WIRE EDM

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED 1-1
How to Use This Manual ........................................................................................1-2
Installing Learning Files ...................................................................................1-2
Steps to Generate an NC Program ..........................................................................1-3
Step 1: Draw CAD Part or Open Part File.......................................................1-3
Step 2: Exit from CAD to CAM ......................................................................1-4
Understanding the EDM Window ..............................................................1-5
Step 3: Set the Setup Information..................................................................1-11
Setup Information Dialog Box..................................................................1-11
Changing Setup Information.....................................................................1-12
Step 4: Put Boundaries on What Will be Cut ................................................1-12
Step 5: Create a Surface Mesh.......................................................................1-13
Step 6: Define the Operation .........................................................................1-13
Step 7: Generate Tool Paths ..........................................................................1-15
Step 8: Post Process the Part..........................................................................1-17

CHAPTER 2 LEARNING BY EXAMPLE 2-1

Lesson 1 ..................................................................................................................2-2
What You'll Learn.............................................................................................2-2
Generating a 2 Axis With Taper Profile Tool Path ....................................2-2
Using Different Corner Types and Taper Angles .......................................2-7
Lesson 2 ................................................................................................................2-13
What You'll Learn...........................................................................................2-13
Generating a 4 Axis Profile with Automatic Synchronization .................2-13
Generating a 4 Axis Profile with Manual Synchronization......................2-17
Lesson 3 ................................................................................................................2-24
What You'll Learn...........................................................................................2-24
Generating a 2 Axis No Taper Skim Cut with Tab Removal ...................2-24
Lesson 4 ................................................................................................................2-30
What You'll Learn...........................................................................................2-30
2 Axis Core Removal................................................................................2-30
Lesson 5 ................................................................................................................2-32
What You'll Learn...........................................................................................2-32
Defining a Macro ......................................................................................2-32
Calling Single and Multiple Macros.........................................................2-33
Editing a Macro ........................................................................................2-40
Undefining a Macro ..................................................................................2-41

INDEX

i
Table of Contents

ii
Chapter 1 Getting Started

This manual is designed to introduce you to the features of the ProCAM Wire EDM system.
The information and exercises in this chapter help you understand the process to generate
toolpaths and NC code.

Getting Started 1-1

How to Use This Manual

How to Use This Manual

This manual is a tutorial. It is designed to guide you through the steps to generate an NC
program and introduce you to the features of the ProCAM Punch system.
• The information and exercises in Chapter 1 help you understand the process of creating
an NC program.
• The exercises Chapter 2 provide an opportunity to learn how to use the features and
functions of the Wire EDM system.

Online Help
If you want more information about a particular feature or function, see the applicable
topics in the online Help system. To open the EDM Help, select Help on the ProCAM
menu bar, then select Wire EDM Topics.

Installing Learning Files

Sample parts are provided for the exercises in this manual. A generic post processor,
FANTUTE, is also included. This post processor is to be used for learning purposes only.
The NC code it generates is not intended to actually run in your machine.
The Setup program automatically creates a \procad\parts\learn folder containing the EDM
learning part files (.prt) and copies the FANTUTE controller files to the \procad\ctl folder.

1-2 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Steps to Generate an NC Program

The following steps are used to generate NC programs:

1. Draw CAD part or open the part file.

2. Exit from CAD to CAM.
3. Specify the Setup Information.
4. Put boundaries on what will be cut.
5. Create a surface mesh.
(for 2 axis with taper and 4 axis cutting)
6. Define the operation.
7. Generate tool paths.
8. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to generate a 2 axis profile
with no taper on a simple part (EXEDM1.PRT). Some of these steps are explained in more
detail in subsequent chapters.
In order to give you a feel for how the CAM system works, you are asked to accept a
number of defaults while you are defining the tool path. This is done to show you the basics
of generating a tool path.

Some of the exercises in this manual are for learning EDM system operation and may not
correspond to actual machining practices.

Step 1: Draw CAD Part or Open Part File

In addition to drawing parts in ProCAM, you can also import parts that are in AutoCAD
Drawing Exchange (DXF), AutoCAD Drawing File (DWG), Initial Graphics Exchange
(IGES) and CADkey Exchange (CDL) formats.
1. Start the ProCAM 2D system.
2. Click Open on the File menu.
The Open File dialog box displays.
3. Change the Look in folder to \procad\parts\learn.

Getting Started 1-3

Steps to Generate an NC Program

4. Select EXEDM1.PRT in the file list.

5. Press ENTER or click Open.
The part displays in the work area. You are going to
generate a 2 axis profile with no taper. The circle
will be used to define start and end holes.

Step 2: Exit from CAD to CAM

The CAM button on the CAD Insert toolbar exits from CAD to a CAM system, in this case
the EDM system.

To return from EDM to CAD, click the CAD button on the EDM toolbar.

1. Click the CAM button in the CAD toolbar.

The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of processors. The figure on the next
page shows a sample list.

1-4 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

The list that displays for your system depends on the processors
that are installed in your PC. If only one post processor is
installed, ProCAM exits to that controller type automatically.
2. Select FANTUTE and click OK.
In the exercises in this manual, when you exit to the EDM
system, select FANTUTE. When you use ProCAM for your own
parts, select your own machine post processor.

Understanding the EDM Window

When you exit to EDM, the Utility and Snap toolbars remain the same as in the CAD
system. The EDM toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. The menu bar remains the same;
however, menu commands are enabled that were not applicable in the CAD system. The
system bar changes to display wire and operation items.

Getting Started 1-5

Steps to Generate an NC Program

The ProCAM window may look slightly different on your system depending on the layout
you have selected in the Screen Display dialog box.
System Bar

Wire button Operation button Current color

Pick Mask
Current layer
Item Description
Wire The Wire button on the system bar is used to define or select the wire. Next
Information to the Wire button is the Wire selection box. This box indicates the number
of the current wire and allows you to change wire characteristics quickly.
The diameter of the current wire is shown to the right of the box. Defining
wires is explained on page 1-13.
Operation The Operation button is used to define a new operation, edit a previously
button defined operation, and change the operation that is currently selected. This
button also indicates the operation type when a previously defined operation
is selected.
Color box Indicates the current color. You can change the color when you insert
boundaries, surface meshes and tool paths.
Layer box Indicates the current layer. You can change the layer and insert boundaries,
surface meshes and tool paths on separate layers. Layers are explained in the
CAD online help and the 2D CAD Getting Started Guide.
Pick Mask This button is a toggle that turns the Pick Mask function on and off. When
button the button is highlighted, the Pick Mask is turned on. Right-clicking this
button displays the Pick Mask dialog box. Double-clicking the button
displays the Pick Mask dialog box and if the Pick Mask is off, turns it on or
vice versa.

1-6 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

EDM Toolbar
The EDM toolbar displays the EDM system command buttons.

Rapid

Boundary Profile Tool Path

Surface Mesh Skim Cut Tool Path

EDM Core Removal Macro

Post Process Attribute

Exit to CAD 3D View

Modifier Toolbars
Most of the EDM commands have modifiers. There are three types of modifiers in the
EDM system:
• Single-choice modifiers
These modifiers are selected by clicking the button once. ProCAM highlights the button
to indicate it is selected.
• Multiple-choice modifiers
These modifier buttons are toggles. Click the button a number of times to toggle though
the selections until the modifier you are looking for is shown on the button.
• Additional-choice modifiers
These modifiers display additional modifiers when selected.
ToolTips
A ToolTip is a label that identifies the function of a toolbar button. To display
the ToolTip, position the mouse pointer on a button and let the pointer rest
there for a second. A ToolTip ending in two greater than symbols (>>)
indicates the button is a toggle that has additional options. Click the button
again to view the next modifier.
When you click a toggle modifier button, move the pointer off the button, then
back on to display the ToolTip.

Getting Started 1-7

Steps to Generate an NC Program

CAM Display Options

The CAM Display command on the Setup menu

displays the CAM Display dialog box. The
options described below are used in the EDM
system.

Option Description
Rapids When this option is checked, gray, dashed lines display to represent
rapid moves between CAM entities. You may want to turn off this
option to speed up part display and to make it easier to view the part.
Boundary When this option is checked, arrows display on CAM entities
Arrows indicating the direction of machining (boundary).
During When you use the Measure, Edit Attribute and Order Check Utilities,
123/Measure select this option to display the attributes that have been attached to a
CAM entity.
Symbol When this option is checked, a symbol displays on the tool path where
an attribute is attached.
Symbol Color The color of the symbol can be selected from the pulldown list.

