Using the Arc Fitting option from ICAM to improve the quality of your machined part surfaces

Using the Arc Fitting option from ICAM to improve the quality of your machined part surfaces

Did you know that ICAM offers an optional Arc Fitting “add-on” (xaf license option), which can replace long sequences of point-to-point motion data with circular or helical motions? This option is available as a separately-licensed option of CAM-POST’s Gener module.

If implemented correctly in your post, this option can provide numerous benefits. On one hand, it will reduce the length of your programs quite substantially. On the other hand, it will make your machine run more smoothly. As a result, the quality of your machined part surfaces will be considerably improved and your tool’s lifetime will be extended.

Arc and helix fitting attempts to collect point-to-point data in the CL file and output the accumulated points as one circular or helical interpolation record on the NC machine tool.

Circular arc and helix fitting is controlled with the MODE/CIRCUL command. The command syntax is available on all machines that support circular or helical interpolation.

For example:

  • MODE / CIRCUL, 5, 0.0015

Where 5 is the minpts parameter, which specifies that circles or helixes should only be used to replace runs of 5 or more motions; and 0.0015 is the tolerance parameter, which specifies the maximum deviation permitted between the original point-to-point motions and the generated circle or helix.

With Arc Fitting option

Without Arc fitting option

Benefit to User
Allow users to reduce the length of NC programs, improve the quality of machined part surfaces and extend tool lifetime by automatically replacing point-to-point data with circular arcs or helix records.

For more information or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Phil at TechTipTuesday@icam.com