parameter trong pro-e 5.0

CAD/CAM/CNC Pro/Engineer Wildfire 5.0

Gv: Nguyễn Đình Thắng Page | 1

CÁC THÔNG SỐ CĂN BẢN TRONG

PARAMETER CHO PHƯƠNG PHÁP MILL

SCAN_TYPE

Thích hợp cho các phương pháp phay Volume, Surface, Face, Pocket, and Plunge

milling.

For Volume milling, refers to the way a milling tool scans the horizontal

cross-section of a milling volume and avoids islands. The options are:

● TYPE_1—The tool continuously machines the volume, retracts upon encountering

islands.

● TYPE_2—The tool continuously machines the volume without retract, moving

around the islands upon encountering them.

● TYPE_3—The tool removes material from continuous zones defined by the island

geometry, machining them in turn and moving around the islands. Upon completing

one zone, the tool may retract to mill the remaining zones. It is recommended that

ROUGH_OPTION for TYPE_3 is set to ROUGH_&_PROF.

● TYPE_SPIRAL—Generates a spiral cutter path.

● TYPE_ONE_DIR—The tool cuts in one direction only. At the end of each cutting

pass it retracts and returns to the opposite side of the workpiece, to start the next cut

in the same direction. Avoiding islands is the same as in TYPE_1.

● TYPE_1_CONNECT—The tool cuts in one direction only. At the end of each

cutting pass it retracts, rapids back to the start point of the current pass, plunges, and

then moves to the start of the next pass. If there is an adjacent wall at the start of the

cutting passes, the connection motion follows the profile of the wall to avoid

gouging.

● CONSTANT_LOAD—Perform high speed roughing (with ROUGH_OPTION set

to ROUGH_ONLY) or profiling (with ROUGH_OPTION set to PROF_ONLY).

● SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE—Generates a spiral cutter path with reverse arc

connections between cuts. When a cut is finished, the tool arcs into the next cut,

reversing cutting direction to maintain the cut type with respect to remaining

material (CLIMB or CONVENTIONAL). This is a high speed machining option,

which minimizes retracts.



● SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION—Generates a spiral cutter path with S-

shape connections between cuts. When a cut is finished, the tool S-connects into the

next cut, maintaining cutting direction, which results in the cut type with respect to

remaining material changing between cuts (from CLIMB to CONVENTIONAL and

back). This is a high speed machining option, which minimizes retracts.

● FOLLOW_HARDWALLS—The shape of each cut follows the shape of the walls

of the volume, maintaining fixed offset between the respective points of two

successive cuts. If the cuts are closed, there are S-shape connections between the

cuts.

The following illustration shows the scan types for Volume milling.

1 TYPE_1

2 TYPE_SPIRAL

3 TYPE_2

4 TYPE_3

5 TYPE_ONE_DIR

6 TYPE_1_CONNECT



For Surface milling

For Straight Cut Surface milling:

● TYPE_1—The tool continuously machines the selected surfaces, retracts upon

encountering islands.

● TYPE_3—If selected surfaces are divided into zones, the tool will completely

machine one zone before moving to the next.

For Isolines Surface milling:

● TYPE_1—The tool continuously machines the selected surfaces, retracts upon

encountering islands.

● TYPE_2—The tool continuously machines the selected surfaces, moving around the

islands upon encountering them.




pass it will retract and return to the opposite side of the workpiece, to start the next

cut in the same direction.

For Cut Line Surface milling:

● TYPE_1—The tool moves back and forth along the generated cut lines.



● TYPE_SPIRAL—The tool makes the first cutting pass halfway between the start

and end cutlines. The following passes will be made alternately to the right and to

the left of the first pass.



in the same direction.

● TYPE_HELICAL—(Available only if the CUTLINE_TYPE parameter is set to

FLOWLINES.) The tool moves along a helix. Valid for Closed Cut Line machining

only. The resulting tool path is shown in the following illustration.



For Projected Cuts Surface milling, the scan types are the same as for

Volume milling (with the exception of TYPE_1_CONNECT and

CONSTANT_LOAD). They refer to the way the flat pattern of the tool path is

created.

For Swarf milling:

● TYPE_1—The tool moves back and forth across the surfaces being machined.




● TYPE_HELICAL—The tool moves along a helix. Valid for a closed loop of

surfaces only.

For Face milling:

● TYPE_1—The tool makes parallel cutting passes, moving back and forth along the

selected face. If the selected face consists of multiple zones, the tool ignores them

and moves across the whole length of the workpiece.

● TYPE_3—If the selected face consists of multiple zones, the tool machines one

zone, moving back and forth in parallel cutting passes, then retracts and moves to

the next zone.

● TYPE_SPIRAL—The tool makes the first cutting pass in the middle of the surface.

The following passes will be made alternately to the right and to the left of the first

pass.




1 Start cutline (the top surface boundary)

2 End cutline (the bottom surface boundary)



For Pocketing, the scan types are the same as for Volume milling (with the exception

of TYPE_1_CONNECT and CONSTANT_LOAD). They refer to the way the tool

scans the bottom of the pocket.

For Plunge milling:

You can not change the scan type when the tool has Insert_Width smaller than

Cutter_Diam/2. For a regular flat tool the following scan types are available:

● TYPE_3—Completely machines one region before moving to the next.

● TYPE_SPIRAL—Generates a spiral cutting path.

● TYPE_ONE_DIR—Cuts in one direction only. At the end of each cutting pass the

tool returns to the opposite side of the region, to start the next cut in the same

direction.

● ROUGH_OPTION- Controls whether a profiling pass occurs during a Volume

milling NC sequence. The options are:

● ROUGH_ONLY—Creates an NC sequence with no profiling.

● ROUGH_&_PROF—Creates an NC sequence that rough cuts the milling volume,

then profiles the volume surfaces.

● PROF_&_ROUGH—Profiles the volume surfaces first, then rough cuts the volume.

● PROF_ONLY—Only profiling is done.

● ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP—Cleans up the walls of the volume without creating a

profiling pass. If SCAN_TYPE is set to TYPE_3, the horizontal connect moves

within each slice will follow the walls of the volume. If SCAN_TYPE is set to

TYPE_ONE_DIR, the tool will follow the walls of the volume vertically, when

plunging and retracting. For TYPE_ONE_DIR, the tool retracts to the level of the

previous slice; however, it will not move sideways by more than (STEP_DEPTH +

CUTTER_DIAM/2), with respect to the current slice.

1 TYPE_1

2 TYPE_3



● POCKETING—Profiles the walls of the volume and finish mills all the planar

surfaces inside the volume that are parallel to the retract plane (island tops and

bottom of the volume). The open edges of the planar faces are milled according to

the value of the POCKET_EXTEND parameter.

● FACES_ONLY—Finish mills only the planar surfaces inside the volume that are

parallel to the retract plane (island tops and bottom of the volume). The open edges

of the planar faces are milled according to the value of the POCKET_EXTEND

parameter.

Chú ý : A tool path similar to ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP with TYPE_ONE_DIR can

be obtained by using 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling with

ROUGH_STEP_DEPTH.

The following illustration shows the cutter path depending on the ROUGH_OPTION.

1 ROUGH_ONLY

2 PROF_ONLY

3 Profiling after rough cut

4 Profiling first

5 ROUGH_&_PROF

6 PROF_&_ROUGH

1 ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP with TYPE_3

2 ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP with

TYPE_ONE_DIR



The following illustration shows the tool path for ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP with

TYPE_ONE_DIR.

POCKET_EXTEND-- Defines the positioning of the tool when machining the open

edges of the planar faces inside a volume (for example, island tops). The values are:

● TOOL_ON (default)—The tool stops when its center touches the boundary of the

face.

● TOOL_TO—The tool stops when its leading edge touches the boundary of the face.

● TOOL_PAST—The tool stops when its heel touches the boundary of the face.

This parameter is used when ROUGH_OPTION is set to POCKETING or

FACES_ONLY.

TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE

In Volume milling, if set to FULL_TRIM, confines the milling volume to that inside

the workpiece boundaries, in order to avoid air machining. If set to TRIM_TO_TOP

(default), trimming is done only in the Z direction.

Note

● Do not set TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE to FULL_TRIM if the workpiece has

undercuts.

● When you intentionally offset or sketch the volume past the workpiece boundaries

(as shown in the following illustration), make sure to set TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE

to TRIM_TO_TOP.

In 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface and Face milling, if set to YES (the default is NO),

makes the tool machine one zone of the workpiece before going to the next. The

1: Tool path

2: STEP_DEPTH

3: Mill volume walls (side view)

4: STEP_DEPTH + CUTTER_DIAM/2

1 Milling volume (with offset)



actual tool path depends on the SCAN_TYPE parameter value. The following

illustration shows Face milling with SCAN_TYPE set to TYPE_ONE_DIR.

CUT_DIRECTION

For Volume milling, allows you to reverse direction of tool motion within a slice. The

values are STANDARD and REVERSE.

For Profile milling, STANDARD (the default) machines selected surfaces from top to

bottom, that is, starting with the top slice; REVERSE machines from bottom to top,

that is, starting with the lowest slice.

STEPOVER_ADJUST

If set to YES (the default), adjusts the step-over distance (defined by the STEP_OVER

and NUMBER_PASSES parameters) to make both the beginning and the end of the

cutter path for one pass close to the edges. The adjusted step-over distance does not

exceed the original one. If set to NO, the step-over distance will be exactly as defined

by the combination of the STEP_OVER and NUMBER_PASSES parameters.

CUT_TYPE

Combined with SPINDLE_SENSE, controls where material is relative to the tool

when it is removing material during profiling NC sequences or slices; bottom slices,

such as in pocket milling, are not affected by this parameter. The options are CLIMB,

UPCUT, and ZIG_ZAG. The possible combinations and the resulting tool path are:

● CLIMB and CWCutter to the left (default).

UPCUT and CWCutter to the right.

1 TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE NO

2 TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE YES

1 STEPOVER_ADJUST NO

2 STEPOVER_ADJUST YES



● UPCUT and CCWCutter to the left.

CLIMB and CCWCutter to the right.

● ZIG_ZAG Cut direction changes on every slice.

Note

CUT_TYPE parameter for Volume milling can be specified when ROUGH_OPTION

is specified as ROUGH_&_PROF, PROF_&_ROUGH, or PROF_ONLY or when the

SCAN_TYPE is TYPE_SPIRAL.

For Local milling, there is an additional option NONE, which makes the tool move

back and forth when cleaning up material.

For Profile milling, the ZIG_ZAG option can be used when profiling open contours. It

provides lace-type connection between slices, while CLIMB and UPCUT make the

tool retract and rapidly traverse to the beginning of the next slice.

For 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling, CUT_TYPE, combined with

SPINDLE_SENSE and CUT_DIRECTION, controls the start point and direction of

machining the surface. The LACE_OPTION parameter must be set to NO.

PLUNGE_PREVIOUS

For Volume milling with SCAN_TYPE TYPE_3, determines where the tool plunges

when starting to machine a new zone:

● YES—The tool plunges within a previously machined zone and then moves to the

new zone.