1-8 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Left Wire Incline These options define the direction the upper guide will be offset when
Right Wire a positive taper angle is attached to a tapered surface. When left is
Incline selected, a positive taper angle moves the upper guide to the left of
the path in the direction of travel. When right is selected, a positive
taper angle moves the upper guide to the right of the path in the
direction of travel.
This parameter is machine/controller dependent.
Left Right
Upper Guide

Program Surface

Lower Guide

Cut Simulation The Cut Simulation option allows the wire to be displayed along an
entity by the distance specified by the Simulation Distance parameter.
For example, setting the Distance to .02'' or .5mm shows the wire
position every .02" or .5mm and provides good visual confirmation of
the tool path.
You may want to turn off Cut Simulation (remove the check mark
from the Simulation On check box) to speed up part display and to
make it easier to view the part.
Macro You can use this option to reduce the time to display and redraw a
macro grid. Show 1 Part displays only the first macro in the grid in
the lower left corner of the grid. Show 4 Parts displays four parts in
the lower left corner of the grid. All Parts shows all parts in the grid
macro. Corner Parts displays a part at each of the four grid corners.
For more information on using macros, see the online help.

Getting Started 1-9

Steps to Generate an NC Program

CAM Menu

The CAM menu is enabled in the EDM system. Commands that

are grayed out are not applicable. The commands for EDM are
explained below.

Command Description
Select Displays the Controller Type dialog box (shown on page 1-5). This
Controller command allows you to change the controller for post processing a part.
You can create a part and define the tool paths for one controller, then post
process the part for another controller that is physically compatible. If you
want to post process a part on a machine that is not physically compatible,
use the Save As command on the File menu. Select the CAD Only option in
the Save As dialog box and save the part with a different name. The CAD
Only option removes all controller information and tool paths from the part
so that you can select a new controller and reinsert the tool paths.
Display Displays the Controller Display dialog box, which contains information
Controller about the controller (e.g., Machine Name, Controller Type).
Setup Displays the Setup Information dialog box, which allows you to set
Information machine-dependent parameters (e.g., Program Number, Material, Part
Thickness). This dialog box is explained on page 1-11.
Tool Files Displays a cascading menu with options to Open, Save and Delete tool
files. Tool files allow you to assign different wire diameters and power
settings to different registers and save the settings for use in multiple parts.
For more information, see the Wire EDM online help.
Default Displays a cascading menu with options to Set, Open, Save and Delete
Files operation default files. You can change operation defaults for different
machines, material, and cutting conditions and save these changes in a file
for future recall. Default files are explained in the Wire EDM online help.

1-10 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Step 3: Set the Setup Information

The Setup Information command on the CAM menu is used to provide:
• information required to generate the NC program. The parameters in this dialog box are
machine-dependent and different parameters may display for your controller. The value
for a parameter is output in the NC code if the machine requires it.
• information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program file is
generated. All of the parameters in this dialog box are included in the Setup Sheet. For
more information on this file, see page 1-17.

Setup Information Dialog Box

When you select Setup Information on
the CAM menu, the Setup Information
dialog box displays.
The parameters shown in this figure
display for most controllers. Additional
parameters may display if they are
required by the controller.

Required by Output to
Parameter Description NC Code Setup
Sheet
Program This parameter is the program number that is used by the Machine- Yes
Number machine controller to register the program into memory. dependent
In a Fanuc controller, this is a four-digit number. You do
not need to enter the leading zeroes. For example, for
program number 10, you would type 10 not 0010.
If your machine needs a character string in front of the
number, this is typically done automatically by the post
processor. For the Fanuc post that is being used here, a
letter O will be output in front of the program number by
the post processor, so it does not need to be entered in the
Setup Information.
Material In this release, the Material parameter is output only in the Yes
Setup Sheet.
Part In this release, the Part Thickness parameter is output only Yes
Thickness in the Setup Sheet.

Getting Started 1-11

Steps to Generate an NC Program

Changing Setup Information

1. Click CAM on the menu bar.
2. Choose Setup Information on the CAM menu.
The Setup Information dialog box displays.
3. Type 100 for the Program Number and press TAB.
4. Type Steel for the Material and click OK.
Step 4: Put Boundaries on What Will be Cut
The next step is to identify the entities to be machined and the path the cutter will take. This
is done using the Boundary command.
This exercise shows how to put a single boundary on a part. You determine the start point,
direction and endpoint of the boundary. The EDM system also provides modifiers that
allow ProCAM to do this automatically. The modifiers are explained in the Wire EDM
online help.
1. Click Setup on the menu bar and select CAM Display on the Setup menu.
2. Make sure the Boundary Arrows check box is selected. This option controls the display
of the arrows that indicate the direction of machining when you insert a boundary.
3. Click OK to exit the CAM Display dialog box.

4. Click the down arrow next to the Color box on the system bar and change the color.
5. Click the right mouse button on the Layer box on the system bar. This box indicates
layer 1 is the current layer.
You can also select Set Layers on the View menu or press CTRL + L to display the Set
Layers dialog box.
6. In the Set Layers dialog box, turn on layer 2 and make it the current layer, then click
OK.

7. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

− Leave the Single Boundary modifier displayed. This modifier is used to

manually create either open or closed boundaries.

− The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted automatically.

− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

1-12 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

8. Pick point 1 for the boundary start.

This part will be machined around the outside
starting at the middle of the bottom. The bottom line
has been broken at the midpoint.
The prompt lines changes to: PICK entity for CAM
boundary. You need to pick the first entity in the
boundary to give the boundary direction.
9. Pick the entity between points 1 and 2.
The line highlights and an arrow showing the
direction of the boundary displays at its midpoint. 1
The prompt line continues to read: PICK entity for
CAM boundary. 2
10. Pick the entity to the left of point 1.
You do not have to pick each individual entity in
order because ProCAM automatically chains the
boundary.
11. Click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for end of
boundary.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
After you pick the last entity in the boundary, you
can click BUTTON 2 instead of picking the endpoint.
ProCAM accepts the current endpoint as the
endpoint for the boundary.

Step 5: Create a Surface Mesh

In this exercise, a surface mesh is not needed because you are generating a profile tool path
using 2 axis with no taper cutting. This step is necessary only if you are doing 2 axis with
taper or 4 axis cutting. To learn how to create a surface mesh, see the exercises in Chapter
2.

Step 6: Define the Operation

Operations define each cutting cycle. In this example you have one operation, a finish
contour cut. You use the Profile Tool Path command to insert a profile tool path on the
boundary. You use the defaults for the parameters in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box
and for the modifiers. The modifiers and parameters are explained in the Wire EDM online
help.
1. Click the down arrow next to the Color box on the system bar and change the color.
2. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.

Getting Started 1-13

Steps to Generate an NC Program

3. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.

The Set Operation - Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display.
4. Click the Wire button in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box.
The EDM Wires dialog box displays.
This dialog box is a table of
parameters that defines the wire
diameters and power settings that are
assigned to different registers.
5. Click anywhere on line 01 to
highlight it, then click the Edit button.

The Set Wire dialog box

displays. You can change
the diameter, registers and
type a comment.

Parameter Description
Name This number is used to identify the specific wire characteristics you
define. This number is listed in the EDM Wires dialog box, in the Wire
selection box on the system bar, and in the Set Operation dialog box when
you define an operation.
Diameter The erosion diameter. The erosion diameter is the actual size that the wire
will cut in the material at the specified power setting. For example, a .010
diameter wire may actually cut a .013 diameter.
Power The register number of the machine that will be used to generate the
Register appropriate erosion diameter.
Offset The register number of the machine that will be used for machine
Register compensation.
Comment Comment is a 24-character optional field. The comment is for in-line
documentation and clarification only. Comments are typically output as
characters within parentheses (.....) in the output from the post process .txt
file (NC program). The first 11 characters of the comment are also output
in the .set file (Setup Sheet).

6. Type .250 for the Diameter, then click OK.

The EDM Wires dialog box shows a .250" diameter for wire 01. For this exercise, a
large diameter is used to make it easier to see the cut.

1-14 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

7. Click OK to exit the EDM Wires dialog box.

The wire selection box in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box indicates wire 1 is the
current wire for this operation.
You can eliminate having to continually redefine wire cutting conditions by using tool
files. The Tool Files command on the CAM menu allows you to save the wires you
have defined in the EDM Wires dialog box in a separate file that can be opened and
used with any part. For more information, see the Wire EDM online help.
8. Make sure the Axis Mode is set to 2 Axis, then click OK to accept the defaults for the
other parameters in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box and the default modifiers.
9. Click OK to accept the defaults in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.

Step 7: Generate Tool Paths

Now that the operation has been defined, you can generate the tool paths:
1. Pick the boundary anywhere.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for start hole location (button 2 if
none).
− Optionally, you can choose a start hole. A thread wire attribute is automatically
attached to a start hole. For this example, you will use a start hole. If you did not
want to define a start hole, you would click BUTTON 2.

2. Click the Entity Origin modifier button on the Snap toolbar.

3. Pick the circle.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for end hole location (button 2 if none).
− Optionally, you can choose an end hole. A cut wire attribute is automatically
attached to an end hole. For this example, you will use an end hole. If you did not
want to define an end hole, you would click BUTTON 2.
4. Pick the circle again.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE compensation side of boundary.

