Table of Contents

License agreement...................................................................................................................1
Getting started..........................................................................................................................2
Tutorials in mm.........................................................................................................................4
Tutorial 1...............................................................................................................................4
Tutorial 2.............................................................................................................................11
Tutorial 3.............................................................................................................................21
Tutorial 4.............................................................................................................................27
Tutorial 5.............................................................................................................................31
Tutorial 6.............................................................................................................................33
Customizing CAPSturn........................................................................................................36
Tutorial 7 ............................................................................................................................37
Tutorial 8.............................................................................................................................40
Tutorial 9.............................................................................................................................41
Tutorials in Inch.........................................................................................................................4
Tutorial 1...............................................................................................................................4
Tutorial 2.............................................................................................................................11
Tutorial 3.............................................................................................................................21
Tutorial 4.............................................................................................................................27
Tutorial 5.............................................................................................................................31
Tutorial 6.............................................................................................................................33
Customizing CAPSturn........................................................................................................36
Tutorial 7 ............................................................................................................................37
Tutorial 8.............................................................................................................................40
Tutorial 9.............................................................................................................................41
License agreement
License
You have a non-exclusive right to use the software. This software can only be used on a single
computer. You may physically transfer the software from one computer to another, provided that the
software is used on only computer at a time. You may not electronically transfer the software from one
computer to another over a network. You may not distribute copies of the software and its documentation
to others. You may not modify, reverse engineer or translate the software or the documentation without
the prior consent in writing from the publishers Cadem Technologies Pvt. Ltd., hereinafter referred to as
Cadem

Backup
You may make one copy of the software solely for the purpose of backup. You must reproduce and
include the copyright notice on the backup copy. You may not transfer, sell, or lease the license to
another party without prior written consent from Cadem.

Copyright
The software and the documentation contain proprietary information, which is protected by copyright.
You may not copy the software or its documentation except for backup purpose and to load the software
on a computer as part of executing the software. All other copies of the software and its documentation
are in violation of the copyright.

Warranty
The software is provided “AS IS’” without warranty of any kind. The entire risk as to the results and
performance of the software is assumed by you. Cadem does not warrant, guarantee or make any
representations regarding the use of, or the results of the use of, the software in terms of its correctness,
accuracy, reliability, current ness or otherwise and you rely on the software and its results entirely at
your own risk.

CADEM does warrant to the original licensee that the physical media on which the software is recorded
be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of 3 months
from date of delivery evidenced by a copy of your receipt.

Cadem’s and its distributor’s entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be replacement, or at
Cadem’s sole discretion, refund of purchase price. If the failure of the media has resulted from abuse,
virus or physical damage, then Cadem shall have no responsibility to replace the media under this
limited warranty.

This the only warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, with regard to the contents of the
software and its documentation, its merchantability, or fitness for a particular use.

Limited Liability
In no event shall Cadem or anyone else who has been involved in creation, production or delivery of this
software be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages / loss arising out of the
use, the results of use, or inability to use the software and its documentation.

Jurisdiction
This license agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of India.

Acknowledgements
CADEM acknowledges MS-WINDOWS as registered trademark of their respective owners.

CAPSturn 10.0 1
Getting started
Learn how to use the program

Through Tutorials
The tutorials teach you how to use the program to generate NC programs and related documents. The
tutorials can be accessed through the Start menu (Start > Programs > Cadem) or from the Help menu.
Completing all the tutorials typically takes 1 day.

On your own
You can also try to bypass the tutorials and start using the program through the Wizard interface,

invoked through the icon. The wizard guides you through the steps involved, and you can start
making your own programs within 1 hour of installing the program.

Reference jobs
CAPSturn is shipped with pre-made sample jobs. You can open these and view the tool path simulation,
generate NC programs or cycle times, etc.

Customize CAPSturn
Before starting to seriously use the outputs, you must first customize it to suit your requirement. If you
are evaluating the program and do not intend to use its output to cut parts, this step is not required.

Postprocessors
Posts may need to be configured so that the NC programs generated conform to your programming
practices and the format acceptable by your machines. This program is shipped with a number of posts
for popular controllers. These must be tweaked to include your machine data and codes. This is easy to
do. You can do this yourself, or contact us or our resellers for help in making the posts.

When you want to generate outputs from the program, you must first select the machine from a list. You
must customize this list so that only your machines appear in it.

CAPSturn 10.0 2
Tools and FS database
The database has a large collection of tools. You can customize the list – add any tools you use, or
delete tools that you do not require. Cutting parameters in the database may not be what you normally
use. You might wish to modify them to suit your requirement.

Get started
You can either use the Wizard or the regular interface. The Wizard is easier to use, but does not have
some advanced features like Single motions and Subprograms. We recommend that you use the wizard
initially, but switch over to the regular interface once you are proficient in the use of the program.

CAPSturn 10.0 3
Tutorials in mm
Tutorial 1

This tutorial shows

Creating part and blank shapes

Rough and finish turning
Viewing tool path.
Generating shop documents.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 4
 Start a new job

If you have just started CAPSturn, Select Create a new

part in the startup dialog box and click on OK. If you
have already started CAPSturn, select File → New

Work setup
The Work setup dialog box appears automatically when
you start a new part.

Setup data 1
• Select mm for Units, select any Work piece material,
and enter this data, leaving the rest unaltered:
Jaw position absolute Z = -210
Clearance Z = 5
Clearance OD = 200

Setup data 2
Leave the default data unaltered.

Documentation
• Click on the Documentation tab and enter suitable
data.
All the data except the Remarks will appear in the NC
program and other documents like the cycle time sheet.
You can omit any or all it. Anything that you do not enter
appears as a blank in the documents.

• Click on OK to exit from the Work setup dialog box.

Save the File

• Select File → Save.
• Enter the File name as Shaft. The file will now be
saved as Shaft.CPT.

Values can be entered as fractions. E.g., 7.5 can be

entered as 7+1/2..

CAPSturn 10.0 5
 • Click on the Geometry button at the bottom left of the
screen.

Draw the part

• Select Draw à Quick shaft.
• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 0,0 and
press Enter.
• At the prompt Select the direction click on the arrow
pointing vertically up.
• At the prompt Specify X coordinate enter 60 and
press Enter.
• At the prompt Specify Z coordinate enter –80 and
press Enter.
• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
120
-110
180
-200
• Click the right mouse button and then select Done.

Define the part

Through this step you are telling CAPSturn “This set of
lines is the part”.
• Select Draw à Define Part.
• At the prompt Select the first object click on the line
shown.
• Click on Yes at the prompt Create part shape?

Define the blank

• Select Draw à Define Blank.

• Enter the following data and click on OK:
Length = 240
Diameter = 184
Start Z = 5

If the blank shape is a complex shape and not a plain

cylinder,
Draw its shape.
In the blank definition screen click on Select contour
and then select the contour. Through this step you are
telling CAPSturn “This set of lines is the blank”.

