General Knowledge About Tools Page 1 of 49

General Knowledge About Tools

Proper tools should be chosen when machining different materials with various
rigidities in order to achieve the desired result. You can select the tools in
the tool library.

Click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or click Toolpath->Tool

management in the menu bar and the following dialog is displayed.

Tools commonly used in Ucancam V9 include end mill, ball nose and conical. New
tools can be added and existing tools can be deleted or edited in the tool
library.

1. End Mill

Parameters of end mill include diameter of blade (D) and height of blade (H).

2. Ball Nose

The parameters of ball nose include diameter of blade (D) and height of blade

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(H).

3. Conical

Conical parameters include: diameter of handle (D1), diameter of blade (D2),

height of blade (H and angle (A) (half angle)

Tool Editing

● Add a tool

1. Select ball nose from Tool type.

2. Then click Add.

3. A dialog is shown for you to set the parameters of the new tool.

4. Input the parameters of the tool in the dialog and click on .

Then the newly added tool is displayed in the tool library.

● Tool edit

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1. Select the tool in the Tool library dialog.

2. Click on Edit button and set the parameters.

● Delete tools

This function is rarely used, but when you need to delete a tool from the
Tool library , you should click on Delete button in the tool library dialog, and
then the tool is deleted from the tool library.

Simple Drilling

1. Select the object, then click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or
click toolpath->simple drilling in the menu bar. Then the Simple Drilling dialog
is displayed.

2. Select a tool and set the parameters and click on OK.

Region Drilling

Region drilling is to drill in the inner region of the object.

Now we are to drill the region in Fig. 1.

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Fig. 1

1. Select the object, and click toolpath->region drilling in the menu bar.
Then the Region drilling dialog in Fig. 2 is displayed.

Fig.2

Horizontal point space: is the distance between two points in the horizontal
direction

Vertical point space: is the distance between two points in the vertical
direction

Interlaced arrange: is interlaced arrangement of the points

2. Select an end mill tool with a diameter of 22, weight of 10, total depth of
6, horizontal point space and vertical point space at 44 respectively, and
compare the different results when selecting interlaced arrangement and when
interlaced arrangement is not selected. (Fig. 3)

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Fig. 3 (When interlaced arrangement is chosen)

Fig. 3 (When interlaced arrangement is not chosen)

Profile machining

Click the icon on the Tool Path Bar or select ToolPath->Profile machining
on the menu bar. The Profile machining dialog is displayed. Fig.1 you can set
machining parameters in the dialog.

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Fig. 1

Parameters

Tool library: You can choose a tool from the drop-down list of tool library
or press Tool Library button to choose one from tool library dialog.

Cut position: on, outside and inside.

Bridge: In order to prevent the machined object from moving which may cause
objects to be destroyed or machining errors, the machined object had better not
be completely separated from the material before the machining is finished. After
machining, the object can be separated from the material by hand. (Fig.2)

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Fig. 2 Fig. 3

Plunge: There are 3 ways to plunge. (Fig. 3)

1. Ramp

Ramp is to plunge in a certain angle. Set the value in the dialog, and then press
OK. the tool goes into the material not in Z axis direction but in slanting
direction so that the tool will not be destroyed or broken because of the force
during entering material. This also ensures that no mark or scar is left on the
surface of the material.

2. Pecking plunge

When using Pecking plunge, the tool goes into a certain depth into the material,
and then goes up to a certain height, and repeat this process when cutting the
material. Pecking plunge prevents the tool breaks especially when cutting hard
materials.

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3. Lead in / out

When using Lead in / out, the tool first goes into a certain depth outside of the
material, and then cuts into the side of the material.

REMARK: Bridge and Plunge can not be activated at the same time.

Trochoidal: This option is designed especially for brittle materials such as

glass or granite or extremely hard materials that generate a lot of heat upon
cutting. The Trochoidal Toolpath will produce a circular toolpath at high feed
rates with low load on the tool, therefore keeping the heat down while providing
for longer tool life.

There are two type of trochoidal rotation: half-circle or full-circle. and

specify the height of circle, the space between rotations. The full-circle motion
is ideal for high speed machining while the half-circle may be more appropriate
for traditional cutting at lower speeds (due to less motion). The height of
circle should be less than the tool diameter.The space may be up to or greater
than the tool diameter, but the recommended value is less than or equal to the
tool radius. This will provide for a cleaner finish and less linear motion.

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Parameter settings Trochoidal Toolpath

Total depth: is the total depth the tool goes into the material during
machining.

