Lathecam Designer User Manual.: Total Commitment To Education and Training Worldwide
Lathecam Designer User Manual.: Total Commitment To Education and Training Worldwide
LatheCAM Designer
User Manual.
Denford Limited reserves the right to alter any specifications and documentation without prior notice. No part of
this manual or its accompanying documents may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Denford Limited.
All brands and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright Denford Limited - Version 2.2 - 2000. All rights reserved.
Jargon Buster - x
CAD/CAM refers to Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, using a computer to
help you plan your design from drawing into production.
CNC refers to Computer Numerical Control, the automatic system used to control a
machine tool.
A G-Code is a series of letters and numbers that make up the language used by
CNC machinery.
A billet is the piece of material you place in the lathe.
Parted-off means to cut the finished work, from the remaining material with a
special cutter.
System Requirements:
• IBM and 100% compatibles.
• Minimum processor: 486 DX2/66.
Recommended processor: Pentium.
• 8MB RAM with Win 3.xx.
16MB RAM with Windows 95/98/NT.
• Microsoft 100% compatible mouse.
• A VGA graphics card is required.
• A parallel port is required for the security dongle on the full
software version.
Jargon Buster - x
A dialogue box is a window that opens to let you enter text into a program.
The command line is where any text entries are entered in a dialogue box.
An icon is a small picture, displayed in Windows. When you double click the icon,
the program associated with that icon will run.
A program group, or group window is where a selection of icons can be stored
together in the Windows environment.
Note - x Note - x
It is recommended that LatheCAM Designer
you allow the Denford software ships in two
installation program to different formats: Win
create its own 3.xx and Win 95/98/NT.
directories and set up its Do not attempt to install
default values. If you the Win 95/98/NT
find these inconvenient, version of LatheCAM
then feel free to alter Designer onto a Win
them. 3.xx computer !!
Note - x Note - x
It is recommended that LatheCAM Designer
you allow the Denford software ships in two
installation program to different formats: Win
create its own 3.xx and Win 95/98/NT.
directories and set up its Do not attempt to install
default values. If you the Win 3.xx version of
find these inconvenient, LatheCAM Designer
then feel free to alter onto a Win 95/98/NT
them. computer !!
2) The materials window allows you to select the material type, the
CNC machine tool type, the units of measurement and the billet
size, both the diameter and length. For now we will leave these
as default values, so click on the [OK] button.
3) You will now be presented with the design window. The main grey
area of the window represents the side of the work billet, with the
red and white dashed line marking the centre of the billet. The
rectangle at the far left of this work area is the first element, a
parallel turn.
The purple square at the end of the element is called the edit
node (a purple edit node identifies the selected element). You can
alter the size of this first selected element by moving the cursor
over the edit node, then pressing and holding the left mouse key
and dragging the shape out to a new position.
Edit Node
Cursor
Parallel Turn
Jargon Buster - x
An element is a predesigned shape that can be used in your design. There are six
element shapes that can be used.
A parallel turn is when material is removed and the finished section is the same
diameter along its length.
An edit node is like a handle, you must click on with the cursor, which will allow
you to change the shape.
9) The final step is to run the G-code file on your machine tool, to
manufacture your part.
Note - x
Most CNC turning
machines are different
in the way they read or
load G-code
instructions. Therefore
no specific instructions
can be given within this
manual. Please check
the machine
manufacturer's manual
for exact details.
Billet diameter nudge buttons. Billet length nudge buttons. [OK] and [Default] settings buttons.
Jargon Buster - x
The term Billet refers to the piece of material that will be machined.
Centre line.
Element
positioning
nudge
buttons. First element.
Work area.
This is the area where all element blocks are placed and
manipulated. This working area represents the diameter and length
of the billet. Elements are added from left to right, with the left hand
side of the work area representing the end of the billet held in the
machine tool chuck. The dashed line shows the centre line of the
billet.
Menubar.
