Autodesk

Inventor

2012
Certified

InventorCAM+Inventor
The complete integrated Manufacturing Solution

TURNING
Training Course

InventorCAM 2012
Turning Training Course

1995-2012 SolidCAM
All Rights Reserved.

Contents

Contents

1. Introduction
2.1 About this course.............................................................................................................................3
2.2 Turning Operations overview........................................................................................................5
2.3 Basic concepts..................................................................................................................................7
2.4 Process overview.............................................................................................................................7

2. CAM-Part Definition
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition............................................................................................11

3. Turning Operations
Exercise #2: External Roughing................................................................................................33
Exercise #3: Facial Turning........................................................................................................53
Exercise #4: Internal Roughing.................................................................................................58
Exercise #5: External Finishing.................................................................................................65
Exercise #6: Internal Turning....................................................................................................70
Exercise #7: External Grooving................................................................................................77
Exercise #8: Internal Grooving.................................................................................................85
Exercise #9: Angled Grooving...................................................................................................91
Exercise #10: External Threading.............................................................................................98
Exercise #11: Internal Threading............................................................................................105
Exercise #12: Parting.................................................................................................................112
Exercise #13: Button Lock Machining...................................................................................117
Exercise #14: Guided Ejector Bushing Machining...............................................................119
Exercise #15: Guide Pillar Machining....................................................................................121
Exercise #16: Bearing Bush Machining..................................................................................123

4. Advanced Turning
4.1 Rest Material.................................................................................................................................126
Exercise #17: Wheel Machining..............................................................................................127
4.2 Partial machining.........................................................................................................................142
Exercise #18: Long Shaft Machining......................................................................................143
4.3 Simultaneous Turning.................................................................................................................155
Exercise #19: Curved Part Machining....................................................................................156

Document number: ICTTCENG11001

ii

Introduction

1. Introduction

2.1 About this course

The goal of this course is to teach you how to use InventorCAM to machine various parts using
Turning CNC-machines. This tutorial covers the basic concepts of InventorCAM and Turning
machining and is a supplement to the system documentation and online help. Once you have
developed a good foundation in basic skills, you can refer to the online help for information on the
less frequently used options.
Course design
This course is designed around a task-based approach to training. With the guided exercises you
will learn the commands and options necessary to complete a machining task. The theoretical
explanations are embedded into these exercises to give an overview of the InventorCAM Turning
capabilities.
Using this training book
This training book is intended to be used in a classroom environment under the guidance of an
experienced instructor. It is also intended to be a self-study tutorial. It contains a number of
laboratory exercises to give you the opportunity to apply and practice the material covered by the
guided exercises. The laboratory exercises do not contain step-by-step instructions.
About the CD
The CD supplied together with this book contains copies of various files that are used
throughout this course. The Exercises folder contains the files that are required for guided and
laboratory exercises. The Built Parts folder inside the Exercises contains the final manufacturing
projects for each exercise. Copy the complete Exercises folder on your computer. The Autodesk
Inventor files used for the exercises were prepared with Autodesk Inventor 2012.
Windows 7
The screenshots in this book were made using InventorCAM 2012 integrated with Autodesk
Inventor 2012 on Windows 7. If you are running on a different version of Windows, you may
notice differences in the appearance of the menus and windows. These differences do not affect
the performance of the software.

Conventions used in this book

This book uses the following typographic conventions:
Bold Sans Serif

This style is used to emphasize InventorCAM options,

commands or basic concepts. For example, click on
the Change to opposite button.
The mouse icon and numbered sans serif bold text

10. Define CoordSys Position indicates the beginning of the exercise action. The

action explanation is as follows.

Explanation

This style combined with the lamp icon is used for the
InventorCAM functionality explanations embedded
into the guided exercises. The lamp icon is also used
to emphasize notes.

1. Introduction

2.2 Turning Operations overview

The InventorCAM Turning module enables you to prepare the tool path for the following operations:
Turning
InventorCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all
types of external and internal turning operations: facial and
radial.

Grooving
InventorCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all
types of external and internal grooving and parting.

Threading
InventorCAM enables you to prepare the tool path for all
types of external and internal threading.

Drilling
InventorCAM enables you to perform all drilling cycles to
machine the holes coincident with the revolution axis of
the part.

1. Introduction

2.3 Basic concepts

Every manufacturing project in InventorCAM contains the following data:
CAM-Part
The CAM-Part defines the general data of the workpiece. This includes the model
name, the Coordinate System position, tool options, CNC-controller, etc.
Geometry
By selecting Edges, Curves, Surfaces or Solids, define what and where you are going to
machine. This geometry is associated with the native Autodesk Inventor model.
Operation
An Operation is a single machining step in InventorCAM. Technology, Tool parameters
and Strategies are defined in the Operation. In short, Operation means how you want
to machine.

2.4 Process overview

The major stages of the creation process of the InventorCAM Manufacturing Project are the
following:
CAM-Part definition
This stage includes the definition of the global parameters of the Manufacturing Project
(CAM-Part). You have to define Coordinate Systems that describe the positioning of
the part on the CNC-machine. It is necessary to define the Material Boundary (Stock
model) that describes the initial state of the workpiece to be machined. Optionally you
can also define the Target model to be reached after the machining. The clamp also has
to be defined to fix the part on the CNC-machine.
Operations definition
InventorCAM enables you to define a number of Turning operations. During the
operation definition, you have to select the Geometry, choose the Tool from the Part
Tool Table (or define a new one), define a machining strategy and several technological
parameters.
7

CAM-Part Definition

Following are the stages of the CAM-Part definition process:

CAM-Part creation

CNC-controller definition

Coordinate System definition

Stock Boundary definition

Target Model definition

Clamp definition

CAM-Part creation. At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part name and location.
InventorCAM defines the necessary system files and a folder to allocate the place to store
InventorCAM data.
CNC-controller definition. It is necessary to choose the CNC-controller. The controller
type influences the Coordinate System definition and the Geometry definition.
Coordinate System definition. You have to define the Coordinate System, which is the
basis for all machining operations of the CAM-Part.
Material boundary definition. It is necessary to define a boundary of the stock that is
used for the CAM-Part machining.
Target model definition. InventorCAM enables you to define the model of the part in its
final stage after the machining.
Clamp definition. The clamping device (chuck) has to be defined in order to prevent a
possible collision of tools during the machining..

10

2. CAM-Part Definition

Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition

This exercise illustrates the process of the CAM-Part definition in
InventorCAM. In this exercise, you have to create the CAM-Part for
the model displayed on the illustration and define the Coordinate
System, the Clamp, the Material boundary and the Target model,
which are necessary for the part machining. The CAM-Part will be
used in the exercises further on.
1. Load the Autodesk Inventor model

Load the Exercise1.ipt model located in the Exercises folder.

This model contains a number of features forming the solid body and several sketches
used for the CAM-Part definition.
2. Start InventorCAM

To activate InventorCAM, click on

the InventorCAM 2012 field in the
main menu of Autodesk Inventor
and choose Turning from the New
submenu.
InventorCAM is started and the
dialog box is
displayed.
New Turning Part

New Turning Part dialog box

When you create a new CAM-Part, you

have to enter a name for the CAM-Part
and for the model that contains the
CAM-Part geometry.

11

Directory

Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

InventorCAM user directory (defined in the CAM Settings). You can
enter the path or use the Browse button to define the location.
The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically
create CAM-Parts in the same folder where the original CAD model
is located.
CAM-Part name

Enter a name for the CAM-Part. You can give any name to identify
your machining project. By default, InventorCAM uses the name of
the design model.
Model name

This field shows the name and the location of the Autodesk
Inventor design model that you are using for the CAM-Part definition.
The name is, by default, the name of the active Autodesk Inventor
document. With the Browse button you can choose any other
Autodesk Inventor document to define the CAM-Part. In this case,
the chosen Autodesk Inventor document is loaded into Autodesk
Inventor.
Units

This section enables you to define the measurement units to be used

in the current CAM-Part.
Every time the CAM-Part is opened, InventorCAM
automatically checks the correspondence of the dates of
the CAM-Part and the original Autodesk Inventor design
model. When the date of the original Autodesk Inventor
model is later than the date of the CAM-Part creation,
this means that the Autodesk Inventor original model
has been updated. You can then replace the Autodesk
Inventor design model on which the CAM-Part is based
with the updated Autodesk Inventor design model.

12

2. CAM-Part Definition
3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation

After the Directory, CAM-Part name

and Model name are defined, click on
the OK button to confirm the CAMPart creation. The CAM-Part is defined
and its structure is created. The Turning
Part Data dialog box is displayed.

The structure of the CAM-Part

The CAM-Part includes a number of data

files represented on the illustration that
displays the data included in the CAM-Part
named Turning.

Turning.prt
Turning
Turning.iam

The Turning.prt file is located in the

CAM.ipt
InventorCAM User directory. The Turning
subdirectory contains all the data generated
DesignModel.ipt
for the CAM-Part.
InventorCAM copies the original Autodesk
Inventor model to the Turning subdirectory and creates a Autodesk
Inventor assembly that has the same name as the CAM-Part (Turning.
iam). There are two components in this assembly:
DesignModel.ipt a copy of the Autodesk Inventor model
file.
a file that contains InventorCAM Coordinate
System data and geometry data.

CAM.ipt

The InventorCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of

Autodesk Inventor. This enables you to create auxiliary geometries
(e.g. sketches) without making changes in the original design model.
You can also insert some additional components into the assembly
file such as stock model, CNC-machine table, clamping and other
tooling elements.
13

4. Choose the CNC-controller

Define the CNC-machine controller. Click on the arrow in the CNC-machine area to
display the list of post-processors installed on your system.
In this exercise, use a CNC-machine with the Okuma
CNC-controller. Choose the OKUMALL CNC-controller
from the list.
5. Define the Coordinate System

To complete the CAM-Part definition, you need to define the

Machine Coordinate System.
Click on the Define button in the CoordSys area of the Turning
Part Data dialog box to define the Machine Coordinate System.
The Machine Coordinate System defines the origin for all machining
operations on the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in
controller functions. It can be used for various clamping positions in
various operations on the CAM-Part.
Usually Turning CNC-machines have
only one machine Coordinate System;
its Z-axis is the rotation axis of the
spindle. The Machine Coordinate
System enables you to perform all
turning operations.
The CoordSys dialog box enables you to define
the location of the Coordinate System and the
orientation of the axes.
You can define the position of the Coordinate
System origin and the axes orientation by
selecting model faces, vertices, edges or
Autodesk Inventor Coordinate Systems. The
geometry for the machining can also be defined
directly on the solid model.

14

Z-axis

2. CAM-Part Definition

InventorCAM offers three methods of CoordSys definition:

Select Face

This method enables you to define a new CoordSys by selecting

a face. The face can be planar or cylindrical/conical. For planar
faces, InventorCAM defines CoordSys with the Z-axis normal to the
face. For cylindrical or conical faces, the Z-axis of the CoordSys is
coincident with the axis of revolution of the specified cylindrical/
conical surface.
Define

This method enables you to define the CoordSys by picking points.

You have to define the origin and the directions of the X- and Y-axes.
Select Coordinate System

This method enables you to choose the Autodesk Inventor

Coordinate System defined in the design model file as the CoordSys.
The CoordSys origin and the orientation of the axes is the same as in
the original Autodesk Inventor Coordinate System.
With the Select Face mode chosen, click
on the model face as shown. Make sure
that the Center of revolution face option is
chosen. With this option, the origin is placed
automatically on the axis of revolution face.
The Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident with
the axis of revolution. Note that the CoordSys
origin is automatically defined on the model
front face, and the Z-axis is directed forward
along the revolution axis.