Sequence: is to machine in the shortest tool path, thus saving the machining
time.

Multi layer: When the depth of the material is bigger than the tool height or
when the material is of high rigidity (such as metal), the machining is done
layer by layer on the material.

Cut direction: is the direction of the tool path, including default

(direction), clockwise and anti-clockwise. When choosing cutting direction, the
material should be taken into consideration so that the surface of the material
after being machined is smooth. Clockwise machining is fit for cutting materials
of high density, such as Acryl (organic glass), brass, etc; anti-clockwise
machining is fit for cutting materials of low density such as PVC board, two-
color board, etc. Besides, you can also change the cut direction by clicking
Modify->Direction in the menu bar. Then you can see the current cut direction.
Click on the tool path, and a dialog is shown. Click on OK or press the Enter key
in the keyboard to change the cut direction. Click the right mouse button if you
do not need to preview the tool path.

Area Clearance

Area clearance is to mill an area in the material. There are two types of
milling: raster and offset. For example, we are to mill the rectangle in Fig. 19.

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Fig. 19

1 Select the rectangle, then click on the shortcut icon on Tool Path Bar or
click Tool path->Area Clearance on the menu bar. Then the Area Clearance dialog
is displayed.

Fig. 20

2 Input the parameters in the dialog.

Tool Library: is for selecting a tool. You can also select a tool in the drag
down list.

Machining strategies: is to select raster or offset area clearance. (When

choosing raster, you can adjust the angle. when choosing Offset, you can choose
inside to out according your need), specially for offset strategy, the transition
between the loop is tangent continue arc , and the sharp angle in loop can be
also transited by arc with selecting item” High Speed”, therefor this strategy
is fit for high speed machine.

Machining parameters: total depth, side allowance, overlap ratio and contour
allowance.

Overlap ratio: is the ratio of the width of the tool bottom blade to the

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width of the last tool path.

The reason why we need to set overlap ratio is that we need to take the width of
the tool into consideration during machining. If the overlap ratio is too low,
then some parts of the material will not be machined; if we keep the space
between tool paths as close as possible, then the surface of the material after
machining will be smooth. However, if the overlap ratio is too high, then the
machining efficiency will be reduced.

Next we are to introduce overlap ratio further through an example.

Fig. 21 is the effect with the overlapping rate of 0, and the shadowing area in
Fig. 22 is the overlapped part of the tool.

Fig. 21 Fig. 22

Note: Ball nose tool should not be used in area clearance. Fig. 23 shows the
result if ball nose tool is used in area clearance or milling. (The area in black
is the part which is not machined.)

Fig. 23

Side allowance: is the area outside the tool path. Precision cutting can be
achieved through setting side allowance.

Mill contour: This is to make the surface of the material smooth after being

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machined.

Multi layer: When the depth of the material is bigger than the tool height or
when the material is of high rigidity (such as metal), the machining is done
layer by layer on the material.

Adopt: you can set the depth per layer.

Depth first: Machine next object after finishing machine all the layer of one
object.

Sequence: is to machine in the shortest tool path, thus saving the machining
time. (Near First: the nearest object to the tool will be machined first. X/Y
First: machine objects along X/Y axis direction first. )

Ramp: When we do area clearance, we usually use mill cutters, and mill
cutters are too fragile to cut if we use it to cut into the material at right
angle. With ramp function, the cutter breaks can be well prevented because the
tool goes into the material in a certain angle.

Trochoidal: This option is designed especially for brittle materials such as

glass or granite or extremely hard materials that generate a lot of heat upon
cutting. The Trochoidal Toolpath will produce a circular toolpath at high feed
rates with low load on the tool, therefore keeping the heat down while providing
for longer tool life.

There are two type of trochoidal rotation: half-circle or full-circle. and

specify the height of circle, the space between rotations. The full-circle motion
is ideal for high speed machining while the half-circle may be more appropriate
for traditional cutting at lower speeds (due to less motion). The height of
circle should be less than the tool diameter.The space may be up to or greater
than the tool diameter, but the recommended value is less than or equal to the
tool radius. This will provide for a cleaner finish and less linear motion.

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Parameter settings Trochoidal Toolpath

3 If we choose the end mill with a diameter of 20 and height of 10, set the
angle at 0, the total depth at 2mm, overlap ratio of 50%, clockwise machining,
then the effect is shown in Fig. 24. If we choose offset->High Speed, the effect
is shown in Fig. 25.

