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Lathecam Designer User Manual.: Total Commitment To Education and Training Worldwide

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
125 views40 pages

Lathecam Designer User Manual.: Total Commitment To Education and Training Worldwide

Uploaded by

Kainat jamil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 40

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 1


Notes.

About this Manual.


Disclaimer We take great pride in the accuracy of information given in this
manual, but due to nature of software developments, be aware that
software specifications and features of this product can change
without notice. No liability can be accepted by Denford Limited for
loss, damage or injury caused by any errors in, or omissions from,
the information supplied in this manual.
Screenshots Please note that any screenshots are used for explanation
purposes only.
Language This manual is written using European English.
Contact Any comments regarding this manual should be referred to the
following e-mail address: [email protected]
Updates Any updates to this manual will be posted in the 'Downloads'
section of the Denford website: http://www.denford.co.uk

2 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Contents. Table of Contents

Conventions used in this Manual .............................................. 4


Introduction .............................................................................. 5
Minimum System Requirements ............................................... 6
Security Devices ....................................................................... 7
Installation Procedure - Windows 3.xx ..................................... 8
Installation Procedure - Windows 95/98/NT ............................. 9
Quick Start ............................................................................... 10
Material Window ....................................................................... 13
Design Window ........................................................................ 15
Element Buttons ....................................................................... 16
Data Panel ............................................................................... 18
Element Positioning Nudge Buttons ......................................... 19
File Menu ................................................................................. 20
Elements and Information Menus ............................................. 22
Create G-code Menu ................................................................ 23
Tool Types ................................................................................ 27
Program Structure .................................................................... 28
Advanced Program Setup ........................................................ 29
Network Installation of LatheCAM Designer ............................. 32
How To... .................................................................................. 34
Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 36
Technical Support ..................................................................... 37
Glossary ................................................................................... 38
Index ........................................................................................ 39

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 3


Conventions used in this Manual.
Mouse Usage When asked to left click on a menu tile or object, click the LEFT
mouse button ONCE. When asked to right click on a menu tile or
object, click the RIGHT mouse button ONCE. When asked to
double click on an object, click the LEFT mouse button TWICE.
When reference to either a left mouse button or right mouse button
click command is omitted, always perform one click with the left
mouse button.
Underlined text This is used to show key words. The full definition of any terms are
given in the Jargon Buster helpboxes. Similar helpboxes are also
used to display any Important Notes or Tips to help you use the
program.
"Quotation Marks" Quotation marks are used to specify any software menu, title and
window selections, e.g. click the "File" menu would mean click the
left mouse button once, when the cursor is positioned over the File
menu label. When a sequence of menu commands are requested,
the menu and option names are separated by a vertical line, for
example - Click "File | Open" would mean open the File menu, then
click on the Open option.
Bold Text Bold Text is used to show any characters, or text, that must be
entered, e.g. type file1 would mean type the word file1 into the
appropriate text entry box.
[Square Brackets] Square brackets are used to show any on-screen software button
selections, e.g. Click the [OK] button would mean click the left
button of the mouse once, when the cursor is directly pointing over
the button labeled OK.
[Bold Square Brackets] Bold square brackets containing text show individual keys to press
on your qwerty keyboard, e.g. press [Enter] would mean press the
Enter key. If a number of keys must be pressed in sequence they
are shown with plus signs outside any square brackets, e.g. press
[Alt] + [Enter] would mean press the Alt key first followed by the
Enter key second. If a number of keys must be pressed
simultaneously they are shown with plus signs inside any square
brackets, e.g. press [Alt + Enter] would mean press both the Alt
key and Enter key together, at the same time.

4 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Introduction.
Congratulations on your purchase of LatheCAM Designer software.
LatheCAM Designer has been specially written to lead you through
your first experiences of CAD/CAM, into the exciting stages of CNC
manufacture!!

LatheCAM Designer is a CNC design system which allows users to


build up a turned component on screen, using a graphical
environment. A file, in G-Code format, can then be produced
automatically.