● NO (default)—The tool plunges within the new zone.

FIX_SKIPPED_SLICES

By default (NO), if NC Manufacturing cannot create a slice at a certain Z depth when

milling a volume (for example, because of geometry problems), this slice will be

1 CUT_TYPE CLIMB

2 CUT_TYPE ZIG_ZAG



skipped and the tool will go to the next slice. If this parameter is set to YES, then,

whenever a slice cannot be created, NC Manufacturing will generate the next slice and

repeat it at the level of the skipped slice. In other words, if a slice can not be created,

the next slice will be repeated twice: at the Z level of the skipped slice and at its own

Z level. The system will issue a warning every time a slice cannot be generated.

LACE_OPTION

For Finishing, Straight Cut Surface milling and for Cut Line machining, controls

whether the tool retracts at the end of a cutting pass (as shown in the following

illustration). If set to NO (which is the default for Straight Cut Surface milling), the

tool retracts after each cut, so that all cuts are in the same direction. Other values

cause the tool to cut back and forth, and specify the shape of connection between the

endpoints of neighboring cuts:

● If set to LINE_CONNECT, the neighboring endpoints are connected by straight line

segments. LINE_CONNECT is the default for Finishing and Cut Line machining.

● The CURVE_CONNECT option, available for Straight Cut Surface milling only,

uses a more complex (and slower-working) algorithm, which takes into account the

reference part geometry. If LACE_OPTION is set to CURVE_CONNECT, the tool

will follow geometry of the obstacles that would otherwise interrupt the cutting

pass. Use CURVE_CONNECT only if LINE_CONNECT causes gouging.

● The ARC_CONNECT option, available for 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling

only, results in the system providing smooth, arc-like connections between the

neighboring cutting passes. The cutting passes are shortened, as necessary, to

accommodate the connecting motions, so that the tool stays within surface

boundaries. The connections are automatically degouged. Use this option for high-

speed machining.

● If set to LOOP_CONNECT, the neighboring endpoints are connected by vertical

loops, with the tool leaving and entering material tangent to the surface being

machined.

Note: If you set LACE_OPTION to LINE_CONNECT for 3-Axis Straight Cut

Surface milling, the system automatically degouges connecting motions and

switches to CURVE_CONNECT if LINE_CONNECT causes gouging. In 4- and 5-

Axis NC sequences, if LINE_CONNECT causes gouging, the tool will retract. To

avoid such retracts, use CURVE_CONNECT.



ALLOW_NEG_Z_MOVES

If set to NO, eliminates negative Z moves for 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling NC

sequences. The default is YES. If you set ALLOW_NEG_Z_MOVES to NO, you

have to also set SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_1 and LACE_OPTION to NO. The following

illustration shows an example of a tool path with ALLOW_NEG_Z_MOVES set to

NO.

RETRACT_OPTION

Controls the number and level of retracts in Volume milling, Roughing and

Reroughing.

In Volume milling, the values are:

● OPTIMIZE (default)—Minimizes the number of retracts without minimizing the

height. The tool retracts to the level of the Traverse plane, if specified for the NC

sequence, otherwise to the Retract plane level.

● NOT_OPTIMIZE—The cutter retracts between two slices if the second slice does

not start directly below the cutters current location. It also retracts between the

rough and the profile pass within a slice if ROUGH_OPTION is ROUGH_&_PROF

or PROF_&_ROUGH. Specify NOT_OPTIMIZE if OPTIMIZE causes gouging.

The tool retracts to the level of Traverse or Retract plane.

● SMART—Minimizes the number and the height of retracts. For each intermediate

retract within the NC sequence, the system calculates a safe level for the tool to

traverse to the new position. This safe level is determined as the level of the lowest

slice with no obstructions on the way of the tool, plus the PULLOUT_DIST value,

if specified.

1 LACE_OPTION\ \ NO

2 LACE_OPTION\ \ LINE_CONNECT



Note: If Approach or Exit path is specified for each slice using Build Cut, the

RETRACT_OPTION parameter will be ignored.

In Roughing and Reroughing, the values are:

● SMART (default)—Minimizes the number and the height of retracts. For each

intermediate retract within the NC sequence, the system calculates a safe level for

the tool to traverse to the new position. This safe level is determined as the level of

the lowest slice with no obstructions on the way of the tool, plus the

PULLOUT_DIST value, if specified.

● ALWAYS—The tool retracts to the retract plane after each slice.

GOUGE_AVOID_OPTION

In Swarf milling, specifies whether the tool will retract to avoid gouging:

● RETRACT_TOOL—The tool may retract between cuts.

● LIFT_TOOL—Number of retracts between cuts will be minimized.

GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE

For 3-Axis Profiling: TIP_&_SIDES (the default) will make the system detect

undercuts when degouging the tool path. If you want to be able to machine an

undercut, set GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE to TIP_ONLY. For 5-Axis Profiling: if set to

TIP_&_SIDES, the system degouges with respect to the whole tool (as defined by the

tool parameters). The tool will retract if an undercut is detected. The default is

TIP_ONLY, in which case the system does not detect undercuts.

Note : GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE setting cannot be changed when modifying

parameters. Use Redefine.

REMAINDER_SURFACE

Applicable for Straight Cut Surface milling and 3-Axis Isolines and Cut Line Surface

milling NC sequences. If it is set to YES (the default is NO), the system will generate

a surface representing the leftover material (to be removed by a subsequent Local Mill

NC sequence). This surface will belong to the current NC sequence, and will be

regenerated upon regenerating the tool path.

Note: The remainder surface will be generated based on the SCALLOP_HGT

parameter value.

AUTO_SYNCHRONIZE



Applicable for Cut Line Surface milling only. If set to YES (the default), the system

will attempt to use edges crossing all the selected cut lines as synch lines. If this is not

satisfactory, set AUTO_SYNCHRONIZE to NO and specify the synch lines or synch

points manually.

AUTO_INNER_CUTLINE

Applicable for Cut Line Surface milling only. If set to YES, the system will attempt to

use edges crossing all the specified synch lines as inner cut lines. The default is NO.

CUTLINE_TYPE

Applicable for Cut Line Surface milling only. Allows you to select which algorithm

the system uses when it calculates cut line distribution. The values are:

● BLEND—The system uses a surface boundary blend to generate cut lines.

● FLOWLINES (default)—The system uses a Finite Element Analysis method to

process the surfaces selected for milling and generate cut lines.

CUTLINE_EXT_TYPE

Applicable for Cut Line Surface milling only. Specifies how the system handles the

case when a cut line does not extend the whole length of the surface selected for

machining. The values are:

● BOUNDARY (default)—The system will attempt to extend the cut lines up to the

boundary of the surface.

● NONE—Machining will be limited to the length of the specified cut lines.

AXIS_DEF_CONTROL

Applicable for 5-Axis Cut Line Surface and Trajectory milling, and for Swarf milling.

1 Surface selected for machining

2 Start cut line

3 End cut line

4 CUTLINE_EXT_TYPE\ \ BOUNDARY

5 CUTLINE_EXT_TYPE\ \ NONE



For 5-Axis Cut Line Surface milling and Swarf milling, the values are:

● USE_SURF_NORMS (the default)—The surface normal is used in determining the

tool axis orientation, that is, any user-specified axis definition provides a localized

lead and tilt angle that is applied to the normal of the surface being machined.

● IGNORE_SURF_NORMS—The surface normal is disregarded, and the tool axis

orientation is a strict interpolation of the user-specified axis definitions. Not

available for Swarf milling From Surface Isolines.

For 5-Axis Trajectory milling, this parameter is used for Automatic Cut motions

created using the Surfaces command. Another way to specify axis definitons is to use

the Axis Control command in the CUTMOTION SETUP menu. The

AXIS_DEF_CONTROL parameter specifies the approximation type between the

explicit axes definitions. The values are:

● RELATIVE_TO_DRIVE_SURFACE (default)—Preserves the lead and tilt of the

tool axis relative to the surface normal for each explicit axis defined at locations on

the surface. As the tool moves between explicit axis definitions, the system

computes an average lead/tilt angle by linearly interpolating between the last

explicit axis definition and the next explicit axis definition. This average is then

applied relative to the surface normal at the current location. This method can be

used to generate variable lead / tilt tool paths when precise axis control is necessary.

An example would be to apply this control to make sure the tool and holder can pass

through a narrow channel of part geometry.

● PROJECT_ON_DRIVE_SURFACE—Preserves the lead angle of the tool axis

relative to the surface normal for each explicit axis defined at locations on the

surface. As the tool moves between explicit axis definitions, the system computes

an average lead angle by linearly interpolating between the last explicit axis

definition and the next explicit axis definition. This average is then applied at the

current location and the tool axis is projected onto the surface making the tilt

component 0. This method can be used to generate tool paths that have a variable

user-controlled lead angle, but maintain cutting with the side of the tool.

● FROM_AXES_AND_DRIVE_SURFACE—This method is appropriate when a set

of surfaces have some surfaces that are nondevelopable. In these nondevelopable

areas, the tool path can be unpredictable, so you may want to override the system

defaults by specifying explicit axis definitions. The system will derive all other tool

vectors from the surface boundary. Tool axes will be interpolated using the same

rule as for RELATIVE_TO_DRIVE_SURFACE.

● AXIS_LINEAR_APPROXIMATION—The tool orientation is a linear



approximation of explicit axis definitions.

● AXIS_LEAD_ANGLE_APPROXIMATION—The tool orientation is an

interpolation of lead angles along the trajectory.

● PROJECT_FROM_AXES—This method works as a combination of

FROM_AXES_AND_DRIVE_SURFACE and

PROJECT_ON_DRIVE_SURFACE. You can specify explicit axis definitions, and

the system will derive the intermediate tool vectors from the surface boundary. It

will then project all the axis definitions onto the drive surface.

LEADING_EDGE_MACHINING

If set to YES (the default is NO), ensures that the tool always cuts with the leading

edge, even in areas with high curvature, while maintaining contact with the drive

surface. Applicable for 5-axis Trajectory milling using Surfaces. Particularly useful in

turbine blade machining.

USE_VARIABLE_TILT

If set to YES (the default is NO), the tool will tilt to avoid gouging. Available for

Swarf milling only.

IGNORE_RULINGS

If set to NO (the default), the tool will be parallel to the ruling lines when machining

ruled surfaces. If set to YES, the tool will ignore the ruling lines of the ruled surfaces.

Available for Swarf milling only.

4X_LEAD_RANGE_OPT

If set to YES (the default is NO), the system will attempt to use variable lead angle to

avoid gouging. That is, if gouging occurs with the specified 4X_LEAD_ANGLE, the

system will try to use another angle in the range between 4X_MIN_LEAD_ANGLE

and 4X_MAX_LEAD_ANGLE. Applicable for 4-axis milling only.

FOLLOW_TOP_EDGE_3AX

In 3-axis Trajectory milling, allows you to machine the top edge of a boss or hole with

a tapered tool (SIDE_ANGLE > 0). If set to YES (the default is NO), the system will

automatically calculate the necessary offset in the XY plane for the tool (1) to follow

the top edge of the boss (2) or hole with its side, as shown in the following schematic.