Fig. 24 Fig. 25

3D Engraving

3D engraving is to make the surface of the material smooth and to ensure the
definition, precision and third dimension effect of the machined object. It is
mainly used in seal engraving and engraving of characters with special effects.

3D engraving includes top and bottom engraving, and the difference between them
is the size of the machining area.

1. Input text and draw a rectangle around them in the drawing window.

2. Select the objects, and then click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath
Bar or click toolpath->3D engraving in the menu bar, then the 3D Engraving
dialog is displayed.

3. Select a tool, set the parameters and click on OK.

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REMARK: You should choose a proper tool in 3D engraving. If the diameter and
angle of the tool are too large, then the tool can not go into material,
resulting in imperfect effect.

Midline Machining

Midline machining is to machine along the middle axis of the drawing, and
there are two types of midline machining: 2D machining and 3D engraving. The cut
depth in 2D machining is fixed, and the material is cut along its midline and
during 3D engraving the cut depth is automatically adjusted according to the
shape of the object and the tool used.

Reverse machining is to machine along the original toolpath in the reverse

direction again after first-time machining in order to make the surface of the
material smooth.

For example, to machine the two letters “OP”.

1. Input the two letters in the drawing window.

2. Select the two letters and click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar
or click Toolpath->Midline machining in the menu bar, then a dialog is displayed.

3. Select a conical tool with a diameter of 0.3, height of 10 and angle of 45

degrees, total depth of 6, and select reverse machining, 3D. Then the effect is
shown below.

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Insert And Inlay

Inserted and inlayed moulds are made by profile machining and area clearance.

Now we take the letter “R” as an example to introduce this function.

Interspace is the distance between the inlayed mould and the inserted mould, and the value should be
relatively larger when materials of high density are machined. However, it should be noted that too large value
of interspacing may result in looseness. This parameter is given in both the dialog of Inlay and Insert, and you
need only input the value in one of the dialog.

Trochoidal: This option is designed especially for brittle materials such as

glass or granite or extremely hard materials that generate a lot of heat upon
cutting. The Trochoidal Toolpath will produce a circular toolpath at high feed
rates with low load on the tool, therefore keeping the heat down while providing
for longer tool life.

There are two type of trochoidal rotation: half-circle or full-circle. and

specify the height of circle, the space between rotations. The full-circle motion
is ideal for high speed machining while the half-circle may be more appropriate
for traditional cutting at lower speeds (due to less motion). The height of

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circle should be less than the tool diameter.The space may be up to or

greater than the tool diameter, but the recommended value is less than or equal
to the tool radius. This will provide for a cleaner finish and less linear
motion.

Parameter settings Trochoidal

Toolpath

The following is the step.

1. Select the character “R”, and then click on the shortcut icon in Tool Path Bar or click tool path-
>insert and inlay->insert in the menu bar. Then the dialog in Fig. 1 is displayed.

Fig. 1

2. Select an end mill tool with a diameter of 3.175, height of 10, total depth of 10, interspace of 0.3,
anticlockwise, and the result is shown in Fig. 2.

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Fig. 2

3. Select the letter, and click on the shortcut icon or click tool path->insert and inlay->inlay, and
then the following dialog is displayed. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

4. Select an end mill tool with a diameter of 3.175, height of 10, total depth of 6, interspace of 0.3,
anticlockwise, overlap ratio of 50, and the result is shown in Fig. 4.

Prism Machining

Features of prism machining in Ucancam V9 include:

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Multilayer engraving: Objects are machined layer by layer. In this way,

material is saved and machining speed is improved, especially fit for machining
artworks and characters with prisms.

Easy operation: Prism machining is very easy to use. Users need only draw the
contours of characters with special effects, and input or adjust parameters. Then
the toolpath is formed.

High efficiency: The toolpath is formed quickly, and if multi-layer machining

is chosen, high speed and efficiency can be achieved.

Angle type: There are two kinds—rounded angle and cusp angle machining. If
rounded angle machining is chosen, then the area between two bordered sides is
rounded conical surface.

Next we are going to apply prism machining to the object in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

1. Select the object, then click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or
click toolpath->prism machining in the menu bar. Then the Prism machining dialog
in Fig. 2 is displayed.

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Fig. 2

2. Set the parameters in the dialog.

Tool : This Prism machining effect is only gotten by using the conical tool.
Thus, only conical tools are provided in the tool library.

Angle type: includes rounded and cusp angles.

Preview window: Prism section created is previewed in this window.

The system automatically tells users whether the tools or defined depth of
each layer is fit for machining.