Getting Started 1-15

Steps to Generate an NC Program

5. Position the crosshair on the outside of the

boundary near the highlighted section of
the boundary and click BUTTON 1.
The tool path is inserted on the part.

6. Click the 3D View button on the

EDM toolbar.
You can use this command to view the
part in 3D.

7. Click the Isometric View button

on the modifier toolbar.
The part displays in 3D.
8. Hold down BUTTON 1 and move the
cursor to change the view.

9. Click File on the menu bar.

10. Choose Save As on the File menu.

1-16 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

The Save As dialog box

displays. Depending on where
you installed the ProCAM
software, the dialog box that
displays on your system may
indicate a different drive than
shown in the figure.
11. Type edm1 in the File name text
box, then click Save.
You do not have to type the .prt
extension. ProCAM adds the
extension automatically.
ProCAM saves the part in the
current folder. When you work
with your own parts, you can save them in a different folder by changing the current
folder before saving.

SAVE FREQUENTLY! You can save the part file at any time. Frequent saves can
prevent a time-consuming redo.

Step 8: Post Process the Part

The Post Process command on the EDM toolbar translates tool path and operation
information into NC code that can be interpreted by a controller. ProCAM creates NC
code for each tool path in the order the tool path appears in the part.

Post processing is the final step in generating the NC program file. This step takes all the
information you have input in the cutting cycles and operations parameters and creates the
NC program file for a specific controller or post processor.

1. Click the Post Process button on the EDM toolbar.

The Save Post File dialog box displays.
By default, the NC program and
Setup Sheet files are saved in the
\procad\txt folder. If you want
these files in another location,
you can change the folder.
2. If edm1.txt is not in the File name
text box, type edm1.
You do not have to type the
extension if you are using the
default .txt. If you want to use a
different extension, type the
extension after the file name.

Getting Started 1-17

Steps to Generate an NC Program

Naming the Post file the same as the Part file is the most common way of saving parts
and NC programs. Both files can have the same name because they have different
extensions. Part files have a .prt extension. Post files have a default .txt extension or the
extension you specify.
3. Click OK.
4. Move the Post dialog box so you can see the part.

5. Make sure the Highlight Cut button is highlighted. ProCAM will highlight the cut
as the applicable code is generated.

6. Make sure the View Code button is highlighted. During post processing, ProCAM
displays the NC code in the Post dialog box.

7. Click the Run button.

− ProCAM generates the NC program and displays the program in the Post dialog
box. You can stop post processing at any time by pressing any key. This puts
ProCAM in Step mode. In Step mode, you can press BUTTON 2 to continue one step
at a time. You can change modifiers, zoom in on an area of the part, then resume
post processing by clicking the Run button.
− ProCAM generates two files: EDM1.TXT (the NC program) and EDM1.SET (the
Setup Sheet). The files should look similar to the listing on the next page.
− The .TXT file is the NC program file that contains the CNC commands for the
machine control unit to activate the tool functions and cutting tool movements for
the part. This program contains the commands necessary to make the machine do
the required operations. The .TXT files are saved in the \procad\txt folder. You can
edit the file, if necessary, using a DNC editor, the control unit edit mode, or any
word processor.
− The .SET file is not used to control the machine tool. It is a text file that contains
information the operator can use to set up the machine tool. The information
includes the machine, the controller, the part material, and the tool type and size.
This file is located in the same folder as the NC program file. The Setup Sheet is an
ASCII text file that can be read or printed using any word processor or text editor.

1-18 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

NC Program
EDM1.TXT
O0100
N5S01D01
N10G92X2.5Y-.5I1.J0
N15G90
N20M20
N25G52G42G01Y-.135
N30X4.G60T0
N35G03X5.135Y1.I0J1.135
N40G01Y4.
N45G03X4.Y5.135I-1.135J0
N50G01X1.
N55G03X-.135Y4.I0J-1.135
N60G01Y1.
N65G03X1.Y-.135I1.135J0
N70G01X2.5
N75G50G40Y-.5
N80M21
N85M02

Setup Sheet
EDM1.SET
( PART NAME=edm1 )
( PROGRAM NUMBER=0100 )
( MACHINE=ELOX )
( MATERIAL= Steel)
( THICKNESS=1. )
( ESTIMATED WIRE LENGTH=19.8614 INCHES )
( ESTIMATED MACHINE TIME=1655 MIN. 7 SEC. )
( STATION TOOL TYPE DIAMETER POWER OFFSET DESCRIPTION )
( ------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------- ------------ --------------------------- )
( 001 WIRE 00.250 1 1 )

Getting Started 1-19

Steps to Generate an NC Program

1-20 Getting Started

Chapter 2 Learning by Example

This chapter provides an opportunity to learn ProCAM EDM through a step by step hands-
on tour of the features and functions. For more detailed information about a particular
feature or function, see the applicable chapter.

Before you do any of the exercises in this chapter, make sure you read Chapter 1. The
information and exercises in Chapter 1 will help you understand the process of creating an
NC program and you will be able to learn more from the exercises in this chapter.

Learning by Example 2-1

Lesson 1

Lesson 1
What You'll Learn
• Generating a 2 Axis with Taper Profile Tool Path
• Using Different Corner Types and Taper Angles

Generating a 2 Axis With Taper Profile Tool Path

In this exercise, you create a 2 axis tapered surface mesh where the XY surface is defined
by a part boundary and the UV surface is defined by a taper angle and a corner type
translated from the XY surface. Then you insert a profile tool path.
1. Open the part file EXEDM2.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This is the same part you used in Chapter 1 to
generate a 2 axis profile without taper;
however, the Units have been changed to
Metric Decimal.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD

toolbar to exit to EDM.
3. In the Controller Type dialog box, select
FANTUTE and click OK.
In the exercises in this manual, select
FANTUTE when you exit to EDM. When you
use ProCAM for your own parts, select your
own machine post processor.
Optionally, change the Setup Information that is
output in the Setup Sheet:
4. Choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the Setup
Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert the boundary:

5. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.
6. Right click the Layer box on the system bar (or press CTRL + L), turn on layer 2 and
make it the current layer, then click OK.

2-2 Learning by Example

 Lesson 1

7. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

− The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted automatically.

In this part, the entity used to indicate the start of the boundary has been broken.
Instead of breaking the entity, you can indicate the start of the boundary when you insert
the boundary by using the Closed Boundary modifier with the Break Midpoint and Step
modifiers.

Closed Boundary Break Midpoint Step

8. Pick point 1 for the boundary start.

− This part will be machined around the
outside starting at middle of the bottom.
− The bottom line has been broken at the
midpoint.
− The prompt lines changes to: PICK
entity for CAM boundary.
− This means to pick the first entity in the
boundary to give the boundary direction.
9. Pick the entity between points 1 and 2.
1
The line is highlighted and an arrow
showing the direction of the boundary
displays at its midpoint. 2
The prompt line continues to read: PICK
entity for CAM boundary.
10. Pick the entity to the left of point 1.
11. You do not have to pick each individual entity in order because ProCAM automatically
chains the boundary to the arc.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for end of boundary.

Learning by Example 2-3

Lesson 1

13. Click BUTTON 2.

After you have picked the last entity in the
boundary, you can click BUTTON 2 instead of
picking the endpoint. ProCAM accepts the
current endpoint as the endpoint for the
boundary.
The part should look like the figure on the
right.

Before you can generate the tool path, you need to create the UV plane boundary for the
amount of taper that is needed. The Surface Mesh command is used for this.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.
3. Click Setup on the menu bar and select CAM Display.
4. In the CAM Display dialog box, make sure the Right Wire Incline option is selected,
then click OK.
If your controller accepts the taper angle to be a negative value going counterclockwise
around the outside of the part, then you would select the Left Wire Incline.

5. Click the Surface Mesh button on the EDM toolbar.

The prompt line reads: SELECT surface boundary mode.

6. Click the 2 Axis with Taper modifier.

− Leave the Sharp Corner Type modifier highlighted. When you select this
modifier, a sharp corner is produced only if two entities on the XY surface create a
sharp corner. If a sharp corner is not found, ProCAM uses the default conic corner
case.

− Leave the No Lookahead modifier highlighted. For this part, ProCAM does
not need to check the UV path for negative arc overlapping conditions.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER taper angle.

2-4 Learning by Example

 Lesson 1

7. Type 15 and press ENTER.

The prompt line reads: ENTER Z coordinate of XY plane.
8. Press ENTER twice to accept the defaults for XY Plane and UV Plane.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
9. Pick the boundary anywhere.
− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for sync point (button 2 if done).
− At this point, you could either select different sync points to change the corner type
and/or taper angle or click BUTTON 2. In this exercise, you are using the same corner
type and taper.
10. Click BUTTON 2.
BUTTON 2 specifies that you want ProCAM to insert the surface mesh from this point to
the end of the boundary using the current settings for the corner type and taper angle.