15

High precision

When the High precision check box is

selected, the Coordinate System is defined
using the faceted model, which results in
more precise definition, but may take more
time to generate. When this check box is
not selected, the Coordinate System is
defined using CAD tools without faceting.
Parts Origin position

This parameter defines the location of the CAM-Part Coordinate

System relative to the coordinate system of the CNC-machine. In
other words, it enables you to define the location of the CAMPart on the CNC-machine table. The parameter is defined by three
coordinates of the distance vector.

Confirm by clicking on the Finish button. The Coordinate System is defined.

The Turning Part Data dialog box is displayed.

16

2. CAM-Part Definition

Coordinate Systems for Turning

This Machine CoordSys is used for the turning operations. The

turning tool movements are located in the ZX-plane.

CoordSys origin
X
Z

All the machining geometries are defined in the ZX-plane of the

defined Coordinate System.

Machining
Geometry

X
Z

Set the Facet tolerance to 0.01.

This parameter defines the accuracy of the triangulation of
the stock model, target model and fixtures. The triangulated models are used later in
the tool path simulation. The tighter is the tolerance, the better is the performance of
the simulation.

17

6. Define the Stock Boundaries

For each Turning project, it is necessary

to define the boundaries of the stock
material used for the CAM-Part (Stock).
Click on the Stock button.
The Model dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to choose the
method of the Material boundary definition.

InventorCAM enables you to define the Stock model of the Part using the
2D section Geometry called Material boundary. This Material boundary
is revolved around the Z-axis of the Coordinate System (the revolution
axis) in order to define the stock model.
The following methods of Material boundary definition are available:
Cylinder

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary as a cylinder

surrounding the selected solid model.
Box

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary as a box

surrounding the selected solid model. When you click on the solid
body, SolidCAM generates a 3D box around it. This box defines the
geometry of the Stock.
Revolved boundary around Z

This option enables you to define the Stock boundary as a wireframe

geometry chain using one of the model sketches.
When the chain is selected, perpendiculars are dropped from its end
points to the axis of rotation to define the material boundary.

18

2. CAM-Part Definition

The Revolved boundary around Z option enables you to define only

one chain, either opened or closed. When more than one chain is
defined, the error message is displayed.
Selected chain

3D Model

This method enables you to define the Material boundary by selecting

the 3D Model of the stock. InventorCAM automatically generates
a sketch that contains the envelope of the selected solid body. The
Material boundary is defined automatically on this sketch.
Envelope

Consider the revolution body surrounding the specified

solid bodies. The section of this revolution body by the
ZX-plane of the Coordinate System is the envelope. The
envelope line is the profile of the part that has to be
turned in order to obtain the model geometry.

Solid body

Surrounding
revolution
body

Envelope
profile

19

Choose the Cylinder mode from the Defined

by drop-down list. In the Mode section, choose
Absolute coordinates. In the Coordinates section,
define the following offsets:

Set Left (-Z) to -102 and Right (+Z) to 2 to define

the front and back offsets from the model.
Set the External diameter to 94.
Set the Internal diameter offset to 0.
InventorCAM defines a cylinder.
When the Internal diameter value
is different from 0, InventorCAM
defines a tube.
The Mode section enables you to define the offsets Relative to model or define the
Stock boundaries in the Absolute coordinates.
Click on the Finish button to confirm the Model dialog box.
7. Define the Target model

Now you have to define the Target model.

The Target model is the final shape of the CAM-Part after the
machining. It is used for gouge checking in the SolidVerify simulation.

20

2. CAM-Part Definition

During the Target model definition, InventorCAM creates an

Envelope sketch in the CAM component of the CAM-Part assembly.
This sketch contains the geometry automatically generated by the
Envelope function of InventorCAM. This function creates the
envelope line of the specified solid bodies.
Consider the revolution body surrounding the solid body. The section
of this revolution body by the ZX-plane of the Turning Machine
CoordSys is the envelope. This envelope is a profile of the part that
has to be turned in order to create the model geometry.

Solid body

Surrounding
revolution
body

Envelope
profile

Section

The Envelope function takes into account all external model faces
as well as the internal faces. The geometry created by the Envelope
function can be used for the Geometry definition in InventorCAM
operations.
The Mirrored Envelope option generates the envelope sketch
mirrored about the Z-axis in the ZX-plane. This option is applicable
for machines with lower turret,
In addition to the Envelope, InventorCAM enables you to generate
a sketch containing a Section of the Target model by the ZXplane. The Section sketch is created in the CAM component of the
InventorCAM Part Assembly.
Make sure that the Envelope option is chosen in the Target
section and click on the Target model button.

21

The Target model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

enables you to define a 3D Model for the Target. Click on
the Define 3D Model button.
The 3D Geometry dialog box is displayed.
Click on the solid body. The model is highlighted.

Confirm the selection with the Finish button.

The Target model dialog box is displayed again. Confirm it with
the OK button.
In the process of the Target model definition, InventorCAM
creates the Envelope sketch in the CAM component of the CAMPart assembly. The Envelope sketch is used later for the machining
geometry definition.
Envelope
geometry

22

2. CAM-Part Definition
8. Save the CAM-Part data

Click on the Save & Exit button in the

Turning Part Data dialog box.
The defined CAM-Part is saved. The dialog
box is closed and the InventorCAM Manager
tree is displayed.

InventorCAM Manager

The InventorCAM Manager tree is the main interface feature of

InventorCAM that displays complete information about the CAM-Part.

InventorCAM
Manager

The InventorCAM Manager tree contains the following elements:

CAM-Part header
Tool header

Machining Process
header
Geometries header
Operations header

Operations

23

 CAM-Part header

This header displays the name of the current CAM-Part. By rightclicking on it, you can display the menu to manage your CAM-Parts.
The CoordSys Manager subheader is located under the CAM-Part
header. Double-click on this subheader to display the CoordSys
Manager dialog box that enables you to manage your Coordinate
Systems.
The Target subheader is located under the CAM-Part header. Doubleclick on this subheader to load the Target model dialog box that
enables you to edit the definition of the Target model.
The Settings subheader is also located under the CAM-Part header.
Double-click on this subheader to load the Part Settings dialog box
that enables you to edit the settings defined for the current CAMPart.
Tool header

This header displays the name of the current Tool Library. Doubleclick on this header to display the Part Tool Table, which is the list of
tools available to use in the current CAM-Part.
Machining Process header

This header displays the name of the current Machining Process

table.
Geometries header

This header displays all InventorCAM geometries that are not used
in the operations.
Operations header

This header displays all InventorCAM operations defined for the

current CAM-Part.

9. Define the Clamping Fixture

It is necessary to define a clamping fixture for each Turning project.

24

2. CAM-Part Definition

Right-click on the Operations header in InventorCAM

and choose Define Fixture.

Manager

The Model dialog box is displayed.

This dialog box enables you to define the clamping device and related parameters.
Make sure that the Chuck (Standard) option is chosen in the Defined by section. This
option enables you to define a standard three-step chuck by specifying the clamping
method, chuck position and dimensions.
In the Clamping method section, select the default Main
option and make sure that the default clamping option is
chosen.

Clamping method

This section enables you to define how the clamping device will be
attached to the work piece. The Main/Sub options enable you to
choose the location and orientation of the current fixture.

25

Chuck position

The chuck positioning is defined with the Clamping diameter (CD)

and Axial position (Z) parameters relative to the stock end face:
The Clamping diameter (CD) and Axial
position (Z) parameters can be defined by
clicking on the model. When the model is
selected, SolidCAM measures the X- and Zdistances from the CoordSys origin to the
selected positions and displays the values in
the corresponding edit boxes.

CD

To define the Clamping diameter, place the cursor in the Clamping diameter edit box
and click on the edge of the back face of the model as shown.
The value of 90 is displayed in the Clamping diameter edit box. Change this value to 94
to take into account the 2 mm offset defined for the cylindrical Stock model.
To define the Axial position, place the cursor in the Axial position edit box and click
on the same model edge.
The value of -77 is displayed in the Axial position edit box. Change this value to -86 to
place the fixture 6 mm backwards from the end face of the model.
Now you have to define the dimensions of the chuck.
Chuck parameters

The Jaw width (JW) parameter defines the overall width of a single
jaw.
The Jaw height (JH) parameter defines the overall height of
a single jaw.
The Step width (SW) parameter defines the width of the lower
step.

26

2. CAM-Part Definition

The Step height (SH) parameter defines the height of the lower
step.

Associativity is not maintained for chucks defined by

parameters.
Set the values in the Jaws parameters section as follows:
Set the Jaw width (JW) value to 24.
Set the Jaw height (JH) value to 21.
Set the Step width (SW) value to 8.
Set the Step height (SH) value to 7.
The clamping fixture is defined.
Click on the Finish button to confirm the Model dialog box.
At this stage, the definition of the CAM-Part is finished. The
definition of Turning operations is covered in the following
exercises where this CAM-Part is used.
10. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click

on

the

header in
InventorCAM Manager and choose Close from
the menu.
CAM-Part

The CAM-Part is closed.

27

28

Turning Operations

InventorCAM enables you to perform the following types of Turning operations.

Operations

Turning Operation

Threading Operation

Drilling Operation

Grooving Operation

The turning geometry has to be located in the ZX-plane in the Z+ region and can be defined
directly on the solid model.

Geometry definition
region

Turning Operation
This operation enables you to turn a longitudinal profile or
a face profile. The resulting tool path can either use the
turning cycles of the CNC-machine, if they exist, or generate
all of the tool movements. In case the tool movements are
generated by the program, the minimum tool movements
length is generated taking into account the material
boundary at the beginning of the particular operation. The
profile geometry is adjusted automatically by the program,
if needed, because of the tool shape, to avoid gouging the
material.

30

3. Turning Operations

Grooving Operation
This operation enables you to perform a groove either on
a longitudinal geometry (internal or external) or on a face
geometry. The resulting tool path can use a single machine cycle,
generate all the tool movements (G0, G1) or generate several
machine cycles.

Drilling Operation
This operation enables you to perform a drilling action at the
rotation axis. There is no geometry definition for this type of
operation since it is enough to define the drill start and end
positions.

Threading Operation
This operation enables you to perform threading. The
threading can be either longitudinal (internal or external) or
facial. This operation can be used at present only if the CNCmachine has a thread cycle. InventorCAM outputs the tool path
for the threading exactly with the same length as the defined
geometry without any checking for material collision.

31

Angled Grooving Operation

This operation enables you to perform inclined grooves. The geometry
defined for this operation must be inclined relative to the Z-axis of the
CAM-Part Coordinate System. The Tool angle parameter enables you
to adjust the angle of the tool cutting the material.

Cutoff Operation
This operation enables you to perform cutoff machining. This
operation is used to cut the part or to perform a groove whose
width is exactly the same as the tool width. The cutting can be
performed using CNC-machine cycles; chamfers and fillets can
also be generated.

Face Turning Operation

This operation enables you to perform turning of facial profiles.
The principal working direction is the X-axis direction.

For a more detailed explanation of Turning operations, refer to the InventorCAM Turning User
Guide.

32

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #2: External Roughing

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created in Exercise #1. In this exercise,
you have to define the Turning operation to perform the rough machining
of the external faces of the model and prepare it for the next operations.
In the process of operation definition, you have to define the machining
geometry, the tool and a number of technological parameters.
1. Load the CAM-Part

Click InventorCAM 2012, Open.