1. Select a conical tool with a diameter of 0.3, height of 10, angle of 45

degrees, material thickness of 10, machining depth of 39.19, layer depth of 10mm,
anticlockwise machining, and the effect is shown in Fig. 3. Machining depth,
layer and angle vary according to the tools selected.

Fig. 3

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Intelligent Machining

Efficiency in milling can be greatly improved when applying intelligent

machining. Two tools can be chosen at the same time, and the tool with larger
diameter will be chosen for milling for the first time, then the tool with
smaller diameter will be used in milling for the second time so that the smaller
areas which are not milled in the first round of milling by the larger tool can
be milled. By using the tool with larger diameters, the machining speed is
greatly improved, and by using the tool with smaller diameters, accurate
machining is achieved.

Take the object in Fig. 1 for example.

Fig. 1

1. Select the object, and then click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar
or click Toolpath->Intelligent machining in the menu bar. Then the Intelligent
machine dialog is displayed(Fig.2.

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Fig. 2

2. Set the parameters in Fig. 2.

3. Select two end mill tools with diameter of 3.175 and 22 respectively, total
depth of 3mm, overlap of 90%, anticlockwise. Then the effect is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

The area with dense lines is the toolpath of the smaller tool with a diameter
of 3.175, and the other area is the toolpath of the tool with a diameter of 22.

Embossing Machining

Embossing machining is mainly used in making rounded characters or shapes.

There are two types in embossing machining: intaglio machining and rilievi.
The operation of embossing machining is quite easy, and it is widely used in such
fields as embossment sign boards, breast cards, furniture, metallic moulds,
printing, etc.

Take the object in Fig. 1 as an example.

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Fig. 1

1. Select the object, and click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or
click Toolpath->Embossing machining in the menu bar. Then the dialog in Fig. 2 is
displayed.

Fig. 2

2. Set the parameters in the Embossing machining dialog .

Machining parameters include:

Border: is the distance between the border of the contour and the toolpath

Height: is the total machining depth

Width: is the width of the toolpath

Top angle: is the angle formed by the vertical direction and the tool when it
is entering the material

Bot angle: is the angle formed by the horizontal direction and the tool when
it is entering the material

Machining type: includes female and male machining.

3. Select a ball nose tool with a diameter of 6, height of 12, border of 0,

machining height of 6, width of the default value 14.762, top angle of 0, bot
angle of 0, overlap of 80%, anticlockwise, then the effect is shown in Fig. 3.

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Fig. 3

Fig. 4 is 3D view of the toolpath.

Fig. 4

Image AM/FM Machining

Image AM/FM machining is to engrave the object after the image is converted
into grayscale image.

AM machining is to make the distance between the dots the same while the depth
of the dots are different.

FM machining is to make the depth of the dots the same while the distance between the dots is different.

Image Relief Machining

Image relief machining is to engrave the object after the image is converted
into grayscale image. The machining is based on brightness level.

Min brightness depth and max brightness depth are the depth by which the tool
goes into the material. Horizontal/vertical machining is the direction of the
toolpath.

Take the image in Fig. 1 as an example.

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1. Import a file in BMP format.

Fig. 1

2. Select the image, and click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or
click Toolpath->Image relief machining in the menu bar. Then the dialog in Fig. 2
is displayed.

Fig. 2

3. Select a conical tool with a diameter of 0.2, blade height of 10, blade
angle of 10, min brightness depth of 2, max brightness depth of 0.3, overlap of
50%, and choose horizontal machining. Then the 3D view of the effect is shown in
Fig. 3.

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Fig. 3

Ruled Surface

Ruled surface is a surface is generated by curve motion.

1 Draw a wave line which Unit length is 60 mm. Unit Height is 15mm.

2 Copy this wave line to generate another same wave line .Fig 1

Fig 1

3 Pick these two curve, click Toolpath->Ruled Surface on menu bar Fig 2

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Fig 2

4 Key in parameters in dialog and press Ok to finish operation .Fig 3

Fig 3

ToolPath Walk Simulation

Machining path can be previewed though toolpath simulation, thus avoiding

trial cutting and reducing cost.

1. Select the toolpath to be machined.

2. Then click on the shortcut icon in ToolPath Bar or click Toolpath-

>Toolpath walk simulation in the menu bar. Then the dialog in Fig. 1 is
displayed.

Fig.1

3. Adjust simulation speed and click on start to see the machining process.

In toolpath simulation, the green frame is the path of cutting or other

engraving method, and the red frame is the toolpath of tool lifting. You can also
stop toolpath simulation process. Click on Refresh if you want to renew the
toolpath.

