3, 4 and 5 Axis Programming

with
SURFCAM 2001/2002

3, 4 and 5 Axis CNC Project Tutorial

MET 443/514
Dr. Russ Biekert
Arizona State University East
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................4
1.1 The purpose and goal of this material…….…………...............................................................4
1.2 Composition of this material…………… .................................................................................4
1.3 The Practice Files.......................................................................................................................5
1.4 A short presentation of solid modeling…………………..........................................................5

2 THE CREATION AND EXPORT OF A USABLE FILE...............6

2.1 Hints for creating a Solid Model………………………………………………………….…. 5
2.1.1 Planning your work ...............................................................................................................6
2.1.2 Steps to have less data in your model….…............................................................................6
2.1.3 Least surface modeling ..........................................................................................................6
2.1.4 3D world association .............................................................................................................7
2.1.5 Third Angle Projection...........................................................................................................7
2.2 EXPORT OPTIONS………………........................................................................................8
2.2.1 File Types……………………………………………...........................................................8
2.2.2 File Type Features..................................................................................................................9
2.2.3 Solid Edge exporter dialog with options ...............................................................................9
2.2.4 Different types of compression……………………………………………………………...9
2.2.4 Solid Model exercise......................................................................................................…...10

3 WORKING WITH SURFCAM 2001/2002………..........................15

3.1 STARTING THE PROGRAM....................................................................................15
3.2.1 Hardware Lock Version............................................................................................15
3.2.2 Network Lock Version... ..........................................................................................16
3.2 THE BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE PROGRAM......................................................17
3.2.1 New/Open file...........................................................................................................17
3.2.2 Import intermediate file ...........................................................................................17
3.2.3 Save your work ........................................................................................................21
3.2.4 Orientate part for 3 axis CNC work..........................................................................21
3.2.5 Summary ..................................................................................................................21
3.3 THE USER INTERFACE............. .............................................................................22
3.3.1 Acquainting yourself with the different windows....................................................22
3.3.2 Visual functions........................................................................................................23
3.3.3 The options menu listings to set part visibility……….............................................23
3.3.4 COORD World vs. View..........................................................................................23
3.3.5 C View Properties window……...............................................................................24
3.3.6 View Properties window...........................................................................................24
3.4 EXERCISES ...........................................................................................................25
3.4.1 Import sample file……...................................................................................................25
3.4.2 Wire frame and Surface separation ..............................................................................25
3.4.3 Color and Layer separation……...................................................................................26
3.4.4 Surface positive orientation .........................................................................................26
3.4.5 Surface Flow orientation...............................................................................................27
3.4.6 Create cview .................................................................................................................27

2
3.4.7 NC 3- Axis, Z Rough, Z Finish, Planer …………… ................................................28
3.5 SurfCAM Functions.................................................................................................34

4 PRESENTING THE FINAL RESULT.....................................................................35

4.1 POST PROCESSOR SELECTION…………………................................................35

5 PRACTICE PROJECTS…........................................................................................36
5.1 Parts Provided…………………………………………............................................36
5.1.1 The 4 Axis Cube (Positional...................................................................................36
5.1.2 The Valve Body (Positional)...................................................................................48
5.1.3 The 5 Axis Pyramid (Positional)............................................................................54
5.1.4 The 4 Axis Tapered Helix (Simultaneous)..............................................................55
Project Drawings……...................................................................................................62

3
1 INTRODUCTION
This tutorial is focused on 4 and 5 axis positional and simultaneous CNC
Programming with SURFCAM 2001. It is intended for people who want to
achieve competency in multi-axis CNC programming of imported solids data.

1.1 The purpose and goal of this material

The purpose of the material is to give you basic understanding of how to
prepare and export work from a solid modeling tool such as Solid Edge, Pro
Engineer or Solid Works. Rather the user imports from an intermediate file or
uses a source code compatible direct read, Solid Model data will be interpreted
by SurfCAM 2001. The goal is to give you knowledge that you can apply in a
meaningful way.

1.2 Composition of this material

This material is designed so that you may learn data importing and data
translation from the ground and up. The material has four main chapters that
will take you from start to goal (production of 4 or 5 axis CNC code) in your
project.

Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter presents the goals and composition as well as the pedagogic idea.
Chapter 1 also gives a brief presentation of the program and its components.

Chapter 2: The creation and export of a usable file

Prepares you for the work within SurfCAM 2001/2002; gives you techniques
and hints on how to maximize the quality of the exportable file from a solid
design tool. In this chapter you will learn how to optimize a solid design. You
will also be acquainted with the options if intermediate files, exporter dialog
and how to work efficiently with export options.

Chapter 3: Working with SurfCAM 2001/2002

Chapter covers basic steps to use layers, colors, part orientation, view and
cview. This chapter is the core for learning and understanding 4 and 5 axis
CNC programming using SurfCAM.

Chapter 4: Presenting the final result

This chapter explains how to simulate tool path and generate output of multi-
axis CNC code. You also get some useful examples post processor selection
and compiling CL data.

4
1.3 The practice files
Included in this material is a floppy disk with practice files. The formats of the
practice files are SurfCAM 2001 (*.dem). Intermediate files (*.dxf and *.igs).
Drawing files from Solid Edge, (*.par) and AutoCAD (*.dwg).

The practice files are included to make it easier for you to work. The Exercises
in this material are based on the files on the floppy disk or geometry created
from scratch. When you load the practice files they will be installed in;
load point \SURFCAM\file specific directory. The sub maps DSM, Igs, Dxf,
Par 5, and Dwg. You should save all the SurfCAM files (.dem) into the DSN
directory

1.4 A short presentation of Solid Modeling

Solid Modeling is a multi-platform mechanical design tool with a purpose to
build feature associative objects for pre manufacturing evaluation. Solid
modeling has been a huge technological breakthrough. With advances in
computer technology no longer is a extremely expensive computer necessary to
take advantage of productivity gains from in fully associative solid design
tools.

Continuous development of this technology will not only support data

integration within a single manufacturer such as Pro/Engineer with multiple
modules i.e.; design, manufacturing or analysis. We will see partnerships of
data collaboration with the ability to read “source code compatible” files like,
.PAR (native Solid Edge file read by SurfCAM), were no intermediate file such
as DXF or IGS are necessary.

Feature associativity will be bi-lateral, across computer platforms, operating

systems and competing software manufactures. With advances in world
communications via the internet, data collaboration around the globe is very
much a part of doing business in manufacturing today.

Solid design models are composed of many different entities, primarily 2D and
3D or Planer and Composite. Further broken down, Wire Frame and Surface
data. Chapter 2 will describe how to build a functional solid model for
translation or direct read in to SurfCAM.

5
2 THE CREATION AND EXPORT OF A USABLE FILE

The process to create programmable data for SurfCAM can be divided into 4
steps:

Modeling
Use your 3D-modeling package (Solid Edge) and create one from scratch or
take an existing model in native source code (*.PAR, Solid Edge or .DWG,
AutoCAD). Remember that even though SurfCAM can handle very
complex objects, the end-user experience is going to be much better with a
model that is well balanced between not too many details and small size.

Exporting
Once you are happy with the way the model looks in your 3D modeling
application,
it is time to export it as a IGES file *.igs. This is the file format used to
translate date to SurfCAM.

Importing
Open the *.igs file into SurfCAM, you can now edit the object in the SurfCAM
to separate wire frame, surfaces, layers, etc.

Wire Frame and Surface Separation

When creating an export file be sure to create surface and wire frame data for
export. Wire frame drives tool offset edge, Surface drives tool offset vector.

2.1 Hints for creating an exportable file in a solid modeling

program
2.1.1 Planning your work
Before you begin to make an object in a solid modeling program you must plan
to get the best results. It’s important to think about how the model will be
oriented as a machine-able file. It is crucial that you plan your work according
to the functions executed in the machining process. (i.e. work holding, machine
capability, tooling, etc.), standard Right Hand Rule orientation.

2.1.2 Steps to have less data in your model

All spline curves or surfaces are divided into small straight lines that
approximate the true curve. The number of divisions between each vertex on
the spline is called steps. The number of steps indicates how many segments
you will have when it becomes a translated model. The more steps you use the
smoother the curve will appear.