In the browser window, choose Exercise1.prz to load the CAM-Part prepared in the
previous exercise.
The CAM-Part is loaded.

33

2. Add an operation

Right-click on the Operations header in the InventorCAM Manager tree and choose
Turning from the Add Operation submenu.

The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the Geometry

Check the Geometry section in the Geometry page of

the Turning Operation dialog box and make sure that the
Wireframe option is chosen.
34

3. Turning Operations

Turning geometry can be defined by selecting wireframe elements or

by picking solid model entities such as faces, edges and vertices.
The following geometry definition options are available:

Wireframe

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by

wireframe geometry selection.

Solid

This option enables you to define the turning geometry by

selecting model entities such as faces, edges, vertices, origin and
sketch points.
When model entities are picked, InventorCAM automatically
defines the geometry on the envelope/section segment
corresponding to the selected model elements.
You have to define the machining geometry for the external roughing operation using
the Envelope sketch automatically generated in the Target model definition process
described in Exercise #1.

Click on the Define button. The Geometry Edit

dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables
you to define and edit geometry chains.
InventorCAM enables you to choose the mode
of the geometry selection in the Single entities
section of the Geometry Edit dialog box.

35

Single entities

You can define the geometry by selecting edges, sketch segments and points
on the contour. The following options are available:
Curve

You can create a chain of existing curves and edges by selecting them
one after the other.

X
Z
Y
Associativity:

InventorCAM keeps the associativity to any edge or

sketch entity. Any change made to the model or sketch automatically
updates the selected geometry.
Point to point

This option enables you to connect specified points; the points are
connected by a straight line.
Start point

End point

X
Z
Y
Associativity: InventorCAM does not keep the associativity to any
selected point. InventorCAM saves the X-, Y- and Z-coordinates of
the selected points. Any change made to the model or sketch does not
update the selected geometry.

36

3. Turning Operations
Arc by points

This option enables you to create a chain segment on an arc up to

a specific point on the arc.
First point
Second point

Third point
Associativity: InventorCAM does not keep the associativity to
any selected arcs by points. InventorCAM saves the X-, Y- and
Z-coordinates of the selected points. Any change made to the model
or sketch does not update the selected geometry.

Auto-Select options

InventorCAM automatically determines the chain

entities and closes the chain contour. The Autoselect mode offers the following options:
Auto-to

The chain is selected by specifying the start curve,

the direction of the chain and the element up to which the chain is
created. InventorCAM enables you to choose any model edge, vertex or
sketch entity to determine the chain end.
When the end item is chosen, InventorCAM determines the chain
according to the chosen selection mode (Auto-general, Auto-Constant
Z or Auto-Delta Z). The chain selection is terminated when the selected
end item is reached.
End entity

Start entity

Selected chain

37

If the chosen end item cannot be reached by the chain flow, the chain
definition is terminated when the start chain segment is reached. The
chain is automatically closed.
End entity

Start entity

Selected chain

Auto-general

InventorCAM highlights all entities that are connected to the last

chain entity. You have to select the entity along which you want the
chain to continue.

Choose the next curve

Auto-constant Z

This option identifies only the entities on the same XY-plane with
the previously selected chain entity. You are prompted to identify
the next chain element when two entities on the same Z-level are
connected to the chain. The system tolerance for this option can be
set in the CAM Settings.

Auto-Delta Z

When you select this option, you are required to enter a positive and
negative Z-deviation into the Delta-Z dialog box. Only entities inside
this range are identified as the next possible entity of the chain.

38

3. Turning Operations

Make sure that the default Curve mode is chosen.

Select the sketch segments as shown.
The order of the geometry selection is
important, since it defines the direction of
machining. Operations in InventorCAM
use the direction of the chain geometry
to calculate the tool path. The arrow at
the start point of the chain indicates the
direction of the chain.

In the Single entities section of the Geometry Edit dialog box,

choose the Point to point option. This option enables you to
connect the specified points with a straight line.

Click on the sketch point as shown.

The linear geometry segment is defined.
39

Switch back to the Curve mode and

pick the sketch entities as shown.
The geometry chain is defined for the
external roughing operation.
Confirm the chain definition with
Accept chain button in the Edit chain
section.

Edit chain
Reverse

This button enables you to reverse the chain

direction.
Undo step

This button enables you to undo the last

selection of a chain element.
Reject chain

This button cancels the single chain selection.

The chain icon is displayed in the Geometry Edit dialog box.
Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with the Finish button. The
Turning Operation dialog box is displayed again.
Define the extensions for the geometry. In the Edit geometry
section, click on the Modify Geometry button. The Modify Geometry dialog box is
displayed.

40

3. Turning Operations

In the Start Extension/trimming section, set 3 as the

Distance value to extend the geometry outside the material.
In the End Extension/trimming section, set the Distance
value to 5.
Click on the Apply to all button to confirm the chain
selection.

The Start Extension/trimming provides the approach from outside

of the material. The End Extension/trimming provides the retreat
from the material outside of the geometry. Extensions can be made
tangentially or linearly using a defined angle.
End Extension

Start
Extension

Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the OK button. The Turning Operation
dialog box is displayed again.
41

4. Define the Tool

After the geometry definition, you have to define the tool for the operation. Switch
to the Tool page of the Turning Operation dialog box and click on the Select button.
The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

The Part Tool Table is a tool library that contains all the tools available for
use with a specific CAM-Part. The Part Tool Table is stored within the CAMPart.
Click on the Add Turning Tool

42

button to start the definition of a new tool.

3. Turning Operations

Composite and solid tools are now displayed in the table box.

Tool types

External Rough (Ext.Rough) tool

Drill tool

External Thread (Ext.Thread) tool

External Groove (Ext.Groove) tool

43

External Contour

44

(Ext.Contour) tool

Internal Face Back

(Int.Face Back) tool

Internal Thread (Int.Thread) tool

Internal Groove (Int.Groove) tool

Internal Contour (Int.Contour) tool

Internal Rough (Int.Rough) tool

Composite Turning tool

Composite Boring tool

3. Turning Operations

Choose the External Rough tool.

External Rough tool

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the side
of the tool holder. Note that a negative value causes the
holder side to move outwards from the tool tip point.

A
B

Defines the height of the tool tip carrier.

Defines the height of the tool (not including the turret). It

must be greater than C.

Defines the position of the left side of the turret with

reference to the tool tip point. A negative value means that
the left side of the turret will be to the left of the tool tip
point.
Defines the width of the turret.
Define the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool tip.
These lengths define the maximum down step size during
turning.

F
D1, D2

Defines the tool tip angle. The value must be between 0 and
180 degrees.

Defines the angle between the tool tip edge and the
perpendicular passing through the tool tip point. The sum
of a and b must be lower than 90 degrees.

Ra

Defines the tool nose radius.

Cutting edge direction

This option enables you to

define the orientation of the
tool (Left or Right). The Offset
point of the tool moves from
the left side to the right side.

b
D
a

C
Ra

45

55

Set the tool holder width (A) value to 25.

Set the tool height (D) value to 55.

Set the turret width (F) value to 55.

25

5
55

Set the tool tip angle (a) value to 80.

Set the Cutting edge direction to
choose the Mounting type as shown.

(Left) and

20

80

0.8

Switch to the Tool Data page. This page enables you to define the general technological
parameters. These parameters are associated with the current tool and applied to every
operation where this tool is used.

46

3. Turning Operations

Define the Spin parameters. Set the Spin Normal and Spin Finish values to 750.
Spin Normal

This field defines the Spin value for Normal turning.

Spin Finish

This field defines the Spin value for Finish turning.

Generally, the Spin value can be calculated using the following
formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.

In this exercise, it is recommended to use the cutting speed of 210

m/min. The diameter used for spin calculation is 90 mm (maximal
diameter of the part).
According to the formula above, Spin750.
At this stage, the tool is defined in the Part Tool Table. Click on the Select button to
choose it for the operation.
5. Define the Technological Parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box. Make sure that the
Along option is chosen in the Process type area and the External optionin the Mode
area.

47

These options enable you to execute longitudinal turning

(the principal working direction is the Z-axis direction).
Choose the External option in the Mode area. This option
enables you to perform the external longitudinal turning
(above the geometry and parallel to the Z-axis).
In the Work type area, use the default Rough option.

Work type

This option enables you to choose the method of the machining:

Rough

The tool path movements are parallel

to the Z-axis (longitudinal turning) or
to the X-axis (facial turning). Semifinish and finish passes are performed,
if chosen, at the end of the rough stage.
Copy

The finish pass is performed, if chosen,

at the end of the copy stage.
Finish only

This option is used for the final turning

of the CAM-Part. When this option
is chosen, only the semi-finish or the
finish pass is executed.
In the Rough tab, choose Smooth from the Rough type list.
Set the Step down value to 2.

48

3. Turning Operations

In the Rough offset area, choose the ZX-ABS option.

Set the Distance X value to 0.4 and the Distance Z value
to 0.1.

Rough Offset

This field has three options:

Distance

This option defines the constant

offset distance from the
geometry. You are prompted to
enter the Distance value.

Offset

Offset
Offset

ZX

InventorCAM enables you

to define different offsets in
the X and Z directions. You
are prompted to enter both
Distance X and Distance Z.

dx

dz

ZX-ABS

This option is similar to the ZX option, except that the program

chooses the sign of each vector component (dx, dz) in such a way
that the offset geometry does not intersect with the profile geometry.
Dist X
Dist X
Dist Z
Dist Z

Dist X
Dist Z

49

In the Semi-finish/finish tab, choose the No option in both Semi-finish and Finish
areas.
The finishing operation will be performed in the next exercises.

6. Calculate the tool path

At this stage, all of the operation parameters are defined.

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

7. Simulate the tool path

Use the simulation to check and view the generated tool

path after you have defined and calculated your machining
operations.
If you have made mistakes in the definition of operations or
used unsuitable turning strategies, the simulation helps you
avoid problems that you would otherwise experience during
the actual production running.
Click on the Simulate button in the Turning Operation dialog
box. The Simulation control panel is displayed.
50

3. Turning Operations

Switch to the Turning page. This simulation mode enables you to display the 2D
simulation of the turning tool path.
In the Show section, choose the Both option. This option displays both the tool
path and the material.
Click on the Play

button. The simulation is displayed.

When the simulation is finished, switch to the SolidVerify page of the Simulation
control panel. This simulation mode enables you to view the tool path on the
3D Model.

Rotate the model to the isometric view with the

button.

51

Click on the Play

button to start the simulation.

SolidVerify simulation mode

This mode enables the simulation of machining on the solid model.

The solid stock model defined as Material boundary is used in this
mode. The Clamp is displayed. During the machining simulation,
InventorCAM subtracts the tool movements from the solid model of
the stock using solid Boolean operations. The remaining machined
stock is a solid model that can be dynamically zoomed or rotated.
During the simulation, the fixture and
the machined stock are displayed in
transparent mode. Since in turning
the machining is performed at very
high rotation speeds, the transparent
representation of the machined stock
and fixtures creates a rotation effect,
which contributes to a more realistic
visualization of the machining process.

button. The Turning Operation

When the simulation is finished, click on the Exit
dialog box is displayed. Click on the Exit button to close the dialog box.
At this stage, the exercise is finished.

