circles.
In order to use a different Leadin and Leadout, you need to define a new operation. Since you
are currently using the Profile command, ProCAM assumes you want to put the same Profile
operation in multiple places.
To insert a Profile toolpath with different information, you can either define a new operation
or copy the current operation and modify it as explained below:
EXERCISE 1. Right click the Profile operation in the Operation tree and select Copy on the shortcut
menu.
A second Profile operation is listed in the tree below the original operation.
2. Right click the second Profile operation and select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
3. In the Set Operation – Profile Properties dialog box, click the Active Tools button and set
up a .375" diameter end mill in Station #2.
4. Change the Operation Name to Profile Circles.
5. On the Leadin/Out tab, change the Leadin and Leadout to Arc with the following values:
− Leadin/Leadout = .125"
− Leadin/Leadout Angle = 0
− Leadin/Leadout Overlap = 0.0"
− Arc Angle = 90
7. Pick a cross section boundary on one of the
circles and click BUTTON 2.
8. Pick the inside circle for the compensation.
9. Pick the second circle and click BUTTON 2.
10. Pick the inside circle for the compensation.
The part should look like the figure.

Profile Toolpaths
11. Click the Verify button on the 2½

Axis Mill toolbar.
If the Modifier toolbar displays, click
the ProVerify button.
12. Make sure the Tool Display modifier
is not highlighted.
13. Click the Go to End button on the
ProVerify toolbar.
The simulation shows that the leadin and
leadouts do not cut through the circles.
14. To exit the simulation, right click in the
work area and select Close ProVerify.
Changing the Machining Sequence

When you post process a part, ProCAM generates the NC code for the toolpaths in the order
the operations are listed in the Operation tree. This order may not be a logical machining
sequence. You can re-order the operations in the tree using drag and drop.
EXERCISE 1. Position the pointer on the Profile Perimeter operation in the tree.
2. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the operation down over
the top of the Profile Circles operation, then release the button.
− The Profile Circles operation is listed first in the tree. If you post
process this part, the Profile Circles toolpaths will now be post
processed first.
− Note that an operation cannot be dragged over the first operation
in the tree. The first operation in the tree must be moved down.

Profile Toolpaths
Using Wall Definition

The part in this exercise has a 30 degree taper going down the side. To cut this shape, you
use Wall Definition. Only the profile will be cut. Note that Wall Definition does not support
taper tools.
Wall Shape
Top View
To cut this part, the wall shape must be drawn:

EXERCISE 1. Open part Profile Wall Def.pcii in the
\procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
The top view of the part has been drawn. Always draw
the top view as it will be at its highest point. ProCAM
puts the toolpath on starting at the top and proceeding
down.
For the wall shape, you need to insert a 30 degree line at a height of .75". The easiest way to
do this is to start with a horizontal line in the work area where you want to insert the wall.
2. Insert a horizontal line in the general location shown in the figure on the next page.
You can insert the wall shape at any location in the work area. Make sure it is the correct
height. This is how ProCAM determines the depth of cut.

Profile Toolpaths
3. Use the Distance Off Snap modifier and insert a line .75" off of the horizontal line.
4. Pick the one below.
5. Insert the 30 degree line between the
two horizontal lines as shown on the
right.
Note that since you are using a .50"
ball nose tool, you do not need to
specify the .25" radius on the bottom. 0.750
6. Optionally, erase the two horizontal

lines.
7. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the
FANTUTM.
If the Setup Information dialog box
displays, click OK to continue.
8. Insert a cross section boundary on the geometry defining the wall shape.
Start at the top and go down.
The direction does not matter because
ProCAM only cuts down the wall.
However, it is a good idea to always
insert the boundaries in the direction Start at the top
you want to cut. This way, if you call
up the part six months from now, you
know the cut direction.
9. Insert a cross section boundary on the
pocket perimeter.

11. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Profile in
the list of operations.

Profile Toolpaths
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button and define a .5" Ball
Nose)
Rapid Plane .50"
Clearance Type Multiple (This parameter is enabled when you select
Wall Definition on the Finish tab.)
(The Z Depth parameter is dimmed. When you use
Wall Definition, ProCAM determines the depth from
the wall shape.)
XY Allowance 0.0"
Z Allowance 0.0"
Z Cut Method Dist Along (This option allows you to calculate Z cuts
by measuring along the part wall, i.e., along the
perimeter and island boundaries.)
Distance Along .10"
Did You Know ...
The Distance Along values used in these exercises are much larger than you would
use normally. Depending on the size of your cutter, values from .0005 to .005 would
be more realistic. The bigger values are used here to save time. You can learn how
the function works without having to wait for your computer to calculate.
defining the shape of the perimeter
wall.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross Cross Section
section boundary for perimeter. Boundary for
Perimeter
around the perimeter of the part.
The prompt line reads: PICK a
highlighted circle to indicate which
side.
Cross Section
16. Pick the inside circle. Boundary for
ProCAM inserts the toolpath on Perimeter Wall
the part.

Profile Toolpaths

18. Click the All button in the lower right corner
of the window.
19. Click the Rotate button on the View
toolbar and rotate the part to see the tapered
sides.
EXERCISE Define stock and run ProVerify to graphically simulate actual material removal from stock.
1. Click the Define Stock button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.

2. Click the Rectangular Stock button on the modifier toolbar.
3. Click the 3 Point Definition button.
4. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and enter these values:
X on 1 = -2.10 Y on 1 = -2.10 Z on 1 = 0.0
X on 2 = 2.10 Y on 2 = 2.10 Z on 2 = 0.0
X on 3 = 2.10 Y on 3 = -2.10 Z on 3 = -1.0
Run ProVerify to view the cutting.

Profile Toolpaths
Cutting a Part with Multiple Wall Shapes and Islands
This part has a pocket with an

island. The pocket perimeter has
a different wall shape than the
island. In this exercise, you are
going to rough the pocket using
a Lace Pocket operation and
then finish using a Profile
operation.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile Wall Def Multiple Shapes.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill
folder.
The top view and the wall
shape geometry have been
drawn. Notice that the .25"
radiuses at the bottom of the
part are not inserted. As
long as you use a ball nose
the same size as the radius,
it is not necessary to insert
them in the geometry for the
wall shapes.
Wall Shapes and Top View of Part

Profile Toolpaths
If a part has multiple wall shapes, all the geometry Perimeter Wall Island Wall
for the wall shapes MUST END at the same Z Shape Shape
bottom. If the walls do not end at the same Z
bottom, ProCAM gives you an error and will not
cut the part.
You can insert the geometry for the wall shapes
anywhere in the work area, however, if there are
multiple walls, they need to be together.
Same Z Bottom
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar and double-click FANTUTM.
3. Insert cross section boundaries on the perimeter and island wall shapes, the perimeter
of the part and the island.
You can insert the cross section
boundaries in any order.

5. Right click in the tree, select
New Operation on the shortcut
menu, then select Lace in the list
of operations.
The Set Operation - Lace
Properties dialog box displays.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button and define a .5" End
Mill)
Operation Name Lace
Lace Rapid Plane 1.00"
Z First Cut .25"
Z Sub Cut .25"
XY Allowance .01" (The settings for Z Allowance and XY
Allowance cut the bottom to depth and leave
material on the sides.)
Z Allowance 0.0
Pattern Types Profile Profile After

Profile Toolpaths

8. Pick the cross section boundary defining the shape of the perimeter wall.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundary for island walls (button 2 when done).
9. Pick the cross section boundary defining the shape of the island wall, then click BUTTON
2.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundary for perimeter.
10. Pick the cross section boundary around the perimeter of the part, then pick the island
cross section boundary and click BUTTON 2.
The Lace Pocket toolpath is inserted on the part.
12. Right click the Lace operation in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu,
then select Profile in the list of operations.
13. In the Set Operation – Profile dialog box, define the operation parameters using the
following information. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Nose)
Profile Profile Type Closed
(You have to pick the Closed Profile, otherwise
ProCAM will not ask you to pick the island.)
Rapid Plane 1.00"
XY Allowance 0.0
Z Cut Method Distance Along
Z Allowance 0.0"
Distance Along .05"
15. At the prompts, pick the perimeter wall shape, then the island wall and click BUTTON 2.
16. At the prompts, pick the perimeter of the part, then the island and click BUTTON 2.


Profile Toolpaths
3. Click the 3 Point Definition modifier.

X on 1 = -.10 Y on 1 = -3.60 Z on 1 = 0.0
X on 2 = 5.10 Y on 2 = .60 Z on 2 = 0.0
X on 3 = 5.10 Y on 3 = -3.60 Z on 3 = -2.00
5. Run ProVerify to view the cutting.

Profile Toolpaths
Cutting Parts with Multiple Drafts

Defining a Passive Island
The part is this exercise has one wall that Wall Shape
is different from the other walls. Because
ProCAM defines everything as a profile
and islands, to cut a part like this you
need to define the odd wall as a passive
island.
Top View
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile Wall Def 1.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button and double-click FANTUTM.

The geometry for the shape of the perimeter and island walls has already been inserted.
The passive island is drawn
on the right side of the part Perimeter Wall
(this is seen in a different Shape
color on the screen). This Passive
Island
was done by inserting lines
starting at the end point of
the perimeter, then
digitizing the rest. Endpoint
was used to finish. Because
the island is inserted this Island Wall
Shape
way, the left wall of the
island shares the right wall
of the perimeter.

Profile Toolpaths
3. Insert a cross section boundary on the wall shapes starting at the top of each (as
shown in the figure below).
4. Insert a cross section boundary on the perimeter of the part including the passive
island:
− Start the cross section boundary as shown in the figure below. The left line of the
perimeter has been broken. In some cases unless you break a perimeter line, ProCAM
may not be able to find a start point.
− Pick the entities in A6 A5
order from A1 to
A7.
Cross section boundaries
defining perimeter and A7
island wall shapes
Start of perimeter A4
cross section boundary
A1
A3
A2
Did You Know ...

Islands should always be contained inside the perimeter cross section boundary.
5. Click BUTTON 2 twice to finish.

B2
7. Insert a cross section boundary on the island
starting at the bottom of the right vertical
line (B1), then pick B2, B3, and B4.
The direction of island cross section B3
boundaries does not matter. ProCAM
determines the direction of cut from the
perimeter cross section boundary.
B1
B4

10. Double-click layer 2 to make it current.

Profile Toolpaths
12. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Lace in the
list of operations.
Tab Parameter Value
End Mill)
Operation Name Lace
XY Allowance .03"
Z First Cut .25"
Z Sub Cut .25"
The prompt line reads: PICK Perimeter Wall
cross section boundary for island Boundary
walls (button 2 when done).
defining the shape of the island
wall, then click BUTTON 2.
cross section boundary for Island Wall
perimeter. Boundary

around the perimeter of the part.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundary for islands (button 2 when done).
18. Pick the cross section boundary around the island, then click BUTTON 2.
21. Double-click layer 3 to make it current.

Profile Toolpaths
Tab Parameter Value
Ball Nose)
Profile Profile Type Closed (You have to pick Closed Profile, otherwise
ProCAM will not ask you to pick the island.)
Rapid Plane .50"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Z Cut Method Dist Along
Z Allowance 0.0
Distance Along .075"
26. In response to the prompts,
pick the cross section Perimeter Wall
boundary defining the Boundary
shape of the perimeter
wall, pick the cross section
boundary defining the
shape of the island wall,
then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: Island Wall
PICK cross section Boundary
boundary for perimeter.
27. Pick the perimeter cross
section boundary on the left side of the part.
− Pick the boundary as far away from the island boundary as you can. You do not want
to pick the wrong boundary.
− The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries for islands (button 2 when done).
28. Pick the island cross section boundary on the right side of the island (so you do not pick
the perimeter boundary again), then click BUTTON 2.
The Profile toolpath is inserted on the part.

Profile Toolpaths
29. Change the View to Front.

30. Click the Zoom All button.
31. Press F9 to change the View to 1 Top.

Additional modifiers display.
3. Click the Offset Definition modifier.
The prompt line reads: ENTER offset amount.
4. Type .15 and press ENTER.
− The rectangular stock will be offset .15" from the rectangular box you define.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for box start. To define the stock, you pick
two opposite corners on the top of the stock and a location for the bottom of the stock.
5. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar and pick the end of the left vertical
line at the top.
6. For the second location on the top of the stock, pick the opposite corner of the part (pick
at the bottom of the vertical line on the right side of the part, not the vertical line for the
passive island).
7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar, press ENTER twice, then type -1.2
(for Z on 3) and press ENTER.

Profile Toolpaths
Defining Multiple Passive Islands

This part has 4 different wall shapes. The part is very similar to the previous part except it
has additional passive islands.
Isometric View
Top View
15° wall
Straight 25° wall

wall
5° wall
Wall Shapes
25°
5°
15°
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Profile Wall Def 2.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button, define a .5" End
Mill)
Operation Name Lace
XY Allowance .03"
Z First Cut .25"
Z Sub Cut .25"

Profile Toolpaths
Island #3
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section
boundary for perimeter wall. Perimeter
6. Pick the cross section boundary defining the Island
#2
shape of the perimeter wall.
7. The prompt line reads: PICK cross section
boundaries for island walls (button 2 when done).
8. Pick the cross section boundaries defining the
shape of the island walls in the order shown on
Island #1
the right.
It is important to remember the order you pick
multiple wall shapes because ProCAM
matches the islands and walls according to the
order the wall shapes are picked.
9. Click BUTTON 2.
10. In response to the prompts, pick the perimeter Perimeter Island #1 Island #2 Island #3
Wall Shapes
cross section boundary on the part, then pick
the cross section boundaries for the islands in
the order shown in the figure.
12. Change the current layer to Layer 3.