The work area is specified at the start of the program. This


represents the billet size available in the lathe being used. No block
can be placed or moved outside the work area. This acts as a
safety feature when machining is taking place.

The design is created by placing different styles of blocks together


within a limited area. Each block, after being placed, can be
manipulated to determine its exact size and shape. LatheCAM
Designer is co-ordinate based, allowing extremely accurate
movements of the blocks by either keyboard arrow keys or a mouse.
Unrequired blocks may be simply deleted at any time.

Any design drawn can be drilled and parted-off . Designs can be


saved and loaded at any time, so a library of useful parts can soon
be built up.

LatheCAM designer has been developed to be as simple to use as


possible. It will allow your CNC turning machine to be used as a
'everyday tool' rather than one reserved for special occasions.

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 5


Minimum System Requirements.
The following hardware is required to run LatheCAM Designer.

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.

6 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Security Devices.
Your LatheCAM Designer disks will be preformatted, ready for use
with one of the following security devices:
1) Flash Software
This version does not require a security key. When first starting
LatheCAM Designer, a screen will appear displaying your user
information and licence details.
A single seat licence can be installed to only one computer
station at the registered establishment.
A multiple seat licence can be installed to the specified number
of computer stations at the registered establishment.
2) Keyed Software
This version uses a security key, called a dongle.
When using the Keyed version of the software, LatheCAM
Designer will not run without the Denford Security Dongle.
Fit the dongle onto the parallel port of your computer.
The parallel port is usually positioned on the back panel of your
computer - a long, thin 25 pin male connector plug. Note that
your parallel port may be labelled as the printer port.
The dongle has a pass-through feature, allowing data to be sent
to other external devices, such as printers, scanners or zip
drives, when the LatheCAM software is not being used. Simply
plug the parallel port cable, supplied with your external device,
directly into the back of the dongle.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 7


Installation Procedure - Windows 3.xx.
Follow these instructions to install the Denford LatheCAM Designer
software onto a computer running Windows 3.xx. Whilst running
Windows on your computer:
1) Insert the LatheCAM Designer floppy disk into your floppy disk
drive, usually labelled drive 'a:'.
2) From 'program manager' select 'run' from the 'file' menu.
3) A dialogue box will appear. Type in the command line box
"a:install" and press [Enter].
4) This will run the Denford install program. Pressing [Enter] will
install LatheCAM Designer onto your hard disk. It will also create
a group window and place the 'Lathe CAM Designer' icon in this
group window.
5) Before using LatheCAM Designer for the first time, ensure that
keyed versions of the software have the dongle fitted to the
parallel port of your computer (see page 7). If you did not receive
a dongle, you will be using a flash version of the software (see
page 7).
The LatheCAM Designer
icon looks like this.

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 !!

8 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Installation Procedure - Windows 95/98/NT.
Follow these instructions to install the Denford LatheCAM Designer
software onto a computer running Windows 95/98/NT. Whilst
running Windows on your computer:
1) Insert the LatheCAM Designer floppy disk into your floppy disk
drive.
3) Double-click the left mouse button on the 'My Computer' icon. In
the 'My Computer' window find your floppy disk drive icon, usually
labelled 'a:' and double-click the left mouse button on this icon.
4) The contents of the floppy disk will be displayed in a new window.
Double-click the left mouse button on the file named 'Setup.exe' to
start the Denford software installation program.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install LatheCAM Designer.
5) Before using LatheCAM Designer for the first time, ensure that
keyed versions of the software have the dongle fitted to the
parallel port of your computer (see page 7). If you did not receive
a dongle, you will be using a flash version of the software (see
page 7).

The LatheCAM Designer


icon looks like this.

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 !!

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 9


Quick Start.
This section will enable you to become familiar with the features of
LatheCAM Designer, without referring to the reference sections.

1) Start LatheCAM Designer by double clicking on the LatheCAM


Designer icon, or by clicking
'Startbar|Programs|Denford|LatheCAM' in Windows 95/98/NT.

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.

10 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Quick Start.
4) New types of element can be added by clicking on the element
buttons above the work area. Each new element be will placed to
the right of the highlighted element.