52

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #3: Facial Turning

In this exercise, you use the CAM-Part created in Exercise #1 and premachined in Exercise #2. You have to define the Turning operation for
the facial turning of the model end face. In the operation definition
process, you have to define the machining geometry, the tool and
a number of technological parameters.
1. Add an Operation

Right-click on the Turning operation

defined in Exercise #2 and choose Face
from the Add Operation submenu to add
a new turning operation.
The Face Turning Operation dialog box is
displayed.
2. Define the Geometry

Define the geometry as shown on the

illustration in order to machine the end
face.

Click on the Define button in the Geometry page.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

53

Click on the sketch segment as shown.

In this operation, the geometry must be directed to the rotation axis of the model.
Note the direction of the geometry. When you pick the first chain
entity on the solid model, SolidCAM determines the start point of
the picked entity closest to the picked position. The direction of the
picked first chain entity is defined automatically from the start point
to the picked position.
Start point
Direction
Picked position
Geometry chain

Click on the Accept Chain button to confirm the chain selection.

Confirm the Geometry definition with the Finish button. The Face
Turning Operation dialog box is displayed again.
button. In the Start
as the Distance value
to extend the geometry outside the material. In the End
extension/trimming section, set the Distance value to 20.

Click

on

the

Modify Geometry
Extension/trimming section, set 4

54

3. Turning Operations

Click on the OK button to confirm the geometry modification.

3. Define the Tool

Use the tool defined in the previous exercise. Click on the Select button in the Tool
page to choose the tool from the Part Tool Table.
The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.
Choose the Tool #1 and click on the Select button. The tool is chosen for the operation.

Click on the Data tab to customize the tool parameters such as Spin and Feed for the
operation.
The Spin value can be calculated using the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.

In this exercise, it is recommended to use the cutting speed of 200

m/min.
The diameter used for spin calculation is 58 mm (maximal diameter
of the end face).
According to the formula above, Spin1100.

55

Set the Spin Normal and the Spin Finish to 1100.

Set the Feed Normal to 0.2.

The tool is defined for the operation.

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Face Turning Operation

dialog box. In the Process type area, choose the Face option.
This option enables you to perform the facial turning on the
defined geometry.

Make sure that the Front option is chosen in the Mode area. This option enables you
to machine the front end face.
InventorCAM enables you to perform the roughing and the finishing in the single
operation.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen. In the Rough type section, select the
In the Offset section, set Offset Z value to 0.1.

Smooth option.

56

3. Turning Operations

Check the Finish check box to execute a finishing pass in the direction of the
geometry.
5. Save and Calculate

At this stage, all the operation parameters are defined.

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Face Turning Operation dialog box to
save the operation data and calculate the tool path.
6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Turning Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

When the simulation is finished, switch to the SolidVerify mode and simulate the
tool path again.
Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

button.

The Face Turning Operation

dialog box is displayed. Close
it with the Exit button.
This operation can be
performed using a simple
Turning operation on the
same geometry and setting
the Process type to Face.
At this stage, the exercise is
finished.
57

Exercise #4: Internal Roughing

In this exercise, use the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. You have to perform rough machining of the internal faces
using the Drilling operation. The U-Drill tool is used to machine the
internal hole without center drilling and to increase the machining
speed by avoiding the pecking. Using the U-Drill, you can also avoid
the preliminary drilling and operate the tool with the largest diameter.
1. Prepare the geometry

At this stage, you have to prepare a sketch containing the drilling geometry.
Switch to the Model elements tree. Right-click on the
component and choose the New Sketch option
from the menu.

XY Plane

Sketch a line as shown.

This line has to be coincident with the revolution axis of the part. The right end of the
line has to be coincident with the end face of the part; the left end of the line has to
be located 3 mm from the left end face of the part.
Close the sketch by clicking on the
Return to InventorCAM Manager.
58

button.

3. Turning Operations
2. Add an operation

Right-click on the Turning operation defined in Exercise #3 and choose Drilling from
the Add Operation submenu to add a new Drilling operation.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

59

3. Define the Tool

Click on the Select button in the Tool page to start the tool definition.
The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Add Turning Tool

button to start the definition of a new tool.

Select a standard drill for this operation. A new Drill tool is added.

60

3. Turning Operations

Drill tool

Defines the diameter of the drill tool.

Defines the tool tip angle. The value must be between 0 and
180 degrees.

AD

Defines the diameter of the tools arbor.

TL

Defines the tool length from tool tip to the base of the tool.

OHL

Defines the length of the tool sticking out from the tools
holder.

SL

Shoulder length is measured from the tools tip to the end of

flutes (including the cutting length).

CL

Cutting length is measured from the tools tip to the end of

the cutting edges in the flutes.

Is the length displayed in machine simulation.

Set the following parameters of the U-Drill tool that will be used for the operation:
Set the D parameter to 28;
Set the A parameter to 180;
Set the AD parameter to 35;
Set the TL parameter to 90;
Set the OHL parameter to 90;
Set the SL parameter to 90;
Set the CL parameter to 72.
Switch to the Tool Data page to define the Spin and Feed parameters of the drilling.
The Cutting speed recommended for the drilling operation is
80 m/min. According to the following formula,
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter
(28 mm),
Spin900.

61

Set the Spin rate and Spin finish values to

900.
Choose the FZ (mm/tooth) option in the Feed
units area. Set the Feed XY value to 0.08.
Confirm the tool definition with the Select
button. The Drilling Operation dialog box is
displayed.
4. Define the Start position

The geometry for drilling is defined by two points: start and end positions. In this
exercise, these positions are defined by using the geometry sketched in Step #1 of the
current exercise.
Define the start position of the drilling.
Switch to the Technology page of the Drilling Operation dialog box. Click on the Drill
start button in the Positions area.

The Pick Start point dialog box is displayed.

Click on the end point of the sketched line as shown.
The coordinates of the selected point (0,0) are displayed in the Pick Start point dialog
box. Confirm this dialog box with the OK button.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed again.

62

3. Turning Operations
5. Define the End position

Define the end position of the drilling.

Click on the Drill end button in the Positions area.
The Pick End point dialog box is displayed.
Click on the end point of the sketched line as shown.

The coordinates of the selected point (0,-80) are displayed in the Pick End point dialog
box. Confirm the dialog box with the OK button.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed again.
6. Save and Calculate

At this stage, all the parameters of the operation are defined.

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Drilling Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.
7. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Drilling Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
63

Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.
At this stage, the exercise is completed.

64

the Exit

button. Close the Drilling

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #5: External Finishing

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform external finishing of the
part using Turning operation.
1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Drilling operation in

InventorCAM Manager and choose Turning from the Add
Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.
2. Copy the data from the existing operation

InventorCAM enables you to use an already existing operation as a template for the
current operation. All the operation data is copied from the template to the current
operation. This feature enables you to save the programming time.
In the Operation name section, choose the first operation
(TR_contour) as the template.
The data is copied.
In the current operation, use the same geometry that you used for the external roughing.

65

3. Define the Tool

Click on the Select button in the Tool

page. The Choosing tool for operation
dialog box is displayed with the data of
the Tool #1 copied from the template
operation. Now you have to define a new
tool in the Part Tool Table and choose it
for the operation.
button
Click on the Add Turning Tool
to start the definition of the new tool.
The Tool type dialog box is displayed.
Add a new Ext. Rough tool.

55

Set the A parameter to 55.

Set the D parameter to 55.

Set the F parameter to 55.

Set the Ra parameter to 0.4.

Set the Cutting edge direction to
Mounting to
.

25
60

55

20

(Left) and

R0.4

Click on the Select button to confirm the tool definition and choose it for the operation.
66

3. Turning Operations

The Tool page of the Turning Opeartion dialog box is displayed.

Now you have to define the Spin and Feed values. Click on the Data tab in the Tool
page of the Turning Operation dialog box.

Generally, the Spin value can be calculated using the following

formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.

In this case, the differences of diameters through the tool path do not
enable you to use the common Spin value.
The Constant Surface Speed (CSS) option is used. This option
enables you to define the cutting speed. The number of revolutions
per minute is calculated automatically according to the actual diameter.
Using this option, you can maintain the constant cutting speed along
the tool path. In the areas of the smallest diameter, the number of
revolutions is greater and vice versa.
Under Spin, choose the CSS option in the Units area.
Set the cutting speed value of 240 for the Spin normal
and the Spin finish.
Set the Spin Limit value to 3000. With this value,
InventorCAM limits the number of revolutions per
minute.
Now all tool parameters are defined.
67

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Turning Operation dialog box.

Under the General tab, in the Work type area of the Technology page, choose the
Finish only option.

Finish tool path

This option is used for the finish turning of the

CAM-Part. When this option is chosen, only the
semi-finish or finish pass is executed.
In the Semi-finish/Finish tab, choose the ISOTurning Method option in Finish area. This option
enables you to perform the finish pass in the
direction of the geometry.
5. Save and Calculate

At this stage all the parameters of the operation are defined.

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

68

3. Turning Operations
6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Turning Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

button. Close the Turning

69

Exercise #6: Internal Turning

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the
previous exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform finishing
of internal faces of the part using the Turning operation.
1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Turning operation in

InventorCAM Manager and choose Turning from the
Add Operation submenu.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.
2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform

the internal turning.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page. The Geometry
Edit dialog box is displayed.
Switch to the Wireframe display mode by choosing the
Wireframe option from the Visual Style list located in the View
menu.

The Envelope sketch is now fully visible.

70

3. Turning Operations

Select the chamfer segment as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. The
geometry defined for this operation must be
directed in the negative direction of the Z-axis.
In the Single entities area of the Geometry Edit dialog
box, switch to the Point to point mode.
Click on the end point of the geometry as shown.
The geometry chain is selected.

Switch back to the initial display mode by choosing the Shaded With Edges option
from the Visual Style list.
Confirm the chain selection with the Accept Chain button.
Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with the Finish button.
The Turning Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click on the Modify Geometry button.
In the Start Extension/trimming section, set the Distance value
to 3 and in the End extension/trimming section, set the Distance
value to 1.

71

Click on the OK button to confirm the geometry modification.

3. Define the Tool

Switch to the Tool page and click on the Select button to start the definition of a new
tool for the operation. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.
Click on the Add Turning Tool

button to define a new tool.

In the Tool type dialog box, choose the Int.Rough type to define the tool for the internal
finish.

72

3. Turning Operations

Internal Rough tool

A

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the side
of the tool holder. Note that a negative value causes the
holder side to move outwards from the tool tip point.

Defines the height of the tool tip carrier.

Defines the height of the tool (not including the turret).

Must be greater than C.

D1, D2

Define the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool tip.
These lengths define the maximum step down value during
the turning.

Defines the tool tip angle. The value must be between 0 and
180 degrees.

Defines the angle between the tool tip edge and a

perpendicular passing through the tool tip point. The sum
of a and b must be lower than 90.

Defines the position of the left side of the turret with

reference to the tool tip point. A negative value means that
the left side of the turret is to the left of the tool tip point.

Defines the width of the turret.

Defines the tool nose radius.

Ra

Set the following parameters:

Set the width of the tool holder (A) to 15;
Set the height of the tool (D) to 100;
Set the lengths of the cutting edges: D1 to 4 and D2 to 5;
Set the width of the turret (F) to 30;
Set the b parameter to 27;
Set the tool
(Ra) to 0.4;

nose

radius

Set the Cutting edge direction to

(Left);

Set the Mounting type to

R0.4

27
60
15
10

30

100

73

Confirm the tool definition with the Select button.

Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Turning Operation dialog box to define
the Spin data for the operation.
The Cutting speed recommended for the Drilling operation is
According to the following formula,

180 m/min.

Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter

(31.5 mm),
Spin1800.

Set the Spin normal and Spin finish to 1800.