6
It is recommended that you use a surface optimize option if your solid design
software has this capability. With this option checked the program would
remove unneeded steps from straight segments in the spline or surface. Don’t
use more steps than necessary. By using a low segment number on a standard
primitive you can reduce the amount of polygons on your object. Each segment
is the sum of divisions along each axis of the model. The number of segments
can be set before or after creation. Don’t use more segments then you need.

2.1.3 Least surface modeling

There are many ways to make a low polygon surface model. Here are a few
suggestions:
• Create an object with as few faces or surface intersections from the
beginning. Extrude features intended for the part model. Exclude fillets
generated by tool path from the solid model.
• If you can, change the U - V surface count to a high mesh density

2.1.4 3D world association

Most solid modeling tools have a world association and a user defined
association, or user defined coordinate system (UCS). The world is a fixed
origin where a UCS is a planer surface user defined for geometry creation and
uses a local coordinate system. In SurfCAM this setting is toggled with
“Coord: WORLD” and “Coord: VIEW”

2.1.5 Third Angle Projection

Solid Design tools in the United States have a default view orientation set to
Third Angle Projection. This standard defines which plane is displayed when
viewing a part model. SurfCAM uses this standard and is controlled in the
view menu:

7
2.2 EXPORT OPTIONS

2.2.1 File Types

Most Solid Design or Programming tools such as SurfCAM allow translation of
multiple file types. The following is a list of compatible translated file s for
SurfCAM.

DXF 2D Data

IGS 3D and
Surface Data

Solid Edge

AutoCAD

8
2.2.2 File Type Features
Translation Software such as IGS or DXF has data filters. This is for the
purpose of being able to translate only the information needed for the next
operation. When Translating data for machining SurfCAM does not need point
information to drill a hole, center point data is imbedded in any arc or diameter.
Filter all points during translation. Some translators allow for coordinate
system selection for output orientation. Use this feature to orientate part before
translation.

9
2.2.3 Solid Model Exercise

Create a solid model using the following techniques.

In this Exercise you will create a solid model for export into SurfCAM.

1. Start your solid modeler and create a new file.

2. First feature is a rectangular extrusion of defined thickness.

3. Second feature is first depth cut

10
4. Third feature is second depth cut.

Second Depth Cut

5. Fourth feature is the pyramid cut (you might need to use extrude also).

Pyramid Feature

11
6. Fifth feature is a portion of a sphere (select the correct work plane and rotate
the wire frame feature).

Sphere Feature

8. The sixth is the revolved cone.

Cone Feature

12
 9. The final feature will be surface radii. When ever possible, design a part
radius larger than the tool radius used to machine the part, this will ensure a
smooth transition from surface to surface

Ex:

All edges selected

are .126R for an
expected finish tool
of .25 dia. ball end
mill.

Be sure to save the model file before the next step.

Make sure your solid model has a coordinate system defined for part
orientation during extraction.
Ex:

Extraction
Coordinate
System
Model
Coordinate
System

13
9. With the part model saved it is time to create an intermediate file for
translation into SurfCAM. We will use an IGES file export, the time of
translation request “Wire Frame” data, and “Surface” data.

Wire frame and

Surfaces selected

10. Save the IGES file in a location accessible to SurfCAM

Select, file name and storage location

14
3 Working with SurfCAM 2001/2002

3.1 Starting the program

Start the program with GL on. This will allow dynamic viewing of a solid
model.

GL ON

3.1.1 Hardware Lock Version

Use the above procedure for the key lock version or when running in demo
mode.

15
3.1.2 Network Lock Version

When the network version has been launched, key in the server name
and select an available user license.

Select available
License License here
Server
Name

Once a user license is served-up check the following settings for the right
mode:

Licensed Version GL ON
Not Demo Mode

16
 3.2 The Basic Functions of the Program

3.2.1 Open/Start a file (Ref. 3.2 in SurfCAM Text book)

Start a file in SurfCAM using, File – New. With this process SurfCAM starts a
new file as an untitled document. It’s not a bad idea to save your file with a
name, now all you have to do is click save or use ‘CTRL – S”

3.2.2 Import Intermediate file

If you choose to import an intermediate file, select the “File Type” to access
translation types.

File Type

Inside SurfCAM Select “File-Open” then “File Type”.