CAPSturn 10.0 6
 Machining

• Click on the Machining button at the bottom left of

the screen.

We will now do the following machining operations:

Rough facing using the Plain face operation
Rough turning using the Contour turn operation
Finish facing using the Finish face operation
Finish turning using the Finish turn operation

To perform a machining operation in CAPSturn:

Select the operation
Select the tool
Select the area to be machined
Specify the machining parameters

You will find this sequence of steps repeated for every

operation.

Rough facing

Select the operation

• Select Machining → Turning → Plain face

Select the tool

• Click on New tool.
• Click on OK to accept the default tool that CAPSturn
has already selected.

Select the area to be machined

• When you are prompted for the Start X and End X
click on the points shown, on the BLANK.
• Specify the machining parameters, and in the
operation dialog box click on OK to accept the default
data.

CAPSturn 10.0 7
 Rough turning
• Select Machining → Turning → Contour turn.
• In the Select an existing tool / new tool dialog box
click on the tool selected earlier for facing and click on
OK.
• When you are prompted for the Start point and End
point of machining click on the points shown, on the
PART.
• In the operation dialog box click on OK to accept the
default data.

Finish facing
• Select Machining → Turning → Finish face.
• Click on New tool. Click on OK to accept the default
tool that has been selected.
• For the Start point and End point of machining click
on the points shown, on the PART.
• Enter this data in the operation dialog box, leaving
the rest unaltered.
Overshoot X = -0.5.
This is 25 % more than the tool nose radius.

Finish turning
• Select Machining → Turning → Finish turn.
• In the Select an existing tool / new tool dialog box
click on the tool selected earlier for finish facing and click
on OK.
• For the Start point and End point of machining click
on the points shown, on the PART.
• In the operation dialog box click on OK to accept the
default data.

Save the file.

CAPSturn 10.0 8
 Select a machine
• Select Machine.
• Click on a machine from the list.
• Click on Select.

Work setup, Geometry definition, and Machining are

independent of any machine. Functions like NC
program and cycle time generation require the machine
to be selected since they use the machine’s mechanical
data like feed rate limits, spindle speed limits and tool
change time.

View tool path

• Click on the Toolpath button at the bottom left of the
screen.
• Select Toolpath → Start.

The mode can be solid or line mode. Simulation can be

till the next motion, next tool, next operation or end of
the program.

The simulation can also be viewed in Single step mode.

The tool moves one step at every click of the mouse or
space bar on the keyboard.

Use the Zoom and Pan functions for closer inspection of

the tool path.

Generate NC program

• Click on NC program on the menu bar.

• Click on OK in the dialog box that appears.
• Click on Edit to view the NC program.
• Select File → Exit to exit from the editor. The NC
program is saved as a text file with a .PRG extension in
the folder where CAPSturn is installed.

CAPSturn 10.0 9
 View Power graph

• Select Documents → Power. Click on Close to exit.

If the power values are too small, the bars may not be
visible in the graph.

View Cycle time sheet

• Click on Documents →Time study sheet.

• Click on View. Click on to enlarge the view.

• Click on the buttons on the left to move between
pages.
• To exit from the cycle time sheet click on Close and
then on OK.

View Tools list

• Click on Documents →Tool list. The options are as
in the cycle time sheet.

View Tool layout sheet

• Switch to Machining mode.

• Click on Documents → Tool layout sheet.

• Click on the arrow buttons in the menu bar

to switch between sheets. Click on to exit.

CAPSturn 10.0 10
Tutorial 2

This tutorial shows

Drawing a complex part
Facing, Boring and turning operations

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 11
 Start a new file

If you have just started CAPSturn, select Create a new

part in the startup dialog box and click on OK. If you
have already started CAPSturn, select File → New.

Work setup
Setup data 1
• Select mm for Units, select any Work piece material,
and enter this data, leaving the rest unaltered:
Jaw position absolute Z = -90
Clearance Z = 10
Clearance ID = 46
Clearance OD = 155

Documentation
• Enter suitable data in the Documentation page.

Save the File

• Save the file with a suitable name.

• Switch to the Geometry mode.

CAPSturn 10.0 12
 Draw the part

• Select Draw à Line à Point – point.

• Enter 55.5, -64 as the Start point.
• Enter 55.5,-30 as the End point.

• Select Draw à Multiline.

• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
82.85, -35
82.85, -9.5
88.2, -9.5
88.2, 0
116,0
116, -27.5
131, -27.5
146, -33.5
146, -85
• Click the right mouse button and select Done.

• Select Draw → Circle → Center – Radius.

• Enter 0, -24 against the prompt Specify the center
point and press Enter.
• Enter 41.425 against the prompt Enter the radius
and press Enter.

• Select View à Zoom All to enlarge the view.

CAPSturn 10.0 13
 • Select Draw à Chamfer
• Enter 1 for Distance.
• Click on the two corners shown.
• Click the right mouse button and select Done.

• Select Edit →Trim

• At the prompt Select the boundary objects click on
the objects shown.
• Right click the mouse and select Done.
• At the prompt Select the object, on the side to be
trimmed off click on the same 3 objects again, at the
points shown.
• Right click the mouse and select Done.

CAPSturn 10.0 14
 Define the part

• Select Draw à Define part.

• At the prompt Select the first object click on the line
shown.
• At the prompt Create part shape? Click on Yes. The
lines and arcs are threaded together into a single part
shape.

To Zoom
• Rotate the scroll wheel of the mouse, OR

• Click on then click the left mouse button and

drag.

To Pan
• Press the scroll wheel of mouse and drag, OR

• Click on then click the left mouse button and

drag.

Draw the blank

• Select Draw à Multiline

• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
50, -80
50, 1.5
149, 1.5
149, -95
• Right click the mouse and select Done from the
menu.

Define the blank

• Select Draw à Define blank
• Click on Select contour and click on the point shown
• At the prompt Create blank shape? Click on Yes

CAPSturn 10.0 15
 The part and blank now look like this.

Save the File

CAPSturn 10.0 16
 Machine the part

Operations:
Rough face
Rough turn
Rough bore
Finish face
Finish turn
Finish bore

• Switch to the Machining mode.

Rough face
• Select Machining à Turning à Plain face
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• Change the operation name to Rough face, leave the
default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

Rough turn
• Select Machining à Turning à Contour turn.
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
Point 1 must be at the beginning of the chamfer.
• Change the operation name to Rough turn, leave the
default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

CAPSturn 10.0 17
 Rough bore
• Select Machining à Turning à Contour turn.
• Click on New tool. Expand the Internal turn tool type,
select a suitable tool type, then select a tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
Point 1 must be at the beginning of the chamfer.
• Change the operation name to Rough bore, leave
the default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

Finish face
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish face.
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• For Overshoot X enter - 0.5, leave the other
machining parameters unchanged.
• Enter a suitable operation name.
• Click OK.