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Choose the Along option in

the Process type area and the Internal option in the Mode area.
The combination of these options enables you to perform the
internal radial turning.

In the Work type area, choose the Finish only option. This
option is used for the finish turning of the CAM-Part.
When this option is chosen, only a semi-finish or a finish
pass is executed.
Choose the ISO-Turning Method option for Finish in the Semi-finish/Finish tab.

At this stage, all relevant technological parameters are defined.

74

3. Turning Operations
5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Turning Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Turning Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed. Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

75

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

76

button. Close the Turning

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #7: External Grooving

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform machining of the
external groove using the Grooving operation.

1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Turning operation in InventorCAM Manager and choose
Grooving from the Add Operation submenu.

The Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.

77

2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform

the machining of the external groove.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry area.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Switch to the Wireframe display mode
by choosing the Wireframe option in the
View menu. Choose the Curve option
in the Single entities section of the
Geometry Edit dialog box and select the
sketch segments as shown.
Switch back to the Shaded display mode
by choosing the Shaded option in the
View menu.
Confirm the chain definition with the

Accept Chain button.

Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with

the Finish button.
Click on the Modify Geometry button.
In the Start Extension/trimming section, set the Distance
value to 1 and in the End extension/trimming section, set
the Distance value to 1.
Click on the OK button to confirm the geometry
modification.
3. Define the Tool

Click on the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click on the Add Turning Tool

button to define a new tool.

Add an External groove tool for the operation.

78

3. Turning Operations

External Grooving tool

A

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the center of the radius

of the tool tip and the left side of the tool holder.

Defines the height of the tool tip.

Defines the height of the tool (not including the turret).

Must be greater than C.
Defines the position of the left side of the turret with
reference to the tool tip point.
Defines the width of the turret.
Defines the lower width of the tool tip.
Define the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool
tip. These lengths define the maximum step down value
during grooving.

E
F
G
D1, D2

Defines the tool tip right angle. Must be between -90

and 90 degrees.
Defines the tool tip left angle. Must be between -90 and
90 degrees.
Defines the nose radius of the tool tip.

a
b
Ra

D
D1
C
B

D2
Ra

79

Update the following parameters of the tool:

32

Set the width of the tool holder (A) to 25;

Set the distance (B) to -8;

25

Set the height of the tool tip (C) to 15;

Set the lower width of the tool tip (G) to 3;

40
1

R0.2

Set the lengths of the tool tip cutting edges (D1

8

and D2) to 7;

Set the tool tip angles a and b to -1;

Set the nose radius Ra to 0.2.
Set the Cutting edge direction to
Set the Mounting type to

(Left);

The tool parameters are defined.

Click on the Select button to choose the defined tool for the operation.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Turning
Operation dialog box to define the Feed values. Set the
Feed normal to 0.18 and the Feed finish to 0.12. Set the
Safety angle value to 0.

80

15

3. Turning Operations

Safety angle

This parameter defines the angle between the material and the
cutting edge of the tool. It prevents the cutting edge of the tool from
coinciding with the material.

Modified geometry
Geometry

Safety angle

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the

Long option is chosen in the Process type area and
the External option is chosen in the Mode area. The

combination of these options enables you to perform

the External grooving tool path.

InventorCAM enables you to combine roughing and finishing in one operation. Make
sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work type area.
Click on the Rough tab to define the rough grooving parameters.

81

In the Rough offset area, choose the Distance

option. This option enables you to define a
constant offset distance from the geometry. Set
the Distance value to 0.2.

Offset

Offset
Offset

In the Step over area, set the Value to 2.8.

Step over

This field defines the sideways

distance between each two
successive groove-cut steps. This
distance must be smaller than the
tool width.

Step over

Switch now to Semi-finish/Finish tab. Make sure that the Turn-Groove method option
is chosen in the Finish area.
Turn-Groove method

The finishing pass is executed. The tool movements are generated in

such way that only the bottom of the tool cuts the material. This can
cause the tool to move against the direction of the geometry, while
the movement of the tool on the geometry is not continuous.
Select from the Finish on box the Entire geometry option.
In this case, InventorCAM
performs the finishing on the
entire profile geometry.

82

3. Turning Operations

Switch to the Groove parameters tab and set the Finish value to 0 in the Delta
area.

compensation

Delta compensation

For good surface finishing and better cutting conditions, the tool
should be allowed to bend slightly during the side cutting. This is
important so that only the corner radius of the tool will touch the
material. This field defines the distance the tool retreats before going
sideways.
Rough

Enter the distance the tool should retreat before moving

sideways in the roughing operation.
Finish

Enter the distance the tool should retreat before moving

sideways in the finishing operation.

5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Grooving Operation dialog box to save
the operation data and calculate the tool path.

83

6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Grooving Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

84

the Exit

button. Close the Grooving

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #8: Internal Grooving

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform machining of the
internal groove using Grooving operation.
1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Grooving operation in

InventorCAM Manager and choose Grooving from the
Add Operation submenu.
The Grooving Operation dialog box is displayed.
2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to

perform the machining of the internal groove.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

To perform the geometry selection,
use the Wireframe display mode.
With the Curve option chosen, select
the sketch segments as shown.
Switch back to the Shaded display
mode.
Confirm the chain definition with
the Accept Chain button. Close the
Geometry Edit dialog box with the
Finish button.
Click on the Modify Geometry button.

85

In the Start Extension/trimming section, set the Distance

value to 1 and in the End extension/trimming section, set the
Distance value to 1.
Click on the OK button to confirm the geometry modification.

3. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click on the Select button. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Add Turning Tool

button to define a new tool.

In the Tool type dialog box, choose the Int.Groove tool type.
The default parameters of the Internal grooving tool are displayed.

86

3. Turning Operations

Internal groove tool

A

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the
tool holder.
Defines the distance the tool tip extends beyond the
tool tip carrier.

C
D
E

F
G
D1, D2

a
b
Ra

Defines the height of the tool (not including the turret).

It must be greater than C.
Defines the position of the left side of the turret with
reference to the tool tip point. A negative value means
that the turret extends beyond the tool tip point.
Defines the width of the turret.
Defines the width of the tool tip.
Define the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool
tip. These lengths define the maximum step down in
grooving.
Defines the tool tip left angle. It must be between -90
and 90 degrees.
Defines the tool tip right angle. It must be between -90
and 90 degrees.
Defines the nose radius of the tool tip.
Defines the width of the tool tip carrier.
Defines the distance between right side of the tool tip
and the right side of the tool tip carrier.

H
K

Ra

A
F

D1

D2
a

87

Define the following parameters:

Set the width of the tool tip (G) to 3;

11

Set the width of the tool tip carrier (H) to 3;

Set the tool tip angles a and b to -1;

12

Set the nose radius (Ra) to 0.2;

60

Set the height of the tool (D) to 60;

Set the Cutting edge direction to
Set the Mounting type to

20

(Left);

The tool parameters are defined.

Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. The Grooving
Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Grooving Operation dialog box.

Set the Feed Normal to 0.15 and Feed

to 0.1;

Finish

88

Set the Safety angle to 0.

3. Turning Operations
4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that

the Long option is chosen in the Process type
area and choose the Internal option in the Mode
area. The combination of these options enables
you to perform the internal radial grooving.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the
area and click on the Data button to
define the roughing parameters.

Work type

Click on Rough tab to set the following.

Make sure that the ZX-ABS option is
chosen in the Rough offset area.
Set the Distance X to 0.2;
Set the Distance Z to 0.05.
In the Step over area, set
the Value to 2.8.
Switch to the Groove parameters tab. In the Delta compensation area, set the Finish
value to 0.
At this stage, the technological parameters of the operation are defined.
5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Grooving Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.

89

6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Grooving Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode. Click on the Half view
to see the section of the machined part as shown.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

90

button

button. Close the Grooving

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #9: Angled Grooving

The exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in
the previous exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform
machining of the angled groove.

1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Turning

operation in InventorCAM Manager and
choose Angled Grooving from the Add
Operation submenu.
The Angled Grooving Operation dialog
box is displayed.

2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined in order to perform

the machining of the angled groove.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry area.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

91

Switch to the Wireframe display mode

by choosing the Wireframe option in the
View menu. Choose the Curve option
in the Single entities section of the
Geometry Edit dialog box and select the
sketch segments as shown.
Switch back to the Shaded display mode
by choosing the Shaded option in the
View menu.
Confirm the chain definition with the
Accept Chain button.
Close the Geometry Edit dialog box with the Finish button.
3. Define the Tool

Click on the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Click on the Add Turning Tool

button to define a new tool.

Add an Ext.Groove tool for the operation. The default parameters of the External
grooving tool are displayed.

Define the following parameters:

92

3. Turning Operations

Set the width of the tool tip (G) to 1;

Set the distance the tool tip extends beyond the tool tip carrier (C)to 10;
Set the cutting edge lengths (D1, D2) to 4;
Set the tool nose (Ra) to 0.2;
Set the Cutting edge direction to

(Right).

Now you have to define the tool orientation to be tilted in 45.

Click on the Advanced button located in the top right corner to
display the Mounting drop-down list.
The Mounting dialog box is displayed. Click on
choose orientation as shown.

to

Set the Additional Angle parameter to -45 to tilt the tool.

To make sure that the tool is mounted in the desired
orientation, click on the Show Tool
button located in
the top right corner.
The Tool Picture window is displayed showing the tool in
the selected orientation.
Close the Tool Picture window.

Click on the Select button to

choose the defined tool for the
operation.

93

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long

option is chosen in the Process type area and the External
option is chosen in the Mode area. The combination of
these options enables you to perform the angled grooving
tool path.
Make sure that the Rough option is chosen in the Work
type area and click on the Rough tab to define the roughing
parameters.

Make sure that Single is chosen in Step down. This option allows you to machine the
groove in a single step down.
Set Step over value to 0.2.

Switch to the Semi finish/Finish tab. Make sure that ISO turning method is selected
from the Finish list.
At this stage, the technological parameters of the operation are defined.
5. Define Approach and Retract movements

Switch to the Link page. These options enable the user to define approach and retract
movements for each turning operation.
94

3. Turning Operations

From the Retract point box, select the

Direct option and set the following
values :
Set X (Dia.) to 80;
Set Z to -40.
Notice that these values can be picked
using the Pick button by clicking directly
on the model.

Approach and retract movements

The following approach/retract strategies are available for roughing

and finishing operations:
1. None

Start
Point

The tool path starts from the centre of

the hole (at the top level).

X
Z

Approach
Point

2. Direct

The tool moves to\from the start

point in a straight line.

Start
Point

X
Z

95

Approach
Point

3. Only Z / Only X

The tool moves along either Z or

X axis only. In this illustration tool
moves in X only.

Start
Point

X
Z

Approach
Point

Start
Point

4. X first / Z first
X

The tool moves to/from the start point

first along the X/Z axis, then along the
Z/X axis.

End point
of
previous
job

Start
Point

5. Direct from previous

The tool moves in a straight line from

the end point of the previous job to
the start point.

X
Z

(Available only for approach points).

End point
of
previous
job

6. X / Z first from previous

Tool moves along the X/Z axis, then

along the Z/X starting from the end
point of the previous job.

Start
Point

X
Z

(Available only for approach points).

The illustration shows tool path of the
X first from previous option.
7. Optimal from previous

The shortest path possible is calculated

automatically according to the internal
algorithm from the end point of the
previous job to the start point.
(Available only for approach points).
96

End point
of
previous
job
Start
Point

X
Z

3. Turning Operations
6. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Angled Grooving Operation dialog box to save
the operation data and calculate the tool path.
7. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Angled Grooving Operation dialog box. The
Simulation control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control
button.
panel with the Exit
Close the Angled Grooving
Operation dialog box with the
Exit button.