Parallel Tapered Convex Concave Thread Drill


Element Buttons.

5) Elements can be edited at any time. Simply highlight the required


element by clicking on its edit node once. The information about
the highlighted element is displayed in the lower window, called
the data panel. The icon in the data panel shows you the type of
element selected, the other data is numerical and gives the exact
location and size of the element.

6) Pressing [Delete] will remove any highlighted element. To delete


the whole drawing, simply click 'File|New' from the menubar.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 11


Quick Start.
7) When you have finished designing your shape, save your
LatheCAM Designer file by clicking 'File|Save As...' from the
menubar. LatheCAM files are saved with the file extension '.lcd'.

8) The G-code, required by your CNC machine tool, is made by


clicking 'Create G-code|Make file...' from the menubar. G-code
files are saved with the file extension '.fnl'.

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.

12 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Material Window.
The material window is the first window displayed when the
LatheCAM Designer program is started.

Billet material Machine type Units of measurement


dropdown list button. dropdown list button. checkbox.

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 13


Material Window.
Various options are available in the material window:
1) Machine Type - Click the arrow button next to the 'Machine Type'
title to display the dropdown list, then click on the name of the
machine you intend using for parts manufacture.
2) Units of Measurement - A tickmark in the 'Metric Units'
checkbox indicates Metric measurement (millimetres) are
selected. No tickmark indicates Imperial measurement (inches).
Note that this checkbox is only used for display purposes - The
Units of Measurement are set from the options in the 'Machine
Type' dropdown list.
3) Billet Material - Click the arrow button next to the 'Billet Material'
title to display the dropdown list, then click on the name of the
material used for your billet.
Note - Selecting a particular material will load a set of specific
machining parameters. Their values can be edited from the
design window, using the 'Create G-code|Set G-code
parameters...' menu. The units of measurement used in the set of
machining parameters must match the units of measurement used
in the machine type (chosen in section 1), i.e. they must be both
Metric or both Imperial.
For more information see the G Code Parameters and Advanced
setup sections on pages 24 and 29.
4) Diameter - Click the up and down nudge buttons to define the
'diameter' of the billet in the units of measurement previously
selected. This will be the X axis movement of the machine.
5) Length - Click the up and down nudge buttons to define the
'length' of the billet in the units of measurement previously
selected. This will be the Z axis movement of the machine. This
figure should not include the additional material required for
holding the real billet in the lathe chuck.
6) [OK] / [Default] - Click the [OK] button to save the current
settings and open the design window. Click the [Default] button to
reset all the options in the materials window.

14 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Design Window.
Titlebar. Menubar. Element buttons. Work area.

Centre line.

Element
positioning
nudge
buttons. First element.

Screen Layout. Data panel. Selected element icon.

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).

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 15


Element Buttons.
Shortcut keys:
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Parallel Tapered Convex Concave Thread Drill


There are 6 element buttons, each representing a different shape
that can be used in the work area.
To add a new element to your design, simply click on the button
required, use the appropriate short cut key, or select the element
name from the 'element' menu.
The shape of each element is Edit Node
changed by dragging the edit node.
These are the faint squares, visible
at the top edge of each element
Cursor
block. The selected element node
is always highlighted using a purple
square.
Element shapes can also be
adjusted using the element
positioning nudge buttons (see
pages 10 and 18).
Parallel Turn

[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.

[3] - Convex, [4] - Concave.


These allow you to place radii on your work, restricted to 90 degree
arcs.

16 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Element Buttons.
[5] - Thread.
This allows you to place a thread on your design. You should
ensure that the elements either side of the thread will allow the
threading tool enough clearance (the program cannot detect how
much clearance your machine will require). However, the program
will automatically make an undercut to left of the thread.

[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.

Diameter nudge buttons. Drill selection checkboxes.

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 17


Data Panel.
Data Box.

Numerical data. Selected element icon.

Selected element icon.


This icon shows what type of element is highlighted. The icons
displayed look identical to the buttons used at the top of the screen.
As you select different elements the icon will change.

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.