CUSTOMIZE_AUTO_RETRACT

If set to NO (the default is YES), the tool will not perform the automatic retract when

following the default tool path.

SLICE_PATH_SCAN

Defines the order of machining multiple passes within multiple step depths (slices).

The values are:

● PASS_BY_PASS—After completing the first pass for the first slice, go to the first

pass for the second slice, and so on. After completing the first pass for the last slice,

go to the second pass for the first slice; proceed until completing the last pass for the

last slice.

● SLICE_BY_SLICE—Complete all the passes within a slice before going to the next

slice.

CONNECTION_TYPE

Controls the intermediate tool retracts for multi-step and multi-pass 3-axis and 2-axis

trajectory milling. The values are:

● RETRACT (default)—At the end of an intermediate cut, the tool retracts, moves

along the retract plane, and plunges to the start of the next cut.

● Z_LAST—At the end of an intermediate cut, the tool moves first in the XY-plane

and then along the Z-axis to the start of the next cut.

● Z_FIRST—At the end of an intermediate cut, the tool moves first along the Z-axis

and then in the XY-plane to the start of the next cut.

● SIMULTANEOUS—The tool moves directly from the end of the previous cut to

the start of the next cut.

● AUTO_CONNECT—At the end of an intermediate cut, the tool retracts along

Z_FIRST or Z_LAST based on whether the start point is below or above the



previous end point.

Note

AUTO_CONNECT is visible only for 2-axis trajectory milling NC sequences.

MACHINING_ORDER

For Local milling by previous tool, specifies the order of removing the leftover

material in the corners and on the surfaces. The values are:

● CORNERS_FIRST (default)—Remove the leftover material in the corners, then

proceed to cleaning up surfaces.

● SURFACES_FIRST—Clean up the surfaces, them remove the leftover material in

the corners.

● CORNERS_ONLY—Remove the leftover material in the corners and do not

machine the surfaces.

● SURFACES_ONLY—Clean up the surfaces and do not machine the corners.

SURFACE_CLEANUP

For Local milling by previous tool, specifies whether cleaning up the surfaces is done

in a single pass or in step depth increments. The values are:

● SINGLE_DEPTH (default)—The tool makes one cutting pass at the bottom of the

surface.

● MULTI_DEPTH—The tool makes multiple cutting passes, removing material in

step depth increments. You have to specify a value for the STEP_DEPTH

parameter.

CORNER_CLEANUP

For Local milling by previous tool, specifies how the corners are machined. The

values are:

● Z_PLANE_CUTS (default)—Remove the material in the corners using 2.5-axis

machining.

● CONTOUR—Remove the material in the corners using a series of vertical cuts.

RETRACT_TRANSITION

For high-speed Volume milling, as well as for Roughing and Reroughing, specifies

how the tool transitions between a vertical retract move and a traverse move (a



horizontal move at the retract plane or intermediate traverse plane level), and then

between the traverse move and a vertical plunge move. The values are:

● CORNER_TRANSITION (default)—The vertical and horizontal moves are at an

angle to each other.

● ARC_TRANSITION—The vertical and horizontal moves are connected by a

tangent arc. This way, the tool does not have to slow down or stop when it changes

direction in high-speed machining. The radius of the transition arc is defined by the

RETRACT_RADIUS parameter value. The arc starts above the level of the safe

traverse plane, therefore, the horizontal traverse moves will be at

RETRACT_RADIUS above the retract plane or the intermediate traverse plane

level.

RETRACT_RADIUS

Specifies the radius of the transition arc (if the RETRACT_TRANSITION parameter

is set to ARC_TRANSITION). The default is a dash (-). If you set

RETRACT_TRANSITION to ARC_TRANSITION, you have to specify a

RETRACT_RADIUS value.

TRIM_TOOLPATH_ON_HOLDER

In roughing, re-roughing, finishing, and corner machining, if set to YES, and if

HOLDER_DIAMETER and HOLDER_LENGTH are set, divides tool path into

colliding and non-colliding zones.

In the colliding zone, the tool holder collides with the reference part whereas in the

non-colliding zone, there is no collision. The resultant tool path is the combination of

all non-colliding zones.

Note

During roughing, some portions of the work piece are not machined due to the

removal of colliding zones from the tool path. These portions are machined during re-

roughing.

1 :Non-Colliding Zone

2 :Colliding Zone



If set to NO, the tool path is not divided based on collision, that is, the tool passes

through the entire tool path ignoring the collision between the tool holder and the

work piece. The default value is NO.

CALCULATE_MIN_TOOL_LENGTH

In roughing, re-roughing, finishing, and corner machining, if set to YES, and if you

have specified HOLDER_DIAMETER and HOLDER_LENGTH, calculates

minimum length of the tool required to prevent any collision. After tool path

calculation, this minimum length is displayed in the message window.

If set to NO, minimum tool length is not calculated. The default value is NO.

HOLDER_CLEARANCE

Along with any stock clearance defined, specifies the minimum allowable distance

between the tool holder and the machined surface if HOLDER_DIAMETER and

HOLDER_LENGTH are set. Should be greater than the accuracy of the tool path. The

default value is 0.

Cut Param

MAX_DISCRETIZE_ANGLE

Specifies the maximum change in the tool axis orientation between two points in the

tool path. If the angle between the two points is greater than the value of

MAX_DISCRETIZE_ANGLE, one or more points are added between the two points.

There is no default.

MIN_DISCRETIZE_ANGLE

Specifies the minimum change in the tool axis orientation between two points in the

tool path. If the angle between the two points is smaller than the value of

MIN_DISCRETIZE_ANGLE, then the tool axis maintains the same orientation.

There is no default.

SKIP_PATH

1 : HOLDER_CLEARANCE



Specifies removal of the first, last, or both passes from a set of machined surfaces in

3-, 4-, and 5-axis surface milling. The options are:

● NO_SKIP (default)—Tool path passes are not removed.

● FIRST—Only the first pass is removed.

● LAST—Only the last pass is removed.

● BOTH—Both first and last passes are removed.

STEP_DEPTH

The incremental depth of each pass during rough cut NC sequences. The

STEP_DEPTH must be greater than zero. The default is not set (displayed as "1").

For Engraving, the default is a dash (-), that is, not used. If you set STEP_DEPTH to a

value smaller than the GROOVE_DEPTH, Engraving will be performed in multiple

step increments.

MIN_STEP_DEPTH

For Volume and Profile milling, specifies the minimum acceptable distance between

slices. By default, all planar surfaces that are normal to the Z-axis of the NC Sequence

coordinate system produce additional slices. A slice along such a planar surface will

be skipped if the distance between it and the previous slice is less than the value of

MIN_STEP_DEPTH.

NUMBER_CUTS

For Face milling, gives you additional control over the number of cuts to depth (also

controlled by the STEP_DEPTH parameter). The system will compute number of cuts

using the STEP_DEPTH parameter value, compare it with the NUMBER_CUTS

value, and use the greater one. The default is a dash (-), that is, not used.

For Cutline machining, allows you to perform milling in step depth increments. This

has to be used together with the next parameter OFFSET_INCREMENT. The default

is a dash (-), that is, not used.

For Engraving, lets you limit the number of cuts when the STEP_DEPTH parameter is

also specified. The default is a dash (-), that is, not used. If you specify a number, for

example, 3, the tool will make three cutting passes at STEP_DEPTH increments, with

the last pass defined by the GROOVE_DEPTH value.

OFFSET_INCREMENT



Together with NUMBER_CUTS, allows you to perform Cut Line machining in step

depth increments. The tool will make the first slice at (OFFSET_INCREMENT *

(NUMBER_CUTS1) + PROF_STOCK_ALLOW) above the selected surfaces and

perform NUMBER_CUTS slices at OFFSET_INCREMENT distance from each

other, so that the last slice is at PROF_STOCK_ALLOW above the selected surfaces.

If SCALLOP_HGT is specified, it will affect the last slice only. At the end of each

slice, the tool will retract, move to the beginning of the next slice, and plunge. If

LACE_OPTION is set to NO, the tool will additionally retract after each cutting pass

across the surface(s) being machined. The default is a dash (-), that is, not used.

ROUGH_STEP_DEPTH

Available for 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling only. The default is a dash (-). If

you specify a value other than the default, the system performs surface milling in

depth increments, defined by the appropriate horizontal slices. This allows you to

create Volume-like tool paths without actually defining a Mill Volume, which is

especially helpful when machining imported (nonsolid) surfaces. The NC sequence

removes the same material and has the same automatic degouging capabilities as the

regular 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling sequences.

The following illustration shows 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling in depth

increments.

WALL_SCALLOP_HGT

Controls the step depth for Volume milling. The WALL_SCALLOP_HGT (wsh) must

be less than or equal to the cutter radius, that is, wsh <= d/2. The default is 0.

BOTTOM_SCALLOP_HGT

Similarly used to control step-over distance for Volume milling.

SCALLOP_HGT

Similarly used to control step-over distance for Surface milling and Local milling By

Previous Tool.

The STEP_DEPTH and the WALL_SCALLOP_HGT parameters are illustrated in the

following graphic. NC Manufacturing handles these parameters as follows:

1: Select this surface.



1. If you specify WALL_SCALLOP_HGT as zero (wsh= 0), a scallop height is

calculated using STEP_DEPTH.

2. If you specify wsh as 0, a step depth is calculated using wsh. This calculated value is

compared to the STEP_DEPTH you defined. NC Manufacturing uses the lesser of

the two.

The same is true for STEP_OVER and BOTTOM_SCALLOP_HGT (for Volume

milling) or SCALLOP_HGT (for Surface milling).

The following graphic illustrates STEP_DEPTH and WALL_SCALLOP_HGT.

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW

and

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW

The amount of stock left after the rough cut for the finish cut. Both parameters are

used in Volume milling NC sequences and Trajectory milling NC sequences, and

signify different stock allowances for roughing and profiling cuts.

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW must be set to a value less than or equal to

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW. When geometry is displayed after Automatic material

removal, NC Manufacturing uses PROF_STOCK_ALLOW.

In Roughing and Reroughing NC sequences, only ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW is used

to specify the amount of stock left after the cut.

BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW

1 STEP_OVER

2 Tool path

3 WALL_SCALLOP_HGT

4 STEP_DEPTH

1. PROF_STOCK_ALLOW

2. ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW

3. Pocket



For Volume milling or Trajectory milling, the amount of stock left after a rough NC

sequence on planar surfaces parallel to the retract plane. The default is a dash (-), in

which case the BOTTOM_STOCK_ALLOW parameter is ignored and

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW is used instead.

For Face milling, specifies the amount of stock left on the selected face. The default, a

dash (-), sets the stock allowance to 0.

WALL_TOLERANCE

Lets you specify the amount of material that can be left along the walls after the

previous NC sequence, without the Local Mill NC sequence cleaning it up. The

default is 0. Applicable for Local milling NC sequences referencing a previous

Volume NC sequence.

STEP_OVER

Controls the lateral depth of cut of either type of endmill. The STEP_OVER must be a

positive value less than or equal to the cutter diameter. The default is not set

(displayed as "1").