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4. Click on Continue to resume simulation from where it stopped. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

Toolpath Shaded Simulation

Engraving simulation is to preview cutting or engraving process in realistic render

mode . Simulated results can be rotated or scaled in order to be viewed from different
angles.

Parameters like simulation speed, precision and stock size can be set in dialog on the
left of the page; length, width, thickness, margin, texture types, mill color, machining rate,
machining type, machining tool are all displayed in the drawing window.

For example, we first apply Area clearance to the characters in Fig. After the toolpath is
calculated, select the path, and then click toolpath->toolpath shaded simulation in the
menu bar. Then the dialog bar displayed on the left of the page to set the parameters. Enter
the parameters, The pull-down list offers a range of realistic material types to use to shade
the 3D model. we can select none, wood, metal, marb or misc, then click on start to see the
simulation.

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object

toolpath

engraving simulation(none)

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engraving simulation(Material Color wood-20)

engraving simulation(select color & wood-20)

ToolPath Sequence

Toolpath sequence can be adjusted so as to improve machining process and

machining quality in case the default toolpath sequence is not what you want.

1. Select a toolpath, and click Toolpath->Toolpath sequence in the menu bar.

2. Then the toolpath is marked by numbers. (Fig. 1)

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Fig. 1

3. Then click a sequence number to change the sequence of toolpath. Or you

can set the specific sequence number of a toolpath unit by clicking the
right mouse button on the original sequence number. The context menu
displayed is shown in Fig. 2.

4. After setting the sequence number in the menu, click the right mouse
button again, and a dialog is shown. (Fig. 3)

5. Click on Yes to save the new toolpath sequence, or click on No to preserve

the original toolpath sequence. Fig. 4 is the new toolpath.

Fig. 2 Fig. 3

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Fig. 4

ToolPath Transform

With this function, you can change the size of the toolpath, change the toolpath
position, and rotate the toolpath.

1 Scale

Fig1

You can scale the toolpath by clicking Toolpath -> Toolpath Transform on the menu
bar. When a dialog is displayed, set the values in it, and then the toolpath size
is changed.

2 Move

Fig 2

You can move the toolpath by clicking Toolpath -> Toolpath Transform on the menu
bar. Set the value in the dialog, and then the toolpath position is changed.

3 Rotate

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Fig 3

You can also rotate the toolpath by clicking Toolpath -> Toolpath Transform on
the menu bar.

ToolPath Panel

Toolpath panel is used to separate a toolpath into several smaller portions

so that you can machine materials accurately even when the work area of your
machine is not big enough. After machining, you can combine the portions together
to form a complete one. In this way, not only machining time is reduced, but also
efficiency is improved.

To apply toolpath panel to a toolpath

1. Select an object.

2. Apply a toolpath calculation to the object to form a toolpath.

3. Click on the toolpath.

4. Click ToolPath->ToolPath Panel in the menu bar.

5. A dialog Toolpath Panel is displayed.

6. Set the parameters in the dialog, and click on OK to validate the setup.

Then the toolpath is separated into several parts.

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Dialog

Parameters include:

Width: is the width of each independent toolpath after applying toolpath panel.

Height: is the height of each independent toolpath after applying toolpath panel.

Use aid line: is to use the guide line as the aid line to separate a toolpath.

Refresh: is to reset the above parameters.

Remark: When applying toolpath panel to a toolpath, you should put the object in
the drawing window (the grey rectangular box); otherwise, the function is
invalid.

toolpath Panel

Group Toolpath

You can group several toolpaths as one unit for machining.

Create and select two or more toolpaths, and then click on ToolPath->Group
Toolpath in the menu bar. Then the toolpaths are grouped together.

ToolPath Plunge

This is specially for editting profile path plunge. There are three type oy
plunge: Ramp, Pecking,Lead n/out. When you have created the profile path, you can
modify the path start point and the plunge parameter with it.

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Select the profile toolpath, then click on ToolPath->Toolpath Plunge in the menu
bar. A dialog Toolpath Plunge is displayed. According the type of profile path
plunge, there are three type of dialog: Ramp dialog, Pecking dialog, Lead in/out
dialog in Fig.

a.Ramp b.Pecking
c.Lead in/out

you can modify the start point of profile path by click the start point, and
keep the left mouse key down, drag the mouse to move the start point. And the
same time the plunge will be modified by the parameter of dialog.

The” Update” button in dialog will modify all the plunge according the
parameter of dialog.