18 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Element Positioning Nudge Buttons.
Element positioning nudge buttons.
These allow the elements to be shaped and positioned with a very
high degree of accuracy.
To change the shape of a selected element, simply click on the
required element positioning nudge button. There are three degrees
of movement accuracy available using the nudge buttons.
The shortcut keys, shown below, can also be used to change the
selected element shape.
If you use the combination [Arrows + Control + Shift] then you
can nudge 0.001.

Shortcut keys:

For 1.0 movement use:


[Arrows]

For 0.1 movement use:


[Arrows + Shift]

For 0.05 movement use:


[Arrows + Control]

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 19


File Menu.

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....

20 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


File Menu.
'Refresh Screen'
Click this option to redraw the design window.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl + R].
'Print'
Click this option to print the work area of the design window. The
'Print Scale Percentage' option of the 'Print Options' window allows
the printed size of the work area to be changed. When set to
'100%', the work area is printed as large as possible on the default
selection printer paper.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl + P].

'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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 21


Elements and Information Menus.

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.

22 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Create G-code Menu.

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 23


Create G-code Menu.
'Make file...' option continued....
Click the [Create G-code] button to begin the conversion process.
The machining paths for your design will be calculated and plotted
on-screen, according to the values set in the G-code Parameters.
Following this, the 'Post Processor' window will be displayed,
indicating the progress of the file conversion and the final location of
the G-code file.

'Set G-Code parameters'


Select this option to configure the machining parameters relative to
the material used for the billet.

continued....

24 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Create G-code Menu.
Billet Material option.
The billet material option loads a set of machining parameters
appropriate for the material chosen. Click the arrow button next to
the name of the material to display the dropdown list, then click on
the name of the material you intend using for parts manufacture. If
the machine units are set to Metric (as selected from 'Machine Type'
in the opening material window), the machining parameters must
also be defined using Metric units. If the machine units are set to
Imperial, the machining parameters must also be defined using
Imperial units.
Machining Parameters.
Click the up and down arrow nudge buttons to specify the value of
the following machining parameters, appropriate to the material and
units of measurement currently selected:
• Feed Rate (the speed at which the tool moves through the
material, measured in millimetres per minute or inches per
minute).
• Finishing Cut (the amount of material left before applying the final
cut giving good dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality,
measured in millimetres or inches).
• Roughing Cut (the amount of material removed in one roughing
pass, measured in millimetres or inches).
• Threading Cut (the maximum amount of material removed in one
pass, measured in millimetres or inches).
• Surface Cutting Speed (the ideal material surface cutting speed,
measured in metres per minute or feet per minute. The actual
cutting speed varies according to the diameter of the billet).
[Add...] option.
You can specify your own material and parameters by clicking on
the [Add...] button, typing a name for the new material, then adjust
the set of machining parameter values for the new material. The
settings for new materials are saved in the 'LCD.ini' file.
Any material selected or added will be used as the default in the
'Material' window, the next time the LatheCAM Designer software is
run.
For more information see the Advanced setup section on page 29.
Jargon Buster - x
A Parameter is a value contained in a program. Many of these parameter values
can be changed by the software user.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 25


Create G-code Menu.
'Set Lathe Tooling'
This menu will select a dialogue box that will allow you to match your
CNC machine toolpost numbers with the LatheCAM tooling setup,
i.e. if tool 1 on the CNC machine is a roughing tool, then tool 1 in
LatheCAM Designer must be a roughing tool. This information is
needed by the software so that when a tool change is required it can
enter the correct number in the G-Code file.
For each tool profile, click the grey diamond marker next to the tool
number required. A black bullet is displayed to indicate the current
number selected for each tool. Click the [OK] button to confirm the
setting of all tool profiles.
Selected number for each tool
shown by black bullet marker.

Side & Face tool Threading tool

Parting off tool Centre Drill

Drill bit

26 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Tool Types.
Parting tool.
Used mainly to remove work from the end of the billet, but on
occasion it is used to make small undercuts.

Roughing / Cutting tool.


This is a right handed cutting tool. It is used on the outside of the
billet and carries out the majority of the work.