TOOL_OVERLAP

An alternative to STEP_OVER. Indicates the amount that the tool should overlap the

region machined during the previous pass. If TOOL_OVERLAP is specified and

STEP_OVER is not, STEP_OVER will be calculated as (CUTTER_DIAM

TOOL_OVERLAP).

PLUNGE_STEP

Controls the distance between successive plunges of the tool. The default is a dash (-),

in which case:

● If you are using a Plunge Mill tool, this distance is equal to the tool parameter

Insert_Cut_Width.

● If you are using a regular milling tool, the system calculates the maximum plunge

step, based on the Cutter_Diam of the tool, that results in removing all the material

between the plunges.

Applicable for Plunge milling only.

CORNER_ROUND_RADIUS

Specifies the minimum radius allowed for concave corners in high speed machining.

Available for Volume milling, Roughing and Reroughing. The default is 0.



NUMBER_PASSES

Gives you additional control over the number of tool passes per slice (also controlled

by the STEP_OVER parameter). The system will compute step-over distance using

the NUMBER_PASSES parameter value (if other than 0), compare it with the

STEP_OVER value, and use the one that is smaller. Applicable for Volume milling

and Facing. For Facing, if NUMBER_PASSES is set to 1, it will override the

STEP_OVER value, so that only one pass per slice will be made.

ONE_PASS_OFFSET

Allows you to offset the tool path for a one-pass Face milling NC sequence (that is,

when NUMBER_PASSES is 1). The positive value offsets the pass to the left with

respect to the cut direction, the negative to the right. The default is 0.

INITIAL_EDGE_OFFSET

Allows you to offset the first pass for Face milling with respect to the edge of the

surface being milled. The default is 0, in which case the tip trajectory at first pass will

coincide with the surface edge; the positive value offsets the first pass into the surface,

the negative off the surface. Cannot be greater than the STEP_OVER value.

FINAL_EDGE_OFFSET

Allows you to offset the last pass for Face milling with respect to the edge of the

surface being milled. The default is 0, in which case the tip trajectory at last pass will

coincide with the surface edge; the positive value offsets the last pass into the surface,

the negative off the surface. Cannot be greater than the STEP_OVER value.

CUT_ANGLE

The angle between the cut direction and the X-axis of the NC Sequence coordinate

system. The default CUT_ANGLE is 0, which is parallel to the X axis. Valid for

Volume and Plunge milling, Pocketing, Facing, Straight Cut Surface milling, and

Projected Cuts Surface milling. CUT_ANGLE will be ignored for Volume and Plunge

milling, Pocketing, and Projected Cuts Surface milling if SCAN_TYPE is

TYPE_SPIRAL.

LEAD_ANGLE

1 CUT_ANGLE 0

2 CUT_ANGLE 90



Together with TILT_ANGLE, defines the tool orientation with respect to the surface

normal for 5-Axis Surface milling NC sequences. LEAD_ANGLE is specified in

degrees from the surface normal with respect to the tool travel direction: positive

value tilts the tool forward, negative backward.

TILT_ANGLE

Together with LEAD_ANGLE, defines the tool orientation with respect to the surface

normal for 5-Axis Surface milling NC sequences. TILT_ANGLE is specified in

degrees from the surface normal with respect to the tool travel direction: positive

value tilts the tool to the right, negative to the left.

AXIS_SHIFT

Allows you to shift the CL data along the tool axis. If set to a positive value, will shift

all CL data down along the tool axis; a negative value will shift the CL data up. The

default is 0.

Note

AXIS_SHIFT is applied after gouge checking has been performed. Use the Gouge

Check functionality to make sure there is no gouging.

NUM_PROF_PASSES

Together with PROF_INCREMENT, allows you to create multiple profiling or

trajectory passes horizontally offset from each other. NUM_PROF_PASSES specifies

the amount of passes that will be generated (the default is 1). Applicable for Volume

milling when ROUGH_OPTION is set to PROF_ONLY, for Profiling, and for

Trajectory milling. If another value of the ROUGH_OPTION parameter is specified

for Volume milling, NUM_PROF_PASSES will be ignored.

PROF_INCREMENT

Specifies the horizontal distance between the passes generated according to

NUM_PROF_PASSES, which means that the first pass will be offset from the final

pass by:

(NUM_PROF_PASSES1)*PROF_INCREMENT.

1 Tool

2 Model

3 AXIS_SHIFT



The default is 0. Applicable for Volume milling when ROUGH_OPTION is set to

PROF_ONLY, for Profiling, and for Trajectory milling. If another value of the

ROUGH_OPTION parameter is specified for Volume milling, NUM_PROF_PASSES

will be ignored.

The following graphic illustrates NUM_PROF_PASSES and PROF_INCREMENT.

CORNER_OFFSET

Specifies the amount of material to be removed by a Local Mill NC sequence using

Corner Edges. The default is 0.

SLOPE_ANGLE

In Local Milling and Finishing, the angular value with respect to the XY plane that

divides the material to be removed into steep (near vertical) and shallow (near

horizontal) regions. For example in Local Milling, if you are removing material left

over in a pocket with slanted walls, specifying the value of the SLOPE_ANGLE less

than the wall slope will make the tool machine the bottom edges of the pocket first,

and then remove the material in the corners between the walls. The default

SLOPE_ANGLE for newly created Local Milling NC sequences is 30 degrees. For

NC sequences created prior to Release 2000i2, the default value is 90 degrees. The

default SLOPE_ANGLE for Finishing NC sequences is 45 degrees.

START_OVERTRAVEL

Specifies the distance from the tool to the surface outline for all passes except the first

one for each slice (see also APPROACH_DISTANCE). The default is 0. Applicable

for Facing only.

END_OVERTRAVEL

1 NUM_PROF_PASSES = 1

2 NUM_PROF_PASSES = 4

3 PROF_INCREMENT

4 First pass

5 Final pass



Specifies the distance that the tool overtravels past the surface outline on all passes

except the last one for each slice (see also EXIT_DISTANCE). The default is 0.

Applicable for Facing only.

GROOVE_DEPTH

The depth of the groove. The default is not set (displayed as "1"). Applicable for

Engraving only.

4X_TILT_ANGLE

Specifies the angle (in degrees) between the tool axis and the 4\ Axis\ Plane.

Normally, the tool axis is parallel to this plane (the default 4X_TILT_ANGLE is 0).

Applicable for 4-axis milling only.

4X_LEAD_ANGLE

Specifies the angle (in degrees) between the tool axis and the projection of the surface

normal on the 4 Axis Plane (the default is 0). Applicable for 4-axis milling only.

4X_MAX_LEAD_ANGLE

Specifies the maximum lead angle allowed when trying to avoid gouging. The default

is a dash (-), but you have to specify a value if 4X_LEAD_RANGE_OPT is set to

YES. Applicable for 4-axis milling only.

4X_MIN_LEAD_ANGLE

Specifies the minimum lead angle allowed when trying to avoid gouging. The default

is a dash (-), but you have to specify a value if 4X_LEAD_RANGE_OPT is set to

YES. Applicable for 4-axis milling only.

CHK_SRF_STOCK_ALLOW

Allows you to specify stock allowance to be used with check surfaces. The default is a

dash (-), that is, ignore. This parameter is available for Milling NC sequences that

utilize the Check Surfs functionality (that is, Surface, Trajectory, Profile milling, and

for Local Milling referencing a Surface milling NC sequence).

Note

Be careful when specifying CHK_SRF_STOCK_ALLOW for NC sequences where

all the reference part surfaces are selected as check surfaces.

TOOLPATH_CREATION_TYPE

In Surface milling, allows you to specify how the tool path is created. The values are:



● BY_TOOL_CONTACT—The tool is always tangential to the cut lines created on

the surface.

● BY_TOOL_CENTER—The tool center can always be projected on to the defined

cut on the machined surfaces, alternate surfaces, or the retract plane.

● AUTOMATICALLY—The system automatically decides how the tool path is

created.

Feed

ARC_FEED

Allows you to control the cut feed around arcs. The default is a dash (-), in which case

the CUT_FEED will be used. If set to 0, the RAPID statement will be output before

the CIRCLE statement.

ARC_FEED_CONTROL

Determines how the value for cut feed around arcs is calculated. The options are:

● TOOL_CENTER (default)—The feed rate that is output for CIRCLE statements is

always equal to the value specified for ARC_FEED.

● TOOL_PERIMETER—The feed rate that is output for CIRCLE statements is

adjusted to insure that the contact point between the tool and the material moves

with a speed equal to the value specified for ARC_FEED. This means the value for

ARC_FEED will have to be calculated for each CIRCLE statement according to the

following rules:

For internal radii:

feed = ARC_FEED * (circle radius / (circle radius + CUTTER_DIAM/2))

For external radii:

feed = ARC_FEED * (circle radius / (circle radius - CUTTER_DIAM/2))

TRAVERSE_FEED

Allows you to set a feed rate for all traverse tool motions. The default is a dash (-), in

which case the RAPID command will be output to the CL file.

WALL_PROFILE_CUT_FEED

For certain types of high-speed Volume milling (when SCAN_TYPE is set to

SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE or SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION),

allows you to set a lower feed rate for the first cut, when the tool is cutting the



material on both sides. The default is a dash (-), in which case the CUT_FEED value

will be used.

INVERSE_FEED

Enables you to specify the inverse time feed rate, or the rate of rotation, for machines

with rotary axes. Available for 4- and 5-Axis NC sequences only. If you set

INVERSE_FEED to YES (the default is NO), the system outputs the following line in

the CL data file before the first cutting feed statement:

FEDRAT / INVERS, AUTO

At the end of the CL data file, the system outputs the following line:

FEDRAT / INVERS, OFF

RAMP_FEED

See Entry/Exit parameters.

APPROACH_FEED


THREAD_FEED

Defines the thread pitch. Applicable for Thread milling only.

THREAD_FEED_UNITS

TPI (default), MMPR, IPR. Applicable for Thread milling only.

EXIT_FEED


Machine

SPINDLE_SPEED

The rate at which the machine spindle rotates (RPM). The default is 1.

WALL_PROFILE_SPINDLE_SPEED

For certain types of high-speed Volume milling (when SCAN_TYPE is set to

SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_TYPE or SPIRAL_MAINTAIN_CUT_DIRECTION),

allows you to set a lower spindle speed for the first cut, when the tool is cutting the

material on both sides. The default is a dash (-), in which case the SPINDLE_SPEED

value will be used.



SPINDLE_SENSE

The direction of spindle rotation. CW (clockwisedefault), CCW (counterclockwise).

SPINDLE_RANGE

NO_RANGE (default), LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, NUMBER. If a value other than

NO_RANGE is set, range will be included in the SPINDL command in the CL file

(for example, "RANGE, LOW"). If set to NUMBER, the RANGE_NUMBER

parameter value will be used in the SPINDL command (for example, "RANGE, 4",

where 4 is the RANGE_NUMBER parameter value).

RANGE_NUMBER

Will be output in the SPINDL command if SPINDLE_RANGE is set to NUMBER.

The default is 0.