Finish turn
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish turn
• Select the same tool that you selected for finish face
• For the machining area click on the points shown
• Enter this data, leaving the rest unchanged:
Overshoot: X = 0 and Z = -0.5
Undershoot: X = -0.5 and Z = 0.5

CAPSturn 10.0 18
 Finish bore
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish turn.
• Select a suitable boring tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• Enter a suitable operation name.
• Enter this data, leaving the rest unchanged:
Overshoot: X = 0 and Z = -1
Undershoot: X = 1and Z = 1

This completes all the machining operations on the part.

Save the file.

Editing an operation
We will now edit the depth of cut in the rough boring
operation.

To do this :
• In the Operations list expand the Rough bore
operation.
• Double click on Machining parameters and change
Depth of cut to 2.
• Click on OK.

To edit the machining area in an operation

• Double click on Machining parameters. OR
• Right click on Machining parameters and select Edit

To edit the tool in an operation

• Double click on the tool.OR
• Right click on the tool and select Edit

To change the tool in an operation

• Right click on the tool and select Change.

CAPSturn 10.0 19
 View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 20
Tutorial 3

This tutorial shows

Grooving
Threading

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 21
CAPSturn 10.0 22
 Start a new file

Work setup
Setup data 1
• Enter various other data, and then enter:
Jaw position absolute Z = -105.
Clearance Z = 5.
Clearance ID = 23.
Clearance OD = 120.

Draw the part

Draw the basic shape

• Select Draw à Quick shaft to draw the part shape.
• Enter 30,-100 as the start point.
• For direction select the right arrow and enter these
coordinates in sequence :
-50, 50, 0, 80, -50, 110, -100

Draw grooves
• Select Draw à Groove.
• Enter this data for the geometry :
Depth : 3
Base Width : 5
Chamfer at top : 1
Angle of sides : 5
Radius at base : 1
Groove type : External
• Click OK
• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 110,
-70.92.
• Right click the mouse to repeat the groove option,
and draw the internal groove with the same dimensions
as before.
• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 30, -75.92.

To repeat the previous action

Right click the mouse.

CAPSturn 10.0 23
 Trim the grooves
• Select Edit → Trim.
• For the Boundary object select the OD groove,
Select Done.
• For the Object select the line over the groove. Select
Done
• Click the right mouse button and repeat the process
for the internal groove.

Draw chamfers
• Select Draw à Chamfer.
• Enter 1 for the chamfer distance, click on the corner
for each chamfer.

Draw the undercut

• Select Draw à Undercut.
• Select S1 and click on OK.
• Click on the shoulder at dia. 80.
• Enter this data:
L1 = 3
R1 = 0.4
R2 = 0.4
A1 = 45
D1 = 1

D2 is determined automatically.

Define the part

• Select Draw → Define part.

CAPSturn 10.0 24
 Draw the blank
• Draw the blank shape. Use Multiline to draw lines
through these points:
26,-110
26,3
114,3
114,-110

Define the blank

The part and blank shapes now look like this.

Machine the part

Rough face and Rough turn

Do this through Plain face and Contour turn operations
respectively.

Rough bore
Do this through the Contour turn operation.

Finish face and Finish turn

Do this through Finish face and Finish turn operations
respectively.
Select a tool that will enter the undercut.

CAPSturn 10.0 25
 Finish bore
Do this through Finish turn operation.

External groove
• Select Machining à Turning à Groove à Radial.
• Select a tool with a tip width less than the groove
width.
• At the prompt Select the groove click anywhere on
the external groove.
• Leave the default machining parameters unchanged.

Internal groove
Do this like you did the external groove.

External thread
• Select Machining à Turning à Thread.
• Select the default tool. Select Face down for Tool
mounting. This ensures that the tool moves towards the
chuck when you are cutting a right hand thread.
• At the prompt Select a line for threading click
anywhere on the line representing the thread.
• Click on Select from standards.
• Select a thread type, click on Next, select a pitch,
then click on Finish.
• Leave the rest of the data unchanged.

View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 26
Tutorial 4

This tutorial shows

Defining a Form tool

Performing Single motions
Automatic tool gouge prevention

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 27
 Start a new file
Start a new file and specify work setup data. This file is
only for drawing the form tool, so you can specify any
arbitrary work setup data.

Define the form tool

• Defining a form tool involves the following steps:
Draw the form tool
Export the shape to a file.
Add the tool to the database.

Draw the tool shape

• Draw a Multiline through the following points.

Point X Z
1 1.172 3.414
2 8 6
3 8 10
4 24 10
5 24 13
6 28 15
7 70 15
8 70 4
9 13.657 4
10 6.828 0.586

• Draw an arc of radius 2 between points 10 and 1.

Export to a form tool file

• Select File → Form tools → Export.
• Select the form tool by clicking individually on the
objects on it, or by enclosing them in a window.
• Enter 0,0 for the reference point.
• Enter Form4a for the file name.

CAPSturn 10.0 28
 Add the tool to the database
• Select Utilities → Tool and FS database, and enter
cadem for the password.
• Select the General - mm library, and then click on
Configure tool library.
• Expand the Form tool class and click on Form tool.
• Right click the mouse in the Tool name window and
select Add a new tool.
• Enter this data:
Identification = Relief tool
Cutting speed factor for Roughing and Finishing = 1
Feed rate factor for Roughing and Finishing= 1

• Click on Tool geometry and enter this data:

Form tool class = External turn
Shape file name = Form4a
Approach angle = 90
Nose angle = 0
Nose radius = 2
Hand of tool = Left

Exit from the library.

Define the part and blank

Start a new file.

Specify the work setup data.
Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

Rough turn
Face and rough turn the part with a 55 degree insert left
hand tool.

The pocket cannot be completely machined by a left-

hand tool. The automatic gouge prevention facility
prevents the back edge of the tool from gouging into the
part, and some material is left un machined.

• Select a right hand tool with a 55-degree insert.

• Turn the un machined area with a Contour turn
operation.
• Select points 1 and 2 for the start and end points of
machining.
• Click on Advanced -> Machining area and select
Vertically for both options

CAPSturn 10.0 29
 Finish turn
Finish turn using the Finish turn operation, with a 35
degree insert left hand tool.

Turn relief groove using form tool

• Select Machining → Single motions → Start
operation.
• For Operation enter Relief groove.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Tool and click
on New tool.
• Select Relief tool from Form tool class.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Spindle
speed and enter appropriate data.
• Select Machining → Single motions →Rapid
traverse. Enter absolute coordinates 100 and –38 for X
and Z respectively.
• Right click the mouse to select the same option
again. Enter 34 for X, leave Z blank.
• Select Feed traverse, enter relative coordinates –6
and –3 for dX and dZ, 0.1 for feed rate.
• Repeat the feed motion with relative coordinates 6
and 3 for dX and dZ.
• Select Machining → Single motions →End operation

View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 30
Tutorial 5

This tutorial shows

Turning with a rotated tool.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 31
 Start a new program
Start a new program and specify the work setup data.