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.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 27


Program Structure.
LatheCAM Designer uses and creates several files while it is
running. The diagram below shows the position and function of
these files. Note that the location of the 'LCD.ini' file depends on
whether a Win 3.xx install disk or Win 95\98\NT install disk has been
used.
Position and purpose of the main LatheCAM Designer files.
Denford Directory Windows Directory

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

28 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Advanced Program Setup.
All of the program features are setup automatically by the
installation program. It is possible to alter some program settings
manually, to suit your particular needs. The program default
values are stored in the 'LCD.ini' file. This can be found in your
Windows directory (Win 3.xx users) or Denford directory (Win
95\98\NT users). The following is an example of this file and a
description of the contents.
[Settings]
Material Type=Aluminium - Most recently used material.
Length=50.0 - Most recently used length.
Diameter=30.0 - Most recently used diameter.
machine=Novaturn (metric) - Most recently used machine.
type=1

[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

[Roughing Cut Increment]


Steel(Metric)=1.0000 - These values are the maximum
Brass=3 amounts taken out in any roughing cut ,
Plastic=4 defined in millimetres for (Metric)
Steel(Imperial)=0.08 settings and inches for (Imperial)
Wax=4 settings.
Aluminium=0.500
Continued on the next page....

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 29


Advanced Program Setup.
continued from the previous page....

[Thread Cut Increment]


Steel(Metric)=0.0600 - The maximum amount the tool
Brass=0.06 removes on any single pass, defined in
Plastic=0.06 millimetres for (Metric) settings and
Steel(Imperial)=0.008 inches for (Imperial) settings.
Wax=0.088
Aluminium=0.0610

[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

[Thread Lookup (Inches)]


0=0.05 - The thread lookup table is used to
1=0.05556 define an appropriate thread pitch for the
2=0.0625 thread diameter selected.
3=0.07143
4=0.07692
5=0.08333
6=0.09091
7=0.1
8=0.11111
9=0.125
10=0.14286
11=0.16667
12=0.2

[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.

30 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Advanced Program Setup.

Thread Undercut options.

[ 0 ] No undercut.

[ 1 ] A small section of thread is


removed at the end of the thread.

[ 2 ] A piece of material is removed


before the thread has been cut.

[ 3 ] Material is removed from both


the thread and the workpiece.

To gain access to the undercut


options use a text editor and open
the 'LCD.ini' file. Undercut options
are placed under [Thread]
e.g. Thread Undercut=1

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 31


Network Installation of LatheCAM Designer.
To install LatheCAM Designer on your server computer:

Install the LatheCAM Designer software to the required hard drive


on your server computer.

Find the file 'LCD.ini', located in the 'Windows' or 'Denford' directory.

The 'LCD.ini' file will contain a section similar to the following:

[Path Data]
GNC Name=P:\Denford\data\generic.gnc
LCD Files=P:\Denford\data\
GCode Files=P:\Denford\data\

where 'P' is your server computer hard drive.

In addition to checking that these directories exist in the locations


listed, check that the following rules apply:
1) 'GNC Name=' must point to a read/write file (it is a temporary file
created for each student during the G-Code generation process).
2) 'LCD Files=' must point to a read/write directory (it is the directory
where a students design files are kept).
3) 'G Code Files=' must point to a read/write directory (it is the
directory where a students CNC files are kept).
4) Workstation computers must have access to the main program file
'LCD.exe' located in the 'Denford' directory.

Normally, these three entries must be reconfigured to point towards


the students own personal directory area. For example, a student
having a personal directory of 'N:\Mywork\' would have these entries
changed in the server computer 'LCD.ini' file to read:

GNC Name=N:\Mywork\generic.gnc
MCD Files=N:\Mywork\
G Code Files=N:\Mywork\

32 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Network Installation of LatheCAM Designer.
To install LatheCAM Designer on each workstation computer:

Setup a shortcut to the main program file 'LCD.exe', located in the


'Denford' directory on your server computer.