MAX_SPINDLE_RPM

If set to a value other than a dash (-) (which is the default), the MAXRPM attribute

will be added to the SPINDL command.

SPEED_CONTROL

The default SPEED_CONTROL is CONST_RPM (constant revolutions per minute).

CONST_SFM (constant surface feet per minute) and CONST_SMM (constant surface

meters per minute) allow you to apply feed rate control to the contact surface between

the tool and the workpiece, to create good surface finish.

CUTCOM

Controls tool compensation. The options are:

● ON—Turns on the cutter compensation in the CL file. The compensation is Right or

Left, depending on CUT_TYPE and SPINDLE_SENSE.

● OFF (the default)—No tool compensation provided.

CUTCOM statements are not output for cut motions.

CUTCOM_REGISTER

Specifies the number of the register of the machine controller that holds the tool

compensation data. The default is 0.

NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS

Specifies if colinear points in approach and exit motions should be stripped or added.

The values are:



● 0—Strip colinear points.

● 1—Do not strip colinear points, to allow proper implementation of Cutcom.

● n (where n is an integer)—The Approach, Exit, or Cutcom move will be divided

into n equal segments by adding extra GOTO points.

The following illustration shows the number and location of GOTO points for the

following NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS values:

● NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS 0 (colinear points stripped)—schematic on the left

● NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS 1—schematic in the middle

● NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS 2—schematic on the right

CUTCOM_LOC_APPR

Specifies location of CUTCOM statement on the approach motion if multiple cutcom

points are specified. Cutcom points are numbered from 0 to n, where n is the value of

NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS. The default is 1.

CUTCOM_LOC_EXIT

Specifies location of CUTCOM statement on the exit motion if multiple cutcom points

are specified. Cutcom points are numbered from 0 to n, where n is the value of

NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS. The default is 0.

The following illustrations shows the locations and numbering of cutcom points for

approach and exit motions if NUMBER_CUTCOM_PTS is 2.

1 1st GOTO point

2 2nd GOTO point

3 3rd GOTO point

4 4th GOTO point

5 Approach move

6 Cut motion

7 Part



HOLDER_DIAMETER

Along with HOLDER_LENGTH, allows you to use holder dimensions for automatic

gouge avoidance. The default is a dash (-). If specified, will also be reflected when

displaying CL data and when the tool is displayed in the Preview window of the Tool

Setup dialog box. Applicable for Trajectory, Straight Cut and Isolines Surface milling,

rouging, re-roughing, finishing, and corner machining.

HOLDER_LENGTH

Along with HOLDER_DIAMETER, allows you to use holder dimensions for

automatic gouge avoidance. The default is a dash (-). If specified, will also be

reflected when displaying CL data and when the tool is displayed in the Preview

window of the Tool Setup dialog box. Applicable for Trajectory, Straight Cut and

Isolines Surface milling, rouging, re-roughing, finishing, and corner machining.

TIP_CONTROL_POINT

If you are using a multi-tip tool for the NC sequence, lets you specify which tip is to

be used as control point for computing the tool path. The values available from the

drop-down list correspond to the number of tips in the tool currently selected for the

NC sequence.

TLCHG_TIP_NUMBER

1 1st GOTO point (cutcom point 0)

2 2nd GOTO point (cutcom point 1)

3 3rd GOTO point (cutcom point 2)

4 4th GOTO point

5 5th GOTO point

6 6th GOTO point (cutcom point 0)



9 Approach move

10 Cut motion

11 Exit move

12 Part



For a multi-tip tool, lets you specify which tip is to be used as control point to go to

Start and End point, if they are defined in the NC Sequence. The values are:

● INITIAL—Tip 1.

● CURRENT—Tip selected as TIP_CONTROL_POINT for the NC sequence.

SMOOTH_RADIUS

Specifies the radius for filleting or smooth corner machining. The minimum value

must be 10% of the tool diameter if the SMOOTH_SHARP_CORNERS parameter is

defined and not set to CONSTANT_RADIUS. The maximum allowable value is 50%

of the step-over distance. Corner rounding is available for line-line, line-arc, and arc-

arc (if they are not tangent) connections. Available for Volume milling, Roughing,

Reroughing, and Local milling (Prev NC Seq only).

Note

If filleting is not possible, Pro/ENGINEER displays a message.

SMOOTH_SHARP_CORNERS

Specifies the way sharp tool path corners are rounded while machining. Available for

Volume milling, Roughing, Reroughing, and Local milling (Prev NC Seq only).

● NO—A rounding radius is not used while machining sharp tool path

corners. This is the default.

● CONSTANT_RADIUS—Rounds sharp corners using a rounding radius

having a value equal to that of the SMOOTH_RADIUS parameter.

● RADIUS_BY_ANGLE—Rounds sharp corners using a rounding radius

having a value based on the angle of the sharp corner and the

SMOOTH_RADIUS value as follows.

Angle Rounding radius

less than 5

degrees 10% of the SMOOTH_RADIUS value

less than 10


less than 20 40% of the SMOOTH_RADIUS value



degrees

less than 30


less than 60


less than

180

degrees

100% of the SMOOTH_RADIUS value

Note

For arcs, the angle is computed using the tangent at the corner.

● MAX_RADIUS—Rounds sharp corners using the largest possible radius between

10% and 100% of the SMOOTH_RADIUS value.

CORNER_SLOWDOWN

Specifies the use of a progressive slowdown in the feed rate before a corner followed

by an acceleration to the cut feed rate after the corner. The default is NO. Available

for Volume milling, Roughing, Reroughing, and Local milling (Prev NC Seq only).

Note

If the slowdown is not possible, Pro/ENGINEER displays a message.

SLOWDOWN_LENGTH

Specifies the length of the move for the slowdown. The same length is used for the

acceleration after the corner. The length is measured from the sharp edge or the

beginning of the rounding fillet, if any. If one of the edges is an arc, the distance is

taken along the arc. Available for Volume milling, Roughing, Reroughing, and Local

milling (Prev NC Seq only).

SLOWDOWN_PERCENT

Specifies the feed rate at the end of the slowdown. For example, if the cut feed rate is

30 inches per minute and the value of the SLOWDOWN_PERCENT is 10, then the

feed rate at the end of the slowdown is 3 inches per minute. Available for Volume

milling, Roughing, Reroughing, and Local milling (Prev NC Seq only).

NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_STEPS



Specifies the number of steps in which the slowdown takes place. A larger number of

steps results in a smoother slowdown. At each step, the feed rate is reduced by (100-

SLOWDOWN_PERCENT)/NUMBER_SLOWDOWN_STEPS. Available for

Volume milling, Roughing, Reroughing, and Local milling (Prev NC Seq only).

During acceleration after the corner, the number of steps is halved.

Entry/Exit

RAMP_ANGLE

The angle at which the tool enters the workpiece during a plunge cut. The default

RAMP_ANGLE is 90, which enters the workpiece parallel to the Z-axis. Not

applicable for Facing or Trajectory NC sequences.

RAMP_FEED

The rate at which the tool moves upon entering the workpiece during a plunge cut.

The default is a dash (-), in which case the CUT_FEED will be used. Not applicable

for Facing or Trajectory NC sequences.

CLEAR_DIST

The clearance distance above the surface to be milled (for example, the previous slice

level) at which the rapid motion ends and the PLUNGE_FEED begins. The default is

not set (displayed as "1").

PULLOUT_DIST

Specifies the height above the level of the cut (for example, the slice just milled) up to

which the tip of the tool will retract at CUT_FEED and then change to

RETRACT_FEED. The default is a dash (-), that is, 0.

INTER_RET_HEIGHT

Specifies the distance that the cutter will retract above the level of the cut to perform

intermediate rapid motions. The default is a dash (-), in which case the cutter will

retract all the way to the retract surface. Applicable for Facing only.

LEAD_IN

If set to YES, makes the tool enter the workpiece along a tangent circular path when

profiling. The arc radius is set by LEAD_RADIUS, the arc angle by

ENTRY_ANGLE. You can also specify the length of the adjacent straight portion of

Lead In trajectory using TANGENT_LEAD_STEP, and the length of a straight

segment normal to it using NORMAL_LEAD_STEP.



For closed contours, if start point is not set, the tool will enter at a location determined

by the system. If not satisfied with this location, specify your own Start Point axis.

The tool will enter at the point along the profile which is closest to the start point axis.

The following graphic illustrates LEAD_IN and LEAD_OUT.

If a closed contour contains multiple loops, LEAD_IN and LEAD_OUT will be

applied to each loop.

If LEAD_IN is set to YES with a zero radius, the tool will go directly to the point

closest to the Start Point specified and start cutting. When LEAD_IN is set to NO,

cutting will begin at the default point of the contour determined by the system. In the

following illustration, the graphic on the left shows the tool path for LEAD_IN set to

NO, while the graphic on the right shows the tool path for LEAD_IN set to YES and

LEAD_RADIUS set to 0.

LEAD_OUT

1 ENTRY_ANGLE

2 LEAD_RADIUS

3 LEAD_IN

4 LEAD_OUT

5 NORMAL_LEAD_STEP

6 TANGENT_LEAD_STEP

7 EXIT_ANGLE

8 LEAD_IN

9 Start point

10 LEAD_OUT

11 Open profile

12 Closed profile

1 Default start of the contour

2 Start Point axis

3 Tool path

4 Start point axis

5 Tool path



Makes the tool exit the workpiece along a tangent circular path when profiling. Works

similarly to LEAD_IN. If the end point is specified it will be used for LEAD_OUT,

otherwise the default 90 arc (and the default exit point for closed contours) will be

used.

LEAD_RADIUS

The radius of the tangential circular movement of the tool when leading in or out. The

default is 0.

TANGENT_LEAD_STEP

The length of the linear movement that is tangent to the circular lead-in or lead-out

motion. The default is 0.

NORMAL_LEAD_STEP

The length of the linear movement that is normal to the tangent portion of the lead-in

or lead-out motion. The default is 0.

HELICAL_DIAMETER

Allows you to replace the plunge motion between the slices for Rough Volume

milling with a helical entry motion. The helical diameter will be formed by the outside

of the tool as it approaches the beginning of a Rough slice; the angle of descent is

defined by the RAMP_ANGLE parameter value. If a Start Point axis is specified, the

helix center will be at the axis location; if the helical motion violates the Mill Volume,

the system will issue a warning and stop machining. If a Start Point axis is not

specified,the helix will be created as close to the start point of the lower slice as

possible. To move from the end of the previous slice, the tool will lift off the surface

by PULLOUT_DIST and horizontally move at RETRACT_FEED to the start of the

helical entry into the lower slice. If you have specified Approach Walls for the NC

sequence, the helical motion will not be created when the tool moves down outside the

Approach Walls; however, if the tool moves down inside the Mill Volume, the system

will use the helical entry. The default HELICAL_DIAMETER is a dash (-), in which

case the helical motion will not be performed.

APPR_EXIT_EXT

Applicable for Volume milling only. Defines the maximum distance between the

periphery of the tool and the Approach Wall of the mill volume for approach and exit

motions within a slice.