Profile Toolpaths
14. In the Set Operation - Profile Properties dialog box, define the operation parameters using
the following information. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Ball Nose)
Rapid Plane .50"
XY Allowance 0.0
Z Allowance 0.0
Distance Along .075"
17. The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries for island walls (button 2 when done).
18. Pick the cross section boundaries defining the shapes of island walls in the same order as
the Lace Pocket toolpath.
19. Click BUTTON 2.
20. In response to the prompts, pick the perimeter
cross section boundary on the part, then pick
the cross section boundaries for the islands in
the same order as the Lace Pocket toolpath.
21. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the toolpath.
22. Define stock and run ProVerify to graphically
simulate actual material removal from stock.
Follow the steps in the previous exercise (page
3-24) to define the stock.

Profile Toolpaths
Defining Multiple Internal Passive Islands

To cut this part from a solid
piece of material, you would
treat it just like any other
pocket with islands.
EXERCISE To draw this part to cut it, the first step is to insert a box that is bigger than the 8" box of the
part so the end mill can actually get outside the 8" area.
1. Insert a 9" square that starts .5" away from XYZ zero and ends .5" away from X8.0, Y8.0,
Z0.0. This is the pocket perimeter.
2. For the islands, insert a .002" diameter circle at one location.
After you put a cross section boundary on the circle, you can move and copy it to the
other locations. This saves you the time of zooming up on a .002" circle at each location.
Did You Know ...
You may also want use the Point command to put a point at the same location as the
circle. This marks the center of the circle to make it easier to see.
The reason for the .002" diameter circle is that ProCAM only cuts down the wall shape
and in this case, the wall shape is the 1.00" radius.

Profile Toolpaths
The island on the right in

this figure shows the
toolpaths using a .002"
diameter circle. Notice
the first cut is right near
the center. The island on
the left shows what the
radius would look like if
you used a 2" diameter
circle for the perimeter.
The full radius is there. It just starts out at a 1" radius and then goes down.
3. Draw the two side wall shapes.
The perimeter wall shape is
straight and is 1" long. The
island wall shape is a quarter
circle. The ends of the walls
must end at the same Z
bottom.
Draw construction lines first.
On the left side of the work Perimeter & Island
area, draw a horizontal line, Wall Shapes
then use Line Off Of.
This figure shows the wall
shapes with the construction
lines. The points mark the
location of the .002" diameter circle centers on the part.
6. Insert cross section boundaries on the perimeter wall shape and the island wall shape.
7. Insert a cross section boundary on the perimeter.
8. Zoom up on the one .002" diameter circle and put a cross section boundary on it.
9. Move and copy the circle to the other locations.
Although you cannot see the .002" diameter circle, the cross section entity arrow shows at
each location.

Profile Toolpaths
12. Right click Operation in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (click the Active Tools button and define a .25" End
Mill)
Operation Name Lace
Z Allowance 0.0
XY Allowance .03"
(This cuts the bottom to depth and leaves material on the
sides.)
Z First Cut .25"
Z Sub Cut .25"
Pattern Profile No Profile
Types (There is no need to do a profile on the outside because
you are going to do a finish profile on the islands.)
15. At the prompts, pick the perimeter wall shape and the island wall shape, then click
BUTTON 2.
16. Follow the prompts and pick the perimeter cross section boundary, pick each island cross
section boundary, then click BUTTON 2.
When ProCAM asks you to pick the islands, put the pointer on the cross section boundary
arrow and pick it. Because ProCAM is looking only for cross section boundaries, it will
not pick the wrong entity.
ProCAM inserts the lace pocket toolpaths.
18. Right click the Lace operation in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu,
then select Profile in the list of operations.
19. In the Set Operation - Profile Properties dialog box, define the operation parameters using
the following information. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Nose)

Profile Toolpaths

Rapid Plane .50"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Z Allowance 0.0"
Distance Along .05"
20. Click OK.
21. At the prompt to pick the
cross section boundary for
the perimeter wall, pick the
straight line wall shape.
cross section entity for island
walls (button 2 when done).
22. Pick the arc wall shape, then
click BUTTON 2.
23. Following the prompts, pick
the perimeter cross section
entity and pick each island
cross section entity, then
click BUTTON 2.

3. Click the 3 Point Definition button.
4. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and enter the following:
X on 1 = -1 Y on 1 = -1 Z on 1 = 0
X on 2 = 9 Y on 2 = 9 Z on 2 = 0
X on 3 = 0 Y on 3 = 0 Z on 3 = -1.5

Profile Toolpaths
Generating a Helical Profile Toolpath

The Profile operation includes a Thread Milling option that allows you to generate a helical
Profile toolpath on any cross section boundary as explained below. This option also allows
you to generate internal or external threads, which is shown in an exercise in Chapter 4.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Pocket Start.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the Break button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Pick the vertical line on the left.
4. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar,
then pick the line again and click BUTTON 2.
Breaking a line provides control over where the
Profile toolpath starts.
5. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD
toolbar and double-click FANTUTM.
If the Setup Information dialog box displays, click
OK to continue.
6. Insert a cross section boundary starting at the
middle of the vertical line as shown in the figure.
7. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Profile.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (.5" end mill)
Profile Rapid Plane .50"
Finish Depth Parameters Thread Milling
Z Depth -2.00"
XY Allowance 0.0
Z Pitch .50"
Leadin Amount 1.00"
Leadin Angle 0
Leadin Overlap 0.0"
Leadout Parallel
Leadout Amount .50"

Profile Toolpaths

The prompt line reads: PICK cross section
boundaries to profile (button 2 when done).
10. Pick the cross section boundary, then click
BUTTON 2.
11. Pick the outside circle for compensation.
ProCAM inserts the helical Profile toolpath.

Profile Toolpaths

Chapter 4 Drill & Free Form Cut Toolpaths
This chapter shows you how to use the Drill and Free Form Cut commands.
Drill & Free Form Cut Toolpaths 4-1

Drill Toolpaths
Drill Toolpaths
The Drill command is used to insert drill toolpaths on points, circles and arcs. You can
either use the Snap commands to snap drill locations or you can pick entities.
The Drill function allows you to insert a single drill toolpath. The Combination Drill
function allows you to define a set of locations for multiple operations. For example, you
could drill, tap and bore at each drill location. Optimization can be done so that ProCAM
generates an NC program to drill all the holes first, then tap all the holes, etc.
Drilling Different Size Holes

In this exercise, you define three drill operations to generate drill toolpaths on four different
size holes.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Drill Holes.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part has four hole sizes.

3. Right click in the tree and select
the Select Controller command on
the shortcut menu.
4. In the Controller Type dialog box,
select FANTUTM and click OK.
installed, the Setup Information
dialog box displays. Click OK to
continue.
Drill in the list of operations.
6. In the Set Operation - Drill Properties dialog box, click the Active Tools button on the
Tool tab.
7. Set up a .25" diameter drill in Station #1.
Did You Know ...
If you press TAB after you enter the diameter, the cursor moves to the Tip Length
input field and ProCAM automatically updates the value. For Tool 1 the Tip Length
changes to .075 (for a 118 degree tip angle drill).
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (.25" drill)
Operation Name .25 holes
4-2 Drill & Free Form Cut Toolpaths

Drill Toolpaths
Drill Cycle Type Drilling

Rapid Plane 1.00"
Z Face Geometry is Face (do not enter a value for Z Face)
Z Depth Inc from Face at a depth of –1.00"
Two buttons display on the modifier toolbar.
Snap Drill Locations allows you to use a Snap command to pick drill locations.
Window Pick Drill Locations allows you to pick points or circles individually or by
window picking. If points are selected, ProCAM inserts a drill of the specified type at
each point location. If circles are picked, a drill toolpath of the specified type is inserted at
the center of each circle. The drill diameter must fit within the minimum and maximum
diameter set on the InfoBar tab.
10. Click the Window Pick Drill Locations modifier.
The prompt line reads: ENTER minimum hole diameter.
11. Press ENTER to accept the default .25 for the minimum diameter.
The prompt line reads: ENTER maximum hole diameter.
12. Press ENTER to accept the default .25 for the maximum diameter.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities for drill hole location (button 2 when done).
13. Window pick the circles, then click BUTTON 2.
Notice that only the .25" circles are drilled.
EXERCISE Instead of defining two new operations to drill the rest of the holes, you can copy the
operation twice, then modify the operations to use the applicable drill.

2. Right click the operation in the tree and select Copy on the shortcut menu.
A second Drill operation is listed.
3. Select the second operation and copy it.
Three operations are now listed. You can edit the two operations that you copied and
change the tool.
4. Double-click the second Drill operation in the tree.
5. Make the following changes on the Tool tab, then click OK:
− Click the Active Tools button and set up a .5" drill in Station #2
− Operation Name = .5 holes
7. Click the Window Pick Drill Locations modifier.

Drill Toolpaths
8. Press ENTER to accept the default .5 for the minimum diameter.

9. Press ENTER to accept the default .5 for the maximum diameter.
10. Window pick the circles, then click BUTTON 2.
Only the .50" circles are drilled.
13. Edit the third Drill operation and make the following changes on the Tool tab:
− Click the Active Tools button and set up a .375" drill in Station #3
− Operation Name = .373, .375 holes
14. Type .373 for the minimum
diameter and press ENTER.
15. Press ENTER to accept the .375
for the maximum diameter.
entities for drill hole location
16. Window pick the circles, then
click BUTTON 2.
The .373" and .375" circles are
drilled.
Combination Drilling
The Combination Drill function allows you to define multiple operations for each drill
location.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Combo Drill.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part has three circles at different Z levels marking drill locations.
2. Change the View to 7 ISO 1 and
make sure the Cplane is Top.

4. Right click in the tree and select
the Select Controller command.
5. In the Controller Type dialog
box, double-click FANTUTM.
6. If the Feed and Speed Library is
dialog box displays. Click OK
to continue.

Drill Toolpaths
Combo Drill in the list of operations.
8. Click the New button in the Combo Drill dialog box.
The Set Operation - Drill Properties dialog box displays.
9. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab and set up two tools:
− .50" diameter drill in Station #1
− 1.00" diameter drill in Station #2
Tab Parameter Value
Operation Name Drilling
Rapid Plane 2.00"
The Combo Drill dialog box displays with the drilling operation listed.
EXERCISE At this point, you can either define another operation or exit this dialog box and pick the drill
locations. In this exercise, you define the second operation next, then pick the drill locations.
1. Click the New button in the Combo Drill dialog box.
The Set Operation - Drill Properties dialog box displays.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 2 (1.00" drill)
Operation Name Pecking
Drill Cycle Type Pecking
Rapid Plane 2.00"
4. Click OK to exit the Combo Drill dialog box.
5. Click the Window Pick Drill Locations modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER minimum hole diameter.

Drill Toolpaths
6. Press ENTER to accept the .5 minimum diameter.

The prompt line reads: ENTER maximum hole diameter.
7. Type 1.0 for the maximum diameter and press ENTER.
8. Pick the three circles (you can window pick or single pick entities).
The circles are highlighted.
9. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM generates the toolpaths.
You can use the Order utility to view the cutting movements.
11. Leave the Display Tool modifier highlighted.
12. Make sure the Step Through Cutting Movements button is highlighted.
13. Click the Move Tool to First Cut button.
14. Click the Next Move button repeatedly to step through the toolpaths.
Thread Milling
The Profile operation includes a Thread Milling option that allows you to generate internal or
external threads. Holes must be pre-drilled.
In this exercise, the part is cut around the outside with a .5" end mill, the slot is cut with a
.25" end mill and the holes are spot drilled, drilled with a .5" drill, then thread milled with a
½-16 thread mill.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Drill.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
3. Right click the Tool item in the Operation tree and set up the following tools:
− Station #1 = .50" diameter end mill
− Station #2 = .25" diameter end mill
− Station #3 = .25" diameter drill (for spot drilling)
− Station #4 = .50" diameter drill

Drill Toolpaths
4. Put a cross section boundary on the outside Start

perimeter starting at the top and on the slot starting Start
at the arc as shown in the figure.
5. Put cross section boundaries in a
counterclockwise direction on the holes. These are
not used for drilling; however, they are needed for
thread milling.
EXERCISE Define the first operation to profile the outside perimeter:

Tab Parameter Value
Finish Cycle Type Single Depth
Z Depth -.10"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Leadin Amount 1.00" (to make sure the leadin is long enough to start off
the part)
Leadin Angle 0
Leadin Overlap 0.0"
Leadout Parallel
Leadout .50"
Amount
Leadout .125"
Overlap
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section boundaries to profile (button 2 when done).

Drill Toolpaths
4. Pick the perimeter cross section boundary for the

toolpath, then click BUTTON 2.
5. Pick the outside circle for compensation.
ProCAM generates the Profile toolpath.
EXERCISE Define the second operation to profile the slot:

Tab Parameter Value
Finish Cycle Type Single Depth
Z Depth -.25"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Leadin/Out Leadin Perpendicular
Leadin Amount .032" (this is small enough so it does not cut into the
back side of the slot)
Leadin Angle 0
Leadin Overlap 0.0"

Drill Toolpaths

4. Pick the cross section boundary on the slot.
5. Pick the inside circle for compensation.
ProCAM inserts the Profile toolpath on the slot.
EXERCISE Define a Combination Drill operation to spot drill and drill the holes:
1. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Combo
Drill in the list of operations.
2. In the Combo Drill dialog box, click the New button.
3. In the Set Operation – Drill dialog box, define the operation parameters using the
following information. You can use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Operation Name Spot Drilling
Drill Cycle Type Spot Drilling (this is a G81 drill cycle in the
FANTUTM post processor)
Rapid Plane .50"
Z Depth Z Depth Abs at -.125"
5. Click the New button again in the Combo Drill dialog box.
6. Define the operation parameters using the following information. Use the defaults for all
other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Operation Name Pecking
Drill Cycle Type Pecking
First Peck & .10" First Peck and Sub. Peck are enabled for peck
Sub Peck drilling. If your machine supports only one peck value
in the drilling cycle, the Sub Peck value is ignored.
Rapid Plane .50"
Z Depth Z Depth Abs at -.60"

Drill Toolpaths

8. Click OK to exit the Combo Drill dialog box.
9. Leave the Snap Drill Locations button highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for drill hole location.
10. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.