The” OK” button in dialog will save all the modified plunge and exit the
command.

The” Cancel” button in dialog will cancel all the modified plunge and exit the
command.

Ucancam Post Processor

the Post Processor is a programme which converts the tool path in some standard neutral format into the
format requried by a specific machine control system. For example the G code format supported wordwide by
many control systems and PLT3D suported by Roland machine.

Because the wide range of control system on the market, the majority of controls have simple formatting
requirments. And therefore UCancam supply a configurable post processor which can be used by customers or
agents to create a post proceesor file to support their controls.This configurable post proceesor use an unicode
ASCII configration file to specify the output format required.

An example of a configuration file is shown on the below:

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////////////////////////////

FORMAT <X|X%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <Y|Y%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <Z|Z%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <S|S%d |1>

FORMAT <F|F%d |1>

UNITS <MM>

///////

FILE_EXTENSION <nc>

////////////////////////////

PROG_HEAD <G90G17G21>

TOOLCHANGE <M06 T$TN>

PROG_TAIL <M30>

Briefly, the entries in configuration flie fall into four main categories which can be described as below

1. Global Statements

These determine the file extensions, whether the output is in mm or inches.

Line numbering information and formattong for numeric fileds

2. Head of Pogramme

This section deals with line that must be output at the head of every programme.This information
usually has the programme name, command for switching on the spindle etc.

for example：

PROG_HEAD <%:$DATE：$TIME>

PROG_HEAD <G90G17G21>

The word suffix “$” is variable.

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3. Tail of Pogramme

This section deals with line that must be output at the tailof every programme. This information usually
has the programme name, command for switching off the spindle etc, moving the tool back to the
home position.

for example :

PROG_TAIL <M30>

PROG_TAIL <%>

4. TOOLCHANGE

If the machine tool is equiped with an automatic toolchanger, or user wants to allow manual tool
changes through an output file.this statement can be used to ouput the appropriate commans.

For example：

TOOLCHANGE <M05>

TOOLCHANGE <M06 T$TN>

(TN: current tool number)

The schema of configuration file is : KEY WORD < description/value>

First word in the line is key word that is defined by Ucancam like as UNITS.

These in the brackets contain the description for command or values. For example : UNITS <MM>. To
define the output is in milimeter.

The key word in Ucancam include two type:the one is to deinfe the commands.

The other is variable that is referenced in post processor file with prefix “$”

The following is the key word for commands

KEY WORD Specification

FORMAT to define the formatting fornumeric
fields
PROG_HEAD head of programme

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PROG_TAIL tail of programme

TOOLCHANGE tool change command
G00_DEF commamd name for rapid moving
G01_DEF commamd name for line cutting
G02_DEF commamd name for CW arc cutting
G03_DEF commamd name for CCW arc
cutting
G20_DEF commamd name for inch unit
G21_DEF commamd name for mm unit
DCMP_LFT Tool radius compensation left
DCMP_RGH Tool radius compensation right
DCMP_OFF Off compensation
SPN_CW commamd name for spindle CW
rotation
FILE_EXTENSION File extension name
UNITS Unit for length
XYZ_SEQ Sequence for XYZ
LINE_NUM_START The start line number
LINE_NUM_INCREMENT Line number increment
LINE_NUM_MAXIMUM Maximum value for line number
OMIT_SAME_GCODE Omit the same G code
OMIT_SAME_XYZ Omit the same XYZ value
RAPID_ XY_Z Sequency for rapid moving
ARC_TO_LINES Convert arc to lines
END_OF_LINE The string at the end of line

The following is the key word for variable

KEY WORD Specification

DATE Date of create file
TIME Time of vreate file
FILENAME File name
XSIZE Toolpath size for x axis
YSIZE Toolpath size for y axis
ZSIZE Toolpath size for z axis
XMIN Toolpath minimum value for x axis
YMIN Toolpath minimum value for y axis
ZMIN Toolpath minimum value for z axis
XMAX Toolpath maximum value for x axis
YMAX Toolpath maximum value for y axis
ZMAX Toolpath maximum value for z axis
X_CURPOS Current x position
Y_CURPOS Current y position
Z_CURPOS Current z position
LN Line number

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TN Tool number
NUM_CIRCLE_TO_ARC The number of circle to Arc
TOOL_DESC Tool description
FC Feedrate for cutting
FR Feedrate for rapid moving
SPN_SPEED Spindle rotation speed
SAFE_ZPOS Safe height

FORMAT

Output firmat for Variable in UCancam include :

FORMAT <N|N%d >

FORMAT <X|X%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <Y|Y%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <Z|Z%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <S|S%d |1>

FORMAT <F|F%d |1>

FORMAT <I|I%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <J|J%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <K|K%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <R|R%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <A|A%1.3f |1.0>

The field in brackets are separated as three parts by character “|” .eg:

FORMAT <X|X%1.3f |1.0>, the first part is Key character of Ucancam , “X” mean the current format is for x
coordinate. Ucancam key characters of format include : N X Y Z S F I J K R A.