Select IGS as file

type

17
 1. Save the imported file under new name with SurfCAM “.DSN” file type.

Close any windows opened during the translation process.

Sample of part model translated in to SurfCAM.

Default part
Orientation
CVIEW 1

2. Now we will separate wire frame data from surface data.

Mask all entities leaving only surfaces checked.

Only
Surface
Checked

18
 3. Next, create a new layer called, “Surface”. At the same time select the new
layer to activate and select “move geometry”

Move
Geometry

Select here
to activate

4. Next screen will ask for geometry to select.

• Check Mask set to ON
• Toggle “MultSelOn”
• Select visible (everything should be highlighted)
• Select done

5. Go back to the layer tool and make “surface” layer invisible. You should see
only wire frame geometry.

Surface Layer
Invisible

19
Sample Import

View of “Wire Frame Only” Geometry.

You should now be able to toggle between wire frame and surface layers.

20
 3.2.3 Save your work
Save your file with, “Save As”, (do not use spaces in the name selected) from
this point on in your session all you have to do is click save or use ‘CTRL – S”
for frequent saves to your work progresses.

3.2.4 Orientate part for 3 Axis CNC Axis work

CVIEW1

VIEW7

3.2.5 Summary

• Start a new file

• Save your file with, “Save As”
• Check for License Version
• Check for OL running
• Select CVIEW1(x-y plane)
• Set VIEW7(isometric)

21
3.3 The User Interface
The axis direction uses industry standard conventions for specifying the direction.
The direction can be specified as being: +X; -X; +Y; -Y; +Z or -Z. The following
diagram shows the relationship between the rotary axis directions and the X, Y & Z-
axes.

It is important to note that the arrows depicting rotations (+A, +B & +C) show the
positive direction of the tool, not the direction of rotation of the table. These may or
may not agree with the actual programmed axis and direction. In the case of a
machine with a removable rotary table for instance, the Programmed Axis may be A,
but its physical location on the machine may cause it to rotate about the Y axis
(normally considered to be a B axis). We would select +Y from the Direction list box.
In this case, an A90 programmed move will be modeled as a B+ move.

3.3.1 Acquainting yourself with different windows

(SurfCAM textbook Chapter 3)
Be sure you know how to change “VIEW” and “CVIEW” and understand the
difference in the two.

VIEW is strictly visual manipulation (Can also access with RMB. Right Mouse
Button)
CVIEW is necessary to change the construction plane to a local coordinate
system for creation of geometry on other than the G17 (XY) plane.

22
3.3.2 Visual Functions
SurfCAM is imbedded with popup and pull down menus. Don’t forget the new
commands in RMB:

Default and
Saved view
selection

3.3.3 The options menu to set part visibility

Select: DISPLAY – SHADE – OPTIONS

3.3.4 Coord; World vs. View

WORLD COORDINATES

World coordinates are the X, Y, and Z axes as defined in 3D space.

World coordinates are similar to absolute coordinates on an NC
machine. They are always measured from the origin (X0 Y0 Z0) point.

23
VIEW COORDINATES

View coordinates use the construction view. Using View coordinates

gives you the option to measure from the origin as it is seen from a
particular view.

3.3.5 CVIEW Properties Window

Current
Current
Construction view
View

3.3.6 View Properties Window

Current
View Current
Construction View

24
3.4 Exercises (3 axis machining solid mold part)

3.4.1 Import Sample File

Import the sample file from source files; XXXMOLD.IGS

xxxmold.igs

3.4.2 Wire frame and Surface separation

Use Mask settings to filter wire frame geometry and move to new layer.

3.4.3 Color and Layer separation

Use the Layer tool to create a new layer for the surface geometry.
1. Set only the wire frame layer active
2. Select; EDIT – COLOR, pick a color, VISIBLE – DONE.

25
The color should be updated to the new color. Remember, Colors and Layers
are independent (not linked). Update the color in the settings tool bar to match
color to the geometry being created.

3.4.4 Surface positive orientation

Next we will remove all surfaces not necessary for the machining operation
(move to another, change color or delete them entirely) your part model might
look like the following:

No sides and no bottom.

Next we must orientate all surface normals to a positive Z orientation. This is

important for surface machining only; not necessary for “Z Rough” and “Z
Finish”.