Define the part and blank

Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

• Select the Contour face operation.

• Select a neutral tool with a 35 degree insert.
• Click on Edit tool geometry and set Rotation angle to
-90.
• Select the start and end points of machining as
shown.

CAPSturn 10.0 32
Tutorial 6

This tutorial shows

Using a subprogram to perform repetitive operations.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 33
 Start a new program
Start a new program and specify the work setup data.

Define the part and blank

Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

Perform all machining operations except the grooving

Define the grooving subprogram

• Select Machining → Subprogram → Define.
• Enter Groove as the Subprogram name.
• Click on OK.
• Select Machining → Single motions →Rapid
traverse. Enter relative coordinate –35 for dZ, leave X
blank.
• Similarly make a Feed traverse motion by a relative
amount X –23 at the current Z co-ordinate with feed rate
0.15.
• Make a Rapid motion by a relative amount X 23 at
the current Z co-ordinate.
• Click Done on the Single motions subprogram dialog
box.

CAPSturn 10.0 34
 Call the subprogram
• Select Machining → Single motions → Start
operation.
• For Operation enter Groove.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Tool and click
on New tool.
• Select a grooving tool with the appropriate tip width.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Spindle
speed and enter appropriate data.
• Move the tool to an absolute position of X = 58 and Z
= 10 at rapid.
• Select Machining → Subprogram → Call. Select
Groove as the name of the subprogram from the list that
appears and enter 2 as Number of calls.
• Move the tool in rapid to absolute position X = 108 at
the current Z coordinate.
• Move the tool in rapid to absolute position Z = -75 at
the current X coordinate.
• Select Machining → Subprogram → Call. Select
Groove for the name of the subprogram to be called and
3 for the Number of calls.
• Select Machining → Single motions →End operation.

CAPSturn 10.0 35
Customizing CAPSturn
Customizing involves the following:

Configuring the Tool and FS library so that it has your preferred tools and FS.
Configuring the List of machines that you will be using CAPSturn for.
Configuring the Postprocessors for your machines.

CAPSturn 10.0 36
Tutorial 7
Configuring the Tools and FS library
The library has the following data:
Tools
Tool materials
Work piece materials
Cutting parameters

The file Caps.mdb contains the library. It is stored in the folder in which CAPSturn is installed.

Creating a new tool library

Whenever you create a new tool library it gets stored in Caps.mdb file. To create a tool library you can :
1. Create a new tool library and enter all the tools, tool materials and cutting parameters from
scratch, OR
2. Create a new library, copy the data from an existing library into it, then modify this library.

The latter is the faster method. To do this:

Create a new library

• Select Utilities → Tool and FS database.
• For the password enter ‘cadem’.
• Right click the mouse anywhere in the list of libraries and select Add a new library.
• Enter an appropriate name at the prompt Tool library name.
• Select mm for Database units.
• Enter appropriate remarks. Remarks are optional, and can be left blank.

Copy data from an existing library

• Check Copy data from an existing library?
• At the prompt Copy from select General – mm from the list.
• Click OK.
• After the copying is completed click on Done.

Adding a Work piece material

• Click on the Work piece material tab.
• Right click the mouse and select Add a new work material.
• Enter the name of the material.
• Enter the Specific cutting forces for various operations. These are used in calculating the spindle
power. Just enter the values from the nearest equivalent material from the existing list.

Adding a Tool type

• You can define your own tool types to make tool selection easier. Tool types in turn belong to tool
classes, which are fixed within CAPSturn. You can define Twist drill and Insert drill under the Drill tool
class.
• Click on the Tool library tab.
• Select the tool library to which you want to add tool class.
• Click on Configure tool library.
• Right click on a Tool class.
• Select Add a new tool type.
• Enter the tool type name.
• Enter the safe height. This will be common to all the tools of this type. Enter 1 for Z feed rate. It is
irrelevant for turning, only used in CAPSmill.
• Click on OK

CAPSturn 10.0 37
Adding a Tool material

You can add a tool material in any tool type.

• Click on the library, then on Configure tool library.
• Expand the tool class list that contains the tool type by clicking on the +.
• Click on the tool type.
• Right click anywhere in the Tool material list.
• Select Add a new tool material.
• Enter the name of the material.

Adding Cutting parameters

Cutting parameters are specified for each combination of Work piece material-Tool type-Tool material.

• Right click on a material in the Tool material list.

• Select Edit cutting parameters.
• Enter the parameters.

The parameters to be entered are of two different types :

1. For tools like turning, grooving, threading, etc. : Single Cutting speed and feed rate.
2. For hole machining tools like drills : Multiple cutting speeds and feed rates, for different
diameter ranges.

Type 1
Each tool in the database has its own cutting speed factor and feed rate factor, different values for
roughing and finishing. During machining, the values entered here are multiplied by the factors.

Example :

If these are the parameters entered

FS for a particular combination of workpiece material, tool material and tool type :
Cutting speed = 250 m/min., Feed rate = 0.25 mm/rev.

Cutting speed and feed rate factors for a particular tool :

Roughing : 1.0, Finishing : 1.2

Feed rate factors for the tool :

Roughing : 1.0, Finishing : 0.8

The parameters used during machining will be

Roughing : Cutting speed = 250, Feed rate = 0.25
Finishing : Cutting speed = 300, Feed rate = 0.2

Type 2
Example :

Feed rate Cutting speed

Dia. range = 6; Feed rate = 0.1 Dia. range = 4; Cutting speed = 60
Dia. range = 12; Feed rate = 0.15 Dia. range = 15; Cutting speed = 80
Dia. range = 999; Feed rate = 0.2 Dia. range = 999; Cutting speed = 130

This means,
• Feedrate = 0.1 mm/rev. for drills upto dia. 6.
0.15 mm/rev. for drills larger than dia. 6 upto dia. 12.
0.2 mm/rev. for drills larger than dia. 12.

• Cutting speed = 60 m/min. for drills upto dia. 4.

80 m/min. for drills larger than dia. 4 upto dia. 15.
130 m/min. for drills larger than dia. 15.

Adding a tool

• Select the Tool type.

• Right click the mouse in the tools list (under Tool name) and select Add a new tool.
• At the prompt Identification enter the name of the tool.

CAPSturn 10.0 38
• Select the type of coolant that must be used as default for this tool. When you select the tool for an
operation this is selected as default, but you can change it.
• Click on Tool geometry and specify the geometry parameters.