APPR_EXIT_PATH



Applicable for Profiling and for the profiling pass of Volume milling NC sequences.

Allows you to trim the sketched approach or exit path by the outline of the profiling

tool motion. For approach path, only the first portion (from the start point up to the

first intersection with the profiling outline) will be kept. For exit path, only the last

portion (from the last intersection with the profiling outline to the end point) will be

kept. If the approach/exit path is set to not be trimmed, the tool will follow the whole

path as sketched. The values are:

● TRIM_BOTH (default)—Both the approach and exit path will be trimmed.

● TRIM_APPROACH—Trim only the approach path.

● TRIM_EXIT—Trim only the exit path.

● TRIM_NONE—Do not trim.

APPR_EXIT_HEIGHT

Applicable for Volume, Local, Profile milling, and Engraving. Allows you to control

the depth of the approach and exit path specified during Build Slice. The options are:

● DEPTH_OF_CUT (the default)—The approach/exit path for each pass (including

the first/last) will be at the depth of the start/end point of the pass.

● RETRACT_PLANE—Approach/exit movements will be at the level of the retract

plane.

OVERTRAVEL_DISTANCE

For 3-Axis Straight Cut Surface milling, specifies the distance that the tool travels past

the surface outline, both at the beginning and end of each cutting pass.

APPROACH_DISTANCE

Specifies the length of approach motions. For Facing, also specifies the additional

(with respect to START_OVERTRAVEL) distance from the tool to the surface

outline for the first pass in each slice. The default is a dash (-), that is, 0.

EXIT_DISTANCE

1 Approach path

2 Approach path (trimmed)



Specifies the length of exit motions. For Facing, also specifies the additional (with

respect to END_OVERTRAVEL) distance that the tool overtravels past the surface

outline for the last pass in each slice. The default is a dash (-), that is, 0.

APPROACH_FEED

The rate at which the tool approaches the surface during a Facing or Trajectory

milling NC sequence. The default is a dash (-), in which case CUT_FEED is used.

The APPROACH_FEED parameter for 2-axis trajectory milling works only if the

value for the LEAD_IN parameter is set to Yes.

EXIT_FEED

The rate at which the tool overtravels past the surface edge during a Facing or

Trajectory milling NC sequence. The default is a dash (-), in which case CUT_FEED

is used.

The EXIT_FEED parameter for 2-axis trajectory milling works only if the value for

the LEAD_OUT parameter is set to Yes.

CLEARANCE_EDGE

Specifies which point of the tool is to be used for measuring the exit motions and the

overtravel motions when the tool leaves the material:

● HEEL (default)—The heel of the tool.

● CENTER—The center of the tool.

● LEADING_EDGE—The leading edge of the tool.


ENTRY_EDGE

Specifies which point of the tool is to be used for measuring the approach motions and

the overtravel motions when the tool approaches the material:

● LEADING_EDGE (default)—The leading edge of the tool.

● CENTER—The center of the tool.

● HEEL—The heel of the tool.


APPROACH_TYPE



Allows you to automatically create an approach motion in Thread milling.

In Thread milling, the values are:

● RADIAL—The approach motion will be a straight line normal to the cut motion,

controlled by the APPROACH_DISTANCE parameter.

● HELICAL—The tool will approach the start of the cut motion in a helical motion

controlled by the ENTRY_ANGLE and the APPROACH_DISTANCE parameters.

● NONE—No approach motion will be generated.

EXIT_TYPE

Allows you to automatically create an exit motion in Thread milling.

In Thread milling, the values are:

● RADIAL—The exit motion will be a straight line normal to the cut motion,

controlled by the EXIT_DISTANCE parameter.

● HELICAL—The tool will exit the cut motion in a helical motion controlled by the

EXIT_ANGLE and the EXIT_DISTANCE parameters.

● NONE—No exit motion will be generated.

ENTRY_ANGLE

The angle of the arc created by the circular movement of the tool when leading in.

Used when creating Lead In motions. The default is 90.

In Thread milling, defines the angle of the helical approach motion. If the angle is 0,

the helical motion will still be created, but it will only contain one point. However,

you will be able to modify the motion parameters in order to change this.

EXIT_ANGLE

The angle of the arc created by the circular movement of the tool when leading out.

Used when creating Lead Out motions. The default is 90.

In Thread milling, defines the angle of the helical exit motion. If the angle is 0, the

helical motion will still be created, but it will only contain one point. However, you

will be able to modify the motion parameters in order to change this.

CUT_ENTRY_EXT

For Surface and Swarf milling, specifies the default entry move type for intermediate

cuts. The values correspond to the Each Cut entry move types available in the

Entry/Exit Move dialog box.



CUT_EXIT_EXT

For Surface and Swarf milling, specifies the default exit move type for intermediate

cuts. The values correspond to the Each Cut exit move types available in the

Entry/Exit Move dialog box.

INITIAL_ENTRY_EXT

For Surface and Swarf milling, specifies the default entry move type for the first cut.

The values correspond to the First Cut entry move types available in the Entry/Exit

Move dialog box.

FINAL_EXIT_EXT

For Surface and Swarf milling, specifies the default exit move type for the last cut.

The values correspond to the Last Cut exit move types available in the Entry/Exit

Move dialog box.

Holemaking Parameters

SCAN_TYPE

There are several algorithms for automatically creating the Holemaking tool path:

● TYPE_1—By incrementing the Y coordinate and going back and forth in the X

direction. In the following illustration, this scan type is shown in the left picture.

● TYPE_SPIRAL—Clockwise starting from the hole nearest to the coordinate

system. In the following illustration, this scan type is shown in the middle picture.

● TYPE_ONE_DIR—By incrementing the X coordinate and decrementing the Y. In

the following illustration, this scan type is shown in the right picture.

● PICK_ORDER—The holes will be drilled in the same order as they are selected. If

one choice results in more than one hole being selected (for example, All Holes or

Pattern selection), these holes will be drilled according to TYPE_1. Then the

PICK_ORDER drilling will be resumed.

● SHORTEST (default)—The system determines which order of holes results in the

shortest machine motion time.

ORIENT_SCAN_TYPE

For 5-Axis Holemaking inside a single step, determines how the SCAN_TYPE

parameter is applied.

● YES—Holes with a common axis orientation are grouped and SCAN_TYPE is

applied to each group.

● NO (default)—Holes without consideration for their axis orientation have the

SCAN_TYPE parameter applied to them.

CUT_DIRECTION



Enables you to reverse the order in which the holes are machined. The values are:

STANDARD (default) or REVERSE. REVERSE will make the system start with the

last hole and go back to the first one. This functionality is helpful when you have to

create multiple NC sequences on a large hole set: alternating direction of tool path for

successive NC sequences lets you save time for repositioning the tool. If your tool

path was created using the Customize functionality, CUT_DIRECTION will affect the

Use Sketch segments, but not the Connect segments.

CYCLE_FORMAT

Specifies the output format for CL data of a Holemaking NC sequence. For all newly

created NC sequences the default is COUPLET. The other option is FIXED (this is the

default for NC sequences created prior to Release 12.0). Not applicable for BORE,

REAM, and BREAKCHIP cycles (these are always output in COUPLET format).

CYCLE_OUTPUT

Specifies the order of drilling for an automatically created Holemaking tool path when

multiple Hole Sets are included in the NC sequence:

● BY_HOLE (default)—The SCAN_TYPE algorithm will be applied to all the

selected holes, without considering which Hole Set they belong to. This results in a

shorter traversal path of the tool.

● BY_HOLESET—The SCAN_TYPE algorithm will be applied to holes in each Hole

Set separately. This will somewhat reduce the size of the CL file, because each Hole

Set will only have one CYCLE / ... and CYCLE / OFF statement associated with it,

instead of turning the cycle on and off every time the tool moves to a hole in a

different Hole Set.

Cut Param

BREAKOUT_DISTANCE

The system adds the BREAKOUT_DISTANCE value to the Z depth in the CYCLE

statements associated with holes drilled Thru All, and with through holes drilled using

the Auto depth option. You can use it for Blind holes, if you select Use breakout

distance when defining a Hole Set. The default is 0.

CHK_SRF_STOCK_ALLOW

Allows you to specify stock allowance to be used with check surfaces. The default is a

dash (-), that is, ignore. This parameter is available for all 3-Axis Holemaking NC

sequences except Back boring.

PECK_DEPTH

Depth increment for each drilling pass. Default value is 0. If you select DEEP drilling,

you have to specify non-zero PECK_DEPTH. Not available for Countersink drilling.

Feed

THREAD_FEED

Used for TAP cycles only (instead of CUT_FEED) to specify feed rate. The default is

not set (displayed as "–1").

THREAD_FEED_UNITS

TPI (default), MMPR, IPR. Applicable for TAP cycles only. Allows alternate pitch

designations.

FLOAT_TAP_FACTOR

Used for the floating TAP cycle only. The feed rate is calculated as the

THREAD_FEED value multiplied by FLOAT_TAP_FACTOR. The default is 1.

Machine



SPINDLE_SPEED

The rate at which the machine spindle rotates. The default is not set (displayed as "–

1").

SPINDLE_STATUS

ON (default), OFF.

SPINDLE_SENSE

The direction of spindle rotation. CW (clockwise—default), CCW (counterclockwise).

SPINDLE_RANGE


NO_RANGE is set, range will be included in the SPINDL command in the CL file

(for example, "RANGE, LOW"). If set to NUMBER, the RANGE_NUMBER

parameter value will be used in the SPINDL command (for example, "RANGE, 4",

where 4 is the RANGE_NUMBER parameter value).

RANGE_NUMBER

Will be output in the SPINDL command if SPINDLE_RANGE is set to NUMBER.

The default is 0.

MAX_SPINDLE_RPM

If set to a value other than a dash (-) (which is the default), the MAXRPM attribute

will be added to the SPINDL command.

SPEED_CONTROL

CONST_RPM (constant revolutions per minute), CONST_SFM (constant surface feet

per minute), CONST_SMM (constant surface meters per minute).

The default SPEED_CONTROL is CONST_RPM. CONST_SFM and CONST_SMM

allow you to apply feed rate control to the contact surface between the tool and the

workpiece, to create good surface finish.

DELAY

Duration of dwelling at depth. The default is a dash (-), in which case there will be no

delay. Not applicable for TAP and DEEP cycles.

DELAY_UNITS

SECONDS (default) or REV.

TIP_CONTROL_POINT

If you are using a multi-tip tool for the NC sequence, lets you specify which tip is to

be used as control point for computing the tool path. The values available from the

drop-down list correspond to the number of tips in the tool currently selected for the

NC sequence.

TLCHG_TIP_NUMBER

For a multi-tip tool, lets you specify which tip is to be used as control point to go to

Start and End point, if they are defined in the NC Sequence. The values are:

● INITIAL—Tip 1.

● CURRENT—Tip selected as TIP_CONTROL_POINT for the NC sequence.

Entry/Exit

CLEAR_DIST

The clearance distance above the top of the hole at which the PLUNGE_FEED ends

and the CUT_FEED begins. The default is not set (displayed as "–1").