Toggle surface normal vectors on/off. (be sure multselon is set to on)
Select EDIT – SURFACE – ARROW – VISIBLE – DONE
Your part should look like the following:

26
 Some surface normals will be orientated below the surface; those normal
vectors need to be re-orientated to a positive direction (in this case inside the
pocket to be machined)

Select EDIT – SURFACE – SIDE – SINGLE – pick individual surfaces until

each normal vector is in the right orientation.

TOGGLE MULTSELON/OFF TO OFF FOR THIS OPERATION

3.4.5 Surface Flow orientation

Set the surface flow indicator to be in the same direction (not all surface vector
indicators will be able to toggle in the same direction, set as many as possible),
this depends greatly on how the surface was created.

Select EDIT – SURFACE – DIRECTION – pick individual surfaces until each

normal vector is in the right orientation.

3.4.6 Create CVIEW

Check to see if part has the correct cview, if not create one with this method:

Select New

Name the
construction
View

There are four choices in SurfCAM for creating a construction View:

27
Select an option and create a construction view, remember to activate the new
construction view after it was created. Use this only if needed.

3.4.7 NC 3 AXIS-Z Rough, Z Finish, Planer

For this project we will use,”Z Rough”, “Z Finish”, and “Planer” tool path.

Select –NC – 3 Axis – Z Rough. (MULTSELOFF)

VISABLE
NO MATERIAL (pop up box)

Next you will see the tool control box:

Minimum
information

28
Click next tab for tool control

Sample
Settings

Sample tool path for Z Rough:

Next let’s use Z Finish (hide previous tool path).

29
Select –NC – 3 Axis – Z FINISH. (MULTSELOFF)
VISABLE

Select ¼ in. Ball End Mill for Z Finish. Set all tooling information.

Next, Select Tool control tab;

Sample
Settings

Z Finish Tool Path: no bottom cut

30
 The final process will be to finish the floor of the cavity. To do this we will
select 3 Axis Planer cut. First create a boundary curve for tool containment.
(Hide Surface geometry, create a new layer and new color, work with Wire Frame
Geometry only)

Select EDIT – TRANSFORM – OFFSET – CHANGE OFFSET (fin tool

radius) - CHAIN – “offset side”, pick inside chained geometry.
Select outer edge to
chain
Boundary curve offset,
“Finish tool, radius amount.”

“Offset Side”, inside

chained geometry

Select –NC – 3 Axis – Planer. (MULTSELOFF)

VISABLE

Use the same ball end mill from Z Finish for Planer operation

31
 Check Surface, “YES”

Boundary Curve, “YES”

Surfaces to select for avoidance:

Avoid

You will be prompted for boundary curve; start point/end point to define cut
direction (select any vector), offset side (select inside boundary curve),
beginning element (select any entity on the boundary curve and close) –
DONE.

Finished Planer tool path:

32
Open Operations manager and simulate tool path, if all is well post code.

Operations Manager

33
3.5 SurfCAM Functions

Start the program with GL on. This will allow for solid visualization.

SURFCAM HOT KEY DEFAULTS

Function Default Hot Key

Save As CTRL+S
Delete CTRL+D
Fit CTRL+F
Rotate
UpDownLeftRightDynamically Alt+Up arrowAlt+Down arrowAlt+Left
arrowAlt+Right arrowMiddle Button
Zoom In CTRL+ZMouse Wheel ForwardCTRL+IPlus key
Zoom Out CTRL+U (10% decrease)Mouse Wheel AwayMinus key
Pan CTRL+PCTRL+Middle ButtonCTRL+Left arrowCTRL+Right
arrowCTRL+Up arrowCTRL+Down arrow
Repaint CTRL+Q
CView dialog box CTRL+C
Views dialog box CTRL+VSpacebar

©Copyright 2002 Surfware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Select the correct orientation of work piece and rotary table fixture. This will
depend on the placement of the rotary table on your CNC Machine. Right side
placement should look like the following illustration.