11. Click the 3D View button on the

EDM toolbar.

12. Click the Isometric View.

The part displays in 3D isometric view.

13. Click the Right Side

View modifier.
Notice the taper.

You are now ready to define the operation and generate the tool path.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 4 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.

The Set Operation – Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display.

Learning by Example 2-5

Lesson 1

4. In the Set Operation dialog box, click the Wire button.

You can select the wire characteristics either before you define the operation by clicking
the Wire button on the system bar or when you define the operation by clicking the
Wire button in the Set Operation dialog box.
5. In the EDM Wires dialog box, select wire 01, then click the Edit button.
6. In the Set Wire dialog box, type 3 for the Diameter, then click OK.
7. Click OK to exit the EDM Wires dialog box.
8. In the Set Operation dialog box, make sure the Axis Mode is set to 4 Axis, then click
OK to accept the settings in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box and the default
modifiers.
9. Click OK to accept the defaults in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
10. Pick the surface mesh anywhere.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for start hole location (button 2 if
none).
− Optionally, you can choose a start hole. A thread wire attribute is automatically
attached to a start hole. For this example, you will use a start hole. If you did not
want to define a start hole, you would click BUTTON 2.

11. Click the Entity Origin modifier button on the Snap toolbar.
12. Pick the circle.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for end hole location (button 2 if none).
− Optionally, you can choose en end hole. A cut wire attribute is automatically
attached to an end hole. For this example, you will use an end hole. If you did not
want to define an end hole, you would click BUTTON 2.
13. Pick the circle again.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
compensation side of boundary.
14. Position the crosshair on the outside of
the boundary near the highlighted
section of surface mesh and click
BUTTON 1.
The tool path is inserted on the part.
15. Turn off Layers 1 and 3.

16. Click the Redraw button on the

Utility toolbar.
The Profile tool path should look
similar to the figure on the right.

2-6 Learning by Example

 Lesson 1

17. Click the 3D View button on the EDM toolbar.

18. Click the Isometric View button on the modifier toolbar.

19. Hold down BUTTON 1 and move the cursor to change the view.

Using Different Corner Types and Taper Angles

In this exercise, you create a 2 axis tapered surface mesh where the XY surface is defined
by a part boundary and the UV surface is defined by different taper angles and corner types
translated from the XY surface. Then, you define the operation and insert a profile tool
path.
1. Open the part file EXEDM4.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar to exit to EDM.

3. In the Controller Type dialog box, select FANTUTE and click OK.
Optionally, change the Setup Information that is output in the Setup Sheet:
4. Choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the Setup
Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert the boundary:
5. Right click the Layer box on the system bar,
turn on layer 2 and make it the current layer,
then click OK.

6. Click the Boundary button on the EDM

toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start
of boundary.

The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar

is highlighted automatically.
1
This part will be machined around the outside
starting at middle of the bottom. 2
7. Pick point 1 for the boundary start (indicated
in the figure).
− The bottom line has been broken at the midpoint.
− The prompt lines changes to: PICK entity for CAM boundary.
8. Pick the entity between points 1 and 2.
The prompt line continues to read: PICK entity for CAM boundary.

Learning by Example 2-7

Lesson 1

9. Pick the entity to the left of point 1.

10. Click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for end
of boundary.
11. Click BUTTON 2.
The part should look like the figure on the
right.

Before you can generate the tool path, you need to create the UV plane boundary for the
amount of taper that is needed. The Surface Mesh command is used for this.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.
3. Click Setup on the menu bar and select CAM Display.
4. In the CAM Display dialog box, make sure the Right Wire Incline option is selected,
then click OK.
If your controller accepts taper table to be a negative value going counterclockwise
around the outside of the part, then select the Left Wire Incline.

5. Click the Surface Mesh button on the EDM toolbar.

The prompt line reads: SELECT surface boundary mode.

6. Click the 2 Axis with Taper modifier.

7. Leave the No Lookahead modifier highlighted.

For this part, ProCAM does not need to check the UV path for negative arc overlapping
conditions.

8. Click the Equal Radius Corner Type modifier.

− When an arc is encountered with this modifier selected, ProCAM inserts an arc in
the UV surface with the same radius as the arc in the XY surface.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER taper angle.

2-8 Learning by Example

 Lesson 1

9. Type 10 and press ENTER.

The prompt line reads: ENTER Z coordinate of XY plane.
10. Press ENTER to accept the default (0.00mm) for the XY Plane.
11. Type 50 for the UV Plane and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
12. Pick the boundary anywhere.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for sync point (button 2 if done).
13. Pick point 1.
5 4
14. Pick point 2 for the sync point.
15. Double click the Taper text box in the
InfoBar, type 0 and press ENTER.
16. Pick point 2 again for the sync point.
This changes the taper angle from 10 to
0 at point 2. 6
Picking the same point again after 3
changing the angle allows you to make 2
an abrupt taper angle change at the
point.
17. Pick point 3 for the sync point.
18. Double click the Taper text box in the 1
InfoBar, type 10 and press ENTER. 7
19. Pick point 3 again for the sync point.
This changes the taper angle from 0
back to 10 at point 3.

20. Click the Sharp Corner Type modifier, then pick point 4 for the sync point.

21. Click the Independent Radius Corner Type modifier.

The prompt line reads: ENTER independent radius.
22. Type 13 for the Radius and press ENTER.
23. Pick point 5.
24. Pick point 6.

Learning by Example 2-9

Lesson 1

25. Click the Chamfer Corner Type modifier, then pick point 7 for the sync point.
26. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the mesh surface (shown in the figure on the left below).

27. Click the 3D View button.

28. Click Isometric View modifier.

The part displays in 3D isometric view (shown in the figure on the right below).

You are now ready to define the operation and generate the profile tool path.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 4 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.

The Set Operation – Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display.
4. In the Set Operation dialog box, define the parameters using the following information:
− Wire 01 = 3mm diameter wire (if you need more information on defining the wire,
see the steps on page 2-6).
− Axis Mode = 4 axis
− Use defaults for the other parameters

5. Click the Leadin modifier button until Arc Leadin displays.

2-10 Learning by Example

 Lesson 1

6. In the Arc Leadin dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadin = 0
− Leadin Angle = 0
− Leadin Overlap = 1.5mm
− Arc Radius = 2.5mm
− Arc Angle = 90

7. Click the Leadout modifier button until Arc Leadout displays.

8. In the Arc Leadout dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadout = 0
− Leadout Angle = 0
− Leadout Overlap = 1.5mm
− Arc Radius = 2.5mm
− Arc Angle = 90

9. Click the Compensation modifier to display No Compensation.

10. Click OK in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box to accept the settings for the
parameters and the modifiers.
11. Click OK to accept the defaults in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for tool path.
12. Pick the boundary anywhere.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for start hole location (button 2 if
none).
− Optionally, you can choose a start hole. A thread wire attribute is automatically
attached to a start hole location. If you did not want to define a start hole, you would
click BUTTON 2.

13. Click the Entity Origin modifier button on the Snap toolbar.
14. Pick the circle.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for end hole location (button 2 if none).
− Optionally, you can choose an end hole. A cut wire attribute is automatically
attached to an end hole. If you did not want to define an end hole, you would click
BUTTON 2.
15. Pick the circle again.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE compensation side of boundary.

Learning by Example 2-11

Lesson 1

16. Position the crosshair on the outside of the boundary and click BUTTON 1.
The tool path is inserted on the
part.
17. Turn off Layers 1 and 3.

18. Click the Redraw button on

the Utility toolbar.
The Profile tool path should look
similar to the figure.

2-12 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

Lesson 2
What You'll Learn
• 4 Axis Profile with Automatic Synchronization
• 4 Axis Profile with Manual Synchronization

Generating a 4 Axis Profile with Automatic Synchronization

In the following exercises you first define the XY and UV boundaries by defining the
location of the XY plane and UV plane relative to the Z axis boundaries. Next you insert a
Surface Mesh between the two boundaries allowing you to visualize the part. Finally, you
generate a profile tool path.

1. Open the part file EXEDM3.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar to exit to EDM.

3. In the Controller Type dialog box, select FANTUTE and click OK.
Optionally, change the Setup Information that is output in the Setup Sheet:
4. Choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the Setup
Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert the boundary:
5. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 2 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
6. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

7. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

− The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted automatically.

− This part will be machined around the outside starting at middle of the bottom.