− This Snap command is used to snap to the center of a circle or arc.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for drill hole location. This means to pick the
circle you want to drill.
− With the Entity Origin Snap command, you pick the circle itself, not the center.
ProCAM then snaps to the center of the circle.
11. Pick the holes in the order you want to drill them.
The order you pick the holes determines the order
the holes are drilled in the NC program.
EXERCISE Define a Profile operation to thread mill the holes with a ½-16 thread mill:
Tab Parameter Value
Finish Cycle Type Thread Milling
Z Depth -.60"
XY Allowance 0.0"
Z Pitch .0625" (this is 1/16 of the threads per inch)
Pattern Compensation System Comp Left
Types Type

Drill Toolpaths

The prompt line reads: PICK cross
section boundaries to profile (button 2
when done).
4. Pick the holes, then click BUTTON
2.
The holes are thread milled.
5. Change the view to 7 ISO 1 and
see the helical toolpaths.
Drill Roughing
Drill Roughing allows you to rough machine by making a series of overlapping plunges into
the material. Optionally, ProCAM can calculate and identify predrilled hole locations.
Predrills can be added in a separate operation.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Drill Rough 2D.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part already has a cross section boundary inserted.

3. Right click in the tree and select the Select Controller command on the shortcut menu.
4. Double-click FANTUTM in the Controller Type dialog box.
If you have the Feed and Speed Library installed, the Setup Information dialog box
displays. You can click OK to continue.
5. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Drill
Rough in the list of operations.
The Set Operation - Drill Roughing Properties dialog box displays.
Tab Parameter Value
Tool Active Tool 1 (2.00" end mill)
Operation Name Drill Rough
Clearance Plane .25"
Rapid Plane .50"
Finish Generate Predrills unchecked

Drill Toolpaths
7. Click OK to accept the

changes.
cross section entities for
roughing (button 2 when done).
8. Pick the cross section entity
and click BUTTON 2.
The toolpath is generated
without predrill locations.
9. Double-click the operation in
the tree.
10. On the Finish tab, check the
Generate Predrills option,
then click OK.
11. Right click in the tree and
select Rerun Current on the
shortcut menu.
The toolpath is generated
with the predilled hole
locations.
Notice that the predrilled hole locations have been placed on layer 250. In order to
predrill, you need to define a separate operation.

Free Form Cut Toolpaths

The Free Form Cut command is used to cut entities in 3D space. This cycle can be used to
cut lines, arcs, circles, splines, and text.
Generating a Free Form Cut Toolpath on a Spline

In this exercise, you define a Free Form Cut operation to generate a toolpath to follow a
spline entity. The part depicts a spline entity in 3D space. You use a .75" diameter ball nose
cutter and follow right on the entity with the tool tip.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Free Form Cut.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

3. Right click on the Layers tab and select Create New.
4. In the Layers dialog box, define a new layer, 2 - Free Form Cut, and make it current, then
click OK.
5. Change the color for the toolpath.

7. Right click in the tree and select the Select Controller command on the shortcut menu.
8. In the Controller Type dialog box, double-click FANTUTM.
Free Form in the list of operations.
The Set Operation - Free Form Cut Properties dialog box displays.
Tab Parameter Value
Nose)
Free Form Cut Amount 0.0" (A 0 value cuts right on the spline entity; a positive
value cuts below the spline; a negative value cuts above
the spline.)
No. of Cuts 1
Rapid Plane .25"
Program Point Tool Tip
Surface Max Deviation .002"


The prompt line reads: PICK curves for
contour milling (button 2 when done).
12. Pick the spline entity, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM generates the Free Form contour
toolpath along the spline entity with the
tool tip centerline cutting on the spline.
The Rerun options on the operation shortcut
menu are not supported in the Free Form
Cut operation. To regenerate a new Free
Form cutting toolpath, you need to delete
the previous toolpath, edit the operation and Toolpath Through Tool Tip
select the entities to be cut again.
14. Right click in the tree and select Edit

Operation on the shortcut menu.
15. On the Free Form tab, change the Program
Point to Tool Center, then click OK.
16. Pick the spline entity, then click BUTTON 2.
17. Compare the results with the previous
toolpath.
Toolpath Through Tool Center


19. Edit the Free Form Cut operation:
Change the Program Point option back to
Tool Tip.
Change the Cut Amount parameter value
from 0.0 to 0.1 to cut below the spline entity
by .1".
Change the No. of Cuts to 2.
20. Generate the toolpath and compare the
results.
Toolpath with 2 Cuts and .1" Cut Amount
Using Free Form Cut for Engraving

EXERCISE In this exercise, you insert text, explode the text into CAD entities, then generate toolpaths
using a Free Form Cut cycle.
1. Start with a blank work area.
2. Click Text on the menu bar and make sure Left justification is selected.
3. Click Text on the menu bar again and select Font.
The Fonts dialog box displays either the TekSoft fonts or the selection of TrueType fonts
available on your computer.
4. Select a TrueType or TekSoft font and click OK.
5. Click the Text button on the CAD toolbar.

6. Type ENGRAVE and press ENTER.
7. On the InfoBar tab, double-click the Height text box, type 1 and press ENTER.
8. Type 1 for the Width and press ENTER.
9. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.
The prompt line reads: ENTER text x origin.
10. Press ENTER to accept the 0.000.
11. Press ENTER twice to accept 0.000 for the Y and Z origins.
The text displays.

14. Insert a Free Form Cut cycle to machine the entities. Use a .02" diameter tool and a .025"
Cut Amount.
You can window pick the entities or you can pick anywhere on the text, then click
BUTTON 2.

Chapter 5 Working with Toolpaths
After you have inserted toolpaths on a part, you can use commands on the Utility toolbar to
manipulate toolpaths. This chapter explains some of the exceptions and restrictions for using
these commands.
This chapter includes exercises for viewing the cutter paths in the order they will be post
processed, moving and copying toolpaths, editing toolpath nodes, and optimizing toolpaths to
the shortest distance from one cut to the next.
Working with Toolpaths 5-1

Using the Utility Commands
Using the Utility Commands
The commands on the Utility toolbar can be used to manipulate toolpaths (CAM entities)
with the following exceptions and restrictions:
• The Trim and Break utilities cannot be used with CAM entities.
The Edit Utility Entities modifier allows you to edit toolpaths by deleting, moving and
inserting nodes on the toolpath.
• The Mirror utility can be used with CAM entities; however, the toolpaths on the mirrored
part will be reversed. For example, if you mirror a part that has a toolpath cutting
counterclockwise, the toolpath on the mirrored part will cut clockwise. You may find it
better to mirror the CAD entities and cross section boundaries first. You can then edit the
cross section boundary direction and insert the toolpaths in the direction you want to
machine.
• The tool size is not scaled when CAM entities are scaled.
• You can use the Erase utility to erase a toolpath without deleting the operation.
5-2 Working with Toolpaths

Order Utility
Order Utility
The Order command on the Utility toolbar allows you to review the order of toolpath cutting
by running through each operation or by stepping through the part one cutting movement at
a time.
Viewing the Order of Toolpath Cutting

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file ProVer2ax.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager and notice that this part
has Profile, Combo Drill and Pocket operations.
Make sure the Display Tool button is highlighted.
4. Make sure the Step Through Cutting
Movements button is highlighted.
The prompt line reads: SELECT entity to
order check.
5. Click the Move Tool to First Cut

modifier button.
In the Part Manager, the InfoBar tab
displays the attributes for the toolpath
segment including the start and end
coordinates, the length and the vector
(direction). If the block or segment is an arc,
the radius, diameter, angle and arc length
also display.
6. If the tool displays in shaded mode, press the W key on the keyboard.
The tool changes to wire frame display.
You can change the color of the tool by clicking the down arrow next to the Color box on
the System toolbar and selecting a different color.
Did You Know ...
You can toggle the tool display between shaded and wire frame by pressing S and W
on the keyboard. You may have to move the pointer into the work area and click the
left mouse button in order for these keys to work.
7. Click the Next Move modifier button.

The tool moves to the next cut.

Order Utility
8. Click the Next Move modifier button several times to move through the toolpath.
You can zoom up on the area where the tool is displayed to see the cutting movements
more clearly.
9. Click the Previous Move modifier button.
The tool moves from the current cutting move to the previous cutting move.
10. Click the Move Tool to Last Cut modifier button.
The tool moves to the last cutting move in the part.
11. Pick anywhere on the toolpath.
The tool moves to that location on the toolpath.
EXERCISE You can set ProCAM to run through the toolpath for an operation.

2. Click the Step Through Cutting Movements modifier button to turn it off.
3. Leave the Display Tool button highlighted.
4. Click the Move Tool to Last Cut button.
ProCAM runs through the toolpaths for all operations without stopping.
If you press ESC before the simulation has completed, the tool pauses and the Step
Through Cutting Movements modifier is highlighted indicating the simulation is in Step
mode. You can continue in Step mode or turn off the Step modifier and resume automatic
simulation.
ProCAM provides options so you can control the speed of the simulation.
5. Select System Options on the Options menu.
6. Check the Cut Simulation On option and set the Simulation Distance to a small value
such as .005, then click OK.
8. Click the Next Move modifier button.
The tool moves through the toolpath for the first operation.
9. Click the Next Move modifier button again.
The tool moves through the next operation.
10. Exit the Order utility by clicking a blank button on the CAD toolbar.
11. Remove the check mark from the Cut Simulation On option in the System Options dialog
box.

Move Utility
Move Utility
The Move command on the Utility toolbar allows you to copy and move CAM entities.
Moving and Copying CAM Entities

EXERCISE In this exercise, instead of generating a toolpath on each of the slots separately, you can
generate a toolpath on one slot and then copy and move the toolpath to the other slots.
1. Open the part file Move CAM Entities.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part already has a toolpath inserted on one of the slots.
2. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar.
3. Click the Move/Copy button.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to move (button 2 when done).
4. Pick the profile toolpath, then click BUTTON 2.
You can zoom up on the slot to make it easier to pick.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate to move from.
5. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.
6. Pick the arc at the bottom of the lower slot to move from. Pick arc to
move to
7. Pick the bottom of the top slot to move to.
8. Click BUTTON 2 twice.
This moves and copies the toolpath to the top slot so that you can
move and copy the two toolpaths multiple times to the right.
Pick arc to
move from

Move Utility
9. Click the Move/Copy Repeat button.

10. Pick both toolpaths to move, then click BUTTON 2.
11. Make sure the Entity Origin button is still selected.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin to move from.
12. Pick the lower arc again.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin to move to.
13. Pick the lower arc on the next slot to the right.
Move from here

Move to here
14. Press ENTER three times to

accept the values for the X,
Y and Z increments on the
InfoBar tab.
ProCAM knows these values
because of the distance
between where you picked to
move from and where you
picked to move to.
15. Type 8 for the number of
repeats and press ENTER.
ProCAM inserts toolpaths on
all the slots.

Editing Toolpaths
Editing Toolpaths
The Edit utility allows toolpaths to be edited by deleting, moving and inserting nodes on the
toolpath. The Edit Toolpath modifiers display when you click the Edit utility button, then
pick a toolpath for the entity to be edited.
A node is a point on the toolpath that defines the end point of a toolpath movement. Since
the end point of one move defines the start point of the next move, all nodes on a toolpath,
except the first and last nodes, are shared by two moves.
Deleting Toolpath Nodes

EXERCISE To delete toolpath nodes:
1. Open the part file Edit Toolpath.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part has a Free Form Cut toolpath.
2. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.
3. Pick the toolpath.
− The toolpath is highlighted briefly and the Edit Toolpath modifiers display.
− Leave the Delete Node modifier highlighted. This is the default.
− The prompt line reads: PICK first node to delete (button 2 to select).
4. Position the pointer close to the
node labeled A in the figure, then
click BUTTON 1.
You can also use the First, Last,
Next and Previous modifiers to B
pick nodes.
C
The tool displays at the node.
5. Click BUTTON 2.
A
A point displays to mark the node
and the prompt line reads: PICK last node to delete (button 2 when done).
6. Position the pointer close to the
node labeled C in the figure,
then click BUTTON 1.
A point marks the nodes labeled
B and C.
7. Click BUTTON 2.
The nodes are deleted.
Toolpath with Deleted Nodes

Editing Toolpaths
Moving a Toolpath Node

EXERCISE To move a toolpath node:
1. Open part file Edit Toolpath.pcii again.
Do not save the changes to the part currently in the work area.
The Edit Toolpath modifiers
display.
4. Click the Move modifier
button.
node to move (button 2 to select).
5. Pick the node indicated by the
Tool with Selected Node
tool in the figure, then click
BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for location (button 2 when done).
6. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.
7. Type the coordinates for the
new location:
− X origin = 3
− Y origin = 0
− Z origin = 1
A point displays at the location.
Toolpath with Node Moved
Inserting a Toolpath Node

EXERCISE To insert a toolpath node:
1. Open part file Edit Toolpath.pcii again.
Do not save the changes to the part currently in the work area.
The Edit Toolpath modifiers display.

Editing Toolpaths
4. Click the Insert Before modifier button.

− The prompt line reads: PICK node to insert before (button 2 to select).
− The Insert Feed Move and Insert Rapid Move modifiers display. Leave the Feed
Move button highlighted.
5. Pick the node indicated by the
tool in the figure, then click
BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
coordinate for location (button 2
when done).
6. Click the Keyboard button

on the Snap toolbar.
7. Enter the coordinates for the Tool with Selected Node
new location:
− X origin = 2.5, Y origin = 0, Z origin = .5
− A point displays at the location.
The feed move is inserted.
Feed Move Inserted

Optimizing Toolpaths
The Optimize command is used to optimize toolpaths in an operation to the shortest distance
from one cut to the next. This function is often used to optimize large tool fit drilling
operations, such as ejector pins in mold bases. Optimizing is important when you use
window picking to insert toolpaths.
This function optimizes the toolpaths within an operation. Optimizing does not change the
toolpath in a particular cut.
Optimizing Toolpaths in a Profile Operation
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Optimize Profiles.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
The Profile toolpaths on the cutouts were inserted by window picking the cross section
boundaries. The toolpaths can be optimized to change the order the cutouts are machined.
3. Click the Optimize button on the
2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
All of the modifier buttons are
highlighted.
When the Next Closest/Pairing
modifier is highlighted, ProCAM starts
at one entity and moves to the next
closest entity, then to the next closest,
etc., until all entities are optimized.
This type of optimization can be done
quickly and, depending on the part, it
can produce very good results.
When this modifier is not highlighted,
pairing optimization is used. Pairing is
a more complex method that can be very time consuming; however, it can produce better
results. The pairing optimization algorithm pairs the closest entities, then pairs the pairs,
etc., until all the entities are optimized.
When the Double Check modifier is highlighted, ProCAM performs some simple
checks to look for and correct common optimization errors after the optimization has
completed. Both Next Closest Cut and Pairing may produce moves within an operation
that can be modified to produce better results.
When Reverse Direction is highlighted, ProCAM may reverse the direction of
toolpaths during optimization. Typically, this modifier is selected to allow ProCAM to
reverse if necessary.