CAPSturn 10.0 39
Tutorial 8
Customizing the machines list

The machines list is stored in the file Machines.mdb.

• Select Machine from the main menu.

• Click on Configure machines and enter the password ‘cadem’.

Adding a machine

Ensure that the postprocessor file (.gpt file) for the machine is in the folder in which CAPSturn is
installed.
• Click on Add.
• Enter the machine name.
• For Output folder specify the folder in which you want the machine’s NC programs to be saved.
Ignore the prompt if you want the files to be saved in the CAPSturn folder.
• For Machine data file select the postprocessor file corresponding to the machine.

Modifying a machine

• Click on the machine and then click on Modify.

Deleting a machine

• Click on the machine and then click on Delete.

• The machine is removed from the list, but the postprocessor file is not deleted.

CAPSturn 10.0 40
Tutorial 9
Configuring a machine’s postprocessor

CAPSturn already has posts for most of the popular controllers. Usually this is what you would do to
make a post for your machine :
1. Copy an existing post closest to the one you require.
2. Make changes in the following areas of the post :
Machine mechanical data
Program start lines
Program end lines
Tool change lines

To do this:
• Select Utilities → Postprocessor builder. Enter the password ‘cadem’.
• Select File → Open and open the post file.

Modify mechanical data

• Click on Machine Data and set various parameters.

Modify program start lines

• Click on Block formats → Program start.

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Modify program end lines

• Click on Block formats → Program end.

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Modify tool change lines

• Click on Block formats → First tool change

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Repeat this for Tool change and Last tool change.

Variables
Anything in angular brackets is a variable. E.g., <#PROGRAM_NUM>.
# outputs the variable with its address.
$ outputs the variable without its address.
The address is specified in NC words.

To include a variable in a block format, click on the List variables button and select a variable.

Constants
• Any text that is in a block format that is not a variable will appear as it is.

CAPSturn 10.0 41
Tutorials in Inch
Tutorial 1

This tutorial shows

Creating part and blank shapes

Rough and finish turning
Viewing tool path.
Generating shop documents.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 4
 Start a new job

If you have just started CAPSturn, Select Create a new

part in the startup dialog box and click on OK. If you
have already started CAPSturn, select File → New

Work setup
The Work setup dialog box appears automatically when
you start a new part.

Setup data 1
• Select Inch for Units, select any Work piece material,
and enter this data, leaving the rest unaltered:
Jaw position absolute Z = -9
Clearance Z= 0.2
Clearance OD= 7.5

Setup data 2
Leave the default data unaltered.

Documentation
• Click on the Documentation tab and enter suitable
data.

All the data except the Remarks will appear in the NC

program and other documents like the cycle time sheet.
You can omit any or all it. Anything that you do not enter
appears as a blank in the documents.

• Click on OK to exit from the Work setup dialog box.

Save the File

• Select File → Save.

• Enter the File name as Shaft. The file will now be
saved as Shaft.CPT.

Values can be entered as fractions. E.g., 7.5 can be

entered as 7+1/2.

CAPSturn 10.0 5
 • Click on the Geometry button at the bottom left of the
screen.

Draw the part

• Select Draw à Quick shaft.

• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 0,0 and
press Enter.
• At the prompt Select the direction click on the arrow
pointing vertically up.
• At the prompt Specify X coordinate enter 2.5 and
press Enter.
• At the prompt Specify Z coordinate enter –3.25 and
press Enter.
• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
5
-4.5
7
-8
• Click the right mouse button and then select Done.

Define the part

Through this step you are telling CAPSturn “This set of
lines is the part”.
• Select Draw à Define Part.
• At the prompt Select the first object click on the line
shown.
• Click on Yes at the prompt Create part shape?

Define the blank

• Select Draw à Define Blank.

• Enter this data and click on OK:
Length = 9.5
Diameter = 7.25
Start Z = 0.2

If the blank shape is a complex shape and not a plain

cylinder,
Draw its shape.
In the blank definition screen click on Select contour
and then select the contour. Through this step you are
telling CAPSturn “This set of lines is the blank”.

CAPSturn 10.0 6
 Machining

• Click on the Machining button at the bottom left of

the screen.

We will now do the following machining operations:

Rough facing using the Plain face operation
Rough turning using the Contour turn operation
Finish facing using the Finish face operation
Finish turning using the Finish turn operation

To perform a machining operation in CAPSturn:

Select the operation
Select the tool
Select the area to be machined
Specify the machining parameters

You will find this sequence of steps repeated for every

operation.

Rough facing
Select the operation
• Select Machining → Turning → Plain face

Select the tool

• Click on New tool
• Click on OK to accept the default tool that CAPSturn
has already selected.

Select the area to be machined

• When you are prompted for the Start X and End X
click on the points shown below, on the BLANK.
• Specify the machining parameters, and in the
operation dialog box click on OK to accept the default
data.

CAPSturn 10.0 7
 Rough turning
• Select Machining → Turning → Contour turn.
• In the Select an existing tool / new tool dialog box
click on the tool selected earlier for facing and click on
OK.
• When you are prompted for the Start point and End
point of machining click on the points shown, on the
PART.
• In the operation dialog box click on OK to accept the
default data.

Finish facing
• Select Machining → Turning → Finish face.
• Click on New tool. Click on OK to accept the default
tool that has been selected.
• For the Start point and End point of machining click
on the points shown below, on the PART.
• Enter this data in the operation dialog box, leaving
the rest unaltered.
Overshoot X = -0.02.
This is 25 % more than the tool nose radius.

Finish turning
• Select Machining → Turning → Finish turn.
• In the Select an existing tool / new tool dialog box
click on the tool selected earlier for finish facing and click
on OK.
• For the Start point and End point of machining click
on the points shown below, on the PART.
• In the operation dialog box click on OK to accept the
default data.

Save the file.

CAPSturn 10.0 8
 Select a machine
• Select a Machine.
• Click on a machine from the list.
• Click on Select.

Work setup, Geometry definition, and Machining are

independent of any machine. Functions like NC
program and cycle time generation require the machine
to be selected since they use the machine’s mechanical
data like feed rate limits, spindle speed limits and tool
change time.

View tool path

• Click on the Toolpath button at the bottom left of the
screen.
• Select Toolpath → Start.

The mode can be solid or line mode. Simulation can be

till the next motion, next tool, next operation or end of
the program.

The simulation can also be viewed in Single step mode.

The tool moves one step at every click of the mouse or
space bar on the keyboard.

Use the Zoom and Pan functions for closer inspection of

the tool path.

Generate NC program

• Click on NC program on the menu bar.

• Click on OK in the dialog box that appears.
• Click on Edit to view the NC program.
• Select File → Exit to exit from the editor. The NC
program is saved as a text file with a .PRG extension in
the folder where CAPSturn is installed.

CAPSturn 10.0 9
 View Power graph

• Select Documents → Power. Click on Close to exit.

