Autodesk Inventor Autodesk Inventor EdgeCAM – Part 2 EdgeCAM – Part 2 CNC Motion CNC Motion Prolight CNC Mill Prolight CNC Mill CNC Box
Edgecam Base
Setup Ensure both post and config. files are installed – Place prolight post – Place config. profile Edgecam – SETUP
Setup Set Configuration to PLTW – Right Click in the grey area of the top tool bar – Select: Profiles Mill Profile PLTW_CIM.config Edgecam – SETUP
View Open BASE Inventor file in Edgecam Right Click on the View Selector – Select Isometric – Notice the CPL/PRZ/Origin is in the incorrect location for this file Edgecam – BASE
Stock Select Stock/Fixture – Check –Automatic Stock – Ensure all Box Offsets are set to 0.0 – Select OK Edgecam – BASE
Create New CPL Right click and hold to rotate the BASE Select Create CPL Setup – Define Name NEWTOP – Define Plane Through 3 Points – Select OK Edgecam – BASE Parallel
Create New CPL Select the following corners in order – Bottom Left (Origin) – Bottom Right (+X) – Top Left (+Y) The CPL will reset to the correct Origin on the stock – Top Face-Bottom- Left – RGB = XYZ Edgecam – BASE 1st 2nd 3rd
Feature Finder Select Feature Finder Select Mill – Unselect Flat Faces - Find – Select 2D Pocket 2D Boss Select OK Edgecam – BASE
Feature Finder Features Found Edgecam – BASE
Manufacture Mode Enter Manufacture Mode Select – Discipline Mill – Machine Tool Prolight_1000 – Initial CPL NEWTOP Edgecam – BASE
Profiling / Retaining Lip Select the Features Tab Right click 2D Boss – Retaining Lip Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – BASE
Edgecam Container BASE – Profiling - General Select – Mill Type Climb – Offset 0.0 – Z Offset 0.0 – Lead Radius 0.0 Edgecam – BASE
Edgecam Container BASE – Profiling - Tooling Select Find For this example, select ½” End Mill created in the tool store – If specific tools have not been created, do so at this time Ensure fields are auto filled – Feedrate – Plunge Feed 50% Feedrate – Spindle Speed – Position – Diameter – Corner Radius If applicable Edgecam – BASE
Edgecam Container BASE – Profiling - Depth Ensure fields are auto filled – Clearance 0.25 – Level 0.0 – Depth 0.0 – Cut Increment Select OK Edgecam – BASE
Profiling / Retaining Lip Retaining Lip Height = 0.25” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x2 Save File Edgecam – BASE
1 st Profiling / Box Boss Right click 2D Boss – Box Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – BASE
1 st Profiling - General Select Offset 0.5 Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Edgecam – BASE
1 st Profiling - Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – BASE
1 st Profiling - Depth Select – Clearance 0.5 – Level 0.25 Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – BASE
1st Profiling / Box Boss Total Box Height = 1.5” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x12 Re-Save File Edgecam – BASE
2 nd Profiling / Box Boss Again Right click 2D Boss – Box Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – BASE
2 nd Profiling - General Select – Offset 0.25 – Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Select OK Edgecam – BASE
2 nd Profiling - Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – BASE
2 nd Profiling - Depth Select – Clearance 0.5 – Level 0.25 Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – BASE
2 nd Profiling / Box Boss Total Box Height = 1.5” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x12 Re-Save File Edgecam – BASE
3 rd Profiling / Box Boss Again Right click 2D Boss – Box Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – BASE
3 rd Profiling - General Select – Offset 0.0 – Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Select OK Edgecam – BASE
3 rd Profiling - Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – BASE
3 rd Profiling - Depth Select – Clearance 0.5 – Level 0.25 Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – BASE
3 rd Profiling / Box Boss Total Box Height = 1.5” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x12 Re-Save File Edgecam – BASE
Roughing / Box Pocket Right click 2D Pocket – Box Pocket – Select Rouging Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – BASE
Roughing / General General Tab should read similar Edgecam – BASE
Roughing / Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – BASE
Roughing / Depth Depth Tab should read similar Select OK Edgecam – BASE
Roughing / Box Pocket Total Pocket Depth = 1.25” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x10 Re-Save File Edgecam – BASE
Verify Select Simulate Machining Select Play Edgecam – BASE
Verify Select View Comparison Blue material is the difference between actual machining and the inventor part file – The blue in this example shows material that does not represent a functional dimension / tolerance – This material could be removed with a second roughing operation used as a rest rough with a smaller tool – It will not effect how the lid fits and is acceptable for this activity Close the simulator window Edgecam – BASE