97

Exercise #10: External Threading

This exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in
the previous exercises. In this exercise you have to perform
machining of the external thread using the Threading
operation. The minimal diameter of the thread is 56 mm and
the pitch is 1.5 mm.

1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Angled Grooving operation in InventorCAM Manager

and choose Threading from the Add Operation submenu.

The Threading Operation dialog box is displayed.

98

3. Turning Operations
2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to machine the external

thread.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

With the Curve option chosen, select the sketch segment
as shown.
Note the direction of the geometry. The
geometry for this operation must be directed
in the negative direction of the Z-axis.
Confirm the selected geometry with the Accept Chain button and
close the Geometry Edit dialog box with the Finish button.
In the Modify Geometry section, set the Distance to 2 in Start
Extension/trimming and End Extension/trimming. This extension
enables the tool to approach (and retreat from) the geometry from
outside.
3. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click on the

Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
Define a new tool for the
external threading.
Click on the Add Turning Tool
button.
Choose the Ext. thread tool
from the Tool type dialog box.

99

External threading tool

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the
left side of the tool holder.
Defines the height of the tool tip.
Defines the height of the tool (not including the turret).
It must be greater than C.
Defines the position of the left side of the turret with
reference to the tool tip point.
Defines the width of the turret.
Defines the length of the cutting edge of the tool tip;
this length is equal on both sides.
Defines the tool tip angle. It must be between 0 and 180
degrees. This angle is symmetric around a perpendicular
line passing through the tool tip point.
Defines the tool nose radius.

A
B
C
D
E
F
D1
a

Ra
F

a
B
E

C
Ra

Set the following parameters:

45

Set the tool holder width (A) to 25;

25

Set the distance between the tool tip point and the left
side of the tool holder (B) to 2.5;
Set the height of the tool (D) to 50;
Set the turret width (F) to 45;
Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.1;
100

50

60
2.5
6

3. Turning Operations

Set the Mounting type to

position.

and the Cutting edge direction to the

(Left)

Click on the Select button to choose the defined tool for the operation.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Threading Operation dialog box.
The cutting speed chosen for the operation is 110 m/min.
The Spin value can be calculated with the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the diameter.
Spin=(1000*110)/(*58)600 rev/min.

Set Spin normal and Spin finish to 600.

101

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long option is
chosen in the Process type area and the External option is chosen
in the Mode area. The combination of these options enables you to
perform the radial external threading.

Make sure that the Multiple option is chosen in the Work type area.

InventorCAM enables you to choose between two main Work type

options:
Single the threading is performed in a single pass (G33).
Multiple the threading is performed in several passes
according to the machine cycle.
Switch to the Data tab. In the Pitch unit area, set the Value
to 1.5.
Pitch

In the Minor diameter area, set the value to 56.

Minor diameter

This option is available when the Process

type is set to Long and the Mode is set to
External. It defines the minimum diameter of

the thread at the first point of the geometry.

The thread depth is the difference between
the diameter of the first geometry point of
the thread and the minimum diameter value.
102

Minor diameter

3. Turning Operations

Choose Yes under External finish. This option enables

you to perform the finish pass on the tips of the threads.
Choose Yes under Thread finish. The finish pass is
performed on the thread.
At this stage, all the technological parameters of the Threading operation have been
defined.

5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Threading Operation dialog box to save
the Operation data and calculate the tool path.

6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Threading Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

103

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

104

button. Close the Threading

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #11: Internal Threading

This exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform machining of the
internal thread using the Threading operation. The maximal diameter
of the thread is 33.5 mm and the pitch is 1.5 mm.

1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Threading operation in InventorCAM Manager and

choose Threading from the Add Operation submenu.

The Threading Operation dialog box is displayed.

105

2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to machine the

internal thread.
Click on the Define button in the Geometry page. The Geometry
dialog box is displayed.

Edit

Select the sketch segment as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. The geometry for this operation must
be directed in the negative direction of the Z-axis.
Confirm the selected geometry with the Accept Chain button and close the Geometry
box with the Finish button.

Edit dialog

In the Modify Geometry section, set the Distance to 2 in Start

Extension/trimming and End Extension/trimming. This extension
enables the tool to approach (and retreat from) the geometry from
outside.

3. Define the Tool

In the Tool page, click on the Select button to define a new tool in the Part Tool Table
and choose it for the operation.
In the Part Tool Table dialog box, click on the Add Turning Tool
106

button.

3. Turning Operations

In the Tool type dialog box, choose the Int.Thread tool type.
The Internal Threading tool with the default parameters is displayed.
Internal Threading tool

Defines the width of the tool holder.

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the
tool holder.
Defines the distance the tool tip extends beyond the
tool tip carrier.
Defines the height of the tool (not including the
turret). It must be greater than C.
Defines the position of the left side of the turret with
reference to the tool tip point. A negative value means
that the turret extends beyond the tool tip point.
Defines the width of the turret.
Defines the length of the cutting edge of the tool tip.
Defines the tool tip angle. It must be between 0
and 180 degrees. This angle is symmetric around
a perpendicular line passing through the tool tip point.

A
B
C
D
E

F
D1
a

Defines the tool nose radius.

Defines the width of the tool tip carrier.

Ra
H

Defines the distance between the tool tip point and the
tool tip carrier right edge.

Ra
K

B
A
F

H
D

107

Set the following parameters:

6

Set the width of the tool holder (A) to

18;
Set the distance the tool tip extends
beyond the tool tip carrier (C) to 4;

60

18

32

80

Set the height of the tool (D) to 80;

Set the turret width (F) to 32;
Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.1.
Set the Cutting edge direction to left by clicking on

. Set the Mounting type to

The tool is defined, click on the Select button to choose it for the operation.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Threading Operation dialog box. Set the
spin and feed data.
The cutting speed chosen for the operation is 80 m/min.
The Spin can be calculated with the following formula:
Spin=(1000*V)/(*D), where V is the cutting speed and D is the maximal

diameter of the thread.

Spin=(1000*80)/(*33.5)750 rev/min.

108

3. Turning Operations

Set the Spin Normal and the Spin Finish to 750.

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. Make sure that the Long

option is chosen in the Process type area and the Internal
option is chosen in the Mode area. The combination of
these options enables you perform the internal radial
threading.

Make sure that the Multiple option is chosen in the Work type area. Set the Step down
to 0.1.
Click on the Data tab to set the following:
In the Pitch unit area, set the Value to 1.5.
In the Major diameter area, set the value to 33.5.

Major diameter

This option is available when the Process type is set to Long and
the Mode is set to Internal. It defines the maximum diameter of the
thread at the first point of the geometry. The thread depth is the
Pitch = 1.5

Major diameter = 33.5

109

difference between the maximal diameter value and the diameter of

the first geometry point of the thread.
Choose Yes under External finish. This option enables you
to perform the finish pass on the tips of the threads.
Choose Yes under Thread finish. The finish pass is
performed on the thread.
At this stage, all the technological parameters of the
Threading operation are defined.
5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Threading Operation dialog box to save
the operation data and calculate the tool path.
6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Threading Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

110

3. Turning Operations

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode. Use the Half view
the section of the machined part as shown.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

button to see

button.

Close the Threading Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

111

Exercise #12: Parting

This exercise uses the CAM-Part created and machined in the previous
exercises. In this exercise, you have to perform parting (cutting off) of
the machined part using the Cutoff operation.

1. Add an operation

Right-click on the last defined Threading operation and

choose Cutoff from the Add Operation submenu.

The Cutoff Operation dialog box is displayed.

2. Define the Geometry

The following geometry has to be defined to perform the

parting (cutting off).
In the Geometry page, click on the Define button to start
the geometry definition. The Geometry Edit dialog box is
displayed.

112

3. Turning Operations

Select the sketch segment as shown.

Note the direction of the geometry. In
this operation, the geometry directed to
the model rotation axis should be used.
Confirm the selected geometry with the Accept
chain button and close the Geometry Edit dialog
box with the Finish button.
In the Modify Geometry section, set the Distance
to 2 in Start Extension/trimming and End Extension/trimming.
3. Define the Tool

32

Click on the Select button in the Tool page to start the definition
of a new tool.

25

The Part Tool table dialog box is displayed. Click on the Add Turning
button to define a new tool.
Tool

60

Choose the Ext. groove tool in the Tool type dialog box.
Set the distance between the center of the radius of the tool
tip and the left side of the tool holder (B) to 0;
Set the height of the tool tip (C) to 35;

35

4
R0.2

113

 Set the height of the tool (D) to 60;

Set the position of the left side of the turret (E) to 0;
Set the nose radius of the right side of the tool tip (Ra) to 0.2.
Set Cutting edge direction to left by clicking on

. Set the Mounting type to

Click on the Select button to choose the defined tool for the operation.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page of the Grooving Operation dialog box. Define
the spin and feed data.
In this case, the differences of diameters through the tool path do not
enable you to use the common spin value.
The Constant Surface Speed (CSS) option is used. This option
enables you to define the cutting speed. The number of revolutions
per minute is calculated automatically according to the actual
diameter. You can maintain the constant cutting speed along the tool
path. In the areas of the smallest diameter, the number of revolutions
is greater and vice versa.
Switch to the CSS option in the Spin units section.
Set the cutting speed value of 100 for Spin Normal.
Set the Feed Normal value to 0.08.

4. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page. This page enables you to define the parting (cutting
off) technological parameters.
Choose the Left option in the Tool side area.

114

3. Turning Operations

The Tool side options enable you to define the tool position relative to
the defined geometry:
Left

The tool cuts to the left of the

geometry.
Right

The tool cuts to the right of the

geometry.
Middle

Left

Middle

Right

The tool center is located on the

geometry.
area, choose the Chamfer option. In the
choose the Right option. The chamfer is
machined as shown.

In the Corner
Location area,

At this stage, the definition of the technological parameters

of the parting operation is finished.
5. Save and Calculate

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Cutoff Operation dialog box to save the
operation data and calculate the tool path.
6. Simulate

Click on the Simulate button in the Cutoff Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.

115

Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

Simulate the tool path in the SolidVerify mode.

Close the Simulation control panel with the Exit

button.

Close the Cutoff Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

116

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #13: Button Lock Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the button lock shown below on
a Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

Turning CAM-Part definition;

External rough turning;

External finishing;

Parting (cutting off).

The Autodesk Inventor model of the Button Lock (Exercise13.ipt) is located in the
Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:
1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock, the Target Model, and the Clamp.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

117

2. External roughing

Define a Turning operation to perform the rough

machining of the part.

3. External finish

Perform the finishing of the front faces of the part

as shown.

4. Back side finish

Perform the finishing of the back faces of the part.

5. Parting

Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part

and machining of the chamfer.

118

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #14: Guided Ejector Bushing Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the guided ejector bushing shown below
on Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

Turning CAM-Part definition;

External turning with a groove tool;

Facial turning;

Drilling;

Internal turning;

Parting (cutting off).

The Autodesk Inventor model of the Guided Ejector Bushing (Exercise14.ipt) is located in the
Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:
1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock, the Target Model, and the Clamp.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.
2. External turning

Define the Turning operation to perform the machining of

the external radial faces. Use the grooving tool to machine
the grooves located radially.

119

3. Facial turning

Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown.

Note that it is not necessary to machine the whole face
because of the next Drilling operation.

4. Grooves machining

Define a Grooving operation to machine three grooves.