Check that the 'WIN.ini' file, located in the 'Windows' directory, on


each individual workstation computer running LatheCAM Designer
has the following:

[Denford Machine Tools]


Directory=P:\Denford\

where 'P' is the Network drive mapped to the 'Denford' folder on your
server computer.

For specialist networks (e.g. RM) contact Denford Customer


Services if you experience any problems.

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 33


How To...
Adding an Element:
Click the appropriate element button to place the new shape into the
work area.

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.

Adding a New Material Type:


1) From the menubar, click "Create G code | Set G code
Parameters".
2) The "Feeds" window will appear.
3) Click the [Add] button.
4) Enter a name for the new material type, then click [OK].
5) Enter the desired feed and cut settings, then click [OK].

34 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


How To...
The information listed below is common to all Windows-based
software. If, after following the instructions, you are still having
problems changing directories, please refer to your Windows
Manual.

Creating G codes and Saving LatheCAM Designer Files:


1) Open LatheCAM Designer.
2) Create a design.
3) Click "Create G code | Make File" to create a G code file, or "File |
Save As" to save the LatheCAM design.
4) When creating a G code or saving the LatheCAM design, the
name of your file is entered in the "Filename:" dialogue box.
The location where the file will be saved is stated opposite the
"Directory:" title. Using default settings this should read
c:\denford\data.
5) Click the [OK] button to start creating the G code or save the
LatheCAM design file.

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

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 35


Troubleshooting.
Q. When trying to start the software, I receive an error stating "Dongle not present".
The software does not open.
A1. If using the keyed version, check to see that your security key (dongle) is plugged into
the parallel port and that the port is functioning correctly.
A2. If using the flash (keyless) version, contact Denford for assistance.

Q. After creating a design, I cannot create a G-code file.


A. If using the keyed version, check to see that your security key (dongle) is plugged into
the parallel port.

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".

36 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Technical Support.
Denford Limited provides unlimited Technical Support on this
software.
Technical Support is only available to registered users. If your
software was not registered with Denford Limited at the point of sale,
e-mail or fax your registration details to Denford Limited, or your
authorised Denford shipping agent as soon as possible.
When you request Technical Support, please be at your computer,
with your computer and software documentation to hand. To
minimise delay, please be prepared to provide the following
information:
• Dongle Serial Number.
• Registered user's name / company name.
• Software name and version number (found in the
'Information|About LatheCAM Designer' menu).
• The wording of any error messages that appear on your computer
screen.
• A list of the steps that were taken to lead up to the problem.

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

For USA please contact:


Denford Inc.
815 West Liberty Street, Medina, Ohio 44256, USA.
Telephone: 330 7253497
Fax: 330 7253297
E-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm Eastern

http://www.denford.com

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 37


Glossary.
Billet ..................................... The piece of material that will be machined.
CAD ..................................... (Computer Aided Design) An application program that allows a designer to draw and
edit on a computer screen, before transferring to another media.
CAM ..................................... (Computer Aided Manufacture) The use of computer driven robots and machines to
help with manufacture.
CNC ..................................... Computer Numeric Control
Command line ..................... The command line is the text entry in a dialogue box.
Computer configuration ....... The collection of computer hardware that makes up a particular computer system.
Cursor .................................. The marker on the computer screen, that shows the position of the pointing device.
Dialogue box ....................... A program window that opens to allow text to be entered.
Data ..................................... The numbers, digits, characters and symbols operated on by a computer.
Directory .............................. The lettered name given to areas of your computer where files can be stored,
commonly referred to on a computer by assigned letters, e.g. c: (hard disk), a: (floppy
disk).
Disk ...................................... A magnetic storage device for external data.
DOS ..................................... Disk Operating System. A program which controls the operation of a disk drive.
Execute ................................ Run a computer program, or carry out a single instruction.
Feedrate .............................. The rate at which the tool is moved towards, along and into the material.
File ....................................... An organised collection of related computer data and records.
Filename .............................. Filenames are titles given to your saved files. They must not have more than eight
characters, any spaces, or punctuation e.g. millcam.
Floppy Disk .......................... A storage device for a computer. It can be removed and used to transport data.
Folder .................................. Computer directories can contain named folders where files are stored.
Hard copy ............................ Computer output on paper or similar media.
Hard Disk ............................. A storage device for a computer. It cannot normally be removed from the computer,
but it is very fast and can hold a large amount of data.
Hardware ............................. Computer equipment.
Icon ...................................... An icon is a small picture, displayed in Windows. When you double click the icon,
the program associated with that icon will run.
Mouse .................................. A hand-held device that moves around a flat surface and transmits details of its
position to the computer.
Network ............................... A system of connecting several microcomputers so that they can share common
facilities such as printers and hard disks.
Operating system ................ A program that controls the computer from when it is first switched on.
Parameter ............................ A value contained in a program. Many of these parameter values can be changed by
the software user.
Post-processor .................... A program that takes a generic code and processes it in order to produce a file
understood by a machine tool.
Program ............................... The set of instructions that makes the computer carry out the desired processes.
Program group .................... A program group, or group window is where a selection of icons can be stored
together in the Windows environment.
Software .............................. The programs used in a computer.
Windows .............................. An easy to use environment that uses icons, a mouse and windowed user areas as
the computer operating system.