4. Leave all the buttons highlighted.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to optimize (button 2 when done).
5. Pick any one of the cutouts on the part.
Because ProCAM optimizes an
operation, when you select any toolpath
in an operation, all the toolpaths are
selected.
coordinate for optimization start. ProCAM
is asking you to determine where you
want the first cut.
6. Position the pointer near the middle of
the part and click BUTTON 1.
ProCAM optimizes the cuts. The first
cutout is one of the cutouts near the
middle. ProCAM then selects the next
nearest cutout and works its way around
the part.
Define stock and run ProVerify.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Define Stock button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
3. Click the 3 Point Definition modifier.
X on 1 = -13 Y on 1 = 13 Z on 1 = 0
X on 2 = 13 Y on 2 = -11 Z on 2 = 0
X on 3 = 0 Y on 3 = 0 Z on 3 = -1.2
5. Run ProVerify see the new order.

6. Optimize the part using one of the corners as the start point.
The corner you pick is where the first cut will be.
7. Run ProVerify again to see the different order.

Optimizing Toolpaths for Multiple Drilling Operations

When you window pick holes for drilling, ProCAM drills the holes in the order they were
drawn. In this part, the holes were drawn in a random order.
The following exercise shows how to use the Optimize function to optimize the drilling for
the shortest distance between holes.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Drill Toolpaths.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part has toolpaths for 3 Drill operations.
3. Run ProVerify with the tool display on to view the order the random order the holes
are drilled.

5. Turn off layers 2 and 3.
6. Click the Optimize button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
− The modifier toolbar displays.
Leave all the buttons highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: PICK
entities to optimize.
7. Pick the .25" diameter hole shown in
the figure.
location for optimization start.
8. Pick the same hole again. This will
be the first hole drilled.
Start here
As soon as you pick the hole,

ProCAM optimizes all the .25" holes.
9. Click the Layers tab.

10. Turn on layer 2, make it the Current
Layer, then turn off layer 1.
11. Optimize the .50" diameter holes
starting as indicated.
Start here for
.50" holes

Start here for .373" and .375" holes

13. Turn on layer 3.
14. Optimize the rest of the holes
starting as indicated.
15. On the Layers tab, turn on

layer 1.
16. Run ProVerify to see the order
the holes are drilled after optimizing.
You can keep optimizing the
operations until you have the most
efficient order for your machining
requirements.

Attaching Attributes
The Attribute command on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar is used to attach certain functions to
CAM entities. Attributes are non-geometric properties, values and identifiers that are
attached to geometric entities.
Some attributes are attached automatically. Others such as optional stop and program stop
are optional and can be attached using the Attribute command. Attributes can be attached to
any cut on a part.
For example, if you want to have an optional stop after cutting a long line on a part in case
you might need to stop the machine at that point, you can attach an optional stop to just that
linear toolpath.
Attaching Attributes to CAM Entities

In this exercise, you attach a program stop to the Profile toolpath leadout.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file ProVer2ax.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part has Profile, Drill and Pocket toolpaths.
3. In the System Options dialog box, make sure the Attribute Display On option is checked,
then click OK.
When this option is checked, a symbol displays on the toolpath to indicate an attribute is
attached.
5. Change the View to 1 Top and zoom up on the Profile toolpath leadout.
6. Click the Attribute button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
The Select Attribute dialog box displays. The available attributes that are listed depend on
the machine.
7. Click the After modifier button.
8. In the Select Attribute dialog box, select program stop in the Available Attributes list.
9. Click the Add button.
Program stop displays in the Attribute List.
10. Click the Attach button.
The prompt line reads: PICK CAM entity to attach attributes. ProCAM is asking which
CAM entity in the toolpath you want the program stop attached to.

11. Pick the Profile toolpath leadout.

The entity is highlighted briefly, then returns to the
original color and the attribute symbol displays.
12. Click Close to exit the dialog box.
Checking Entities for Attributes

You can use either the Measure or Order Check Utility to find out more information about an
attribute that is attached to a CAM entity. Note that the Attribute Display On option must be
checked in the System Options dialog box to view this information.
2. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Pick the Profile toolpath leadout where you attached the attribute.
− The Show Attributes information box displays. The attributes that are attached to the
entity are listed. The A), B) and D) indicate after, before or during.
− This dialog box remains displayed until you pick another entity that has attributes
attached or until you click another toolbar button.
6. Make sure the Check modifier is highlighted.
7. Using the Next modifier, step through the order of cuts on the part.
When you get to the Profile leadout, the Show Attributes dialog box displays.
This dialog box remains displayed until you pick another CAM entity that has attributes
attached or until you click another toolbar button.


Chapter 6 Verifying Toolpaths
ProVerify, which is completely integrated into ProCAM, graphically simulates actual

material removal from stock. You can see the material being removed from the stock as the
cutter proceeds along the toolpaths.
The Define Stock command on the 2½ Axis Mill and Multi-surface Machining toolbars
allows you to define rectangular, cylindrical or extruded stock. In this release, this command
is used only in ProVerify to provide a representation of the stock for accurate simulation.
This chapter includes exercises that show you how to define stock and run ProVerify.
Verifying Toolpaths 6-1

Defining Stock
Defining Stock
The Define Stock command allows you to create rectangular, cylindrical and extruded stock
for use in ProVerify.
Defining Rectangular Stock

In the following exercises, you define rectangular stock using each of the modifiers.
Using the 2-Point and 3-Point Definition Methods
When you use the 2-Point Definition modifier, you pick two opposite diagonal points: one
for the top of the stock and the second for the bottom. The sides of the stock are created
parallel to the X and Y axis.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Stock.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill or Multi-surface

Machining button on the CAD toolbar and double-
click FANTUTM in the Controller Type dialog
box.
If the Setup Information dialog box displays, click
OK to continue.
3. Make sure the Cplane is set to 1 Top.
The Top Cplane must be used when inserting
stock.
4. Click the Define Stock button.
The modifier toolbar displays.
5. Click the Rectangular Stock button.
6. Make sure the 2-Point Definition modifier button is highlighted.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for box start.
7. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.
8. Pick one of the lines that forms corner 1 to define a point on the rectangular stock top.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for Z depth plane.
9. Pick one of the lines that forms corner 5 to define the depth of the rectangular stock
bottom.
The stock is inserted on top of the rectangular box.
If the stock does not display, select System Options on the Options menu and make sure
the Stock Display On option is checked in the System Options dialog box.
6-2 Verifying Toolpaths

Defining Stock
10. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar to remove the stock.
11. Click the 3-Point Definition modifier button.
When you select this modifier, you pick two
opposite corners on the top of the stock and a
location on the bottom of the stock. The sides of
the stock are created parallel to the X and Y axis.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for box start.
12. Pick one of the lines that forms corner 1.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for box end.
13. Pick one of the lines that forms corner 3 to define
the opposite corner on the stock top.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for Z depth
plane.
14. Pick one of the lines that forms corner 4 to define
the depth of the stock.
The stock is inserted on top on the rectangular 2-point & 3-point Definition
box.
Using the 4-Point Definition Method
When you select the 4-Point Definition modifier, you pick three corners on the top of the
stock and any location on the bottom of the stock. The orientation of the stock sides is
defined by the 3 locations that define the top.
2. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar to remove the stock inserted in the
previous exercise.
The System Options dialog box displays. The options in the Stock section allow you to
adjust the stock display.
4. Change the Number of Segments to 5 and change the Stock color, then click OK.
− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for 1st location on box.
− If this prompt does not display, make sure the Endpoint button is highlighted on the
Snap toolbar.
7. For the second location, pick one of the lines that forms corner 2.
This defines the first edge adjacent to point 1 on the rectangular stock top.

Defining Stock
8. For the third location, pick one of the lines that forms corner 3.
This point is opposite point 1 on the stock top. The sides of the rectangular stock are
created parallel to the side defined from corners 1 to 2 and from corners 2 to 3.
9. For the endpoint of the Z depth plane, pick one of the lines that forms corner 4.
This defines the depth of the rectangular stock bottom. The stock is inserted on top of the
rectangular box.
Notice the number of segments used to display the stock is reduced and the stock displays
in the color you selected.
Using the Offset Method
When you select the Offset Definition modifier, you can create rectangular stock offset a
specified amount from the rectangular box that you define.
2. Click the Oops button to clear the stock display.

3. Click the Offset Definition modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER offset amount.
4. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The rectangular stock will be offset 1" from the
rectangular box you define.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for box start.
7. For the endpoint of the box end, pick one of the
lines that forms corner 3.
8. For the endpoint of the Z depth plane, pick one of
the lines that forms corner 4.
The stock is inserted offset 1" from the rectangular Rectangular Stock Offset 1"
box you defined.
9. Click the Oops button to remove the stock.
Defining Cylindrical Stock

In the following exercises, you insert cylindrical stock using the three methods.
Defining the Cylinder Axis and One Point on the Edge
You can create cylindrical stock by defining the cylinder axis down the center of the cylinder
and one point on the cylinder edge. The top and bottom of the stock are defined by the ends
of the axis. For this method, you do not select a modifier.

Defining Stock
EXERCISE 1. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.
2. Double-click layer 1 to turn it on and make it current, then turn off layer 0.
4. In the System Options dialog box, change the Number of Segments to 10 and click OK.
5. Click the Cylindrical Stock modifier button.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for axis start and cylindrical stock top.
6. Make sure the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is
highlighted.
7. Pick the line that forms the cylinder axis near the 5 to
define the start of the cylinder axis and the top of the
cylinder.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint to define stock radius.
8. Pick the circle near the 6 to define the radius of the stock.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for axis end and
cylindrical stock bottom.
9. Pick the line near the 7.
The stock is inserted on top of the cylinder.
Using the Radius and Diameter Modifiers
When you select either the Radius or Diameter modifier, you insert cylindrical stock by
defining the radius or diameter of the stock and the coordinates for the ends of the axis that
define the top and bottom of the stock.
2. Click the Oops button to remove the stock inserted in the previous exercise.
3. Click either the Radius or Diameter modifier button.
4. Type either 2.5 for the radius or 5 for the diameter.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for stock axis start and cylindrical stock top.
6. Pick the line near the 5 for the start of the cylinder axis and the top of the cylinder.
7. Pick the line near the 7 for the axis end and stock bottom.
The cylindrical stock is inserted on top of the cylinder.

Defining Stock
Using the Offset Method

When you select the Offset Definition modifier, you define cylindrical stock by adding an
offset and defining the radius amount and the axis.
2. Click the Oops button to remove the stock inserted

in the previous exercise.
3. Click the Offset Definition modifier button.
4. Type 1 for the offset distance.
5. With the Endpoint button highlighted, pick the line
near the 5 for the start of the cylinder axis and the top of
the cylinder.
6. Pick the line near the 7 for the axis end and the bottom of
the stock.
Stock is inserted offset 1" from the cylinder.
Cylindrical Stock Offset 1"

Defining Extruded Stock
Using a Cross Section Entity
The normal method for creating extruded stock is to pick a cross section to define the top of
the stock and one point on the stock bottom to define the depth. The cross section entity is
always extruded parallel to the Z axis.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Stock.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
First, you must put a cross section entity on the stock top.
2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD
toolbar and double-click FANTUTM.
If the Setup Information dialog box displays, click OK
to continue.
3. Click the Cross Section Entity button.
4. Make sure the Check Breaks/Sharp Corners
modifier is not highlighted.
5. Insert a cross section entity starting at point 1 to point
2, then to point 3 around the rest of the top ending
back at point 1.
The cross section entity must be closed (i.e., the start and end must be at the same
location).

Defining Stock
6. Click the Define Stock button.

7. Click the Extruded Stock button on the modifier toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK cross section for stock top.
8. Pick the cross section entity you just inserted.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for location on bottom of stock.
10. Pick a line that forms corner 4.
The stock is inserted on top of the rectangular box.
Using the Depth Modifier
Extruded stock can also be defined by entering a depth to define the stock bottom instead of
picking a point on the stock bottom.
2. Click the Oops button to clear the stock display.

3. Click the Depth modifier button.
4. Pick the cross section entity for the stock top.
5. Type -5 for the extrusion depth.
The stock is inserted on top of the rectangular box at a depth of 5.00".

ProVerify
ProVerify
ProVerify enables NC programmers to visually verify NC programs before releasing them to
the shop floor. ProVerify graphically simulates actual material removal from stock. You can
see the material being removed from the stock as the cutter proceeds along the toolpaths.
Stock Part Simulation

ProVerify graphically simulates actual material removal from stock. The stock can be
defined using the Define Stock command. If you do not define stock, ProVerify uses the
minimum and maximum extents of the toolpath minus the rapids plus the radius of the largest
tool used.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file ProVer2ax.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn folder.
This part has profile, pocket and combination drill operations inserted. The rectangular
stock that will be used for machining the part is identified by the blue lines.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for box start.
7. Following the prompts, pick
one of the blue lines at
corners 1, 2 and 3.
This defines the stock by
picking two opposite corners
and a bottom corner of the
stock. Using this method,
stock sides are created
parallel to the X and Y axis.
The stock is inserted on top
of the rectangular box.
If the stock does not display,
select System Options on the
Options menu and make sure
the Stock Display On option is checked.