34
 4 PRESENTING THE FINAL RESULT

4.1 Verification and Code Generation

Select CNC
Process
And Machine
Control

Select Set-up One to

post code for all
operations

Select to Post
CNC Code

35
 5 PRACTICE PROJECTS

5.1 Parts provided

The following projects demonstrate a variety of multi axis operations, including
3, 4 Axis simultaneous and 4, 5 Axis positional. Part geometry will be
provided from IGS translations or created in SurfCAM. We will be working
with Wire Frame and NO Surface Geometry.

5.1.1 4 Axis Cube (positional)

For this Project we will create the geometry in SurfCAM.

36
 4th Axis bar Stock Y

CVIEW 1
Orientation

For proper rotation of 4th Axis be sure to place “CVIEW 1” at center and face
of rotary table. Create a block or cylinder that represents your part stock
(machining area only) drill end with a # 3 or #4 C-drill. This end will be
supported by the rotary table “live center”.

Ex:

Right Side
Rotary
Placement
Table Tail
Rotary Table
Stock
(“A” Axis)

37
1) Switch COORD to View. Start with CVIEW 5 and VIEW 7.
Create a rectangle with center as (0, 0). Transform Copy, 3,0
inches, draw lines to connect all for corners.

CVIEW 5

VIEW 7

Connect end to
end, all 4 corners

2) Create a local construction plane for each of the four sides.

(Label Top, Front, Bottom, Back. Keep all geometry in quadrant 1)

38
 Select 3 point –
End Point (system prompts for this input)

- First X
- Pos X
- Pos Y
- Origin

Origin
Pos Y

First X

Pos X

Continue this process for each of the remaining sides, Front, Bottom, and Back.

Y
Y
Y X Z
Z X
X Z

Front Bottom Back

39
After all planes are completed you can toggle construction planes in CVIEW
menu box.

3) Mill flats on 2 .0 dia. bar stock.

Our material blank will be 2in dia. bar stock. We will need to machine the four
flats in the round stock on each plane we created. Do this with a 2D pocket
routine (boundary curve created .3 above finished plane).

Created Pocket
Boundary

Set CVIEW 1

Change to CVIEW 5 and TRANSFORM - COPY – ROTATE Pocket

Boundary Geometry to the remaining three sides.

EX:

Set CVIEW 5

40
 2 Axis Pocket cut control settings

Rapid
Plane

Total Material
Removal

Depth Cut

2 Axis pocket on Top CVIEW

41
Switch to CVIEW 2 Front and repeat NC 2 Axis pocketing routine in new
CVIEW.

Repeat this operation for CVIEW 4 BOTTOM.

Repeat this operation for CVIEW 3 BACK.

Be sure to follow this sequence. This will keep the rotary table indexing in one
direction for a productive tool path.

Finished tool path, four sides;

Hide all tool paths and the Pocket Boundary Layer. Let’s move on to the next
step.

42
4) Change to your created CVIEW (should be CVIEW.9, TOP )

Create a 1in x 1in Pocket at the Z zero level.

5) Change to your created CVIEW (should be CVIEW.10, FONT )

Create a 1in diameter Pocket at the Z zero level.

6) Change to your created CVIEW (should be CVIEW.11, BOTTOM )

Create a 1in. Triangle Pocket at the Z zero level.

7) Change to your created CVIEW (should be CVIEW.12, BACK )

Create any geometry you wish (different from the first three sides), including
text for machining.

EX: (CENTER GEOMETRY ON EACH PLANE)

Text on
Back Side

After all geometry has been created, switch to each construction plane and
create 2 axis tool paths.

43
2Axis tool path created on any plane rotating about the X Axis creates a 4 Axis
positional program. Rotation axis is “A”, direction will be positive or negative
units will be degrees.

A Four Axis part sometime requires manual set up of simulation settings.

Select; OPERATIONS MANAGER – RUN SURFCAM VERIFY (not auto
verify)
MODEL
STOCK
CYLINDER

Menu box prompts for dimensions. Use dimensions to encompass part with a

44
 stock diameter of 2.0 in. (values for CVIEW1)

Use these
settings for
cylinder
size

Picture of cylinder for material simulation;

45
 Solid simulation of operations;
EX;.

Final operation is to post code. To do this we will select operations manager;

EX;
Select 4
Axis

Select Setup Select

One to post all HAAS
operations.
Text was cut as 3 axis
contour, to cut outline only

46
Simulation of text tool path;

Have code verified by the Lab Technician before running on HAAS CNC.