Learning by Example 2-13

Lesson 2

8. Pick point 1 for the boundary start (as indicated in the figure).
− The bottom line has been broken at the midpoint.
− The prompt lines changes to: PICK entity for CAM boundary.
− This means to pick the first entity in the
boundary to give the boundary direction.
9. Pick the entity between points 1 and 2.
The line highlights and an arrow showing the
direction of the boundary displays at its
midpoint.
The prompt line continues to read: PICK
entity for CAM boundary.
10. Pick the entity to the left of point 1, then 3 4
click BUTTON 2.
You do not have to pick each individual
entity in order because ProCAM
automatically chains the boundary to the arc.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for 1 2
end of boundary.
11. Click BUTTON 2.
After you have picked the last entity in the
boundary, you can click BUTTON 2 instead of
picking the endpoint. ProCAM accepts the
current endpoint as the endpoint for the
boundary.
12. Repeat steps 8 through 11 for the inside
boundary picking points 3 and 4.
The part should look like the figure on the
right.

Before you can generate the tool path, you need

to insert a surface between the XY and UV boundaries.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Surface Mesh button on the EDM toolbar.

The prompt line reads: SELECT surface boundary mode.

2-14 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

4. Click the 4 Axis modifier button.

This modifier is used when you are creating a surface mesh between two different
boundaries.

5. Make sure the Synchronize Automatically modifier is highlighted.

− When defining the Surface Mesh in 4 axis mode, the XY and UV boundaries must
be connected by synchronizing them. Synchronizing defines how the surface mesh
is inserted between different geometry in the XY and UV boundaries.
− When you select Synchronize Automatically, ProCAM automatically selects an
entity on the UV path for each entity on the XY path. This modifier should be used
when the XY and UV boundaries have the same number of entities and can be
synchronized one to one.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER Z coordinate of XY plane.
6. Press ENTER to accept the default (0.0) for XY Plane.
7. Type 25 for the UV Plane and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st boundary for XY surface.
8. Pick anywhere on the outside boundary.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2nd boundary for UV surface.
9. Pick anywhere on the inside boundary.
− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for XY sync point (button 2 if done).
− At this point, you could either select a different sync points for different taper angles
or click BUTTON 2, which allows ProCAM to synchronize automatically using a 1 to
1 sync method.
10. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the mesh surface.

11. Click the 3D View button on the

EDM toolbar.

12. Click the Isometric View.

The part displays in 3D isometric view.

Learning by Example 2-15

Lesson 2

You are now ready to define the operation and generate the tool path.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 4 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.

The Set Operation – Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display.
4. In the Set Operation dialog box, define the parameters using the following information:
− Wire 01 = 3mm diameter wire (if you need more information on defining the wire,
see the steps on page 2-6).
− Axis Mode = 4 axis
− Use defaults for the other parameters

5. Click the Leadin modifier button until Arc Leadin displays.

6. In the Arc Leadin dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadin = 2.25mm
− Leadin Angle = 0
− Leadin Overlap = 1.5mm
− Arc Radius = 2.25mm
− Arc Angle = 90

7. Click the Leadout modifier button until Arc Leadout displays.

8. In the Arc Leadout dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadout = 2.25mm
− Leadout Angle = 0
− Leadout Overlap = 1.5mm
− Arc Radius = 2.25mm
− Arc Angle = 90
9. Click OK to accept the settings for the parameters and the modifiers.
10. Click OK to accept the defaults in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
11. Pick the boundary anywhere.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for start hole location (button 2 if
none).

2-16 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

− Optionally, you can choose a start hole. A thread wire attribute is automatically
attached to a start hole. If you did not want to define a start hole, you would click
BUTTON 2.

12. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

13. Pick the circle.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for end hole location (button 2 if none).
− Optionally, you can choose an end hole. A cut wire attribute is automatically
attached to an end hole. If you did not want to define an end hole, you would click
BUTTON 2.
14. Pick the circle again.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
compensation side of boundary.
15. Position the crosshair on the outside of
the surface mesh near the highlighted
section of surface mesh and click
BUTTON 1.
The tool path is inserted on the part.
The figure shows the tool path with the
surface mesh layer turned off.

Generating a 4 Axis Profile with Manual Synchronization

In the following exercises, you first define the XY and UV boundaries by defining the
location of the XY plane and UV plane relative to the Z axis boundaries. Next, you insert a
Surface Mesh between the two boundaries allowing you to visualize the part. Finally, you
define the operation and generate a profile tool path.
1. Open the part file EXEDM5.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar to exit to EDM.

3. In the Controller Type dialog box, select FANTUTE and click OK.
4. Optionally, choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the
Setup Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert the boundary:
5. Right click the Layer box on the system bar (or press CTRL + L), turn on layer 2 and
make it the current layer, then click OK.

Learning by Example 2-17

Lesson 2

6. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

− The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted automatically.

7. Pick point 1B for the boundary
start.
The prompt lines changes to: PICK
entity for CAM boundary.
This means to pick the first entity
in the boundary to give the
boundary direction.
8. Pick the entity between points 1B
and 2B.
The prompt line continues to read: 1A 2A
PICK entity for CAM boundary.
9. Pick the entity to the left of point
1B, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2B
endpoint for end of boundary.
10. Click BUTTON 2. 1B
After you have picked the last
entity in the boundary, you can
click BUTTON 2 instead of picking the endpoint. ProCAM accepts the current endpoint
as the endpoint for the boundary.

11. Insert a boundary on the inside square.

− Pick the entity between points 1A and 2A to start the boundary.
− Pick the entities in a counterclockwise direction around the square.

Before you can generate the tool path, you need to insert a surface mesh between the XY
and UV boundaries.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Surface Mesh button on the EDM toolbar.

The prompt line reads: SELECT surface boundary mode.

4. Click the 4 Axis modifier button.

2-18 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

5. Click the Synchronize Manually modifier button.

− Since the two boundaries do not have the same number of entities, you need to
synchronize manually by selecting a point on the XY path and then a point on the
UV path.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER Z coordinate of XY plane.
6. Press ENTER to accept the default (0.00) for XY Plane.
7. Type 2 for the UV Plane and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st boundary for XY surface.
8. Pick anywhere on the outside boundary.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2nd boundary for UV surface.
9. Pick anywhere on the inside boundary.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for XY sync point (button 2 if done).
10. Pick point 2B.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for UV sync point.
11. Pick point 1A.
A white line displays from point 1A to 2B indicating that they are synchronized.
12. Synchronize the following XY points to the UV points:

XY UV
Point Point
3B to 2A
4B to 3A
5B to 3A
6B to 3A
7B to 4A
8B to 5A
9B to 5A
10B to 5A
11B to 6A
12B to 7A
13B to 7A
14B to 7A
15B to 8A
16B to 1A
1B to 1A

Learning by Example 2-19

Lesson 2

13. Click BUTTON 2.

The surface mesh displays.

In this exercise, you use the Endpoint Snap to sync the midpoint of the lines for the
inside square because the each line has been broken at the midpoint. Instead of breaking
the entities, you could use the Midpoint Snap to pick the midpoint of each line.

14. Click the 3D View button on the EDM toolbar.

15. Click the Isometric View.

The part displays in 3D isometric view as shown in the figure on the right above.
The sync points selected in this exercise are only one way to insert the surface mesh on this
part because there are a different number of sync points on the two boundaries. The figures
on the next page show the surface mesh produced by selecting different sync points.

2-20 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

Mesh Produced Using Different Sync Points

You are now ready to define the operation and generate the profile tool path.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 4 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Click the down arrow next to the Color selection box on the system bar and change the
color.

3. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.

The Set Operation – Profile dialog box and modifier toolbar display.
4. In the Set Operation dialog box, define the parameters using the following information:
− Wire 01 = .125 diameter wire (if you need more information on defining the wire
diameter, see the steps on page 2-6).
− Axis Mode = 4 axis
− Use defaults for the other parameters

5. Click the Corner Type modifier until the Sharp Corner modifier displays.

6. Click the Leadin modifier button until Arc Leadin displays.

Learning by Example 2-21

Lesson 2

7. In the Arc Leadin dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadin = .25
− Leadin Angle = 0
− Leadin Overlap = 0
− Arc Radius = .25"
− Arc Angle = 45

8. Click the Leadout modifier button until Arc Leadout displays.

9. In the Arc Leadout dialog box, define the parameters using the following information,
then click OK:
− Leadout = .25
− Leadout Angle = 0
− Leadout Overlap = 0
− Arc Radius = .25"
− Arc Angle = 45
10. Click OK in the Set Operation - Profile dialog box to accept the settings for the
parameters and the modifiers.
11. In the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box, select Off for the Compensation
parameter, then click OK to accept the defaults for the other parameters.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for tool path.
12. Pick the surface mesh anywhere.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
coordinate for start hole location.

13. Click the Entity Origin

button on the Snap toolbar.
14. Pick the circle.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity
origin for end hole location.
15. Pick the circle again.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
compensation side of boundary.
16. Position the crosshair on the
outside of the surface mesh near
the highlighted section and click
BUTTON 1.
The tool path is inserted on the
part. The figure shows the part with
the surface mesh layer turned off.