5. Drilling

Drill the preliminary hole that will be finally turned at the

next stage. Use a flat drill tool (see Exercise #4).

6. Internal finish

Perform the internal finish of the center hole including

chamfers.

7. Parting

Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and

machining of the chamfer.

120

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #15: Guide Pillar Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the guide pillar shown below on the
Turning CNC-machine.

This exercise reinforces the following skills:

Turning CAM-Part definition;

External rough turning;

External finish turning;

Facial turning;

Grooving;

Parting (cutting off).

The Autodesk Inventor model of the Guide Pillar (Exercise15.ipt) is located in the
Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:
1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock, the Target Model, and the Clamp.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.

121

2. External rough turning

Define a Turning operation to perform the rough

machining of the external radial faces.

3. Facial turning

Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown.

4. External finish turning

Define a Turning operation to machine the external model

faces except for grooves that will be machined in one of
the next stages.

5. Grooves machining

Define a Grooving operation to machine four grooves.

6. Parting

Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and

machining of the chamfer.

122

3. Turning Operations

Exercise #16: Bearing Bush Machining

Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the
bearing bush on the Turning CNC-machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:

Turning CAM-Part definition;

External turning;

Internal turning;

Facial turning;

Drilling;

Parting (cutting off).

The Autodesk Inventor model of the Bearing Bush (Exercise16.ipt) is located in the
Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:
1. Define the CAM-Part

At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock, the Target Model, and the Clamp.
The OKUMALL CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.
2. Facial turning

Perform the facial turning of the front face as shown.

3. External faces turning

Define a Turning operation to perform the machining of

the external cylindrical faces.

123

4. Center drilling

Define a Drilling operation to perform the preliminary

center drilling of the center hole.

5. Drilling

Define two Drilling operations

to machine the center hole
segments as shown.

6. Internal turning

Define a Turning operation to machine the internal model

faces.

7. Back side grooving

Define a Grooving operation to machine the back faces

as shown.

8. Parting

Define a Cutoff operation for cutting off the part and

machining of the chamfer.

124

Advanced Turning

The goal of this chapter is to familiarize you with advanced turning methods such as the Rest
Material machining.

4.1 Rest Material

InventorCAM automatically recognizes the rest material
areas left unmachined after the previous operations.
Consider the longitudinal turning of the geometry
presented on the illustration with an external roughing tool.

Geometry

According to its geometry, the tool cannot reach some

areas of the part in the process of machining.
Geometry

In InventorCAM, such unmachined areas are called Rest Material areas.

Rest
Material
Geometry

InventorCAM offers you a number of methods to determine and machine Rest Material areas.
The following exercises illustrate the InventorCAM functionality of the Rest Material turning.

126

4. Advanced Turning

Exercise #17: Wheel Machining

The following exercise illustrates the InventorCAM functionality of
Rest Material machining during longitudinal and facial rough/finish
turning operations performed on the Wheel part.
1. Load the model

Load the Exercise17.ipt model located in the Exercises

folder.
2. Define the CAM-Part

Since the CAM-Part definition process was explained in detail in previous exercises,
the details of the CAM-Part definition process are omitted.
Define the Coordinate System in the pierce point of the revolution axis and the front
face of the model.

20

Choose the OKUMALL CNC-controller.

In the Turning Part Data dialog box, set the Facet
tolerance value to 0.01 to get better performance
during the simulation.
Define the material boundary sketch on the XY plane
as shown. Make sure that the end points of the
sketched line are coincident to the model front and
back sides.
Select the sketched line for the definition of the
Stock.
127

Create a new sketch for the clamp on the same plane.

Sketch the clamp geometry as shown.
Define the InventorCAM Clamp geometry using this
sketch.

20
10
20
10

15

Define the Target model by selecting the solid body.

InventorCAM automatically generates the Envelope geometry that will be used

later in the definition of operations.
Confirm the CAM-Part definition.
3. Perform the external roughing

Define a new Turning operation to perform the rough

machining of the external model faces.
Define the geometry for the operation using the Envelope
sketch as shown below.

Define an External roughing tool for the operation.

128

4. Advanced Turning

Set the tool tip angle (a) value to 55.

Choose the defined tool for the operation.

Define the parameters of External roughing. In the Technology page, select Rough
from the Work type area in the General tab.
Switch to the Rough tab to define
roughing parameters:
Make sure that the default ZXABS option is chosen in the
Rough offset area.
Set the Distance X value
to 0.3;
Set the Distance Z value
to 0.1.
The defined offset remains
unmachined till the next finish
operation.
Switch to the Semi-finish/Finish tab. Make sure that the No option is selected under
Finish and Semi-finish. The finish machining will be performed later in a separate
operation.

129

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.

Some areas of the current geometry are unreachable for the tool. These areas are left
unmachined.
The next operation uses the Rest material option to perform the additional machining
only in the unmachined area.
4. Perform the rest material roughing

In the previous external roughing operation, the tool

with the Left orientation was moving in the negative
Z-direction.
In the Rest material roughing operation, the tool
moves in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The
Right orientation of the tool must be chosen.

130

4. Advanced Turning

Add a new Turning operation to perform the rough machining of the Rest material
area.
InventorCAM enables you to use an already existing operation as a template for the
current operation. All the data is copied from the template to the current operation.
This feature enables you to save the programming time.
In the Operation name area, choose the first operation
(TR_contour) as the template.
The data is copied. This operation contains the same geometry and technological
parameters as the previous Turning operation.
In the Geometry page of the Turning Operation dialog box,
choose From negative Z in the Material to be cut area. This
option enables you to reverse the direction of cuts. The
initial direction of cuts defined by the geometry direction
was negative relative to the Z-axis. When the reverse option
is chosen, the tool cuts in the positive Z-direction.
Define a new External roughing tool for the operation. Use the default geometric
parameters of the tool.
(Left) to
(Right). The tool
Change the tool Cutting edge direction from
orientation enables you to use this tool for cutting in the positive Z-direction.

Choose the defined tool for the operation.

131

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.

During the tool path calculation, InventorCAM automatically determines the Rest
material area suitable for machining with the defined tool and technological
parameters. The machining is performed in this Rest material area only.
At this stage, the rough machining of the external faces is completed. At the next
stage, you have to perform the finish machining.
5. Perform the external finishing

Perform the finishing of the external faces that were rough machined in the previous
steps.
Add a new Turning operation.
Define the geometry for the operation as shown.

Define a new tool of the Ext.Contour type for the operation.

132

4. Advanced Turning

Set the height of the tool tip (C) to 22;

Set the height of the tool (D) to 60;
Set the lengths of the two cutting edges of the tool tip (D1, D2) to 10;
Set the tool tip angle (a) to 30;
Set the tool nose radius (Ra) to 0.8.

Confirm the tool definition and choose the tool for the operation.
In the Technology page, choose the Finish only option
under Work type. This option enables you to perform the
finishing of the external faces.
Switch to the Semi-finish/Finish tab. Make sure that the
ISO-Turning Method is chosen for the Finish. With this

option, the finishing tool path is performed in the direction

of the geometry.

Note that the default Rest material only option is chosen in

the Finish on section. This option enables you to perform
finishing only in Rest material areas.
In this case, the Rest material area is the allowance left unmachined in the previous
operations.

133

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the external faces turning is completed.

6. Perform the facial roughing

Perform the facial rough turning of the end faces of the

wheel.
Add a new Turning operation and define the geometry as
shown. Use the Envelope sketch automatically generated by
InventorCAM during the Target model definition.
Envelope

22

134

4. Advanced Turning

Define the tool for the operation. Add a new tool of the Ext.Rough type to the Part
Edit the following tool parameters:

Tool Table.

Set the height of the tool (D) to 80.

Edit the position of the left side of the turret with reference to the tool tip
point (E). Set the value to -15.
Set the tool tip angle (a) to 35.
Set the lengths of the cutting edges of the tool (D1, D2) to 6.
In the Mounting drop-down list, set the tool mounting to

Tool Mounting

This parameter enables you to rotate

the tool to perform the machining from
different sides.
Tools with the same geometry but with
different rotation can be mounted on the
same tool holder. The Tool number of
such tools is the same, but Positions are
different.
Click on the desired orientation to choose
the major direction for the tool from
the picture. InventorCAM enables you
to choose different orientations for the
major application direction.
In addition to the major application direction, the Additional angle
box enables you to perform the fine tuning of the application angle.
To display this window, click on the Advanced button next to the
Mounting list.
(Right) and it cannot be
The tool Cutting edge direction is automatically set to
changed. The combination of these options enables you to use the tool for the facial
turning directed from outside to the revolution axis.
135

Confirm the tool data and choose the tool for the current operation.

In the Technology page, choose the Face option in the

Process type area and the Front option in the Mode area.
With these options, InventorCAM performs the facial
turning of the front faces.
Choose the Rough option in the Work type area.
The finish machining is performed later in a separate
operation.

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

136

4. Advanced Turning

Simulate the tool path.

There is an area of the geometry that is not reachable for the tool during the machining.
This area will be machined in a separate operation using the Rest material strategy.
7. Perform the facial Rest material machining

At this stage, you have to perform an additional

roughing operation that removes the bulk of material
in the area left unmachined after the previous
operation.
In this operation, the Rest material is removed with
a left-oriented tool in a number of cuts in the positive
X-direction (from the revolution axis to the outside).
Add a new Turning operation. In the same manner
as explained in Step #4, use the previous operation as
a template for the current one.
In the Geometry page of the Turning Operation dialog box, choose From negative Z for
Material to be cut. This option enables you to reverse the direction of cuts. The initial
direction of cuts defined by the geometry direction was relative to the Z-axis. When
the reverse option is chosen, the tool cuts in the positive Z-direction.
In this operation, you need to use the tool with the same geometric parameters as the
one used for the previous operation, except for its orientation.
137

Right-click on the Tool #4 in the list and choose the Copy

Tool command. A new tool identical to the previous one is
added. Choose (Left) for Cutting edge direction.

Confirm the tool definition and choose the tool for the operation.

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path.
During the tool path calculation, the Rest material area suitable for the machining
with the defined tool and technological parameters is determined automatically. The
machining is performed in this Rest material area only.
At this stage, the rough machining of the front faces is completed. At the next stage,
you have to perform the finish machining.
138

4. Advanced Turning
8. Perform the facial finishing

Define a new Turning operation. Use the Turning operation defined in Step #6 as
a template to copy all the data into the current operation. Use the same tool and the
same geometry as in the template operation.
Click on the Data tab in the Tool page and set the Safety angle to 5 in the Safety
parameters area.
In the Work type list of the Technology page, choose the Finish only option. This type
enables you to perform the finish machining along the geometry.
Make sure that the ISO-Turning method option is chosen in the Semi-finish/finish tab.
The Rest material only option is automatically chosen in the Finish on box. With this
option, InventorCAM performs the machining only in the Rest material areas. Set the
Start extension and End extension values to 1. These values enable you to overlap the
rest material area.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

In the same manner, define a new Turning operation based on the operation defined in
Step #7. This operation performs the facial finish machining in the Rest material area.
Use an External roughing tool with the lengths of cutting edges (D1, D2) of 9 mm.
In the Finish section, choose the ISO-Turning method option.
The Rest material only option is automatically chosen in the Finish on box. With this
option, InventorCAM performs the machining only in the Rest material areas. Set the
Start Extension and End Extension values to 1. These values enable you to overlap the
rest material area.
139

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the facial machining of the front faces is finished.

9. Hole machining

At the first stage, sketch a line as shown below to define

the start and the end points for drilling.