Click the required menu title to display the dropdown list. Move the
cursor down the list, highlighting each option. Click the highlighted
option to select it.
Titlebar.
The titlebar shows the name of the program 'Lathe CAM Designer'
along with the name of the file currently being edited (if saved
previously).
[1] - Parallel.
This will only allow you to draw a rectangle on the screen,
representing a true cylinder with parallel sides. Diameters 1 and 2
always remain the same.
[2] - Tapered.
This allows you to alter the diameter 2 of the cylinder, thus giving a
cone shape. Diameter 2, the right hand diameter, may only be
larger than diameter 1 by a small amount. The difference in
diameters is restricted by the angle set within the 'LCD.ini' file and
is related to the back angle of your turning tools.
[6] - Drill.
This allows you to drill into the right hand side of your design.
When the drill element is selected, a dialogue box will appear. The
dialogue box will allow you to set both the diameter and the depth
of a drilled hole, using the nudge buttons.
Drilling dialogue box.
Depth nudge buttons. [OK] and [Cancel] Drill operation buttons.
Centre Drill.
Clicking the centre drill checkbox will place a centre drill operation
at the end of your design, used for the accurate location of turning
centres held in the machine tool tailstock, or as a pilot hole for the
main drilling operation.
Peck Drill.
During the drilling cycle swarf can build up in the drill flutes. This
causes the drill bit to rise in temperature and wear prematurely.
Clicking the peck cycle checkbox periodically withdraws the drill bit,
which helps to remove the build up of swarf.
Numerical data.
This window shows the exact position and size of the selected
element. Each heading means:
1) 'Diameter 1' - The diameter of the left hand side of the element.
2) 'Diameter 2' - The diameter of the right hand side of the element.
3) 'Start Pos' - The absolute position of the left hand side of the
element, measured from the left hand end of the billet.
4) 'Length' - The length of the element.
5) 'End Pos' - The absolute position of the right hand side of the
element measured form the left hand side of the billet.
6) 'Angle' - This is the angle of the slope from diameter 1 to
diameter 2. If the figure is negative then diameter 1 is smaller
then diameter 2. The maximum negative angle is set by a value
held in the file 'LCD.ini'.
7) 'Radius' - This will only have a value for convex and concave
elements, showing the radius of the arc on the highlighted
element.
8) 'Drill Diameter' - This displays the drill diameter. This is the
same value entered when the drilling dialogue box was displayed.
9) 'Drill Depth' - This displays the drill depth. This is the same value
entered when the drilling dialogue box was displayed.
Shortcut keys:
Click the 'File' menu title to display the dropdown list. Move the
cursor down the list, highlighting each of the nine options. Click the
highlighted option to select it.
'New'
Click this option to start a new design. The screen is cleared after
giving you the option to save any previously designed work.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl + N].
'Open...'
Click this option to open a previously saved LatheCAM Designer file.
Choose the directory and folder from the 'Directories:' box, select the
'.lcd' file from the 'Files:' box, then click the [OK] button to load the
file.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl + O].
'Save'
Click this option to save any changes made to a previously saved
LatheCAM Designer file. LatheCAM Designer files are saved using
the file extension '.lcd'.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl + S].
'Save As...'
Click this option to save the current LatheCAM Designer file with the
option to place the file in a specific directory and folder with a user
defined filename. Choose the directory and folder from the
'Directories:' box, type the name of the file in the 'Filename:' dialogue
box, then click the [OK] button to save the file. Filenames must not
be longer than eight characters.
continued....
'Printer setup'
Click this option to configure your printer options.
'Alter Billet Size'
Click this option to display the Material window, where the billet size
can be changed. Note - all data will be lost unless saved before
selecting this option.
'Exit'
Click this option to close the LatheCAM Designer software. The
program is closed after giving you the option to save any previously
designed work.
Jargon Buster - x
A Directory is the lettered name given to areas of your computer where data can be
stored, e.g. c: (hard disk), a: (floppy disk). In addition, each directory can contain
named folders where data is stored.