2-22 Learning by Example

 Lesson 2

17. Click the Operation button on the system bar (labeled Profile).
18. Click the Edit button in the Operation List dialog box.

19. Change the Corner Type modifier to Round.

20. Click OK to exit the Set Operation – Profile dialog box.
21. Click the Rerun button, then click OK.
Notice the difference in the corners on this tool path.

Learning by Example 2-23

Lesson 3

Lesson 3
What You'll Learn
Generating a 2 Axis No Taper Skim Cut with Tab Removal
In this exercise, you create a 2 axis no taper skim cut with final tab removal, then you insert
the tool path using both opposite and same direction cutting to see the difference.
1. Open the part file EXEDM6.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the
CAM button on
the CAD toolbar
to exit to EDM.
3. In the Controller
Type dialog
box, select
FANTUTE and
click OK.
4. Optionally,
choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the Setup
Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert a boundary with rounded corners:
5. Right click the Layer box on the system bar (or press CTRL + L), turn on layer 2 and
make it the current layer, then click OK.

6. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

7. Click the Boundary Type modifier until the Closed modifier displays.
− When you insert a boundary with rounded corners, you must select either the Open
or Closed modifier. The Closed modifier also allows you to window pick all entities
in the closed boundary.
− The prompt line reads: SELECT entities for inserting boundary.

8. Make sure the Counterclockwise modifier button is highlighted.

This specifies that you want the closed boundary inserted in a counterclockwise
direction. If a direction is not selected, ProCAM uses the original direction of the first
entity in the boundary (from the start of the entity to the end of the entity).

2-24 Learning by Example

 Lesson 3

9. Make sure the Break modifier is highlighted.

This modifier is used to determine whether the boundary starts at the end of an entity or
at its midpoint. If this modifier is selected, ProCAM looks to see if any entities were
broken with the Break Utility.

10. Click the Step modifier button to highlight it.

This modifier allows you to define the start entity in the closed boundary.
11. Double click the Radius text box in the InfoBar, type .25 and press ENTER.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
When you specify a Radius, ProCAM rounds off all the outside sharp corners
automatically. This eliminates having to manually insert a fillet on the sharp corners.
ProCAM does not put fillets on the CAD entities. It simply adds a radius in the
boundary path.
13. In the left box,
pick the entity P1 P2
labeled P1 first,
then window pick
the other entities.
14. Click BUTTON 2
twice.

15. Zoom in on a corner and notice that the boundary has a .25 radius on
it.
Insert the boundary on the right box:

16. Click the Clockwise modifier button.

17. Make sure the Step modifier button is highlighted.

18. Pick the entity
labeled P2 in the
figure above,
then window
pick the other
entities.
The boundaries
are inserted as
shown in the
figure on the
right.

Learning by Example 2-25

Lesson 3

You are now ready to define the tab cut, the skim cut passes and the tab removal pass, then
generate the tool paths.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Change the color.
3. Click Setup on the menu bar and select CAM Display.
4. In the CAM Display dialog box, make sure the Right Wire Incline option is selected,
then click OK.

5. Click the Skim Cut Tool Path button on the EDM toolbar.
The Set Operation – Skim Cutting dialog box and modifier toolbar display.

6. Make sure the Reverse Direction modifier is displayed.

7. Make sure the Compensation modifier is displayed.

8. Use the defaults for the other modifiers.
9. In the Set Operation -
Skim Cutting dialog
box, make sure the Axis
Mode is set to 2 axis.
Skim Cutting allows you
to define a tab that will
remain uncut by all skim
passes. In this exercise,
you define a .5" tab,
which will be removed
by a tab removal pass
after the skim passes.
10. Type .25 for the Start tab.
This means the tab will start .25" from the start of the boundary.
11. Type .25 for the End Tab.
This means the tab will end .25" from the end of the boundary.
st
Define the 1 skim pass:
12. Click the Define Passes button.
The Pass List dialog box displays.
13. Click the New button.
The Pass #1 Definition dialog box displays.
14. Click the Wire button.
15. In the EDM Wires dialog box, click anywhere on line 01 and click the Edit button.

2-26 Learning by Example

 Lesson 3

16. In the Set Wire dialog box, type .125" for the Diameter and click OK.
You can use the defaults for the Power Register and Offset Register.
17. Click OK to exit the EDM Wires dialog box.
18. In the Pass #1 Definition dialog box, define the parameters using the following
information, then click OK:
− Pass Type=Skim Pass
− Clearance=.125"
Define the 2nd skim pass:
19. Click the New button again in the Pass
List dialog box.
20. In the Pass #2 Definition dialog box, define the parameters using the following
information, then click OK:
− Wire=1 (.125" diameter)
− Pass Type=Skim Pass
− Clearance=0
Define the tab removal pass:
21. Click the New button again in the Pass List dialog box.
22. In the Pass #3 Definition dialog box, define the parameters using the following
information, then click OK:
− Wire=1
− Pass Type=Tab Removal
− Clearance = 0
The Pass List dialog box lists the three
passes:
23. Click OK to exit the Pass List dialog
box.
24. Click OK to exit the Set Operation -
Skimming Cut dialog box.
25. Click OK to accept the defaults in the
Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog
box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary
for toolpath.
Generate the tool paths:
26. Pick the boundary on the left square.
− The boundary is highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for start hole location.

Learning by Example 2-27

Lesson 3

27. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

28. Pick the circle labeled Start
Hole in the figure.
The prompt line reads: PICK
entity origin for end hole
location.
29. Pick the circle labeled End Hole Start Hole
in the figure. End Hole
− The prompt line reads:
DIGITIZE compensation
side of boundary.
− A section of the boundary is
highlighted.
30. Pick to the outside of the square
near the highlighted section.
ProCAM generates the two skim cut tool paths and the tab removal pass.

Notice that the 1st skim pass goes in the same direction as the boundary and the 2nd skim
pass goes in the opposite direction.

Since the Skim Cutting tool paths for the right square are similar to the tool paths for the
left square, you can copy the Skim Cut operation you just completed and modify it for the
right square:
1. Click the Operation button on the system bar.
− This button is currently labeled Skim Cutting.
− The Operation List dialog box displays.
2. Highlight the Skim Cut operation line and click the Copy button.

− The After modifier button is highlighted and the prompt line reads: SELECT
operation that copy will be after.
− A copied operation can be inserted in the operation list before or after another
operation depending on the modifier button you select.
3. Click the Skim Cutting operation in the list.
ProCAM copies the operation and inserts it in the list after the first operation.

2-28 Learning by Example

 Lesson 3

4. Click the Edit button.

Notice that all the parameters and modifiers are the same as the first operation you
created.

5. Change the Reverse Direction modifier to Cut Single Direction, then click OK.
6. Click OK to exit the Operation List dialog box.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
7. Pick the boundary on the right square.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin
for start hole location.
8. Pick the circle labeled Start Hole in the
figure.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin Start Hole
for end hole location.
End Hole
9. Pick the circle labeled End Hole in the
figure.
10. Pick to the outside of the square near the
highlighted boundary section for the
compensation side of boundary.

ProCAM generates the two skim cut tool

paths and the tab removal pass.

Notice that the skim passes both go in the same direction as the boundary.

Learning by Example 2-29

Lesson 4

Lesson 4
What You'll Learn
2 Axis Core Removal
In the following exercises, you insert the 2 axis boundary, define the operation and generate
a core removal tool path.
1. Open the part file EXEDM8.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar to exit to EDM.

3. In the Controller Type dialog box, select FANTUTE and click OK.
4. Optionally, choose Setup Information on the CAM menu, change the parameters in the
Setup Information dialog box, then click OK.
Insert the boundary:
5. Right click the Layer box on the system bar (or press CTRL + L), turn on layer 2 and
make it the current layer, then click OK.

6. Click the Boundary button on the EDM toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for start of boundary.

− The Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted automatically.

7. Pick point 1 for the boundary
start.
− The prompt lines changes to:
PICK entity for CAM
boundary.
− This means to pick the first
entity in the boundary to give
the boundary direction.
8. Pick the entity between points 1
and 2.
The prompt line continues to
read: PICK entity for CAM
boundary.
9. Pick the entity to the left of point 2
1, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK
endpoint for end of boundary. 1

2-30 Learning by Example

 Lesson 4

10. Click BUTTON 2.

After you have picked the last entity in the
boundary, you can click BUTTON 2 instead
of picking the endpoint. ProCAM accepts
the current endpoint as the endpoint for
the boundary.

Define the operation and generate the core removal tool path:
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 3 and make it the current
layer, then click OK.
2. Change the color.