CLEARANCE_OFFSET

The clearance distance above the top of the hole at which the tool is positioned for 5-

Axis Holemaking. Also defines how far the tool will retract after drilling a hole and



before traversing to the next hole. The default value for CLEARANCE_OFFSET is a

dash (-), in which case CLEAR_DIST will be used. Applicable for 5 Axis

Holemaking only.

PULLOUT_DIST

Allows for the tool to return to a point other than that defined by CLEAR_DIST. The

default is a dash (-), in which case this parameter is not used.

If the default value is used, then the tool will return to the clearance distance

(CLEAR_DIST) when moving to the next hole, and the cycle statement will not

include the RETURN option.

If the value of PULLOUT_DIST is set to 0, then the tool will return to the retract

plane when moving to the next hole.

RAPTO_DIST

Allows for further rapid advance from CLEAR_DIST towards the top of the hole. The


FULL_RETRACT_DEPTH

If set to a value other than 0 (the default), specifies full retraction out of the hole for

BREAKCHIP cycle after a certain number of incremental steps. This number of steps

is calculated as FULL_RETRACT_DEPTH / PECK_DEPTH.

ORIENT_ANGLE

Allows you to specify orientation of an asymmetric tool before backing it away from

the hole wall before retracting. Applicable for BORE cycle and for back spotting only.

The default is a dash (-), in which case this parameter is not used.

JOG_DIST

Allows you to specify the distance of backing an asymmetric tool away from the hole

wall before retracting. Applicable for BORE cycle and for back spotting only. The


BACK_BORE_CLEARANCE

Minimum distance between tool and hole cylinder. Applicable for back spotting only.

Turning Parameters SCAN_TYPE

For Area turning, specifies the type of tool movement and the way the tool scans

multi-step profiles. You can specify one of the following values:

● TYPE_1—The tool cuts in one direction only, then retracts to the beginning of the

cut. In case of multiple hollows, the tool completes the first hollow and goes to the

next one.

● TYPE_2—The tool cuts back and forth along the whole length of the cut.

● TYPE_3—The tool cuts back and forth. In case of multiple hollows, the tool

completes the first hollow and goes to the next one.

● TYPE_1_CONNECT—Works in the same manner as TYPE_1, except that the tool

moves from one pass to the next by profiling the workpiece between the end point

of the first pass and the start point of the following pass. If you specify the

CONNECT_OVERLAP parameter, then after a pass the tool moves along the

surface of the part for CONNECT_OVERLAP distance and subsequently moves to

the start point of the following pass.

● ZIGZAG_AREA—The tool cuts back and forth along a zigzag path. The first pass

cuts STEP_DEPTH distance deep and the last pass cuts END_STEP_DEPTH

distance deep. END_STEP_DEPTH must always be smaller than STEP_DEPTH.



The depths of the intermediate passes decrease gradually from STEP_DEPTH to

END_STEP_DEPTH.

1 STEP_DEPTH

2 END_STEP_DEPTH

● RAMP_RETRACT—Works in the same manner as TYPE_1, except that the tool

cuts through the STEP_DEPTH distance in two passes. The first pass is angular,

that is, the depth of cut gradually varies from RAMP_STEP_DEPTH at one end to

zero at the other end. RAMP_STEP_DEPTH must always be smaller than

STEP_DEPTH. The second pass is horizontal. The tool retracts to its original

position after each pass.

1 RAMP_STEP_DEPTH

2 STEP_DEPTH

● RAMP_CONNECT—Works in the same manner as TYPE_2, except that the tool

cuts through the STEP_DEPTH distance in two horizontal passes.



1 STEP_DEPTH

● PLUNGE_RELIEF—Works in the same manner as TYPE_1, except that before

each pass, the tool cuts a depth equal to PLUNGE_RELIEF_DEPTH.

1 PLUNGE_RELIEF_DEPTH

2 STEP_DEPTH

3 PLUNGE_RELIEF_LENGTH

● TYPE1_CONNECT_END— Works in the same manner as TYPE_1_CONNECT,

except that after completing a pass, the tool moves to the end of the previous pass

by profiling the workpiece.



1 STEP_DEPTH

2 CONNECT_OVERLAP

The following illustration shows the difference between TYPE_1 and

TYPE_1_CONNECT.

1 SCAN_TYPE—TYPE_1

2 SCAN_TYPE—TYPE_1_CONNECT

For Groove turning, SCAN_TYPE specifies if the tool cuts from the middle to the

sides of the groove, or from one side to the other:

● TYPE_1 (the default)—Starts in the middle and makes alternating passes on each

side in turn.

● TYPE_ONE_DIR—Starts at one side of the groove and moves to the other side.

● TYPE_ONE_WALL—Starts in the middle and makes alternating passes on the

groove walls as well as the island walls within the groove, to the defined finished

size.

● SIDE_TURN—Starts at one side of the groove and moves to the other side, taking

the depth of the cut in each alternating pass as per the specified PECK_DEPTH.

● WIDTH_STRADDLE—Starts in the middle and makes alternating passes as per the

specified PECK_DEPTH and the STEP_OVER values. It gives a clean cut at the

end of each pass.

● PLUNGE_N_RAMP—Starts at one side of the groove and moves to the other side,

plunging to the full depth of the groove profile on both sides. Subsequently, the tool

alternates between an angular pass (with a RAMP angle) until the required cut is

achieved. In this case, odd cuts are parallel to the depth of the groove and even cuts

are angular.

● TYPE_1_CONNECT—Assures uniform stock allowance on the sides of the groove

after the rough pass. Starts on the deepest portion of the groove, as close to the

middle of the groove as possible, and makes alternating passes on each side in turn;

continues making passes on the longer side, if necessary, until the wall is reached.

Makes connecting motions between the plunge passes by moving along the profile

of the groove (similar to TYPE_1_CONNECT in Area turning).



If ROUGH_OPTION for Groove turning is PROF_ONLY, then the SCAN_TYPE

parameter is ignored.

ROUGH_OPTION

Specifies if there is a profiling pass during an Area or Groove NC sequence:

● ROUGH_ONLY—No profiling is done. The tool cuts by horizontal rough passes

for Area turning and by vertical passes for Groove turning.

● ROUGH_&_PROF—The profiling pass is performed after the rough turning is

completed.

● PROF_ONLY—Only the profiling pass is performed.

● ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP—Similar to ROUGH_ONLY, except that for

ROUGH_ONLY the tool retracts immediately upon completing rough turning.

ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP makes the tool follow along the profile up to its end

before retracting.

The following illustration shows the toolpaths for the various rough options:

1 ROUGH_OPTION—ROUGH_ONLY

2 ROUGH_OPTION—ROUGH_&_PROF

3 ROUGH_OPTION—ROUGH_&_CLEAN_UP

4 ROUGH_OPTION—PROF_ONLY

TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE



Allows you to extend the tool path past the workpiece boundaries as sketched. If

TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is NO (the default), the machining zone will be formed by

the whole sketch of the cut; the system will add a vertical line as the right boundary

and a horizontal line as the left boundary. If TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE is set to YES,

the machining zone will be defined on the outside by the workpiece boundaries, with a

small extension past these boundaries determined by the NC Manufacturing.

The following illustration shows the difference in toolpaths if you select the value for

TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE as Yes and No respectively:

1 Section sketch extends past the workpiece.

2 TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE—YES

3 TRIM_TO_WORKPIECE—NO

CUT_DIRECTION

Allows you to reverse the default cutting direction for turning NC sequences (right-to-

left for Outside and Inside turning, downward for Facing). The values are:

● STANDARD (default)—Use the default direction.

● REVERSE—Reverse the cut direction. The tool cuts left-to-right for Outside and

Inside turning, and from the center upward for Facing.

OUTPUT_POINT

Allows you to choose which point of a left-handed tool is used as the control point for

CL output:

● CENTER (default)—The center of the nose radius (the default control point).

● TIP—The output point is offset downwards and to the left from the default control

point by the NOSE_RADIUS value.

● X_OFFSET—The output point is offset downwards from the default control point

by the NOSE_RADIUS value.

● Z_OFFSET—The output point is offset to the left from the default control point by

the NOSE_RADIUS value.

● CENTER_RIGHT—Same as CENTER, but on the right side of the tool (for Groove

turning only).

● TIP_RIGHT—Same as TIP, but on the right side of the tool (for Groove turning

only).

● X_OFFSET_RIGHT—Same as X_OFFSET, but on the right side of the tool (for

Groove turning only).

● Z_OFFSET_RIGHT—Same as Z_OFFSET, but on the right side of the tool (for

Groove turning only).

Note



For a right-handed tool, the output point is offset to the right. Similarly, for a left-

handed tool with a flashed tip, output point is offset to the right.

All the offsets are determined with respect to the default tool section orientation. The

same point is used for Outside, Inside, or Face turning. Applicable for Area, Profile,

and Groove turning only.

The following illustration shows the exact point on the tool that is used if you select

the value for OUTPUT_POINT as CENTER, TIP, X_OFFSET, and Z_OFFSET:

GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE

Allows you to specify the type of gouge checking for turning NC sequences.

TIP_ONLY (the default) calculates gouge avoidance with respect to the tip of the tool

only. TIP_&_SIDES calculates gouge avoidance with respect to the tip and both

cutting sides of the tool. The tool path changes to avoid gouging, and material removal

simulation reflects the tool geometry. Applicable for Area and Profile turning only.

The following illustration shows the toolpath and the workpiece after machining for

both the GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE parameter values:

1 GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE—TIP_ONLY

1 OUTPUT_POINT—CENTER

2 OUTPUT_POINT—TIP

3 OUTPUT_POINT—X_OFFSET

4 OUTPUT_POINT—Z_OFFSET



2 GOUGE_AVOID_TYPE—TIP_&_SIDES

CORNER_FINISH_TYPE

Reflects the two ways of generating the tool path when passing a convex corner

during a profiling pass of an Area NC Sequence:

● FILLET (default)—The tool path consists of two straight segments connected by an

arc.

● STRAIGHT—The tool path consists of two straight segments extended until they

intersect.

The following illustration shows the toolpaths that is generated if you select the value

for CORNER_FINISH_TYPE parameter as FILLET or STRAIGHT:

1 CORNER_FINISH_TYPE—FILLET

2 CORNER_FINISH_TYPE—STRAIGHT

3 Part

4 Tool path

Note

STRAIGHT may not work if the tool size is too big to enter a cavity in the part.

In the example in the\ following illustration, the tool (1) cannot completely enter the

cavity in the part (2). If CORNER_FINISH_TYPE is FILLET, the system generates

the tool path (3).\ If CORNER_FINISH_TYPE is STRAIGHT, the tool path cannot be

generated (4).

STEPOVER_ADJUST

YES (the default) allows you to uniformly distribute cutting passes across the area of

the cut or along the groove width during a Rough NC sequence. If set to NO, the

distance is determined by either STEP_DEPTH (for Area turning) or STEP_OVER

(for Groove turning).

GROOVE_FINISH_TYPE

Allows you to specify an intermediate retract for the profiling pass of Groove turning

NC sequences:

● NO_BACKCUT (the default)—The tool enters the groove on one side, retracts at

some intermediate point along the groove profile, enters on the other side, and

completes the cut.



