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Canned-Cycle Roughing and Groove-Tool Back Offset in SmartCAM V18.5 Turning

Two significant new features have also been added to SmartCAM Production Turning™ and SmartCAM Advanced Turning™: Turn Roughing Canned Cycle, and Groove-Tool Back Offset Support.

Turn Roughing Canned Cycle Support - V18.5

The wireframe Turn Rough and Solid Turn - Linear, Contour and Groove roughing processes can now be output as canned cycles. Process containers generated in version 18.5 now store the theoretical part profile cut by the roughing process. New system template file sections for each process type can be configured to output the canned cycle code and related parameters.

All process parameters including Pass Depth and Finish Allowances can be output in the canned roughing section. New canned begin and end sections can be used to perform preparatory functions such as establishing the part profile start and end block numbers for reference by the canned cycle section.

This feature allows the toolpath generated by SmartCAM to be used for visual reference and material removal simulation, while outputting a compact canned cycle format which allows individual cut parameters to be easily edited at the machine control.

Linear Roughing process output using code generator template file configured for canned cycle roughing
Linear Roughing process output using code generator template file configured for canned cycle roughing.

 

Groove-Tool Back Offset Support - V18.5

When using a Groove tool with the wireframe or solid Profile process, the back offset number specified in the Step Boff field is now output for positions at which the back corner of the tool is in contact with the profile. This feature can be used for unidirectional or bidirectional profiling operations and is particularly useful when finishing grooves, since the dual offsets allow the groove width to be precisely controlled at the machinev.

In order to take advantage of this new capability, the @LINE, @RAPID, and @STPROF sections of the template file must contain the necessary tool and offset words (#TOOL#LOFF).

Bi-directional Profile process using groove tool with second back-offset specified
Bi-directional Profile process using groove tool with second back-offset specified.