Generate / Post Code Select Generate Code Select Use Part Name Select OK Enter Programmer’s Name Select OK Edgecam – BASE
Edit Code Enter any necessary entrance and/or exit codes to the posted program Re-Save the NC file Edgecam – BASE
Edgecam Lid Interior
View Open LID INTERIOR Inventor file in Edgecam Right Click on the View Selector – Select Isometric – Notice the CPL/PRZ/Origin is in the correct location for this file Edgecam – LID INTERIOR Parallel
Stock Select Stock/Fixture – Check –Automatic Stock – Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Feature Finder Select Feature Finder Select Mill – Unselect Flat Faces - Find – Select 2D Pocket 2D Boss Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Feature Finder Features Found Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Manufacture Mode Enter Manufacture Mode Select – Discipline Mill – Machine Tool Prolight_1000 – Initial CPL TOP Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Profiling / Boss Select the Features Tab Right click 2D Boss – Retaining Lid Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
1 st Profiling - General Select Offset 0.5 Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
1 st Profiling - Tooling Select Find For this example, select ½” End Mill created in the tool store – If specific tools have not been created, do so at this time Ensure fields are auto filled – Feedrate – Plunge Feed 50% Feedrate – Spindle Speed – Position – Diameter – Corner Radius If applicable Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
1 st Profiling - Depth Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
1 st Profiling / Lid Boss Total Box Height = 0.75” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x6 Re-Save File Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
2 nd Profiling / Lid Boss Again Right click 2D Boss – Lid Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
2 nd Profiling - General Select – Offset 0.25 – Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
2 nd Profiling - Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
2 nd Profiling - Depth Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
2 nd Profiling / Lid Boss Total Box Height = 0.75” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x6 Re-Save File Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
3 rd Profiling / Lid Boss Again Right click 2D Boss – Lid Boss – Select Profiling Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
3 rd Profiling - General Select – Offset 0.0 – Z Offset 0.0 Leave all other setting for this tab Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
3 rd Profiling - Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
3 rd Profiling - Depth Leave all other settings for this tab Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
3 rd Profiling / Lid Boss Total Box Height = 0.75” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x6 Re-Save File Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Roughing / Lid Pocket Right click 2D Pocket – Lid Pocket – Select Rouging Operation – Hit enter to select no boundary Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Roughing / General General Tab should read similar Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Tooling Select – Use Current Tool Leave all other settings for this tab Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Roughing / Depth Depth Tab should read similar Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Roughing / Lid Pocket Total Pocket Depth = 0.5” Cut Increment = 0.125” Total passes for feature = x4 Re-Save File Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Verify Select Simulate Machining Select Play Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Verify Select View Comparison Blue material is the difference between actual machining and the inventor part file – Notice that there is no blue inside the lid that will create an interference fit with the box bottom Close the simulator window Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Generate / Post Code Select Generate Code Select Use Part Name Select OK Enter Programmer’s Name Select OK Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Edit Code Enter any necessary entrance and/or exit codes to the posted program Re-Save the NC file Edgecam – LID INTERIOR
Edgecam Lid Surface