ProVerify
EXERCISE You can now run the simulation with the stock (work-in-progress) part to see how the Tool
Display modifier and End Condition affect the simulation.
When you click the Verify button, ProCAM checks to see if the license/security key is
programmed for the optional Sirius Verify program, which runs as a separate program
outside ProCAM.
− If the license/security key is not programmed for Sirius Verify, ProVerify starts
automatically.
− If the license/security key is programmed for Sirius Verify, the modifier toolbar
displays buttons to select between running the external Sirius Verify and the
integrated ProVerify.
2. If the Modifier toolbar displays, click the ProVerify button.
When the ProVerify starts:
− The stock part displays as a rendered solid that is based on the stock you just defined
in the previous exercise.
− The ProVerify toolbar displays in the ProVerify window.
3. Make sure the Tool Display button is not highlighted.

The simulation completes the entire part before the results are displayed. This allows you
to verify the tool cutting quickly without seeing every tool cut.
5. Click the Reset to Start button to return to the original stock definition.
6. Click the Tool Display button to highlight it.
With this modifier selected, ProVerify simulates the tool cutting. The tool steps through
the part showing each cut and the stock is updated after each cut.
7. Change the Step Increment from 100 to 50.
8. Click the Forward by Step Increment button.
The simulation runs the first 50 steps showing the tool cutting one toolpath movement at
a time.
9. Click the Forward by Step Increments button again.
The simulation shows the next 50 toolpath cuts.
10. Click the Forward by 1 Cut button several times.
The simulation advances one toolpath cut each time you click the button.

ProVerify
11. Click the Go to End button to finish cutting the part.

With the Tool Display modifier button turned on, you can see every cut; however, the
simulation is time-consuming.
13. Click the Tool Display modifier to turn off the tool display.
14. Click the down arrow change the Next option from End to Next Operation.
The toolpaths for the first operation (the profile cut) display.
16. Click the Go to End button again.
The toolpaths for the next operation (pocket-1) display.
18. Select a different End condition and run the simulation.
EXERCISE The two tabs at the bottom of the window allow you to make changes to operation
parameters and quickly verify the updated toolpaths.
Note that these tabs do not display if your operating system is Window 98. In order to edit an
operation, you need to close ProVerify, then restart again it to verify the changes.
1. Click the part tab at the bottom of the ProVerify window to
switch back to the original part in the work area.
2. Right click the Pocket-2 operation in the tree and select Edit Operation on the shortcut
menu.
4. In the Mill Tools dialog box, double-click on Station #08.
5. Define a Taper end mill with a .3750" diameter and a 6 degree Taper Angle, then click
OK.
6. Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes.
7. Right click Pocket-2 in the tree and select Rerun Current on the shortcut menu.
8. Click the simulation tab at the bottom of the work area to
return to ProVerify.
9. Click the Update Simulation button on the left side of the ProVerify toolbar.
This button is activated whenever you edit an operation. If you have made changes and
rerun an operation, you must click this button to see the updated simulation.
The simulation is run and the taper end mill displays for the pocket operation.
11. To close the simulation, right click in the work area and select Close ProVerify on the
shortcut menu or click the X button on the right side of the menu bar.

Chapter 7 Inserting Macros/Subroutines
The Macro command on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar is used to define toolpaths that can be
called up in a subprogram when the part is post processed. This chapter includes exercises
that show you how to define and call macros.
Inserting Macros/Subroutines 7-1

Using Macros
Using Macros
The Macro function is used to define toolpaths that can be called up in a subprogram. This
function can be very useful for parts that would otherwise create long programs that might
not fit in your machine's memory.
If the controller supports macros, ProCAM outputs code during post processing using the
controller macro calls, multiples, etc. This can greatly reduce the code size. In order to use
macros effectively, your machine must support subprograms and your post processor must be
configured to output subprograms. If either your machine or post processor does not support
subprograms, macros are output as long code instead of subprograms. If this is the case, you
would be just as well off using the Move Utility with the Move/Copy modifier.
Defining and Calling a Macro

Macro Call is used to call a macro at a specific location when there is no grid pattern.
In this part, the
same shape is in
different locations
on the part. Either
you can put
toolpaths on all the
cutouts or if
program length is a
problem, you can
use a macro and
call it at each
location.
In order to use
Macro Call, the
entities that make
up the macro
should be defined
around X0,Y0,Z0.
To do this, you can
insert a toolpath on one of the cutouts, then move the toolpath to X0,Y0,Z0 as shown in this
exercise.
If you were going to draw this part yourself, you would not have to insert the shapes at each
location. You would only insert one at X0,Y0,Z0.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Macro Call.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
7-2 Inserting Macros/Subroutines

Using Macros
3. Insert a cross section entity on one of the shapes.

Pocket in the list of operations.
6. Click the Active Tools button on the Tool tab and set up a .25" end mill in Station #1.
7. In the Set Operation – Pocket Properties dialog box, define the operation parameters
using the following information. Use the defaults for all other parameters.
Tab Parameter Value
Operation Name Pocket
Pocket Z Face 0.0"
Clearance Plane .01"
Rapid Plane 10.000"
Z Depth -.125"
XY Allowance 0.0"
9. Pick the cross section boundary, then click BUTTON 2.
The toolpath is inserted on the shape.
11. Make sure the Move/Original modifier button is
highlighted.
12. Pick the Pocket toolpath to move, then click BUTTON 2.
13. Use Entity Origin Snap and move the shape from
the center of the largest arc.
14. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and
move to X0,Y0,Z0.
Your part should look similar to the figure on the right.
15. Click the Macro button on the 2½ Axis Mill
toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro.
16. Pick the toolpath, then click BUTTON 2.
The Macro Define dialog box displays.

Using Macros
17. Type a name and click OK.

18. Click the Macro Call modifier.
The Set Operation - Macro dialog box displays with the macro name.
19. Click OK.
− There are several ways to insert the macro at the correct locations. Since you already
have the CAD drawing, you can use the Entity Origin Snap command to put the macro
at the center of each large arc.
− If you did not have the CAD drawing, you could use the Keyboard Snap and type in
the location of the center of each arc.
20. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for macro call.
21. Pick each large arc.
As you insert the macro
in different locations,
MC displays at the
origin of the macro. The
macro origin is
positioned relative to the
current system origin.
Since the entities in a
macro do not exist in the
work area, you must
know the where the
origin is if you want to
modify the macro.
Did You Know ...
The order you insert the macros is the order they are called up in the NC program.
22. Save the part, then post process it to see how the subprograms are called up.
Using a Grid Macro Call

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file Macro Grid.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

Using Macros
There are three operations listed in the tree:

− Big pocket (a Pocket operation that cuts the
two big pockets)
− Small pockets (a Pocket operation that cuts
the three small pockets)
− Slot (a Profile operation that cuts the slot)
4. Click the Macro button on the 2½ Axis

Mill toolbar.
The Define modifier is highlighted.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define
macro (button 2 when done).
5. Window pick the entire part.
This picks all the toolpaths for the macro. If you were only going to macro one of the
toolpaths, you would pick only the toolpath you wanted instead of window picking
everything.
6. Click BUTTON 2.
7. The Macro Define dialog box displays.
8. Type ALL OPRS for the Name, then click OK.
All the toolpaths and CAD entities disappear from
the work area. This is how you determine if you
selected the correct entities for the Macro. If the
toolpaths do not disappear, they are not in the macro.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro
(button 2 when done). This is for any other macros you
are going to define.
The three operations that were defined are no longer listed in the Operation tree. When
you create a macro of operations, the operations are removed from the tree. Otherwise,
your program would have the operations you defined, then the macro calls. This would
cut the first part twice. When you define a macro, an operation is created. This is the
operation that ProCAM post processes.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Grid Macro Call modifier.
The Set Operation - Macro dialog box displays. ALL OPRS is listed as the Macro name.

Using Macros
2. On the Post tab, leave the Post

Operation option checked. This
option determines whether this
operation is part of the NC
program.
3. Click OK.
The Multiple Grid modifiers
display.
4. Make sure the Known
Distance Between Grid Points
modifier button is highlighted.
5. Make sure the Horizontal
First Move button is highlighted.
The InfoBar tab displays a series
of parameters for defining the
grid (see the figure on the next
page).
6. Click the Keyboard Snap button.
7. Type 0 and press ENTER for the X and Y origin.
ProCAM needs to know where the Macro grid is to start in the X and Y axis. Typically,
this is X0 and Y0. For the fixture plate that these parts are set up on, this is the upper left
corner.
8. Press ENTER to accept the 0 default for the Z origin.
9. Type 6.5 for X increment (1.5" between the parts) and press ENTER.
10. Type -5.0 for Y increment (1" between the parts) and press ENTER.
The X and Y increments are the distances that separate the parts on the fixture plate.
11. Type 3 for No. X and press ENTER.
12. Type 3 for No. Y and press ENTER.
− These parameters specify the number of parts in the X and Y.
− The macro grid displays.

Using Macros
X Increment
Macro grid origin
Y Increment
# of parts
in Y
# of parts in X
Macro Grid Information
13. Click the All button in the lower right corner of the window to fit the grid in the work
area.
Did You Know ...
The Macro options in the System Options dialog box control how much of the grid is
displayed. Instead of displaying the entire grid, you can show one part, four parts or the
corner parts.

Using Macros
MG displays at the
X0, Y0 location. This
indicates the origin of the
macro grid. Since the
entities in a macro do not
exist in the work area, you
must know where the origin
is if you want to modify the
macro grid.
For example, you insert the
macro grid in the wrong
location and you want to
move it. When ProCAM
prompts you to pick entities
to move, the only place you
can pick would be the macro
grid origin. The same would
be true for erasing, rotating, Macro Grid and Origin
etc.
14. To see how the origin works, click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.
15. Try to erase any of the toolpaths in the work area.
16. Now pick the cross hair to the left of MG. Pick here
The complete macro grid is erased.
17. Click Oops to restore the macro grid.
18. Save the part as 2Ax Macro Grid.pcii.
19. Post process the part.
The code listing on the next page shows a main program calling up subprograms.
The numbers may not match your code listing; however, you can see that the
subprograms are being called up. Some of the program has been deleted for this exercise;
however, you can see from the sequence numbers how long the program is.
Notice ProCAM automatically increments the program numbers. The main program
number is 0001. Each of the subprogram numbers is incremented by one.

Using Macros
NC Program for 2Ax Macro Grid.pcii
Main Program
O0001
N1 G20
N2 G91 G28 X0 Y0 Z0
N3 T01 M06
N4 S2000 M03
N5 G90
N6 G52 X0 Y0
N7 M98 P0002 (Subprogram Call line)
N8 G52 X0 Y0
N9 G52 X6.5 Y0
N10 M98 P0002(Subprogram Call line)
N11 G52 X0 Y0
N12 G52 X13. Y0
N14 G52 X0 Y0
N15 G52 X13. Y-5.
N17 G52 X0 Y0
N18 G52 X6.5 Y-5.
N20 G52 X0 Y0
N21 G52 X0 Y-5.
N23 G52 X0 Y0
N24 G52 X0 Y-10.
N26 G52 X0 Y0
N27 G52 X6.5 Y-10.
N29 G52 X0 Y0
N30 G52 X13. Y-10.
N32 G52 X0 Y0
N33 G00 G91 G28 Z0
N34 T02 M06
N35 S2000 M03
N36 G90
N37 G52 X0 Y0
N39 G52 X0 Y0
N40 G52 X6.5 Y0
N42 G52 X0 Y0
N43 G52 X13. Y0
N45 G52 X0 Y0
N46 G52 X13. Y-5.
N48 G52 X0 Y0
N49 G52 X6.5 Y-5.
N51 G52 X0 Y0

Using Macros
N52 G52 X0 Y-5.

N54 G52 X0 Y0
N55 G52 X0 Y-10.
N57 G52 X0 Y0
N58 G52 X6.5 Y-10.
N60 G52 X0 Y0
N61 G52 X13. Y-10.
N63 G52 X0 Y0
N64 G91 G28 Z0
N65 G28 X0 Y0
N66 M30
Subprogram for Tool 1: Large Pockets
O0002
N1 G90 G54 G00 X1.255 Y-2.
N2 G43 Z.1 H01 M09
N3 G01 Z-.5 F20.
N4 Y-2.87 F10.
N5 X1.495
N6 Y-1.9759
N7 G02 X1.255 Y-1.8908 I.255 J1.1009
N8 G01 Y-2.
N9 X1.13
N10 Y-2.995
N11 X1.62
N12 Y-1.8716
N13 G02 X1.13 Y-1.666 I.13 J.9966
N14 G01 Y-2.
N15 X1.005
.
.
.
N70 Y-2.995
N71 X3.87
N72 Y-2.
N73 X3.995
N74 Y-.88
N75 X3.3718
N76 G02 X3.38 Y-1. I-.8718 J-.12
N77 G01 Y-3.12
N78 X3.995
N79 Y-2.
N80 X4.12
N81 Y-.755
N82 X3.2141
N83 G02 X3.255 Y-1. I-.7141 J-.245
N84 G01 Y-3.245
N85 X4.12
N86 Y-2.
N87 X4.245
N88 Y-.63

Using Macros
N89 X3.0099
N90 G02 X3.13 Y-1. I-.5099 J-.37
N91 G01 Y-3.37
N92 X4.245
N93 Y-2.
N94 X4.37
N95 Y-.505
N96 X2.6
N97 G02 X3.005 Y-1. I-.1 J-.495
N98 G01 Y-3.495
N99 X4.37
N100 Y-2.
N101 X4.495
N102 Y-.38
N103 X2.005
N104 Y-.62
N105 X2.5
N106 G02 X2.88 Y-1. I0 J-.38
N107 G01 Y-3.62
N108 X4.495
N109 Y-2.
N110 G00 Z1.
N111 M99
Subprogram for Tool 2: Small Pockets and Slot
O0003
N1 G90 G54 G00 X3.625 Y-.8125
N2 G43 Z0 H02 M09
N3 G01 Z-.593 F20.
N4 X3.3125 F10.
N5 Y-.9375
N6 X3.9375
N7 Y-.8125
N8 X3.625
N9 Y-.75
N10 X3.25
N11 Y-1.
N12 X4.
N13 Y-.75
N14 X3.625
N15 Y-.6875
.
.
.
N90 Y-2.9375
N91 X3.1875
N92 Y-3.3125
N93 X4.0625
N94 Y-2.9375
N95 X3.625
N96 Y-2.875
N97 X3.125
N98 Y-3.375
N99 X4.125
N100 Y-2.875

Using Macros
N101 X3.625
N102 Y-2.8125
N103 X3.
N104 G02 X3.0625 Y-2.875 I0 J-.0625
N105 G01 Y-3.375
N106 G02 X3. Y-3.4375 I-.0625 J0
N107 G01 X4.25
N108 G02 X4.1875 Y-3.375 I0 J.0625
N109 G01 Y-2.875
N110 G02 X4.25 Y-2.8125 I.0625 J0
N111 G01 X3.625
N112 G00 Z1.
N113 X1.6875 Y.187
N114 Z0
N115 G01 Z-.063 F20.
N116 G41 D22 X1.6875 Y0 F10.
N117 Y-.9375
N118 X2.5
N119 G02 X2.5625 Y-1. I0 J-.0625
N120 G01 Y-4.
N121 G40 Y-4.187
N122 G00 Z1.
N123 M99
Undefining a Macro
When you complete a macro definition, the entities that are in the macro disappear from the
work area. There may be times when you have picked entities that you do not want in the
macro or entities were not picked that should be in the macro. Undefining a macro deletes the
macro and puts the entities back into the part as normal entities. You can then define the
macro again.
To do a finish profile around the parts in the previous exercise, you could add the Profile
operation to the macro instead of adding an additional macro. You cannot undefine a macro
that is currently being used. Macros must be erased first as shown in the following exercise.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using 2Ax Macro Grid.pcii in the work area from the previous exercise.
2. Erase the macro grid.