If the power values are too small, the bars may not be
visible in the graph.

View Cycle time sheet

• Click on Documents →Time study sheet.

• Click on View. Click on to enlarge the view.

• Click on the buttons on the left to move between
pages.
• To exit from the cycle time sheet click on Close and
then on OK.

View Tools list

• Click on Documents →Tool list. The options are as
in the cycle time sheet.

View Tool layout sheet

• Switch to Machining mode.

• Click on Documents → Tool layout sheet.

• Click on the arrow buttons in the menu bar

to switch between sheets.

• Click on to exit.

CAPSturn 10.0 10
Tutorial 2

This tutorial shows

Drawing a complex part

Facing, Boring and turning operations

Part drawing

All dimensions are in inches

CAPSturn 10.0 11
 Start a new file

If you have just started CAPSturn, select Create a new

part in the startup dialog box and click on OK. If you
have already started CAPSturn, select File → New.

Work setup
Setup data 1
• Select Inch for Units, select any Work piece material,
and enter this data, leaving the rest unaltered:
Jaw position absolute Z =-3.6
Clearance Z = 0.4
Clearance ID = 1.84
Clearance OD = 6.2

Documentation
• Enter suitable data in the Documentation page.

Save the File

• Save the file with a suitable name.

• Switch to the Geometry mode.

CAPSturn 10.0 12
 Draw the part
• Select Draw à Line à Point – point.
• Enter 2.22, -2.56 as the Start point.
• Enter 2.22, -1.2 as the End point.

• Select Draw à Multiline.

• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
3.314, -1.4
3.314, -0.38
3.528, -0.38
3.528, 0
4.64,0
4.64, -1.1
5.24, -1.1
5.84, -1.34
5.84, -3.4
• Click the right mouse button and select Done.

• Select Draw → Circle → Center – Radius.

• Enter 0, -0.96 against the prompt Specify the center
point and press Enter.
• Enter 1.657 against the prompt Enter the radius and
press Enter.

• Select View à Zoom All to enlarge the view.

CAPSturn 10.0 13
 • Select Draw à Chamfer.
• Enter 0.04 for Distance.
• Click on the two corners shown.
• Click the right mouse button and select Done.

• Select Edit →Trim

• At the prompt Select the boundary objects click on
the objects shown.
• Right click the mouse and select Done.
• At the prompt Select the object, on the side to be
trimmed off click on the same 3 objects again, at the
points shown.
• Right click the mouse and select Done.

CAPSturn 10.0 14
 Define the part
• Select Draw à Define part.
• At the prompt Select the first object click on the line
shown.
• At the prompt Create part shape? Click on Yes. The
lines and arcs are threaded together into a single part
shape.

To Zoom
• Rotate the scroll wheel of the mouse, OR

• Click on then click the left mouse button and

drag.

To Pan
• Press the scroll wheel of mouse and drag, OR

• Click on then click the left mouse button and

drag.

Draw the blank

• Select Draw à Multiline.

• Enter the following co-ordinates in sequence:
2, -3.2
2, 0.06
5.96, 0.06
5.96, -4.4
• Right click the mouse and select Done from the
menu.

Define the blank

• Select Draw à Define blank.
• Click on Select contour and click on the point shown.
• At the prompt Create blank shape? Click on Yes

CAPSturn 10.0 15
 The part and blank now look like this.

Save the File

CAPSturn 10.0 16
 Machine the part

Operations
Rough face
Rough turn
Rough bore
Finish face
Finish turn
Finish bore

• Switch to the Machining mode.

Rough face
• Select Machining à Turning à Plain face.
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• Change the operation name to Rough face, leave the
default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

Rough turn
• Select Machining à Turning à Contour turn.
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
Point 1 must be at the beginning of the chamfer.
• Change the operation name to Rough turn, leave the
default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

CAPSturn 10.0 17
 Rough bore
• Select Machining à Turning à Contour turn.
• Click on New tool. Expand the Internal turn tool type,
select a suitable tool type, then select a tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
Point 1 must be at the beginning of the chamfer.
• Change the operation name to Rough bore, leave
the default machining parameters unchanged.
• Click OK.

Finish face
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish face.
• Select a suitable tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• For Overshoot X enter - 0.02, leave the other
machining parameters unchanged.
• Enter a suitable operation name.
• Click OK.

Finish turn
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish turn.
• Select the same tool that you selected for finish face.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• Enter this data, leaving the rest unchanged :
Overshoot X = 0 and Z = -0.02
Undershoot X = -0.02 and Z = 0.02

CAPSturn 10.0 18
 Finish bore
• Select Machining à Turning à Finish turn.
• Select a suitable boring tool.
• For the machining area click on the points shown.
• Enter a suitable operation name.
• Enter this data, leaving the rest unchanged:
Overshoot X = 0 and Z = -0.04
Undershoot X = 0.04 and Z = 0.04

This completes all the machining operations on the part.

Save the file.

Editing an operation
We will now edit the depth of cut in the rough
boring operation.

To do this:
• In the Operations list expand the Rough bore
operation.
• Double click on Machining parameters and change
Depth of cut to 0.13.
• Click on OK.

To edit the machining area in an operation

• Double click on Machining parameters. OR
• Right click on Machining parameters and select Edit.

To edit the tool in an operation

• Double click on the tool. OR
• Right click on the tool and select Edit.

To change the tool in an operation

• Right click on the tool and select Change.

CAPSturn 10.0 19
 View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 20
Tutorial 3

This tutorial shows

Grooving
Threading

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 21
CAPSturn 10.0 22
 Start a new file

Work setup
Setup data 1
• Enter various other data, and then enter:
Jaw position absolute Z = -4.2.
Clearance Z = 0.2.
Clearance ID = 0.92.
Clearance OD = 4.8.

Draw the part

Draw the basic shape

• Select Draw à Quick shaft to draw the part shape.
• Enter 1.2, -4 as the start point.
• For direction select the right arrow and enter these
coordinates in sequence:
-2, 2, 0, 3.2, -2, 4.4, -4

Draw grooves
• Select Draw à Groove.
• Enter this data for the geometry:
Depth = 0.12
Base Width =0.2
Chamfer at top =0.04
Angle of sides =5
Radius at base =0.04
Groove type =External
• Click OK
• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 4.4, -2.8.
• Right click the mouse to repeat the groove option,
and draw the internal groove with the same dimensions
as before.
• At the prompt Specify the start point enter 1.2, -2.8.

To repeat the previous action

Right click the mouse.

CAPSturn 10.0 23
 Trim the grooves
• Select Edit → Trim.
• For the Boundary object select the OD groove,
Select Done.
• For the Object select the line over the groove. Select
Done.

Click the right mouse button and repeat the process for
the internal groove.