View Open LID EXTERIOR Inventor file in Edgecam Right Click on the View Selector – Select Isometric – Notice the CPL/PRZ/Origin is upside down for this file – We need to relocate this origin to the opposite corner since the lid will be machined twice. Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Stock Select Stock/Fixture – Select the layer tab – Ensure the Stock layer is listed If not – Right click in the name column and select new – Set the name to Stock Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Stock Select Stock/Fixture – Select the Stock/Fixture from the Geometry Drop Down – Ensure the layer is set to stock – Select OK Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Create New CPL In order to use through three points, we need a point along the X axis past the part – Select Geometry – Select Line Select Horizontal Set Length to -1 Select the front top right corner Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Create New CPL Select Create CPL Setup – Define Name NEWTOP – Define Plane Through 3 Points – Select OK Old CPL New CPL Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Create New CPL Must be setup up directly to the right of the old CPL Select the following corners in order – Bottom Left (Origin) – Bottom Right (+X) – Top Left (+Y) The CPL will reset to the correct Origin on the stock – Top Face-Bottom- Right – RGB = XYZ 1st 2nd 3rd Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Define Boundary 1 Select Define Geometry from Loops Select the circular loop on the top surface – If the loop does not auto select, hit the tab key to cycle through multiple optional selections Multiple Selections Available Icon Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Define Boundary 2 Select Define Geometry from Edges Select each element that creates the bottom profile loop Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Offset Boundary Select Offset from the Geometry Drop Down Set the Offset box – Check Continuous – Set an offset of ¼ the bit diameter to be used for finishing In this example – ¼ Ball – Offset = 1/16 – Default Side = Outside Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Offset Boundary Select all the individual edges used to create the bottom profile in the last step Select enter to end the selection – Make sure the side arrow point outside the shape Select enter to accept the side The offset profile will project up to the top surface Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
New Layer Select the layer tab Right click under geometry – Select new – Set the new layer to NewStock – Select OK Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Profile Shaped Stock Select Stock/Fixture from the Geometry drop down menu Set the following fields – Unselect Automatic Stock – Shape – Profile – Depth – 0.75 – Color – Red – Layer NewStock Select OK Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Profile Shaped Stock Select the individual edges that create the bottom shape profile Hit Enter Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Layer Visibility Double click the stock layer to hide its visibility Only the profile stock will remain visible Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Manufacture Mode Enter Manufacture Mode Select – Sequence Name Surface – Discipline Mill – Machine Tool Prolight_1000 – Initial CPL NEWTOP Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Surface Operation Select the Surfaces from the Operations drop down Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Surface Operation Select the entire part Hit enter to end selection Select the circular defined loop and the offset profile Hit enter to end boundaries Hit enter to accept default start point Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
General Mill Type Optimized Level 0 Depth Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Roughing Strategy Z Level Lace % Stepover 50 Offset 1/32 Lace Angle 0 Cut Increment ToolStore Created ½” End Mill Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Finishing Strategy Parallel Lace Angle 45 % Stepover 50 Offset 0 ToolStore Created ¼” Ball Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Results Yellow toolpath – Roughing Purple toolpath – Finishing Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
2 nd Surface Operation Repeat the Surface Setup – Select the entire part – Hit enter to end selection – Select the circular defined loop and the offset profile – Hit enter to end boundaries – Hit enter to accept default start point Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
General All setting should remain the same for the General tab Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Roughing Select No Roughing Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Finishing Change 45 degrees to -45 degrees Reselect to ¼” ball tool from the ToolStore Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Results Yellow toolpath – Roughing Purple toolpath – Finishing Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Verify Results Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Comparison Using a 50% stepover along with a ball end mill will leave a pattern not from the inventor file and creates a diamond pattern Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Generate / Post Code Select Generate Code Select Use Part Name Select OK Enter Programmer’s Name Select OK Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Edit Code Enter any necessary entrance and/or exit codes to the posted program Re-Save the NC file Edgecam – LID EXTERIOR
Final Product