Envelope

Define a new Drilling operation to machine the hole.

140

4. Advanced Turning

In the same manner as explained in Exercise #4, define a new U-drill tool for the
operation. Use the tool of 40.

Define the Drill start and the Drill end position at the end points of the line.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path. Simulate the tool path.

At this stage, the exercise is completed.

141

4.2 Partial machining

This functionality supports rough, semi-finish and finish machining of long turning parts. In long
turning parts the machining of the whole geometry all at once might cause problems due to the
deformation of the workpiece under the cutting tool. Partial machining provides the capability to
machine the geometry by dividing it into several segments.
Segment #5

142

Segment #4

Segment #3

Segment #2

Segment #1

4. Advanced Turning

Exercise #18: Long Shaft Machining

The following exercise illustrates InventorCAM
functionality of Partial machining in turning operations
performed on the Long Shaft part.
1. Load the part file

Load the Exercise18.prz file located in the

Exercises folder.
This file contains the pre-machined part with two Turning operations in which the
machining of the front face and the first step is performed.
2. Machine the first segment of the geometry

Add a new Turning operation in InventorCAM Manager.

143

Define the full machining geometry as shown.

This geometry will be machined in several segments in a number of Turning operations.

In the Part Tool Table, choose the Ext.rough tool (Tool #2) used in the previous
operation.

In the Technology page, click on Strategies tab and check the Partial Machining check
box. Click on the Data button that becomes available.

144

4. Advanced Turning

The geometry chain is highlighted on the model. The Partial Machining dialog box
is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define geometry segment that will be
machined in the operation and related parameters such as its initial and final points,
distance and approach/retreat data.

First point/Second point

The First point and Second point sections enable you to define
the profile segment that will be machined in the operation and the
parameters of the tool approach/retreat movements.
The generated partial cutting pass is performed between the first and
second points; the cutting pass direction is determined according to
the Profile direction option state.

Second
point

First
point

InventorCAM automatically generates the approach and retreat

passes at the First point and Second point according to the machining
direction. In the illustration above, the approach movement is
performed at the First point and the retreat movement is performed
at the Second point.

145

The approach/retreat pass consists of an arc tangential to the partial

machining geometry at the First/Second point, and a line connected
to the arc. The line direction is automatically chosen according to the
Tool type, Tool tip angle and Safety angle parameters.
By default, the Distance along axis parameter
located in the First point and Second point
sections displays the minimal/maximal
Z-coordinate of the geometry. Since the
first segment to be machined starts at the
beginning of the geometry, do not change the
default value of this parameter for the First
point.
Pick the final point of the segment to be machined by clicking approximately in the
middle of the edge as shown.

The Distance along axis value for this point is

calculated automatically (-135.61) and displayed in
the X,Y,Z dialog box. Round it down manually to -135.

When the point has been picked, InventorCAM calculates the Distance
for the picked point and displays them

along axis and Diameter values

in the X,Y,Z dialog box.

The Distance along axis parameter displays the distance from the
CoordSys to the First/Second point along the Z-axis. When the Pick
option was used, the value is calculated automatically. It can also be
used as an alternative to the Pick option to define the First/Second
point locations. Even if the Pick option was already used, you can edit
the value received from the model and thus change the First/Second
point locations.

146

4. Advanced Turning

The Diameter parameter displays the value of the part diameter at

the specified location and is calculated automatically according to the
geometry and the Distance along axis value. When there are several
Diameter values for a single Distance along axis value, InventorCAM
chooses the maximal Diameter value determined.
Diameter

Diameter
Second
point

First
point

X
CoordSys
Z
Distance along axis
Distance along axis

Now you need to define the approach and retreat parameters.

Approach/Retreat parameters

The Radius parameter defines the radius of the approach/retreat arc

tangential to the profile at the First/second point.
The Line length parameter defines the length of the straight line
tangential to the arc. The direction of the approach/retreat lines,
connected to the approach and retreat arcs, is chosen according to the
Tool type.
Retreat
line
length

Retreat
radius

Second
point

Approach
radius

Approach
line
length

First
point

147

For External Rough tools, the approach line is determined as follows:

Approach line
direction

Second
point

First
point

When the approach/retreat lines are located inside the Material

boundary of the pre-machined stock, InventorCAM automatically
extends them till the Material boundary.

Approach
line length

Second
point

Make sure that the Radius value

for both First point and Second
point is 0.5. It must be equal to
the tool nose radius (Ra).
Select the Modify point to avoid
collision check box for both
First point and Second point.

148

First
point

4. Advanced Turning

Modify point to avoid collision

When this check box is selected, automatic modification of the defined

First and Second points is performed according to the geometry. The
point modification enables you to avoid possible collisions during the
approach and retreat movements.
When the First point is not modified, the approach is performed as
follows:

Second
point

First
point

The possible collision during the approach movement can be avoided

by the automatic point modification.

Second
point

First
point

Note the Modify contour to avoid collision

check box at the bottom of the Partial Machining
dialog box.

149

Modify contour to avoid collision

This check box enables you to

perform the modification of the
partial machining geometry.
When this check box is selected,
the geometry modification is
performed according to the tool
shape. The modification enables
you to avoid possible collisions
between the tool and the geometry
during the machining. During
the geometry modification, the
machining geometry is changed in
areas where the possible collisions
are detected. The geometry is
changed taking into account the
tool shape.

Non-modified contour

Modified contour

The Modify contour to avoid collision check box affects

only the finish and semi-finish tool path when the
Profile option is chosen for the Work type. When the
Rough option is chosen, the geometry modification is
automatically performed, irrespective of the state of the
Modify contour to avoid collision check box.
Click on the Show button to check the machining geometry and the updated partial
geometry between the First point and the Second point with the tangential arcs and
connected lines.

150

4. Advanced Turning

Confirm the Partial Machining check box by clicking on the OK button.

Click on the Save & Calculate button in the Turning Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

3. Machine the second segment of the geometry

Click on the Save & Copy button in the Turning Operation dialog box. An additional
Turning operation is added in InventorCAM Manager. This operation is a copy of
the previous one and contains the same geometry and tool data. Define the Partial
machining parameters to machine the next geometry segment.
Switch to the Technology page and click on the Strategies tab. Check the Partial
Machining check box and click on the Data button. The Partial Machining dialog box
is displayed.
Define the first point of the segment in such way that there will be an overlap between
the surface machined in the previous operation and the one to be machined. In the
previous operation, the length of the machined segment was 135 mm, i.e. the Distance
along axis value for the Second point was -135. Set the Distance along axis value for
the First point to -134 to perform the 1 mm overlap in the machined surface.

151

Click on the Pick button in the Second point section. Pick the point as shown.

The Distance along axis value for the Second point is calculated: -250.

Confirm the Partial Machining dialog box. Click on the Save & Calculate button in the
Turning Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

152

4. Advanced Turning
4. Machine the third segment of the geometry

In the same manner as explained in the previous step, add a new Turning operation
by saving and copying the last one. Open the Partial Machining dialog box and set the
Distance along axis value for the First point to -249. To define the Second point, click
on the Pick button and select the point on the model as shown.

The Distance along axis value for the Second point is calculated: -350.
Confirm the Partial Machining dialog box. Click on the Save & Calculate button in the
Turning Operation dialog box.
Simulate the tool path in the Turning mode.

5. Machine the rest of the geometry

In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, machine the rest of the
geometry in two segments.
153

Simulate all of the Partial machining operations in the Turning mode.

154

4. Advanced Turning

4.3 Simultaneous Turning

This operation enables you to perform machining of curve-shaped tool paths using tilting capabilities
of tools with round insert. The tool tilting is defined by specifying lines that indicate the tool vector
change. This operation is useful for machining of undercut areas in a single machining step.
This operation supports two types of tools: External Rough tools and External Groove tools.

155

Exercise #19: Curved Part Machining

The following exercise illustrates InventorCAM functionality of
Simultaneous machining in a turning operation performed on the
Curved part.

1. Load the model

Load the Simturn.ipt model located in the Exercises folder.

2. Define the CAM-Part

Since the CAM-Part definition process was explained in detail in previous exercises,
the details of the CAM-Part definition process are omitted.
Choose the Integrex200-IV as a CNC-machine. This machine is equipped with a spindle
with Y-axis travel and B-axis rotation.
Define the Coordinate System in the pierce point of the revolution axis and the front
face of the model.
Define a Cylinder stock model defined by the following
offsets :

156

Set Left (-Z) to 100.

Set External to 2.

Set the Internal Diameter to 65 (creates a hollow

cylinder).

4. Advanced Turning

In the Clamping method section, use the default Main option and make sure that the
default clamping option is chosen.

Set the Clamping diameter to 204 and the Axial Position to -200.

Set the values in the Jaws parameters section as follows:

Set the Jaw width (JW) value to 59.
Set the Jaw height (JH) value to 13.
Set the Step width (SW) value to 14.
Set the Step height (SH) value to 3.
.

157

3. Perform the external contour roughing

Define a new Turning operation to perform the rough machining of the external
model faces.
Define the geometry for the operation using the Envelope sketch as shown below.

Define a new External grooving tool for the operation.

Set A to 20.
Set C to 35.
Set D to 120.
Set F to 25.
Set G to 6.
Set D1 to 12.
Set D2 to 8.
Choose the defined tool
for the operation.

158

4. Advanced Turning

In the Technology page, define the parameters of External roughing. Select Rough
from Work type in the General tab.
Switch to the Rough tab to define roughing parameters.

Select Smooth from the Rough type drop-down list. Make sure that the Distance
option is chosen in the Rough offset area. Set the Distance value to 0.5. In the Step
Down area, set the Value to 2.
Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.
Simulate the tool path.

Some areas of the current geometry are unreachable for the tool. These areas are left
unmachined.
The next operation uses the Simultaneous turning operation to machine the rest of
the material.
159

4. Perform the simultaneous turning

Right-click on the last defined Threading operation and choose Simultaneous Turning
from the Add Operation submenu.
Define the same contour used in the previous operation as geometry.
Use the same tool as in the previous operation.
Switch to the Technology page and make sure that the Tool
option is set to Right.

side

Tool side

This section enables you to define the location of the tool center
relative to the geometry during the operation.

Left

The tool cuts to the left of the geometry.

Right

Left

Right

The tool cuts to the right of the geometry.

Switch to the Tool axis control page.
This page enables you to define the orientation of the tool axis during the Simultaneous
Turning operation.
Select from Tool axis direction box the Tilted through lines option.
160

4. Advanced Turning

Tool axis direction

This section enables you to define the orientation of the tool axis
during the machining relative to the surface normal.

Not to be tilted

This option enables you to keep the tool

axis direction coincident to the surface
normal at the cutting position. In other
words, the tool is always normal to the
surfaces during the machining.

Tilted through lines

This option enables you to define the

tool tilting by a number of lines. The tool
axis is changed gradually along the tool
path trying to pass through the defined
lines.
The Tilt lines section enables you to choose the lines geometry
from the list or define a new one with the Define button, using the
Geometry Edit dialog box. The direction of the side tilting gradually
changes, passing the defined tilt lines.
Define the tilt lines by clicking on the Define button.

161

Draw a sketch for the tilting lines as shown below.

Use the Geometry Edit box to select the following lines:

Confirm your selection by clicking on the Finish

button.

162

4. Advanced Turning

Save the operation data and calculate the tool path.

Simulate the tool path in the Machine Simulation mode.

At this stage, the exercise is completed.

Congratulations!

You have finished the InventorCAM 2012 Turning Training Course.

163

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