3. Click the EDM Core Removal button on the EDM toolbar.

4. Define the parameters in the Set Operation dialog box:
− Wire 01 = .20 diameter wire
− Axis Mode = 2 axis
− Cut Amount = .10 (to assure complete core removal without creating slugs, the Cut
Amount should be 50% of the diameter or less)
− Use defaults for the other
parameters
5. Click OK to accept the settings for
the parameters and the modifiers.
6. In the Set Operation - Post
Parameters dialog box, select Off for
the Compensation parameter, then
click OK to accept the defaults for the
other parameters.
The prompt line reads: PICK
boundary for toolpath.
7. Pick the boundary anywhere.
8. Click BUTTON 2 twice.
Start and end holes are not used in
this exercise.

Learning by Example 2-31

Lesson 5

Lesson 5
What You'll Learn
• Defining a Macro
• Creating a Multiple Macro
• Calling a Macro
• Editing a Macro
• Undefining a Macro
If your controller supports and is configured to output subprograms, you can use macro
calls, multiples, etc., to output code that is significantly reduced in size.
If your machine or post processor does not support subprograms, macros are output as long
code instead of subprograms. If this is the case, you can use the Move utility with the
Move/Copy modifier to produce the same output.
In this lesson, you cut 8 parts on a stock plate using macros. The part has Skim Cutting tool
paths for 2 skim passes and 1 tab cut. In the first three exercises, you define two macros,
one for the skim cut tool paths and one for the tab cuts. Then you call a macro grid and two
single macros for each macro. When the sheet of parts is post processed, the output creates
two subroutines, one for the skim passes and the second for the tab cuts.
The last two exercises show you how to edit and undefine macros.

Defining a Macro
1. Open the part file EXEDM9.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar to exit to EDM.

ProCAM exits to EDM automatically because the part was saved using the FANTUTE
controller.
3. Click the Operation button on the system bar.
Two operations are listed. The first operation has 2 Skim Passes. The second operation
has 1 Tab Cut.
4. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

5. Click the Macro button on the EDM toolbar.

− The Define Macro modifier is highlighted.

− The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).
6. Pick the red skim cutting tool paths.
You may want to zoom in to make it easier to pick the tool paths. Make sure you pick
both red tool paths.

2-32 Learning by Example

 Lesson 5

7. Click BUTTON 2.
The Macro Define dialog box displays.
8. Type EDM Skim for the name, then click OK.
− The red tool paths disappear from the work area.
− This is how you determine if you selected the correct entities for the macro. The
green tab cut tool path remains displayed indicating it is not in the macro.
− The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).
9. Pick the green tab cut tool path, then click BUTTON 2.
10. In the Macro Define dialog box, type EDM Tab for the name, then click OK.
The green tool path disappears from the work area.

Calling Single and Multiple Macros

Use the EDM Skim macro you just defined to create a grid of 6 parts:
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 5 and make it current. Turn
off layer 4, then click OK.

2. Click the Multiple Macros modifier button.

− The Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box displays.
− Notice that the original Skim Cutting operations are no longer listed in the
Operation List dialog box. When you create a macro of operations, the operations
are removed from the Operation List dialog box. Otherwise, your program would
have the operations you defined, then the macro calls. This would cut the first part
twice. Creating a Macro Grid or using the Macro Call function creates an operation.
This operation is the one ProCAM post processes.

Learning by Example 2-33

Lesson 5

3. Select the following in the Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box, then click OK:
− Macro Name = EDM Skim
− Post Process = Yes (this option determines whether or not this operation will be part
of the NC program when you post process the part)
4. Click OK to accept the default in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.
The Multiple Grid modifiers display.

5. Make sure the Known Distance Between Grid Points modifier is highlighted.

6. Make sure the Horizontal First Move button is highlighted.

In the InfoBar, a series of parameters display for defining the grid.

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for macro origin.
− ProCAM needs to know where the macro grid is to start in the X and Y axis. For the
fixture stock that these parts are set up on, this is the lower left corner of the stock
plate.
8. Type 3 for the X origin and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y coordinate for macro origin.
9. Type 1 for the Y origin and press ENTER.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER X increment for macro grid.
− The X increment is the part width in X plus the distance between parts. The Y
increment is the part length in Y plus the distance between the parts on the stock
plate (see the figure on the next page).
10. Type 2.5 for the X increment (.5 between the parts) and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y increment for macro grid.
11. Type 3.0 for the Y increment (1.0 between the parts) and press ENTER.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER macro X count.
− The X and Y counts specify the number of parts in the X and Y.
12. Type 2 for No. X and press ENTER.
13. Type 3 for the No. Y and press ENTER.
The macro grid displays.
MG displays at the X0,Y0 location. This indicates the origin of the macro grid.
Since the entities in a macro do not really exist in the work area, you must know
where the origin is if you want to modify the macro grid.

The Macro Display option in the CAM Display dialog box controls how much of the
grid is displayed. Instead of displaying the entire grid, you can reduce the time to
display and redraw a macro grid by showing one part, four parts or corner parts.

2-34 Learning by Example

 Lesson 5

14. To see how the origin works, click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.
15. Try to erase any of the tool paths in the work area. You are unable to pick any tool
paths.
16. Pick the MG.
The complete macro grid is erased.

17. Click Oops to restore the grid.

Since the multiple grid macro call completed only 6 of the 8 parts, you can do macro calls
to add the last 2 parts.
1. Click the Operation button on the system bar (labeled EDM Macro).
2. Click the New button in the Operation List dialog box.
3. Select EDM Macro in the EDM Operations dialog box and click OK.
4. Select the following in the Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box, then click OK:
− Macro Name = EDM Skim
− Post Process = Yes
5. Click OK to accept the default in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.

6. Make sure the Macro Call button is highlighted on the modifier toolbar.

Learning by Example 2-35

Lesson 5

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads:
ENTER X coordinate for
macro origin.
ProCAM needs to know
where the macro is to start
in the X and Y axis. For the
fixture stock that these
parts are set up on, this is
the lower left corner of the
stock plate.
8. Type .5 for the X origin and
press ENTER.
The prompt line reads:
ENTER Y coordinate for
macro origin.
9. Type 4 for the Y origin and
press ENTER.
The macro is inserted.
Macro Grid and One Macro Call
MC displays at the origin of the macro. Since the entities in a macro do not really
exist in the work area, you must know where the origin is if you want to modify
the macro.

Complete the last part:

10. Type 8 for the X origin and
press ENTER.
11. Type 4 for the Y origin and
press ENTER.
When you are finished, the
part should look like the
figure on the right.

2-36 Learning by Example

 Lesson 5

You have completed the skim passes. Now you need to repeat the same steps to complete
the tab cuts.
1. Right click the Layer box on the system bar, turn on layer 6 and make it current.
2. Click the Operation button on the system bar (labeled EDM Macro).
3. Click the New button in the Operation List dialog box.
4. Select EDM Macro in the EDM Operations dialog box and click OK.
5. Select the following in the Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box, then click OK:
− Macro Name = EDM Tab
− Post Process = Yes
6. Click OK to accept the default in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.

7. Click the Multiple Macros modifier button.

8. Make sure the Known Distance Between Grid Points modifier is highlighted.

9. Make sure the Horizontal First Move button is highlighted.

10. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

11. Enter the following values:
− X origin = 3
− Y origin = 1
− X increment = 2.5
− Y increment = 3
− No. X = 2
− No. Y = 3
The tab cut tool paths display on the parts in the macro grid.

Do the macro calls to add the tab cut tool paths to the last 2 parts:
1. Click the Operation button on the system bar.
2. Click the New button in the Operation List dialog box.
3. Select EDM Macro in the EDM Operations dialog box and click OK.
4. Select the following in the Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box, then click OK:
− Macro Name = EDM Tab
− Post Process = Yes
5. Click OK to accept the default in the Set Operation - Post Parameters dialog box.

6. Make sure the Macro Call button is highlighted on the modifier toolbar.

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

Learning by Example 2-37

Lesson 5

8. Type .5 for the X origin

and press ENTER.
9. Type 4 for the Y origin
and press ENTER.
The tab cut macro is
inserted and the tab cut
tool path displays.
Complete the last part:
10. Type 8 for the X origin
and press ENTER.
11. Type 4 for the Y origin
and press ENTER.
The part should look like
the figure.
12. Save the part as
EXMAC9.PRT.

13. Post process the part

to see how the
subprograms are called up.
The code shown on the next page was generated using an ELOX type controller. Some
controllers simply repeat functions and do not create separate subs. The numbers below
may not match your code listing; however, you can see that the subprograms are being
called up.