N: line number.

X: x cordinate

Y: y cordinate

Z: z cordinate

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S: spindle rotation speed

F: spindle feedrate

I: arc x increment value

J: arc y increment value

K: arc z increment value

R: arc radius

A; angle for rotation axis

The second part is the string to print before value when output。 %1.3f is format string to control the
number of decimal places leading zero etc. “1” is number that specifies minimum number of characters
output. “3” is the precision specification value that specifies maximum number of characters printed for all or
part of the output field

5.G00_DEF、G01_DEF、G02_DEF、G03_DEF、G20_DEF、G21_DEF

Define the command string name that repace for ISO G Code G00 ,G01, G02, G03, G20, G21. Eg:
G00_DEF <G172>

6. Arc command

1）ARC_TO_LINES <1>

Possible value: 1 or 0

Convert the arc to lines.

Default: 0

2）the format of arc output

FORMAT <I|I%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <J|J%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <K|K%1.3f |1.0>

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Or

FORMAT <R|R%1.3f |1.0>

If set the IJK format in the post processor file, the ouput for arc is in IJK format. If set the R format, the
ouput for arc is in R format.

Default: R format

7.line numbering

FORMAT <N|N%d >

There are two meanings:

(1) output the line number.if not set this statement, ucancam do not output line number.

(2) Set the format of line number

LINE_NUM_START <1>

Start line number

Default: 1

LINE_NUM_INCREMENT <1>

Increment line number

Default: 1

8.UNITS

Possible value: MM or INCH

MM: All position in mm, feed in mm/min

INCH: All position in inches, feed in inches/min

9.FILE_EXTENSION

Defines the file extension that is used for files created with toolpath output.

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9.Rotary_AXIS

This is used only in post processor which are used to drive a machine using rotary axis.

Possible value: X or Y

Either the X oy Y coordinate is mapped to rotary axis.

If this staement is present , Ucancam will display the dialog which show the

Diameter of rotary axis, the default value for diameter is assume that complete the length of toolpath along
the axis being wrapped is the circumference of the cylinder.

11.OMIT_SAME_GCODE

Possible value: 1 or 0

Omit the following same G code in output file .

Default: 0.

Eg: G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z0.000

G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z-5.000

if set the statement : OMIT_SAME_GCODE <1>

the ouput is :

G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z0.000

x010.000 Y 20.000 Z-5.000

12.OMIT_SAME_XYZ

OMIT_SAME_XYZ <1>

Possible value: 1 or 0.

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Omit the folowing same xyz coordinate.

Default: 0.

Eg: G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z0.000

G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z-5.000

if set the statement : OMIT_SAME_XYZ <1>

the ouput is :

G01 x010.000 Y 20.000 Z0.000

G01 Z-5.000

13.RAPID_MOVE_XY_Z

Possible value: 1 or 0

If setthe statement : RAPID_MOVE_XY_Z <1> , the rapid move of tool from

PointA(0,0,10) to point pointB(100,50,0) isseperated I n two part, firstly from pointA(0,0,10) to midpoint
(100,50,10), second ly from midpoint(100,50,10) to pointB(100,50,0).

14.XYZ_SEQ

Possible value: XYZ, XZY, YXZ, YZX, ZXY, ZYX.

This statement specifies the sequence of point coordinate is printed out .

15.END_OF_LINE

This statement specifies the character ouput at the end of line.

Default: none.

16.XSIZE、YSIZE、ZSIZE

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The size of The toolpath in x axis, y axis, z axis.

17.XMIN、YMIN、ZMIN、XMAX、YMAX、ZMAX

The minimum and maximun value of the toolpath

18.X_CURPOS、Y_CURPOS、Z_CURPOS

Current tool point coordiant

19.SPN_SPEED

Spindle rotation speed.

20.FC

Tool feedrate for cutting

21.FR

Tool feedrate for rapid moving.

22.SAFE_Z_POS

Safe height.