Filenames are titles given to your saved files. They must not have more than eight
characters, any spaces, or punctuation e.g. lathecam.
Click the 'Elements' menu title to display the dropdown list. Move
the cursor down the list, highlighting each of the seven options.
Click the highlighted option to select it.
'Parallel' ................................. Click each
'Tapered' ................................ of these
'Convex Curve' ..................... options to
add the
'Concave Curve' ...................
named
'Screw Thread' ...................... element to
'Drill' ...................................... your design.
'Delete'
Click this option to remove the currently selected element.
Click the 'Information' menu title to display the dropdown list. Move
the cursor down the list, highlighting the single option. Click the
highlighted option to select it.
'About LatheCAM Designer'
Select this option to display information about the LatheCAM
Designer software:
• Software version number.
• Language installed.
• Units installed.
• Dongle serial number.
Click the [OK] button to close the window.
Click the 'Create G-code' menu title to display the dropdown list.
Move the cursor down the list, highlighting each of the three options.
Click the highlighted option to select it.
'Make file...'
Select this option to convert your LatheCAM file into a G-code file, a
series of letters and numbers that make up the language used by
CNC machine tools. G-code files are saved using the file extension
'.fnl'.
The 'File Save As' window will appear. The default directory is
'c:\denford\data'. Choose the directory and folder from the
'Directories:' box, then type in the name of the file in the 'Filename:'
dialogue box. Filenames must not be longer than eight characters.
Click the [OK] button to begin the conversion process.
The G Code Generator window will be displayed, showing a
confirmation of the chosen filename and location. Click the
checkboxes to select the 'part-off', 'face-off' or 'use coolant' options.
A tickmark appears when each option is selected.
Jargon Buster - x
A Directory is the lettered name given to areas of your computer where data can be
stored, e.g. c: (hard disk), a: (floppy disk). In addition, each directory can contain
named folders where data is stored.
Filenames are titles given to your saved files. They must not have more than eight
characters, any spaces, or punctuation e.g. lathecam.
A parting-off operation removes the finished design from the remainder of the billet,
still held in the machine chuck.
Face-off refers to the turning operation used to cut the billet end at 90 degrees to
the centreline, before the design is machined.
Coolants can be used to prevent the cutting tools from overheating during the
machining process.
continued....
Drill bit
Threading tool.
The threading tool has only one function due to its sharp steeply
angled cutting edge. This tool is able to create many different
depths of thread.
Twist Drill.
The twist drill is used to make holes in the centre of the billet. The
drill bits are available in a variety of lengths and widths. On a lathe
the drill bit remains stationary as the billet revolves.
Centre Drill.
This is a small rigid drill bit that has the function of making a small
pilot hole, used for guiding the main drill bit to the centre of the
billet or locating a turning centre held in a lathe tailstock.
Config Directory
MACHDATA.INI LCD.INI
Holds the path data (Win 3.xx ONLY)
for various types of FANUCL.INI Start up values for
lathes Individual settings main program.
for different lathes
LC-DES.EXE
Main Executable
file
Data
LCD.INI
Directory (Win 95\98\NT
ONLY)
GENERIC.GNC Start up values for
Generic G-Code main program.
file, created by
LatheCAM for use
by DENLANG.DLL
Libs Directory
FANUCL.SLB
Information for
DENLANG.DLL creating G-Code
Post processor specific to CNC
program that lathe
generates G-Code
[Path Data]
GNC Name=c:\denford\data\generic.gnc - A temporary file generated by LatheCAM.
LCD Files=c:\denford\data\ - LatheCAM files directory.
GCode Files=c:\denford\data\ - G-code files directory.
[Feed Rates]
Steel(Metric)=60.000 - Feed rates are how fast the tool moves
Brass=70 through the material, defined in
Plastic=150 millimetres per minute for (Metric)
Steel(Imperial)=2.3 settings and inches per minute for
Wax=350 (Imperial) settings.