Draw chamfers
• Select Draw à Chamfer.
• Enter 0.04 for the chamfer distance, click on the
corner for each chamfer.

Draw the undercut

• Select Draw à Undercut.
• Select S1 and click on OK.
• Click on the shoulder at dia. 3.2.
• Enter this data:
L1 = 0.12
R1 =0.02
R2 =0.02
A1 = 45
D1 = 0.04

D2 is determined automatically.

Define the part

• Select Draw → Define part.

CAPSturn 10.0 24
 Draw the blank

• Draw the blank shape. Use Multiline to draw lines

through these points :
1, -4.2
1, 0.1
4.6, 0.1
4.6, -4.2

Define the blank

The part and blank shapes now look like this.

Machine the part

Rough face and Rough turn

Do this through Plain face and Contour turn operations
respectively.

Rough bore
Do this through the Contour turn operation.

Finish face and Finish turn

Do this through Finish face and Finish turn operations
respectively.
Select a tool that will enter the undercut.

CAPSturn 10.0 25
 Finish bore
Do this through Finish turn operation.

External groove
• Select Machining à Turning à Groove à Radial.
• Select a tool with a tip width less than the groove
width.
• At the prompt Select the groove click anywhere on
the external groove.
• Leave the default machining parameters unchanged.

Internal groove
Do this like you did the external groove.

External thread
• Select Machining à Turning à Thread.
• Select the default tool. Select Face down for Tool
mounting. This ensures that the tool moves towards the
chuck when you are cutting a right hand thread.
• At the prompt Select a line for threading click
anywhere on the line representing the thread.
• Click on Select from standards.
• Select a thread type, click on Next, select a pitch,
then click on Finish.
• Leave the rest of the data unchanged.

View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 26
Tutorial 4

This tutorial shows

Defining a Form tool

Performing Single motions
Automatic tool gouge prevention

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 27
 Start a new file
Start a new file and specify work setup data. This file is
only for drawing the form tool, so you can specify any
arbitrary work setup data.

Define the form tool

• Defining a form tool involves the following steps:
Draw the form tool
Export the shape to a file.
Add the tool to the database.

Draw the tool shape

• Draw a Multiline through the following points.
8 7
Point X Z
1 0.0463 0.1359
2 0.32 0.27328
3 0.32 0.4
6 4 0.96 0.4
4
5
5 0.96 0.52
6 1.12 0.6
9 7 2.8 0.6
2
8 2.8 0.16
10 3 9 0.546 0.16
1 10 0.273 0.023
R0.08
• Draw an arc of radius 0.08 between points 10 and 1.

Export to a form tool file

• Select File → Form tools → Export.
• Select the form tool by clicking individually on the
objects on it, or by enclosing them in a window.
• Enter 0,0 for the reference point.
• Enter Form4a for the file name

CAPSturn 10.0 28
 Add the tool to the database
• Select Utilities → Tool and FS database, and enter
cadem for the password.
• Select the General - Inch library, and then click on
Configure tool library.
• Expand the Form tool class and click on Form tool.
• Right click the mouse in the Tool name window and
select Add a new tool.
• Enter this data :
Identification= Relief tool
Cutting speed factor for Roughing and Finishing= 1
Feed rate factor for Roughing and Finishing= 1

• Click on Tool geometry and enter this data:

Form tool class = External turn
Shape file name = Form4a
Approach angle = 90
Nose angle = 0
Nose radius = 0.08
Hand of tool = Left

Exit from the library.

Define the part and blank

Start a new file.
Specify the work setup data.
Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

Rough turn
Face and rough turn the part with a 55 degree insert left
hand tool.

The pocket cannot be completely machined by a left-

hand tool. The automatic gouge prevention facility
prevents the back edge of the tool from gouging into the
part, and some material is left unmachined.

• Select a right hand tool with a 55 degree insert.

• Turn the unmachined area with a Contour turn
operation.
• Select points 1 and 2 for the start and end points of
machining.
• Click on Advanced -> Machining area and select
Vertically for both options.

CAPSturn 10.0 29
 Finish turn
• Finish turn using the Finish turn operation, with a 35
degree insert left hand tool.

Turn relief groove using form tool

• Select Machining → Single motions → Start
operation.
• For Operation enter Relief groove.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Tool and click
on New tool.
• Select Relief tool from Form tool class.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Spindle
speed and enter appropriate data.
• Select Machining → Single motions →Rapid
traverse. Enter absolute coordinates 4 and –1.52 for X
and Z respectively.
• Right click the mouse to select the same option
again. Enter 1.36 for X, leave Z blank.
• Select Feed traverse, and enter relative coordinates
–0.24 and –0.12 for dX and dZ, 0.004 for feed rate.
• Repeat the feed motion with relative coordinates
0.24 and 0.12 for dX and dZ.
• Select Machining → Single motions →End operation

View tool path

Select a machine

Generate NC program

Generate shop documents

CAPSturn 10.0 30
Tutorial 5

This tutorial shows

Turning with a rotated tool.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 31
 Start a new program
Start a new program and specify the work setup data.

Define the part and blank

Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

• Select the Contour face operation.

• Select a neutral tool with a 35 degree insert.
• Click on Edit tool geometry and set Rotation angle to
-90.
• Select the start and end points of machining as
shown.

CAPSturn 10.0 32
Tutorial 6

This tutorial shows

Using a subprogram to perform repetitive operations.

Part drawing

CAPSturn 10.0 33
 Start a new program
Start a new program and specify the work setup data.

Define the part and blank

Draw and define the part and blank.

Machine the part

Perform all machining operations except the grooving

Define the grooving subprogram

• Select Machining → Subprogram → Define.
• Enter Groove as the Subprogram name.
• Click on OK.
• Select Machining → Single motions →Rapid
traverse. Enter relative coordinate –1.4 for dZ, leave dX
blank.
• Similarly make a Feed traverse motion by a relative
amount X –0.92 at the current Z co-ordinate with feed rate
0.006.
• Make a Rapid motion by a relative amount X 0.92 at
the current Z co-ordinate.
• Click Done on the Single motions subprogram dialog
box

CAPSturn 10.0 34
 Call the subprogram
• Select Machining → Single motions → Start
operation.
• For Operation enter Groove.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Tool and click
on New tool.
• Select a grooving tool with the appropriate tip width.
• Select Machining → Single motions → Spindle
speed and enter appropriate data.
• Move the tool to an absolute position of X = 2.32 and
Z = 0.6 at rapid.
• Select Machining → Subprogram → Call. Select
Groove as the name of the subprogram from the list that
appears and enter 2 as Number of calls.
• Move the tool in rapid to an absolute position X =
4.32 at the current Z coordinate.
• Move the tool in rapid to an absolute position Z =
-2.8 at the current X coordinate.
• Select Machining → Subprogram → Call. Select
Groove for the name of the subprogram to be called and
3 for the Number of calls.
• Select Machining → Single motions →End operation.