38 LatheCAM Designer User Manual


Index.
Index
B I
Billet Icon .............................................................. 8
Billet ....................................................... 5 Information Menu ......................................... 22
Diameter ................................................ 14 Install
Length .................................................... 14 Network .................................................. 32
C Windows 3.xx ......................................... 8
Windows 95/98/NT ................................. 9
CAD/CAM .................................................... 5
Centre Drill ................................................... 17, 27 M
CNC ............................................................. 5 Material Window ........................................... 13, 14
Command Line ............................................. 8 Menubar ....................................................... 15
Contact Details ............................................. 37 N
Contents ....................................................... 3 Network ........................................................ 32
Coolants ....................................................... 23 New File ....................................................... 20
Create G-code Menu .................................... 23 Numerical Data ............................................ 18
D O
Data Panel ................................................... 18 Open File ...................................................... 20
Design Window ............................................ 15 P
Dialogue Box ................................................ 8 Parallel Turn ................................................. 10, 16
Dongle Parted-off ..................................................... 23
Fitting ..................................................... 7 Parting Tool .................................................. 27
Serial Number ........................................ 22 Peck Drill ...................................................... 17
E Print .............................................................. 21
Edit Program Group ............................................. 8
Billet Size ............................................... 21 Q
G-Code Parameters ............................... 24 Quick Start ................................................... 10
Edit Element R
Node ...................................................... 10, 16 Refresh Screen ............................................ 21
Nudge Buttons ....................................... 19 Roughing / Cutting Tool ................................ 27
Shortcut Keys ......................................... 16
S
Element ........................................................ 10
Save
Concave ................................................. 16
G-code File ............................................ 23
Convex ................................................... 16
LatheCAM File ....................................... 20
Drill ........................................................ 17
Screen Layout .............................................. 15
Parallel ................................................... 16
Selected Element Icon .................................. 18
Tapered .................................................. 16
Setup
Thread ................................................... 17
CNC Machine ......................................... 12
Element Buttons ........................................... 16
G-code Parameters ................................ 24
Element Menu .............................................. 22
Lathe Tooling .......................................... 26
Element Positioning Nudge Buttons ............. 19
Program Install ....................................... 8
Exit Program ................................................ 21
System Requirements .................................. 6
F
T
Face-off ........................................................ 23
Technical Support ......................................... 36, 37
File Menu ..................................................... 20, 21
Thread Undercut .......................................... 31
Flash ............................................................ 7
Threading Tool .............................................. 27
G Titlebar ......................................................... 15
G-code ......................................................... 5 Twist Drill ...................................................... 27
Parameters ............................................ 24
U
Save ....................................................... 23
Units of Measurement .................................. 14
Set Tooling ............................................. 26
H W
Windows 3.xx ............................................... 8
Help .............................................................. 37
Windows 95/98/NT ....................................... 9
Work Area .................................................... 15

LatheCAM Designer User Manual 39


Notes.

40 LatheCAM Designer User Manual

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