47
5.1.2 Valve Body (Drilling, Positional)

1) In SurfCAM Select; OPEN – FILE TYPES. Set to IGS. Open

“Valve_Body.IGS” from source files.

2) EDIT – TRANSFORM – MOVE and ROTATE to place part on

location for four axis rotary table work. (Remember: translations and
Rotations best occur around the Z Axis point)

EX;

CVIEW1

48
 3) Select; FILE – SAVE AS – FILE TYPES - .STL

EX;
Save in SurfCAM
load point, Stl
Folder

Type

4) Separate Layer and Wire Frame Geometry. Show only wire frame
geometry. Select; NC – 2AXIS – Drill – SELECT GEOMETRY

Select Top
Surface circle
ONLY

49
 5) Select tools and set values in drill operations manager.

EX;
Add next
tool

Select
each tool
to set
values
Z Clear

Drill depth or Spot

Diameter
(Tool Dependant)

6) Check for tool clearance on rotary move.

EX;

50
7) An imported part requires manual set up of simulation settings to select
the STL model from a previous save.

Select; OPERATIONS MANAGER – RUN SURFCAM VERIFY (not auto

verify)
MODEL
STOCK
STL SOLID
EX;

Your part should look like the following;

51
7) After running the solid verify you will see a simulated verification of
tool path;

8) Before we post code we will go back into Operations Manager and

change the hole depth for the hole on the top of the part.

Select hole ops.

Right mouse click
and select Regen.
with original
geometry

52
The following menu pops up. Change this Value
to 1.25 for tool 2
and 3, OK when
done.

9) Post code and check for “A” Axis rotation moves

53
5.1.2 5 Axis Pyramid (Positional)

SurfCAM Book 15-16

5 Axis Project Create a new CVIEW for

each side

54
5.1.4 4 Axis Tapered Helix (Simultaneous)

For a true simultaneous 4-axis CNC part the geometry must be a tapered
rotational shape. Part geometry will be provided from IGES translations or
created in SurfCAM. The following geometry was selected to demonstrate
simultaneous 4-axis tool path. The geometry twists 30˚ in 2 inches and tapers
from 2” diameter to 3/8” diameter in the same length.

2” Dia.

½ “Dia.

1) Our first step would be to create geometry or import a solid from a

design tool. With this step completed orientate geometry with the origin
at the face of the part.

55
 Part orientation in SurfCAM (since we have a symmetrical part we will isolate
a single surface)

Isolated
Surface

CVIEW 1

2) Next we will create a single surface from a multi surface object

Multi Surface
Object.

56
Select; CREATE – SPLINE – SURFACE SPLINE.

Surface Spline
Command

Select; Boundary Curves Tab and the following buttons.

Use the following

settings

You should have the following Spline Data. Remove all internal Splines
leaving only outlining Splines.

Remove
internal
Splines

57
Select; CREATE – SURFACE – CROSSECTION – GRID – VISIBLE –
DONE – LINEAR – OK (Be sure only Boundary Curves are visible before
starting)

Next let’s edit U – V Cross Section Count.

Select; EDIT – SURFACES – DISPLAY – VISIBLE – DONE. Change U – V

count to 20.

U-V Count
Set to 20

New Surface Mesh.

58
 3) Next step will be to “Extent Surface”, “Set Surface Normal” and “Set
Flow Direction.

Select; EDIT – EXTEND. Select a horizontal cross section from the surface to
extend (use diameter of tool for value).

Boundary for
projected tool path.

Surface Normal
Select Horizontal
and Flow
line for surface
Direction
extension. (use tool
diameter for
extension value).

4) Select; EDIT – SURFACE - ARROW (toggle arrow on/off)

- DIRECTION ( for cut flow)
- CORNER ( for start Point)
- SIDE ( for pos/neg side of surface)

Surface Edit Tools

59
5) Create Tool path to Project.

6) Select, NC – 4AXIS – PROJECT

Select tool path to

project.

Select surface to
project to.

60
 New Projected Tool path

New Projected tool path

7) Select Projected tool path for posting of CNC code .

Post Projected tool

path ONLY

61
 Project Drawings

(Provided by Instructor)

62