Remember to pick the macro grid origin (MG).
All entities in the grid disappear.
3. Right click on the Macro operation in the Operation tree and select Delete on the shortcut
menu.
4. Click the Macro button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
5. Click the Undefine Macro modifier.

Using Macros
6. Click ALL OPRS in the list of defined macros, then click OK.
− When you select a Macro to undefine, the original entities that made up the macro are
put back in the work area.
− The Macro Undefine dialog box displays again to undefine another macro or exit the
function.
7. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box.
8. Insert a Profile toolpath around the outside of the part.
Add the profile to the macro:
9. Click the Macro button.
10. Make sure the Define Macro modifier button is highlighted.
11. Window pick the toolpaths inside the perimeter of each part, then pick each perimeter
profile toolpath.
The order you pick the toolpaths is the order they are cut in the macro.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
13. Type ALL OPRS for the Name.
14. Pick the Grid Macro Call modifier and create the Macro Grid as explained in the
previous exercise.
Editing a Macro
The Edit Macro Utility allows you to edit entities and operations within a macro without
having to undefine it. When you define a macro, the original operations are removed from
the Operation List dialog box. The only way to edit the information in the operations is to use
the Edit Utility with the Macro modifier.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 2Ax Macro Grid.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
If this part is open in the work area, do not save the changes to the part. Note that this is
the part you saved in the exercise on page 7-8.

The only operation that is listed in the tree is the Macro. Notice the feed and speed
information is zero.
3. Right click Macro in the tree and select Edit Operation on the shortcut menu.
The Set Operation - Macro dialog box displays. The only item that can be edited in this
dialog box is the Macro name that is being called. Any other information must be edited
using the Edit Macro Utility.
4. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box.

Using Macros
6. Click the Macro modifier.

The Macros Defined dialog box displays.
7. Select ALL OPRS, then click OK.
The Macro grid disappears and the original entities display.
The Operation tree shows the original operations. Macro is not listed.
8. Right click the Pocket operation for the large pockets and select Edit Operation on the
shortcut menu.
9. On the Pocket tab, change the Cut Amount to .3, then click OK.
You can see the change in the toolpath.
12. Click the Macro modifier button.
The macro grid is displayed again.
13. Click Cancel to exit the Macros Defined dialog box.
If you were to save this part and post process this part, the new toolpath would be in the
program.

Chapter 8 MCS Program Zero Points
This chapter explains the MCS feature in ProCAM that allows you to define G-code program
zero points using the machine tool's Fixture, Work Coordinate and/or Sub Coordinate offsets.
MCS Program Zero Points 8-1

Machine Coordinate System (MCS)

The MCS feature allows you to define G-code program zero points using the machine tool's
Fixture, Work Coordinate and/or Sub Coordinate offsets. NC programs generated by
ProCAM may reference multiple MCS origins, up to the number supported by the machine
tool.
Setting multiple machine zero points is common when programming multiple parts with or
without the use of rotary tables or tombstones. This section describes how to define and use
the MCS function for parts programmed on a single plane.
Did You Know ...
The use of MCS is optional. If not used, G-code output will be relative to the system
absolute origin point.
In the exercises in this chapter, you learn how to control program zero with and without
using the MCS function and machine offsets. These exercises explain the procedure for the
following three cases:
• Case 1 - Multiple parts, MCS function with machine offsets (G54, etc.), long code format
(no subroutine format).
• Case 2 - Multiple parts, no machine offsets (G54, etc.), long code format (no subroutine
format) - one origin point.
• Case 3 - Multiple parts, no machine offsets (G54, etc.), subroutine format or long code
format using zero shift (G52 or G92 shift).
In each of the exercises, a different procedure is used to machine and fixture four copies of
the part 2AxMCS.pcii. This part contains a simple pocket and a single drilled hole.
When you do these exercises, your results may be different depending on the capabilities of
your machine tool and the capabilities of the post processor when it was created.
8-2 MCS Program Zero Points

Case 1 - Machining with Multiple MCS Offsets

In the following exercise, the assumption is that the machine supports machine offsets. A
new offset will be set at the lower left corner of each part before machining. With this
method, G-code output will be in long code format.
The following steps are performed in this exercise:
• Make three copies of the part.
• Define the MCS type and create an MCS offset at the lower left corner of each part.
• Make current the associated MCS offset and generate the toolpath on each part.
• Post process the toolpaths into G-code format.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 2AxMCS.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
dialog box displays. Click OK to
continue.
3. Click the Cross Section Entity
4. Insert a cross section boundary for
the pocket starting in the middle of
the top horizontal line of the pocket.
5. Click the Move button on the
Utility toolbar.
6. Click the
Move/Copy modifier.
7. Copy the part
horizontally to the right
from 0,0,0 to 4,0,0.
8. Copy the two parts
vertically from 0,0,0 to
0,3,0.
You now have four
parts.

EXERCISE There are two methods for attaching offsets to a toolpath:

• You can generate toolpaths, then create the MCS offsets and use the Edit command on the
MCS menu to assign the applicable offset to each toolpath.
• You can assign an MCS offset to each part, then generate the toolpath.
In this exercise, you use the second method.
1. Select MCS on the CAM menu, then select Setup on the cascading menu.
The Setup Machine Coordinate System dialog box displays.
2. Set the Type to Work Coordinate (since the tutorial post is based on fanuc code).
The Work Coordinate Start defaults to 54 and the End defaults to 59. You can use the
defaults for this exercise. The G word address will be added to the offset number
automatically at the time of post processing.
Fixture Start/End and Sub Coordinates Start/End are not used for the Work Coordinate
offset type.
You can now assign a different MCS offset to the lower left corner of each part:
− Lower left = G54
− Lower right = G55
− Upper left = G56
− Upper right = G57
3. Select MCS on the CAM menu.
4. Select Create on the cascading menu.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for MCS origin (button 2 when done).
6. Pick near the endpoint of the lower left corner of the lower left part, then click BUTTON 2.
The Create MCS dialog box displays and automatically assigns the first available offset
register (54) to the selected
end point.
Optionally, a note can be
inserted in the Description
field.
7. Click OK.
Notice that an MCS marker
displays at this location.
endpoint for MCS origin
(button 2 when done.).

8. Select the lower left corner of the lower right part, then click BUTTON 2.
In the MCS dialog box the next available offset (55) is assigned.
9. Click OK.
Notice that the marker has moved to the new location indicating this MCS is now current.
10. Continue assigning offsets to the upper left (56) and upper right (57) parts.
EXERCISE The last step is to generate the toolpaths. When a toolpath is generated, the current MCS is
associated to that toolpath.
In this exercise, the lower left part will be machined first. The MCS marker indicates the
current MCS is at the lower left corner of the upper right part. You need to make the G54
offset current before generating the toolpath.
2. Select Table on the cascading menu.
The MCS dialog box displays all currently assigned offsets and indicates the active MCS.
3. Click the button for 54 to make that the current offset, then click OK.
The current MCS can also be changed by:
− Selecting the offset number from the MCS drop-down list on the system bar
or
− Clicking the MCS button on the system bar to display all defined origin markers in the
work area. Pick the origin marker, then click BUTTON 2.
4. Click the Profile Pocket button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
5. Create a pocket cycle with the .375" diameter end mill on the lower left part.
Create the toolpaths on the other three parts:
6. Click the MCS button on the system bar.
7. Pick the offset that is displayed in the lower left corner of the lower right part.
8. With the pocket cycle still active, pick the boundary and create the toolpath.
9. Click the MCS down arrow on the system bar to display the list of MCS offsets.
10. Pick 56.
11. With the pocket cycle still active, pick the boundary and create the toolpath on the upper
left part.
12. Make the MCS active for the upper right part and create the pocket cycle for that part.
13. Insert the Drill cycle on each part using a .350" diameter drill.
The above sequence can be repeated to insert the drill cycles.
14. Select Save As on the File menu.
15. Save the part as 2AxMCS 1.pcii.

17. Follow the normal procedure to generate the G code.
18. Review the code and notice that the toolpaths for each part are relative to the MCS that
was active at the time the toolpath was created.
Case 2 - Machining with a Single Program Zero Point

In the following exercise, the assumption is that the machine does not support machine
offsets and you do not want to use subroutine format for program output. In effect, all four
parts will be machined from one G-code program with a single zero point.
To generate G code that will machine the same layout as the previous exercise, the following
must be done:
• Make three copies of the part.
• Generate toolpaths for each of the four parts.
• Move the lower left corner of the lower left part to the ProCAM system zero absolute
point.
• Post process the toolpaths into G-code format.
Because ProCAM is flexible, the order in which the above steps are performed is also
flexible. The following two methods can be used:
• The part geometry is moved so the lower left corner is at absolute zero. The part is copied
three times. Toolpaths are created at each copy of the part, then the toolpaths are post
processed.
• The part geometry is moved so the lower left corner is at absolute zero. Toolpaths are
created for the single part. The part geometry and toolpaths are copied three times, then
the toolpaths are post processed.
Other methods are possible that achieve the same results. In the following exercise, method
#2 is used because it requires the least amount of time and steps.

3. Move the part geometry to absolute zero.
This will also define program zero at the lower left corner of the part.
5. Click the Cross Section Entity button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar and insert a cross
section boundary for the pocket starting in the middle of the top horizontal line of the
pocket.


7. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Pocket in
8. Generate a pocket toolpath with a .375" diameter end mill.
9. Right click the Pocket operation in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu,
then select Drill in the list of operations.
10. Drill the hole with a .350" diameter drill.
12. Click the Move/Copy modifier.
13. Copy the part horizontally to the right from 0,0,0 to 4,0,0.
14. Copy the two parts vertically from 0,0,0 to 0,3,0.
You now have four parts with toolpaths.
15. Select Save As on the File menu and save the file with the name 2AxMCS 2.pcii.
17. Generate the G code.
Review the output. Notice that all toolpaths reference the lower left corner of the lower
left part.
Case 3 - Machining Using Macros
In the following exercise, the assumption is that the machine does not support machine
offsets. Program zero will be set to the lower left corner of each part before machining using
G52 or G92. With this method G-code output can be either long or subroutine format.
The following procedure is used in this exercise:
• Generate toolpaths for the single part.
• Offset the origin to the lower left of the part (alternatively, you could move the lower left
corner of the part to the current origin).
• Define a macro for the part geometry and toolpaths.
• Use the Macro Call or Grid function to lay out the three copies of the part.
• Post process the part into G-code.

4. Insert a tool boundary for the pocket starting in the middle of the top horizontal line of the
pocket.

7. Generate a pocket toolpath with a .375" diameter end mill.
8. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Drill in the
list of operations.
9. Drill the hole with a .350" diameter drill.
10. Select Cplane on the View menu, then select Offset on the cascading menu.
11. Offset the origin to the lower left corner of the part.
This will define the lower left corner of the part as the macro origin.
12. Click the Macro button on the 2½ Axis Mill toolbar.
13. Use either Macro Call or Macro Grid to create the four-part layout.
Program zero will be relative to the system absolute zero or the active MCS at the time
the macro is positioned with Macro Call or Macro Grid.
14. Select Save As on the File menu and save the file as 2AxMCS 3.pcii.
16. Generate the G-code.
Notice that before machining each part, the post shifts the zero point to the part's lower
left corner. After the G52 or G92 zero shift, the toolpaths will be output in long code or
subroutine format depending on the capabilities of the machine control.

