Did you know CAM-POST has a command that allows inserting fillets between non tangential moves while in diameter compensation?

Filleting inserts tangential circular or helical moves between consecutive linear motions in the CL data while in diameter compensation.  The inserted fillets (circles or helices) are always in the plane of the compensation.  If the inserted fillet end points are in different planes, then the generated move is a helical interpolation, otherwise it is circular. [...]

2017-02-20T16:00:34+00:00January 14th, 2014|Categories: CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|

How to generate post-processor commands in CATIA

CATIA uses a PPTable to create the aptsource file that is subsequently used as input to your post-processor. This PPTable defines post-processor commands for typical functions such as tool changes, speeds and feeds, coolant, canned cycles, and so on. Occasionally though, you may need to enter a post-processor command to produce special output or to [...]

2024-01-24T14:07:41+00:00October 15th, 2013|Categories: CAM Integration, CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|Tags: |

How to use winding to prevent rotary turn-around (RTA) due to rotary travel limits

While some 5-axes milling centers may have an unlimited rotary axis (usually a table), most others have hard travel limits on both rotaries, whether tables or heads. In some cases, these travel limits are due to the mechanical construction of the rotating device. In other cases, though, rotaries simply have restricted travel boundaries due to [...]

2017-02-20T16:01:17+00:00September 24th, 2013|Categories: CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|

How can post-processors help you avoid reprogramming

Does the following scenario sound familiar? You spent hours programming a part for a particular machine in your shop. You posted the toolpaths, verified and simulated each operation and got everything ready for machining. But just as you’re about to load your program, you realize that the machine is not available – either because of [...]

2017-02-20T16:01:19+00:00September 17th, 2013|Categories: CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|

Trunnion-Table Mills: Can operators see the workpiece?

One of the common shortcomings of trunnion-table 5-axes milling centers (i.e. machines with two rotary tables) is that most post-processors will output rotary positions that orient the workpiece opposite to the operator. This is extremely inconvenient, especially when running the program for the first time, as operators have no way to visualize the machining process. [...]

2017-02-20T16:01:20+00:00September 10th, 2013|Categories: CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|

Did you know that multiple-turn helical motions are now supported in Version 20?

On many CAM systems, thread milling and hole milling operations generate helical interpolation motions in the CAM aptsource file. Prior to V20, the upper limit on any circular or helical motion was a full 360° circle, which resulted in multiple circular blocks being output by GENER to produce the helix. With V20, the complete [...]

2017-02-20T16:01:24+00:00August 27th, 2013|Categories: CAM-POST GENER, Tech Tips|