The following is example of pots processor file:

Eg1：general CNC

//line number

//FORMAT <N|N%d >

///////////////////

FORMAT <X|X%1.3f >

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FORMAT <Y|Y%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <Z|Z%1.3f |1.0>

FORMAT <S|S%d |1>

FORMAT <F|F%d |1>

//////////////////////////////

UNITS <MM>

/////////////////////////////////

FILE_EXTENSION <nc>

/////////////////////////////////

LINE_NUM_START <1>

LINE_NUM_INCREMENT <1>

/////////////////////////////////

PROG_HEAD <G90G17G21>

TOOLCHANGE <M05>

TOOLCHANGE <M06 T$TN>

PROG_TAIL <M30>

Eg2：HP_PLT3D

//precision = 0.025, 1/0.025=40

FORMAT <X|%1.0f, |40.0>

FORMAT <Y|%1.0f, |40.0>

FORMAT <Z|%1.0f |40.0>

///////////////////////////////////

UNITS <MM>

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//convert arc into lines

ARC_TO_LINES <1>

RAPID_MOVE_XY_Z <0>

END_OF_LINE <;>

///////////////////////////////////

FILE_EXTENSION <plt>

//////////////////////////////////

PROG_HEAD <IN;>

PROG_HEAD <SP1>

G00_DEF <PU>

G01_DEF <PD>

TOOLCHANGE <SP$TN>

PROG_TAIL <SP0>

Tool Path Output

After the tool path is created, you can save it. Various file formats are
provided by Ucancam post processor file.

For example, we apply area clearance and contour cutting to the object in Fig.1.

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Fig. 1

In tool path module, select the object and apply area clearance and profile
machining to it. Then the effect is shown in Fig. 2

Fig 2

REMARK: When creating the tool path of several objects, it is better to hide
the already-formed tool path in order to make the operation easier.

Select the tool path to be saved or click on the shortcut icon on Toolpath
Bar or click Tool path->Tool path output in the menu bar. Then the dialog in F3
is displayed.

Fig. 3

Parameters

Post processor file: normally select “General CNC” is OK, if you want
output the toolpath in inch. Or your control system has special requirement, you
shoul modify the post processor , for example moidify the “UNITS <mm>” to
“UNITS <inch>” in the post processor file. If you need more help, you can
contact with us .

Origin point: is the origin of the tool before machining is carried out.

There are 3 ways to set origin point:

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1. Custom :You can custom the position of the origin, input the value of X, Y
and Z, then save toolpath.

2. Save as before: Automatic memory the previous path position, and even
restart the software.

3. Base on feature points : You can select the position of the five points
(A,B,C,D,E) , The location of the machining area is different according to the
feature points selected. Take badge making as an example. Fig. 4 shows the
location of the machining area with the origin at (0, 0).

Fig.4a Fig. 4b

In order to make origin setting more flexible and the engraving more convenient,
the function “Based on feature points” is available in Ucancam.

Safe Z height: is the distance between the tool position and the material
surface when the tool is traveling above the material.

Speed-down Z height: is the distance between the material surface and the
position tool beginning to decelerate.

Z axis reverse: in ucancam, the downward direction of original is Z axis

direction, after checking Z axis reverse, the saved pool path is along the
opposite direction of Z axis.

File name & Save: Click on “Browse” to select the tool path to be saved,

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name the file and then click on Save. Then the tool path is saved in the file
you have named.

Up & Down: In case several tool paths are needed when machining an object,
then you need to arrange the order of the tool path.

Delete: A tool path can be deleted if you do not need the tool path.

REMARK: A tool path can be deleted only after putting a tick before it. It
can also be deleted if you select the path in the active area first before the
path turns red, and then click on Delete.

The tool path list is displayed after pressing the right mouse button. Select one
tool path, and click the right mouse button. Then the menu in Fig. 5 is
displayed. You can move up or down or delete the tool path by choosing one of the
commands in the menu.

Fig. 5

Auto Tool Change

Working efficiency can be improved by Auto Tool Change function. Two ways to achieve this function:

1 Before generating toolpath, you should edit serial number of tools in the tool library. Click Toolpath-
>Tool Management on menu bar, Tool library dialog is shown, then select tool in the tool library and press
Edit button, the dialog of End Mill Tool Editor is shown for you to edit Tool No.

2 After generating toolpath, you can modify tool No. in the dialog of Toolpath output. Click Toolpath-
>Toolpath output on menu bar, Toolpath output dialog is shown, select Tool No. in the list of Path and press

button to modify the tool No.

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