Multi-plane Machining
To address the diverse factors involved in machining on multiple faces (including tombstone
support), ProCAM provides numerous tools to assist the programmer in developing NC code
that best meets the capabilities of the machine tool and the user's level of expertise.
This section demonstrates how construction planes and coordinate systems are combined
with Machine Coordinate Systems (MCS) to define tool planes, which are used to create
toolpaths.
Did You Know ...
A tool plane is a two dimensional plane that represents the CNC machine’s coordinate
system (XY axis) and program zero.
th
Understanding these concepts is critical for effective and correct programming of 4 axis
prepositioning in 2½ axis milling, which includes the use of rotary tables and tombstones.
The following examples show methods for programming 2D orthographic or 3D modeled
parts from multiple planes with and without rotary table support. These are not the only
methods that can be used. Depending on the part you are machining and your machine tool,
you may find a more expedient method.
• Exercise 1: Part modeled in 3D - with rotary table
• Exercise 2: Part drawn in 2D orthographic views - no rotary table
Programming a 3D Wireframe Part with Rotary Table

The part in this exercise was drawn in a CAD system as a 3D-wireframe model, saved as an
IGES file and read into ProCAM. This exercise shows you how to machine the two faces .
EXERCISE 1. Select Open on the File menu.
2. Set the Files of type to .IGS.
3. Double click EXM16.IGS in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
ProCAM prompts you for the starting and ending lines for processing the IGES file. In
most cases, the entire file is to be read.
4. Press ENTER twice to accept the starting and ending line numbers.
The part displays in the work area.
5. Select Save As on the File menu.
6. Save the part as a .pcii part file with the name EXM16 in the \procad\pcii\learn folder.
You will see that this file has been modeled in 3D wire frame and includes detail that
needs to be machined on two of its six faces.

8. Zoom up the part if

necessary.
Because this part will be mounted on a rotary table for machining, there are several questions
specific to 4th axis prepositioning that need to be answered before you begin generating the
NC program:
− Is a post processor that supports 4th axis prepositioning for the intended machine tool
installed for ProCAM? A tutorial 4th axis post processor, FAN4TUTM, is provided
for this exercise.
− About which axis does the table rotate? In the case of horizontal machine tools, the
rotary axis may not appear to align with ProCAM world axis. Even if the axis
directions to not match, the post processor will output the correct rotary motion for
your machine.
− Where will program zero be for each face?
9. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the CAD toolbar and double-click FAN4TUTM.
For this tutorial post processor, the 4th axis rotates about the world X axis.
Did You Know ...
All 4th axis post processors rotate about the world X or Y axis through absolute zero.
The next procedure is to position the part model about the rotary axis. Because ProCAM
automatically calculates and outputs the rotary index angles in the G code program, the part
must be located about the designated system world axis as it would be positioned about the
machine rotary axis.
To avoid possible mistakes in positioning the part about the wrong axis or zero point, follow
these steps before moving the part.
EXERCISE Display the axis in World mode:
1. Select the Axis command on the Setup menu.
2. In the Axis dialog box, choose World mode and make sure the Axis ON option is
checked, then click OK.

Make sure that the axis is displayed at absolute system zero:

3. With the Cplane set to Top, select Cplane on the View menu.
4. Select Offset on the Cplane cascading menu.
5. Click the Remove Origin Offset modifier.
In this example, the part will be positioned on the rotary table as shown in the following four
figures. For correct rotary index output, the part must be moved so it is centered about the
world X axis.
Top View Isometric View
Part Positioned on Rotary Table
Front View Right View
Part Positioned on Rotary Table

Since you do not know the size and Temporary Geometry

location of the part relative to
absolute zero, you will create Program Zero
temporary construction geometry to Top Face
define the center of the part. One
method is to create a diagonal line
across the end of the part as shown in
the figure on the right.
Program Zero
Front Face
Diagonal Line, Program Zero Locations

7. Make sure the Move Original modifier button is highlighted.
8. Pick the part geometry and click BUTTON 2.
9. For the From location, click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar and pick the
temporary diagonal construction line.
10. For the To location, click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and input X0.0,
Y0.0, Z0.0.
The part should now be positioned as shown below.
Top View Isometric View

Front View Right View
Part Centered About World X Axis
EXERCISE Set program zero and machine the detail on the top face of the part. Program zero will be
defined with a machine offset using the MCS function. For the top detail, program zero will
be at the lower left corner of the face.
2. Select Setup on the MCS cascading menu.
The Setup Machine Coordinate System dialog box displays.
3. Set the Type to Work Coordinate.
You can use the default start and end work coordinate numbers shown in the dialog box.
4. Click OK.
5. Set the current Cplane to Top.
6. Select MCS on the CAM menu, then select Create on the MCS cascading menu.
7. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar and pick near the lower left corner of
the top face (as shown in the figure on page 8-12).
The MCS dialogue box displays and the first offset is assigned.
8. Click OK.
The MCS offset marker displays at the specified location.
You can now drill the two .50" diameter holes and machine the pocket on the top face of the
part.
9. Before creating the CAM cycles, select Axis on the Setup menu and change the Axis
Mode to UCS. This will show the direction of program X,Y and Z.
The operation parameter values for Z Face, Z Depth and Z Rapid Plane are absolute
relative to the current origin. Currently the origin point is at the center of the part. When
inputting values for these three parameters, it is normally less confusing if the origin is
offset to the face of the detail being machined.
10. Select Cplane on the View menu.

11. Select Offset on the Cplane cascading menu.

The Define Origin Offset modifier button is highlighted.
The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted.
12. Pick near the end point of any item on the top face to define the origin offset.
13. With the origin now at the top of the part, define the Drill operation with the
following values:
− Z Face = 0.00
− Z Depth = -.962 (this can be verified by measuring the circle representing the depth of
the hole)
− Z Rapid = a user definable value (i.e., 1.00)
14. After creating the drill cycle, measure the depth of the pocket and create a pocket
cycle for the top detail.
EXERCISE Set program zero and machine the detail on the front face of the part. For the front detail,
program zero will be at the lower left corner of the face (as shown in the figure on page 8-
12).
1. Set the current Cplane to Front.
3. Select Create on the MCS cascading menu.
4. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar and pick near the end of the lower left
line.
The MCS dialog box displays with the second offset selected as current.
5. Click OK.
The MCS marker displays at this location.
6. Again, for ease of inputting Z Face, Z Depth and Z Rapid plane, offset the origin to the
front face before defining the drill and pocket cycles for the front detail.
7. Drill the two .375" diameter holes.
8. Pocket the detail on the front face of the part.
Generate G code:
10. Generate G code.
Verify that the G code for the top detail references program zero at the lower left corner
of the top face. After machining the top face, an index code is output before machining
the front face. Program zero for the front detail should be the lower left corner of the front
face.

Programming a 2D Orthographic Part with No Rotary Table
Top Face
EXM14.DXF was drawn in a
different CAD system in 2D
orthographic views and saved
as a .DXF file. This exercise
shows you how to machine the
two faces.
Front Face Side View
EXM14.DXF
The part requires machining on the top and front faces. Because the machine tool does not
support a rotary table, two machine setups and two NC programs will be required to machine
the part. To achieve this, each machined face is post processed separately and the G-code
output is saved in different files.
EXERCISE 1. Select Open on the File menu.
2. Set the Files of type to .DXF.
3. Double-click EXM14.DXF in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.
This part is drawn in 2D orthographic views.
Since you are generating two NC programs to machine the part, you need to use layers so
you can work with the faces separately.

5. Right click on the Layers tab and select Create New on the shortcut menu.
6. Create the following layers:
− Layer 1 – Top Face
− Layer 2 – Face Toolpaths
− Layer 3 – Front Face
− Layer 4 – Front Toolpaths

7. Make layer 1 the current layer, then click OK.

9. Click the Layers button on the modifier toolbar.
10. Window pick the geometry for the Top Face and click BUTTON 2.

12. Double-click layer 3 and turn off layer 1.
13. Click the Edit button and Layers modifier.
14. Window pick the geometry for the Front Face and the Side View and click BUTTON 2.
15. Click the Layers tab and make layer 4 the current layer.
The first step is to define program zero at the lower left corner of each face:
• If using machine offsets (G54, E1, etc.), an MCS can be created at the lower left corner of
each face.
• If not using machine offsets, the view geometry for each face must be moved so that the
lower left corner of the face is at absolute zero.
For this example, the MCS function is not used to assign a machine offset. Since the lower
left corner of the Front face is already positioned at absolute zero, moving the part is not
necessary.
EXERCISE Generate toolpaths for the pocket and drill cycles on the Front face:
3. Insert the cross section boundary on the pocket entities.

6. Type Front Pocket for the Operation Name and generate the Pocket cycle using a .25"
diameter end mill.
7. Right click in the tree, select New Operation on the shortcut menu, then select Drill in the
list of operations
8. Type Front Holes for the Operation Name and drill the two holes using a .375" diameter
drill.

EXERCISE Generate toolpaths on the Top face of the part:

2. Double-click layer 2 and turn on layer 1.
The first step is to define program zero at the lower left corner of the Top view. Since a
machine offset (MCS) will not be used, the part must be moved to absolute zero:
5. Move the Top view geometry so that the lower left corner is at absolute zero.
Create toolpaths for the pocket and drill cycles on the Front face:
7. Insert the tool boundary on the pocket entities.

9. Right click the Pocket operation in the tree and select Copy on the shortcut menu.
10. Right click the Drill operation in the tree and select Copy on the shortcut menu.
11. Edit the second Pocket operation and change the Operation Name to Top Pocket.
12. Generate the pocket toolpath.
13. Edit the second Drill operation and change the Operation Name to Top Holes.
14. Generate the drill toolpaths.
EXERCISE You are now ready to post process each face, starting with the Top face:
1. Right click the Front Pocket operation in the tree and select Post Y/N.
− This command allows you to turn post processing on and off for individual operations.
− Notice the icon next to the operation in the tree changes to indicate it will not be
post processed.
2. Right click the Front Holes operation in the tree and select Post Y/N.
4. In the Save Post File dialog box, type EXM14 Top for the File name and click Save.
6. Review the output and verify that the output is relative to a zero point at the lower left
corner of the part.
Post process the toolpaths on the Front face:

8. Double-click layer 2 and turn on layer 1.


11. Right click the Front Pocket operation in the tree and select Post Y/N.
The icon next to the operation indicates it will be post processed.
12. Right click the Front Holes operation in the tree and select Post Y/N to turn on post
processing.
13. Right click the Top Pocket and Top Drill operations in the tree and select Post Y/N to
turn off post processing.
15. In the Save Post File dialog box, type EXM14 Front for the File name and click Save.
17. Review the output and verify that the output is relative to a zero point at the lower left
corner of the part.
You have created two separate programs using two setups to machine without a rotary
table.

Chapter 9 Skill Builder Exercises
The exercises in this chapter provide an opportunity to practice using the features and
functions you have learned in the previous chapters. Instead of step-by-step instructions, the
information for these exercises is brief and intended as a guide.
Skill Builder Exercises 9-1

Exercise 1
Exercise 1
To cut this part, you define three operations: a Drill operation to drill the holes, a Profile
operation to cut the slots, and a Profile operation to cut around the perimeter.
• Time-Saver Tips
− Use different colors for geometry, cross section boundaries and toolpaths to make it
easier to view the part.
− Working with parts is easier when you put the geometry, cross section boundaries and
toolpaths on different layers.
• Draw the part as shown in the figure above.
Draw one of the arms with the slot in it, then use the Rotate Utility with the Rotate/Copy
modifier to rotate and copy it.
9-2 Skill Builder Exercises

Exercise 1
• Start 2½ Axis Mill.

• Insert cross section entities on the
perimeter and the slots. Start the
perimeter cross section boundary on
the outside of one of the arms as shown
in the figure.
• Define a Drill operation for the 4 holes
using a .375" diameter drill.
• Define a Profile operation to cut the 4
slots using a .375" diameter end mill.
Do not use a Leadin and Leadout for
the slots.
After you generate the Profile toolpath
on the first slot, ProCAM prompts you
to pick the cross section boundary for
the profile. Pick another slot. The
operation information stays current and
is applied to the next slot.
Continue picking the slot cross section
boundaries until all the slots are cut.
• Define a Profile operation to cut around
the outside using a .625" diameter end
mill.
Use a Parallel Leadin that is long enough
to start off the part. Use an Arc Leadout.
The figure on the right shows a .50"
Parallel Leadin and a .25" Arc Leadout
with a 1.00" Radius and a .125" Leadout
Overlap.

Exercise 2
Exercise 2
In this example, you cut the part with Lace Pocket and Profile operations using Wall
Definition. The islands do not go all the way to the bottom; however, the rule for drawing
wall shapes still applies: the walls must end at the same Z bottom.
• Draw the part.
− Insert the 6" square and put 1.5" chamfers in the
corners.
− Insert the 1.5" diameter circles at the midpoints of
the lines. It is not necessary to trim the circles. If
you trim them, it makes it more difficult to insert
cross section entities because then the lines will
need to be broken.

Exercise 2
• Draw the perimeter and island side walls.

− Even though the island walls will not reach the
bottom, they must end at the same Z bottom.
− Draw construction lines first. On the left side of the
work area, draw a horizontal line, then using Line
Off Of, draw 2 lines: one line 3.00" off and one line
.75" off.
− For the perimeter side wall, draw a line at an angle
of -75 degrees.
− Fillet the 75 degree line and the
bottom line 1.5 radius.
− For the island side wall, insert a
vertical wall to the right of the
perimeter wall.
− Trim all the lines so the walls
look like the figure on the right.
Perimeter and Island

Side Wall Shapes

• Insert a cross section entity on the perimeter side wall and the island side wall.
• Insert a cross section entity on the perimeter of the part and the islands.
Use the Closed Boundary modifier and window pick the perimeter and the islands.
• Define a Lace Pocket operation using the following information.
Tool tab:
− Active Tool = 1 (set up a .625" diameter End Mill)
Lace tab:
− Rapid Plane = .50"
Finish tab:
− Depth Parameters = Wall Definition
− Z First Cut = .50"
− Z Sub Cut = .25"
− XY Allowance = .005" (material will be left on the sides)
− Z Cut Method = Vertical Cuts
− Z Allowance = 0.0" (to cut the bottom to depth)

Exercise 2
• Define a Profile operation using the following information.

Tool tab:
− Active Tool = 2 (set up a .50" diameter Ball Nose)
Profile tab:
Finish tab:
− Depth Parameters = Wall Definition
− XY Allowance = 0.0"
− Z Cut Method = Distance Along
− Z Allowance = 0.0" (to cut the bottom to depth)
− Distance Along = .15"
• Run ProVerify to view the cutting.

