How to get the spindle output with a tool change This is a simple tool-change shutdown macro that starts the spindle immediately following the tool change, despite where the CAM system might actually output the SPINDL command. %L01=$FGET(SPINDL,0,$FGET(GOTO)) IF/%L01.GT.0 TAPEWT TAPEOP/DELETE,%L01 ENDOF/IF To have the spindle command output with the tool [...]
Most CNC controls do not support regular Cutter Diameter Compensation (G41/G42) for 3D toolpaths. The only way to compensate for a worn 3D finishing tool is to use 3D Cutter Compensation. On FANUC controls, this feature is supported with the following codes: G41.2 (3D COMP LEFT) and respectively G42.2 (3D COMP RIGHT). The subsequent motion [...]
Virtual Machine is simulation software that can be paired with CAM-POST, to diagnose machine over-travels and collisions during post-processing. When used with ICAM’s patent pending SmartPATH technology, the post-processor can automatically avoid collisions and over-travel conditions. Virtual Machine can also be paired with ICAM’s Control Emulator, to perform so called "G code" simulation. Setting collision [...]
Do you know that CAM-POST can automatically switch between Polar and Cartesian interpolation to avoid over-travel errors? The LIMIT/POLAR command defines conditional Polar interpolation, which enables the post-processor to automatically switch between Polar and Cartesian interpolation as required to avoid over-travel errors. Mill-turn centers often support native polar interpolation. CAM-POST can emulate polar interpolation [...]
What are the minimum hardware requirements for Virtual Machine simulation Virtual Machine is the most demanding module of CAM-POST and we strongly recommend running it on 64-bit platforms in order to achieve optimal performance. The following requirements apply to all currently supported versions of the ICAM Productivity Tools. Bare Minimum: CPU: Intel Pentium 4 or [...]
Machining centers with multiple spindles offer a compromise between flexibility and productivity. Different machine designs use the multiple spindles in different ways. For example for some operations (Milling or Turning) we need to load the tool in the first spindle and for others operations (only turning) we need to load the tool in the second [...]
Starting with CAMPOST V20.0-1409, a new system variable called $KIT is available. This string-type variable provides information on the current CAD/CAM interface kit being used. The standard names of all CAD/CAM interface kits supported are listed in the Annex F of the CAM-POST reference manual. Examples include: CATIA UGS_NX_CLS ProNC Mastercam TopSolid Benefit to User [...]
Silent-mode installation is a way of setting installation configurations only once and then using that configurations to duplicate the installation on multiple client machines. During a silent mode installation, the installation program reads the settings for your configuration from an msi file created prior to the installation. The following describes how to install the ICAM [...]
When building a simulation model in CAM-POST Virtual Machine, it is important to ensure that the 3D models of the machine elements in close proximity to the part (spindle, rotary heads and/or tables, chucks, etc.) are as accurate as possible. These elements are typically the most susceptible of entering in collision. Other elements such as [...]
The following document outlines the procedure for generating Siemens 840D settable user frames from a regular axis system change in CATIA. Normally, when an axis system change is set in CATIA, the resulting aptsource will only contain a series of commented-out lines which define the axis system transformation matrix. For example: $$*CATIA0 $$ Machining [...]