2-38 Learning by Example

 Lesson 5

EXMAC9.TXT
O0001
N5G92X-3.Y-1. N35Y-.15
N10M98P0002 N40X.9
N15G92X-1.75Y2.5 N45Y.85
N20M98P0002 N50X1.1
N25G92X.75Y-.5 N55Y-.15
N30M98P0002 N60X2.15
N35G92X3.25Y2.5 N65Y2.15
N40M98P0002 N70X1.4
N45G92X.75Y-.5 N75Y2.5
N50M98P0002 N80G50G40X1.25
N55G92X-1.75Y2.5 N85G52G41X1.3
N60M98P0002 N90Y2.05
N65G92X5.75Y5.5 N95X2.05
N70M98P0002 N100Y-.05
N75G92X-6.75Y2.5 N105X1.2
N80M98P0002 N110Y.95
N85G92X5.75Y5.5 N115X.8
N90M98P0003 N120Y-.05
N95G92X-1.25Y2.5 N125X-.05
N100M98P0003 N130Y2.05
N105G92X1.25Y-.5 N135X.7
N110M98P0003 N140Y2.5
N115G92X3.75Y2.5 N145G50G40X.75
N120M98P0003 N150M21
N125G92X1.25Y-.5 N155M99
N130M98P0003 %
N135G92X-1.25Y2.5 O0003
N140M98P0003 N5S02D02
N145G92X6.25Y5.5 N10G90G00X.75Y2.5
N150M98P0003 N15M20
N155G92X-6.25Y2.5 /N20M00
N160M98P0003 N25G52G41G01X.7
N165M02 N30Y2.05G60T0
% N35X1.
O0002 N40X1.3
N5S01D01 N45M01
N10G90G00X.75Y2.5 N50Y2.5
N15M20 N55G50G40X1.25
N20G52G42G01X.6 N60M21
N25Y2.15G60T0 N65M99
N30X-.15

Learning by Example 2-39

Lesson 5

Editing a Macro
The Edit Utility and the Macro modifier allow you to edit entities and operations within a
macro without having to undefine the macro.
When you define a macro, the original operations are removed from the Operation List
dialog box. The only way to edit the information in the operations is to use the Edit Utility
with the Macro modifier. You can also use the Edit Macro utility to add an operation to a
macro. For example, if you wanted to add a finish profile around the parts in
EXMAC9.PRT, you could add the profile to the EDM Skim macro instead of defining an
additional macro.
In this exercise, you edit the EDM Skim macro and delete the first skim pass from the Skim
Cut operation.
1. Continue using EXMAC9.PRT currently in the work area.
If this part is not in the work area from the previous exercise, open the file.
2. Exit to the EDM system.
3. Click the Operation button on the system bar.
4. Select the first Macro operation in the list, then click the Edit button.
The Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box displays. The only items that can be edited
are the macro name that is being called, the Post Process option and the work coordinate
(when you click the More button). Any other information must be edited using the Edit
utility.
5. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box.

6. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

7. Click the Macro button on the modifier toolbar.

The Macros Defined dialog box displays.
8. Select EDM Skim, then click OK.
The macro grid disappears and the original entities display.
MD displays at the X0,Y0 location to indicate the origin of the entities that you
are editing and to indicate that you are editing a macro that has already been
defined.
9. Click the Operation button on the system bar.
The Operation List dialog box shows the original Skim Cutting operation. The Macro
operation is not listed.
10. Select the first Skim Cutting operation and click the Edit button.
11. In the Set Operation - Skim Cutting dialog box, click the Define Passes button.
12. Delete the first skim pass, then click OK.
13. Click OK to exit the Set Operation – Skim Cutting dialog box.

2-40 Learning by Example

 Lesson 5

14. In the Operation List dialog box, click the Rerun button to update tool path information.
15. Click OK to rerun the current operation.
You can see the change in the tool path.
16. Click Ok to exit the Operation List dialog box.

17. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

18. Click the Macro button on the modifier toolbar.

The red tool paths display again in the work area.
19. Click Cancel to exit the Macros Defined dialog box.
If you post processed this part, the new tool paths would be in the program.

Undefining a Macro
When you complete a macro definition, the entities that are in the macro disappear from the
work area. This is how you determine if you selected the correct entities for the macro. If
the correct entities were not selected for the macro, you can undefine the macro and pick the
entities again. Undefining a macro deletes the macro and puts the entities that were in the
macro back into the part as normal entities. You can then define the macro again.
If you want to undefine a macro that is currently being used, you must erase the macro
calls and grids and delete the macro operation before undefining.

In this exercise, you undefine a macro that contains entities you do not want in the macro.
1. Open the part file EXEDM9.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
2. Exit to EDM.
3. Right click the Layer box on the system bar and turn on all layers, then click OK.

4. Click the Macro button on the EDM tool bar.

− The Define Macro modifier is highlighted.

− The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).

Learning by Example 2-41

Lesson 5

5. Window pick the part including the bolt.

6. Click BUTTON 2.
The Macro Define dialog box displays.
7. Type EDM Macro for the name, then click
OK.
The tool paths and the bolt disappear from
the work area.

8. Click the Undefine Macro modifier

button.
9. Click EDM Macro in the list of defined
macros, then click OK.
The original entities are displayed in the
work area.
10. Click OK to exit the dialog box.
You can now define the macro again and pick the correct entities.

2-42 Learning by Example

 Index

Index erosion diameter 1-14

.set 1-18 exit from CAD to EDM 1-4
.txt 1-17 exit from EDM to CAD 1-4
2 axis core removal, exercises 2-30 FANTUTE 1-4
2 axis profile cutting, exercises 1-13 files
2 axis skim cutting installing parts for exercises 1-2
exercises 2-24 NC program 1-18
2 axis taper cutting post 1-17
selecting wire inclination 1-9 setup sheet 1-18
2 axis taper profile cutting I/L
exercises 2-2 inclination, selecting left or right 1-9
2 axis vertical cutting 1-3 layer
3D View 1-16 box on system bar 1-6
4 axis profile cutting changing 1-6, 1-12
exercises 2-13, 2-17
M/N
A/B macros
arrows, turning display on/off 1-8 calling 2-35, 2-37
boundaries changing grid display 1-9
single 1-12 creating multiple 2-33, 2-37
turning arrow display on/off 1-8 defining 2-32
C/D defining grid 2-33, 2-37
CAD, drawing part 1-3 editing 2-40
CAM Display dialog box 1-8 exercises 2-32
CAM menu 1-10 sample NC program 2-39
Default Files 1-10 undefining 2-41
Display Controller 1-10 MC 2-36
Setup Information 1-10, 1-11 MD 2-40
Tool Files 1-10 MG 2-34
color NC program
box on system bar 1-6 sample file 1-19
changing 1-6 sample output for macros 2-39
comments, adding wire comment to setup sheet 1- steps to generate 1-3
14 O/P
controller, selecting 1-4 Offset Register 1-14
Controller Type dialog box 1-4, 1-10 operation
controller, changing 1-10 button on system bar 1-6
core removal cutting cycle, exercises 2-30 copying 2-28
Cut Simulation creating 1-13
Distance 1-9 generating tool paths 1-15
turning on/off 1-9 parts
display, changing 1-8 drawing in CAD 1-3
E/F importing 1-3
Edit utility 2-40 installing for exercises 1-2
EDM toolbar 1-7 opening file 1-3
EDM window, description 1-5 saving file 1-17
EDM Wires dialog box 1-14 viewing in 3D 1-16

i
Index

parts used in exercises Utility toolbar, Edit 2-40

exedm1.prt 1-4 W
exedm2.prt 2-2 wire
exedm3.prt 2-13 button on system bar 1-6
exedm4.prt 2-7 defining 1-14
exedm5.prt 2-17 diameter 1-14
exedm6.prt 2-24 EDM Wires dialog box 1-14
exedm8.prt 2-30 offset register 1-14
exedm9.prt 2-32, 2-41 power register 1-14
exmac9.prt 2-38, 2-40 Set Wire dialog box 1-14
post process wire inclination, selecting 1-9
changing controller/post processor 1-10
NC program file 1-18
saving post file 1-17
setup sheet 1-18
Power Register 1-14
profile cutting cycle
exercises 1-13, 2-5, 2-10, 2-16, 2-21
start and end holes 1-15, 2-6, 2-11, 2-16
R/S
Rapids, turning display on/off 1-8
Save As dialog box 1-17
Save As dialog box, CAD Only option 1-10
Save Post File dialog box 1-17
Select Controller command (CAM menu) 1-10
Set Operation - EDM Macro dialog box 2-34, 2-
40
Set Operation - Skim Cutting dialog box 2-26
Set Wire dialog box 1-14
Setup Information dialog box 1-11
setup sheet
description 1-11
file 1-18
sample file 1-19
wire comment 1-14
skim cutting cycle, exercises 2-26
steps to generate NC program 1-3
surface mesh
2 axis with taper exercises 2-4, 2-7, 2-8
4 axis exercises 2-14, 2-18
inserting 1-13
system bar
color box 1-6
description 1-6
layer box 1-6
operation button 1-6
wire button 1-6
T/U
ToolTips 1-7

ii