Aluminium=140.005
[Materials]
Steel(Metric)=120 - These are the surface cutting speeds,
Brass=100 defined in metres per minute for (Metric)
Plastic=300 settings and feet per minute for
Steel(Imperial)=120 (Imperial) settings. The actual cutting
Wax=500 speed varies according to the diameter
Aluminium=170 of the billet.
[Finish Cut]
Steel(Metric)=0.5000 - Finish cut, this is the amount of
Brass=0.5 material left before applying the finishing
Plastic=0.5 cut, defined in millimetres for (Metric)
Steel(Imperial)=0.02 settings and inches for (Imperial)
Wax=0.5 settings.
Aluminium=0.5000
[Thread]
Pull Out Angle=60 - Angle at which the tool leaves the billet.
Thread Angle=60 - Pitch of the thread.
Finish Allowance=0.03 - Material left before the final cut.
XOffSet=1 - X and Z offsets define the starting point
ZOffSet=5 for the tool, used as an allowance to let
XOffSet (Inches)=0.04 the drive motors spin upto full speed
ZOffSet (Inches)=0.04 before cutting takes place.
Diameter OffSet=0.05 - Diameter offsets define the amount of
Diameter OffSet (Inches)=0.001 'play' in the thread.
Thread Undercut=2 - Specifies type of thread undercut.
[Thread Lookup]
0=0.25 - The thread lookup table is used to
1=0.4 define an appropriate thread pitch for the
2=0.5 thread diameter selected.
3=0.7
4=0.8
5=1
6=1.25
7=1.5
8=1.75
9=2.00
10=2.5
11=3.0
12=3.5
13=4.0
14=4.5
15=5
[Drill]
Use Centre=1 - Use (1) or do not use (0) centre drill.
Peck Drill=1 - Use (1) or do not use (0) peck drilling.
[ 0 ] No undercut.
[Path Data]
GNC Name=P:\Denford\data\generic.gnc
LCD Files=P:\Denford\data\
GCode Files=P:\Denford\data\
GNC Name=N:\Mywork\generic.gnc
MCD Files=N:\Mywork\
G Code Files=N:\Mywork\
where 'P' is the Network drive mapped to the 'Denford' folder on your
server computer.
Selecting an Element:
Click the square edit node, located on the element you want to
select. The edit node will change to a purple colour, when the
element is selected.
Resizing an Element:
1) Select the element you want to change.
2) Use the mouse or nudge buttons to resize the element.
Removing Elements:
1) Select the element you want to remove.
2) Click the right mouse button.
Changing Directories:
To change the directory to read c:\denford\data, when not
displayed as listed above:
1) Using the "Directories." panel of the "File Save" window, click the
dots in the square brackets [..] until the directory is displayed as
c: drive. The current directory is stated opposite the "Directory:"
title, directly under the filename dialogue box. Whenever you click
on the dots in the square brackets, you will be taken back ONE
directory level. If you do not understand directory structures,
please refer to your Windows Manual.
2) Once the Directory is displayed as the c: drive, double click
[denford] in the "Directories." panel. The directory should now
read c:\denford
3) Double click [data] in the "Directories." panel. The directory
should now read c:\denford\data
Q. After creating a G code file, approximately 12.5mm (0.5") of material gas been
added to the part length.
A. When setting the material size in LatheCAM Designer, specify the machineable area
and NOT the actual physical billet size. When creating the G code, the post processor
will automatically add material to the length for chuck compensation.
Q. After creating a G code file and attempting to manufacture the part, the cutter is
trying to remove too much material in one pass.
A. Lower the cut settings, particularly the roughing cut. From the menubar, select "Create
G code | Set G code Parameters".
Contact Details:
Denford Limited
Birds Royd, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1NB, UK.
Telephone: 01484 712264
Fax: 01484 722160
ISDN: 01484401157:01484401161
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm GMT
http://www.denford.com