CAPSturn 10.0 35
Customizing CAPSturn
Customizing involves the following:

Configuring the Tool and FS library so that it has your preferred tools and FS.
Configuring the List of machines that you will be using CAPSturn for.
Configuring the Postprocessors for your machines.

CAPSturn 10.0 36
Tutorial 7
Configuring the Tools and FS library
The library has the following data:
Tools
Tool materials
Work piece materials
Cutting parameters

The file Caps.mdb contains the library. It is stored in the folder in which CAPSturn is installed.

Creating a new tool library

Whenever you create a new tool library it gets stored in Caps.mdb file. To create a tool library you can :
3. Create a new tool library and enter all the tools, tool materials and cutting parameters from
scratch, OR
4. Create a new library, copy the data from an existing library into it, then modify this library.

The latter is the faster method. To do this:

Create a new library

• Select Utilities → Tool and FS database.
• For the password enter ‘cadem’.
• Right click the mouse anywhere in the list of libraries and select Add a new library.
• Enter an appropriate name at the prompt Tool library name.
• Select mm for Database units.
• Enter appropriate remarks. Remarks are optional, and can be left blank.

Copy data from an existing library

• Check Copy data from an existing library?
• At the prompt Copy from, select General – mm from the list.
• Click OK.
• After the copying is completed click on Done.

Adding a Work piece material

• Click on the Work piece material tab.
• Right click the mouse and select Add a new work material.
• Enter the name of the material.
• Enter the Specific cutting forces for various operations. These are used in calculating the spindle
power. Just enter the values from the nearest equivalent material from the existing list.

Adding a Tool type

You can define your own tool types to make tool selection easier. Tool types in turn belong to tool
classes, which are fixed within CAPSturn. You can define Twist drill and Insert drill under the Drill
tool class.
• Click on the Tool library tab.
• Select the tool library to which you want to add tool class.
• Click on Configure tool library.
• Right click on a Tool class.
• Select Add a new tool type.
• Enter the tool type name.
• Enter the safe height. This will be common to all the tools of this type. Enter 1 for Z feed rate. It is
irrelevant for turning, only used in CAPSmill.
• Click on OK

CAPSturn 10.0 37
Adding a Tool material

You can add a tool material in any tool type.

• Click on the library, then on Configure tool library.
• Expand the tool class list that contains the tool type by clicking on the +.
• Click on the tool type.
• Right click anywhere in the Tool material list.
• Select Add a new tool material.
• Enter the name of the material.

Adding Cutting parameters

Cutting parameters are specified for each combination of Work piece material-Tool type-Tool material.

• Right click on a material in the Tool material list.

• Select Edit cutting parameters.
• Enter the parameters.

The parameters to be entered are of two different types :

3. For tools like turning, grooving, threading, etc. : Single Cutting speed and feed rate.
4. For hole machining tools like drills : Multiple cutting speeds and feed rates, for different
diameter ranges.

Type 1
Each tool in the database has its own cutting speed factor and feed rate factor, different values for
roughing and finishing. During machining, the values entered here are multiplied by the factors.

Example :

If these are the parameters entered

FS for a particular combination of workpiece material, tool material and tool type :
Cutting speed = 250 m/min., Feed rate = 0.25 mm/rev.

Cutting speed and feed rate factors for a particular tool :

Roughing : 1.0, Finishing : 1.2

Feed rate factors for the tool :

Roughing : 1.0, Finishing : 0.8

The parameters used during machining will be

Roughing : Cutting speed = 250, Feed rate = 0.25
Finishing : Cutting speed = 300, Feed rate = 0.2

Type 2
Example :

Feed rate Cutting speed

Dia. range = 6; Feed rate = 0.1 Dia. range = 4; Cutting speed = 60
Dia. range = 12; Feed rate = 0.15 Dia. range = 15; Cutting speed = 80
Dia. range = 999; Feed rate = 0.2 Dia. range = 999; Cutting speed = 130

This means,
• Feedrate = 0.1 mm/rev. for drills upto dia. 6.
0.15 mm/rev. for drills larger than dia. 6 upto dia. 12.
0.2 mm/rev. for drills larger than dia. 12.

• Cutting speed = 60 m/min. for drills upto dia. 4.

80 m/min. for drills larger than dia. 4 upto dia. 15.
130 m/min. for drills larger than dia. 15.

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Adding a tool

• Select the Tool type

• Right click the mouse in the tools list (under Tool name) and select Add a new tool
• At the prompt Identification enter the name of the tool.
• Select the type of coolant that must be used as default for this tool. When you select the tool for an
operation this is selected as default, but you can change it.
• Click on Tool geometry and specify the geometry parameters

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Tutorial 8
Customizing the machines list

The machines list is stored in the file Machines.mdb.

• Select Machine from the main menu.

• Click on Configure machines and enter the password ‘cadem’.

Adding a machine

Ensure that the postprocessor file (.gpt file) for the machine is in the folder in which CAPSturn is
installed.
• Click on Add.
• Enter the machine name.
• For Output folder specify the folder in which you want the machine’s NC programs to be saved.
Ignore the prompt if you want the files to be saved in the CAPSturn folder.
• For Machine data file select the postprocessor file corresponding to the machine.

Modifying a machine

• Click on the machine and then click on Modify.

Deleting a machine

• Click on the machine and then click on Delete.

• The machine is removed from the list, but the postprocessor file is not deleted.

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Tutorial 9
Configuring a machine’s postprocessor

CAPSturn already has posts for most of the popular controllers. Usually this is what you would do to
make a post for your machine :
3. Copy an existing post closest to the one you require.
4. Make changes in the following areas of the post :
Machine mechanical data
Program start lines
Program end lines
Tool change lines

To do this:
• Select Utilities → Postprocessor builder. Enter the password ‘cadem’.
• Select File → Open and open the post file.

Modify mechanical data

• Click on Machine Data and set various parameters.

Modify program start lines

• Click on Block formats → Program start.

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Modify program end lines

• Click on Block formats → Program end.

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Modify tool change lines

• Click on Block formats → First tool change

• Add, Delete or Modify any of the blocks.
• Add any constant strings that you want.

Repeat this for Tool change and Last tool change.

Variables
Anything in angular brackets is a variable. E.g., <#PROGRAM_NUM>.
# outputs the variable with its address.
$ outputs the variable without its address.
The address is specified in NC words.

To include a variable in a block format, click on the List variables button and select a variable.

Constants
• Any text that is in a block format that is not a variable will appear as it is.

CAPSturn 10.0 41
 Cadem Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
264/75, 36th Cross, 8th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 070, INDIA.
Tel: +91-80-26634767 / 26650561. Fax: +91-80-22442732
E-mail : [email protected]
Internet : www.cadem.com

CAPSturn 10.0 42