Exercise 3
Exercise 3
In this exercise, you define Lace Pocket, Profile and Combination Drill operations to cut the
part.
• Draw the part as shown above.

Exercise 3
• Operation #1 Profile Outside

Insert cross section boundaries starting on the arc at the lower left up to the arc at the top
left. Then, do the same thing for the other side starting at the top.
Use the following information for the operation parameters:
Tool tab:
− Active Tool = 1 (.75" diameter
End Mill) Cross section boundary
Profile tab:
Finish tab:
− Depth Parameters = Single Depth
− XY Allowance = .01" (to leave
material on the sides for
finishing)
− Z Allowance = 0.0" (to cut the
bottom to depth)
Leadin/Out tab:
Toolpath
− Leadin and Leadout =
Perpendicular
− Leadin/Leadout Amount = .50"
− Leadin/Leadout Overlap = .125"
• Operation #2: Lace Pocket the Pocket on the right
Break one of the vertical lines at the midpoint on the outside
perimeter and the island before you insert cross section
boundaries. This allows you to use any type of Leadin on the
finish Profile and the toolpath will not cut through a corner.
Tool tab: Active Tool = 2 (.3125" diameter End Mill)
Pattern Types tab: Digitize Start Hole
− Profile = No Profile
− Lace Angle = 90
Start/End tab:
− Start Type = Ramp From Start Hole (digitize location near
arrow in figure above)
− End Type = Retract At Leadout End
Press F2 to change the View to 2 Front.
Ramp From Start Hole

Exercise 3
• Operation #3: Profile the Pocket on the right

Tool tab:
− Active Tool = 3 (.1875" diameter End Mill)
Profile tab: Profile Type = Closed
Leadin/Out tab: Use a Leadin and Leadout (e.g., Arc)
Start/End tab:
− Start Type = Plunge at Leadin Start
− End Type = Retract at Leadout End
The figure on the right shows an Arc Leadin and Leadout of
.15" with a Radius of .125" and a 90 degree Arc Angle.
Window pick the pocket (for a closed profile, ProCAM
automatically determines the perimeter and the island).
• Operation #4: Profile Pocket the Pocket on the left
Break one of the vertical lines at the midpoint on the before you insert
the cross section boundary. This allows you to use any type of Leadin
on the finish Profile and the toolpath will not cut through a corner.
Tool tab:
Finish tab:
− Depth Parameters = Step Repeat
− Z First Cut and Z Sub Cut = .25"
• Operation #5: Profile the Pocket on the left

Tool tab:
Profile tab:
− Profile Type = Closed
Finish tab:
− Depth Parameters = Single Depth
Leadin/Out tab:
− Leadin and Leadout = Arc
− Leadin/Leadout Amount = .125"
− Arc Angle = 90

Exercise 3
• Operation #6: Combination Drill the Holes

Use a Combination Drill operation to center drill, peck and tap the holes with a 10-32 tap:
Define a Drill operation to center drill the holes with a .125" diameter drill:
− Active Tool = 4 (.125" diameter drill )
− Cycle Type = Spot Drilling
Define a Pecking operation using a 10-32 Tap Drill:
− Active Tool = 5 (.159" diameter drill for the 10-32 Tap Drill)
− Cycle Type = Pecking
− Z First Peck and Z Sub Peck =
.05"
Define a Tapping operation using
a 10-32 Tap:
− Active Tool = 6 (.159"
diameter drill for the 10-32
Tap)
− Cycle Type = Tapping

Exercise 4
Exercise 4
In this exercise, you define the following operations:

− Profile Pocket to rough the two big pockets and Profile to finish the pockets
− Profile Pocket to cut the three small pockets to size in one pass
− Profile to cut the slot
• Draw the part as shown above.

Exercise 4
• Insert cross section boundaries on the

two big pockets and the three small
pockets. Use the Closed Loop
modifier and window pick inside the
part perimeter.
• Put a cross section boundary on only
one side of the slot.
• Define the operations to cut the two
big pockets:
− Profile Pocket with a .25" end mill
to rough the pockets. Leave an
XY Allowance of .005" for
finishing.
− Profile operation with a different
.25" end mill to finish the pockets.
Use a 0.0" XY Allowance.
• Define a Profile Pocket operation to cut the three .093" deep pockets with a .125" end
mill. Use a 0.0" XY Allowance.
• Define a Profile operation to cut the .125" slot using the .125" end mill. Use a XY
Allowance of 0.0 and offset to the correct side.

Index
Index
Drill toolpath
.pcii, ProCAM II file extension 1-11 combination drilling 4-4
.pdf, file extension for manuals 1-2 drill roughing 4-11
.pinf, post info file extension 1-11 inserting 4-2
.set 1-12 optimizing multiple operations 5-12
.txt, NC program file extension 1-11 single 4-2
2½ Axis Mill toolbar 1-4
E/F
Attributes 5-14
Edit utility
Cross Section Entity 1-6
editing macros 7-13
Define Stock 6-2, 6-8
editing toolpaths 5-7
Drill 4-2
engraving 4-15
Free Form Cut 4-13
FANTUTM, tutorial post processor 1-2, 1-4
Lace Pocket 2-8
files
Macro 7-2
installing for exercises 1-2
Optimize 5-10
installing parts for exercises 1-2
Post Process 1-11
NC program 1-12
Profile 3-2
setup sheet 1-4, 1-12
Profile Pocket 2-2
Free Form Cut toolpath
Verify 2-6, 6-8
engraving 4-15
4th axis prepositioning 8-9
inserting 4-13
A/B
L
attributes
Lace Pocket toolpath
attaching 5-14
changing angle 2-11
displaying information 5-15
generating 2-8
Break utility, control toolpath start 2-16, 3-32
start hole 2-12
C/D Step Repeat 2-10, 2-17
CAM menu, Setup Information command 1-5 using taper tool 2-10, 2-11
Clearance Plane 1-9 Wall Definition 2-19, 3-16, 3-28
color, changing 1-7 with islands 2-10, 3-16, 3-28
Combo Drill dialog box 4-5 leadin/leadout 2-9
Controller Type dialog box 1-4
M
controller, changing 1-4
Machine Coordinate System See MCS
Cplane 1-6
macro
cross section entity
calling 7-2
command 1-14
defining 7-2
inserting 1-6, 1-14, 3-9
editing operations in 7-13
rounding off corners 1-15
grid macro call 7-4
Cut Simulation On 5-4
inserting 7-2
define stock for ProVerify 3-15, 3-18, 3-24, 3-31,
origin 7-4, 7-8
6-2, 6-8
sample NC program 7-8
Depth Parameters
undefining 7-12
Single Depth 1-9
using for machining 8-7
Step Repeat 2-4, 2-7, 2-10, 2-17, 3-4
material 1-5
Wall Definition 2-19, 3-12, 3-16, 3-20, 3-25, 3-28
MC, macro call origin 7-4
i
Index
MCS Macro Call.pcii 7-2

defining machine zero points 8-2 Macro Grid.pcii 7-4
multiple MCS offsets 8-3 Move CAM Entities.pcii 5-5
Measure utility 5-15 Multiple Profiles.pcii 3-8
MG, macro grid origin 7-8 Optimize Profiles.pcii 5-10
Mill Tools dialog box 1-7 Pocket Start.pcii 2-12, 2-16, 3-32
Move utility 5-5 Pocket Wall Def.pcii 2-19
multi-plane machining 8-9 Pocket.pcii 2-2, 2-5, 2-8, 2-10, 2-17
N/O Profile Corners.pcii 3-4
NC program Profile Machine Comp.pcii 3-6
changing default file extension 1-11 Profile System Comp.pcii 3-7
changing default output folder 1-11 Profile Wall Def 1.pcii 3-20
creating 1-11 Profile Wall Def 2.pcii 3-25
sample generated for macro 7-8 Profile Wall Def Multiple Shapes.pcii 3-16
setup information 1-4 Profile Wall Def.pcii 3-12
steps to generate 1-3 Profile.pcii 3-2
verifying See ProVerify ProVer2ax.pcii 5-3, 5-14, 6-8
operation Stock.pcii 6-2
changing order for post processing 3-11 pocketing See Profile Pocket and Lace Pocket
changing parameters 2-9 toolpath
copying 3-10 post process 1-11
defining 1-7 changing default file extension 1-11
generating toolpaths 1-10 changing default output folder 1-11
Operation tree 1-4 changing machining order 3-11
optimize toolpaths 5-10 NC program file 1-12
Order utility 1-10, 2-3, 5-3, 5-15 setup sheet 1-4, 1-12
Post Window dialog box 1-11
P
Part Manager, Operation tree 1-4 Profile Pocket toolpath
parts generating 2-2
installing for exercises 1-2 Step Repeat 2-4, 2-7
opening/importing 1-3 using taper tool 2-4, 2-7
parts used in exercises with islands 2-5
2Ax Macro Grid.pcii 7-8, 7-12, 7-13 Profile toolpath
2AxMCS.pcii 8-3, 8-6, 8-7 controlling start location 2-16
2AxMill1.pcii 1-3, 1-15 external sharp corners 3-4
Combo Drill.pcii 4-4 generating 1-7, 3-2
Cross Section Bndry.pcii 1-14 generating multiple 3-8
Drill Holes.pcii 4-2 helical toolpath 3-32
Drill Rough 2D.pcii 4-11 leadin/leadout 2-9
Drill Toolpaths.pcii 5-12 machine compensation 3-6
Drill.pcii 4-6 parts with multiple drafts 3-20
Edit Toolpath.pcii 5-7, 5-8 Step Repeat 3-4
Exm14.dxf 8-15 system compensation 3-7
Exm16.igs 8-9 thread milling 3-32, 4-6
Free Form Cut.pcii 4-13 using taper tool 3-4
Lace Pocket.pcii 2-11 Wall Definition 3-12, 3-16, 3-20, 3-25, 3-28
with islands 3-16, 3-20, 3-25, 3-28
ii
Index
program number 1-5 toolbar

program zero point 2½ Axis Mill 1-4
defining multiple 8-2 ProVerify 6-9
machining using macros 8-7 Utility 5-2
machining with single 8-6 toolpath
ProVerify attaching attributes 5-14
closing 6-10 changing machining order 3-11
define stock 5-11, 6-8 copying 5-5
stock part simulation 2-6, 6-8 deleting 2-10, 5-2
toolbar 6-9 editing 5-7
R/S helical Profile 3-32
Ramp From Start Hole 2-14 optimizing 5-10
Ramp on Leadin Line 3-3 verifying 2-6, 6-8
Rapid Plane 1-9 viewing order of cutting 2-3, 5-3
rotary table support 8-9 U
Save Post File dialog box 1-11 Utility toolbar
Select Attribute dialog box 5-14 Break 2-16
Set Tool dialog box 1-8 commands used in 2½ Axis Milling 5-2
Setup Information dialog box 1-4, 1-5 Edit 5-7
setup sheet Move 5-5
file 1-12 Order 2-3, 5-3
information 1-4 V/W
Show Attributes dialog box 5-15 verifying NC programs See ProVerify
Single Depth 1-9 Wall Definition 2-19, 3-12, 3-20, 3-25, 3-28
skill builder exercises
exercise 1 9-2
exercise 2 9-4
exercise 3 9-7
exercise 4 9-11
Spiral Ramp at Start Hole 2-15
start hole 2-12
Step Repeat 2-4, 2-10, 2-17, 3-4
steps to generate an NC program 1-3
stock See define stock for ProVerify
System Options dialog box 5-4, 5-14, 7-7
T
thread milling 3-32, 4-6
tombstone machining 8-9
tool
controlling where tool feeds into part 2-12
defining 1-7
library 1-8
Mill Tools dialog box 1-7
Set Tool dialog box 1-8
taper 2-4, 2-7, 2-10, 2-11, 3-4
tool boundary See cross section entity
iii
Index
iv

ProCAM II 2.5 Axis Mill Tutorial

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2½ AXIS MILL

Copyright ©2001 TekSoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Cutting Parts with Multiple Drafts........................................................... 3-20

ProVerify ......................................................................................................... 6-8

Getting Started 1-1

How to Use This Manual

Installing Learning Files

1-2 Getting Started

Steps to Generate an NC Program

1. Draw or open the part in the CAD system.

Step 1: Draw the CAD Part or Open Part File

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 2AxMill1.pcii in the \procad\pcii\learn\mill folder.

Getting Started 1-3

Step 2: Start 2½ Axis Mill and Select the Controller

Step 3: Set the Setup Information

1-4 Getting Started

Setup Information Dialog Box

Changing the Setup Information

Getting Started 1-5

Step 4: Put Cross Section Entities on What will be Cut

1-6 Getting Started

Step 5: Define the Operations

4. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.

In this exercise, you define a .50" diameter end mill cutter.

Getting Started 1-7

1-8 Getting Started

Comment Comment is a 24-character optional field. The comment is for in-line

Getting Started 1-9

Step 6: Generate the Toolpaths

6. Make sure the Step Through Cutting

7. Click the Move Tool to First Cut

1-10 Getting Started

Step 7: Post Process the Part

Did You Know ...

Getting Started 1-11

1-12 Getting Started

Setup Sheet: MILL1.SET

Getting Started 1-13

More About Cross Section Entities

Inserting a Closed Cross Section Entity

2. Click the 2½ Axis Mill button on the

1-14 Getting Started

6. Make sure the Counterclockwise modifier button is highlighted.

Getting Started 1-15

5. Double-click the Radius text box in the Info tab.

2AxMill1.pcii Cross Section Entity with Rounded Corners

1-16 Getting Started

Pocket Toolpaths 2-1

Profile Pocket Toolpaths

2-2 Pocket Toolpaths

Tab Parameter Value

9. Click OK to accept the changes.

Pocket Toolpaths 2-3

6. Click the Next Move repeatedly.

Profile Pocketing with a Taper Tool

2-4 Pocket Toolpaths

Profile Pocketing with Islands

4. Click the Layers tab at the bottom of the Part Manager.

8. Click the Operations tab at the bottom of the Part

Pocket Toolpaths 2-5