● CONTINUOUS—The tool enters the groove on one side, cuts across, and exits on

the other side.

ALTERNATE_SIDE_OUTPUT

If set to YES (the default is NO), allows you to generate CL output for Groove turning

NC sequences based on the side of the tool cutting material. For scan types TYPE_1

and TYPE_1_CONNECT, the initial plunge is created with output point specified by

the OUTPUT_POINT parameter. The tool retracts to the starting height. NC

Manufacturing then issues a new TURRET statement with OSETNO defined by the

ALT_OSETNO_VAL parameter, and the tool moves to the beginning of the next

plunge with the X, Y, Z output based on the side of the tool entering material. This

pattern is repeated for all rough passes.

For profiling passes with GROOVE_FINISH_TYPE set to NO_BACKCUT, the first

output point, specified by the OUTPUT_POINT parameter, is active until the retract

that occurs at the intermediate point along the groove. Once the tool returns to starting

height, NC Manufacturing issues a new TURRET statement with OSETNO defined

by the ALT_OSETNO_VAL parameter, and the rest of the groove is cut with the

other side of the tool and the new offset register.

DEEP_GROOVE_OPTION

Provides two options for machining deep grooves:

● BY_DEPTH (the default)—The tool cuts to the bottom of the groove in

PECK_DEPTH increments, retracting at FULL_RETRACT_DEPTH, if specified,

before stepping over to the next pass.

● BY_WIDTH—The tool completely machines the whole width of the groove at each

PECK_DEPTH.

Applicable for Groove turning NC sequences only.

STEP_DEPTH_COMPUTATION

Provides two options to compute the step depth:

● BY_REGION—The step depth is calculated based on the region. The tool cuts the

specified depth based on the values specified for the STEP_DEPTH,

STEPOVER_ADJUST, MIN_STEP_DEPTH, and NUMBER_PASSES parameters.

The tool then cuts the remaining material in one pass if the cut depth is greater than

or equal to the specified MIN_STEP_DEPTH within the region.

● BY_AREA—The step depth is calculated based on the area. In this case, the

toolpath has a constant step depth. The last pass may or may not have a different

step depth depending on the amount of material remaining to be removed.

Cut Param

TOOL_CLEARANCE

The distance used to degouge the tool holder when solid tool outline is used.

STEP_DEPTH

The incremental depth of each pass during rough cut NC sequences. The

STEP_DEPTH must be greater than zero. The default is not set (displayed as "–1").

Applicable for Area turning only.

END_STEP_DEPTH

If the values of END_STEP_DEPTH and STEP_DEPTH are different, then the step

depth of the NC sequence starts at the value of STEP_DEPTH and gradually increases

or decreases with each additional slice until the final slice. At the final slice the value



of the STEP_DEPTH is the same as the END_STEP_DEPTH value. Applicable for

Area turning only.

MIN_STEP_DEPTH

Controls how the intermediate reference part diameters are machined. The default is a

dash (-), which means that all diameters will be machined to stock allowance.

Applicable for Area turning only.

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW

and

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW

The amount of stock left after the rough cut for the finish cut. Both parameters are

used for Rough Cut NC sequences only, and specify different stock allowances for

roughing and profiling cuts in Area and Groove NC sequences.

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW must be set to a value less than or equal to

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW. When geometry is displayed after automatic material

removal, NC Manufacturing uses PROF_STOCK_ALLOW. The default value for

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW is 0.

In the following illustration, the schematic on the left shows the tool path for

ROUGH_OPTION set to ROUGH_ONLY. The amount of stock left after the last cut

is equal to ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW (1). If ROUGH_OPTION is

ROUGH_&_PROF, as shown in the schematic on the right, the tool will also make a

profiling pass (2), with the amount of stock left after this cut equal to

PROF_STOCK_ALLOW (3).

STOCK_ALLOW

Determines the stock allowance for Profile turning NC sequences and final

programmed thread depth for Thread turning. The default is 0.

Z_STOCK_ALLOW

Specifies the stock allowance in the Z direction, enabling you to leave different

amounts of stock on the diameters and faces of a workpiece. This parameter is

implemented for Rough turning only. The default value is a dash (-), in which case the

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW value is used.

Step Depth and Stock Allowance



NUMBER_PASSES

Gives you additional control over the number of tool passes during an Area or Groove

NC sequence (also controlled by the STEP_DEPTH parameter for Area turning, or

STEP_OVER for Groove turning). NC Manufacturing computes step depth using the

NUMBER_PASSES parameter value (if other than 0), compares it with the

STEP_DEPTH (or STEP_OVER) value, and uses the lesser value.

CUT_ANGLE

Allows you to cut at an angle. For Outside and Inside turning the angle is measured

with respect to the Z axis, for Facing—with respect to the X axis. The default is 0.

Applicable for Area turning only. The following illustration shows the tool path if

CUT_ANGLE (1) is set to 165 degrees.

NUM_PROF_PASSES

Specifies the amount of profiling passes. Applicable for Area and Groove turning

when ROUGH_OPTION is ROUGH_&_PROF or PROF_ONLY. The default is 1.

PROF_INCREMENT

Specifies the offset between the profiling passes. The final pass is always the same,

which means that the first pass is offset from the final pass by:

(NUM_PROF_PASSES–1)*PROF_INCREMENT. The default value for

PROF_INCREMENT is 0. If NUM_PROF_PASSES is greater than 1, you must

specify a positive value for PROF_INCREMENT.

In the example in the following illustration, NUM_PROF_PASSES is 3. The tool

makes three cutting passes, offset from each other by the PROF_INCREMENT value

(1).

1 STEP_DEPTH

2 Z_STOCK_ALLOW (or

ROUGH_STOCK_ALLOW if

Z_STOCK_ALLOW is "-")



CONCAVE_RADIUS

Defines the radius for a Round corner condition at a concave corner.

CONVEX_RADIUS

Defines the radius for a Round corner condition at a convex corner.

CHAMFER_DIM

Defines the size of the chamfer when a Chamfer corner condition is added.

START_OVERTRAVEL

and

END_OVERTRAVEL

These two parameters specify the distance that the tool travels outside the workpiece

in the beginning and the end of each pass, respectively. Applicable for Area and

Profile turning. The default value is 0. For Area turning, START_OVERTRAVEL

and END_OVERTRAVEL are applied only if the cut extension is parallel to the

direction of the cut motion, as shown in the following illustration, where

START_OVERTRAVEL is applied (1), while END_OVERTRAVEL is not applied

(2).

BACK_CLEAR_ANGLE

The minimum angle by which the back end of the tool clears the workpiece as it enters

an area of smaller diameter than was previously being machined. The default is 5.



STEP_OVER

The distance between two neighboring cuts. The default is not set (displayed as "–1").

Applicable for rough Groove turning (that is, with ROUGH_OPTION other than

PROF_ONLY).

SIDEWALL_OFFSET

Allows you to control the intermediate retract point for the profiling pass in Groove

turning (when ROUGH_OPTION is PROF_ONLY or ROUGH_&_PROF, and

GROOVE_FINISH_TYPE is NO_BACKCUT). SIDEWALL_OFFSET specifies the

length of the second portion of the cut, that is, the distance between the point of retract

and the end of the bottom of the groove. The default is a dash (-), in which case the

tool retracts at the midpoint of the bottom entity.

PECK_DEPTH

If set to a value other than 0, the peck cycle is performed. The default is 0. Applicable

only for rough Groove turning (that is, with ROUGH_OPTION other than

PROF_ONLY).

ALT_OSETNO_VAL

Specifies the alternative offset register value for Groove turning NC sequences when

the ALTERNATE_SIDE_OUTPUT parameter is set to YES. The default value is a

dash (-), that is, not used.

CONNECT_OVERLAP

Specifies the distance that the tool travels along the surface of the part after a pass,

before profiling to the start point of the next pass. The CONNECT_OVERLAP

parameter is used only if the SCAN_TYPE is specified as TYPE_1_CONNECT.

END_CUT_FEED

Generally, when a turning tool is approaching a shoulder, there may be some stress on

the cutting edge of the tool due to a sudden change in the turn. To avoid this stress,

you can set the feed rate of the cut motion by specifying an appropriate value for the

END_CUT_FEED parameter.

CUT_FEED_CLEAR

Specifies the distance from the shoulder at which the cut feed specified in the

END_CUT_FEED parameter is applied.

Machine

SPINDLE_SPEED

The rate at which the machine spindle rotates (RPM). The default SPINDLE_SPEED

is not set (displayed as "–1").

SPINDLE_SENSE

The direction of spindle rotation. CW (clockwise—default), CCW (counterclockwise).

SPINDLE_RANGE


NO_RANGE is set, range is included in the SPINDL command in the CL file (for

example, "RANGE, LOW"). If set to NUMBER, the RANGE_NUMBER parameter

value is used in the SPINDL command (for example, "RANGE, 4", where 4 is the

RANGE_NUMBER parameter value).

RANGE_NUMBER

The value you specify is used as the RANGE_NUMBER in the SPINDL command if

SPINDLE_RANGE is set to NUMBER. The default is 0.

MAX_SPINDLE_RPM



If set to a value other than a dash (-) (which is the default), the MAXRPM attribute is

added to the SPINDL command.

SPEED_CONTROL

CONST_RPM (constant revolutions per minute), CONST_SFM (constant surface feet

per minute), CONST_SMM (constant surface meters per minute).

The default SPEED_CONTROL is CONST_RPM.

CUTCOM

Controls tool compensation. The options are:

● ON—Turns on the tool compensation in the CL file.

● OFF (the default)—No tool compensation provided.

CUTCOM statements are not output for cut motions.

CUTCOM_REGISTER

Specifies the number of the register of the machine controller that holds the tool

compensation data. The default is 0.

TOOL_ORIENTATION

Allows you to control the tool orientation. It represents the angle (in degrees) from the

tool axis clockwise to the Z-axis of the NC Sequence coordinate system.

TOOL_ORIENTATION can be any value between 0 and 360. The default is 0.

Note

For Head 2, the angle is measured counterclockwise. That is, if

TOOL_ORIENTATION is 90, for Head 1 the tool shank is oriented along the positive

X-axis of the NC Sequence coordinate system, while for Head 2 the tool shank is

along the negative X-axis.

TOOL_POSITION_ANGLE

Allows you to position a turning tool by rotating it by a fixed angle about the Y-axis.

TOOL_POSITION_ANGLE can have any value from 0 to 360. The default is 0.

For example, if you set the value of TOOL_POSITION_ANGLE to 15 and set

Rotation to Standard in the Tools Setup dialog box, then the output in the CL file is

ROTHED/BAXIS, ATANGL, 15.00, CCW.

Note

● To apply the TOOL_POSITION_ANGLE parameter, turning tool positioning must

be enabled in the Mill/Turn workcell

● The value that you specify for TOOL_POSITION_ANGLE is added to the value of

TOOL_ORIENTATION to set the cutting orientation of the tool.

A positive value for TOOL_POSTION_ANGLE rotates the tool in the

counterclockwise direction about the Y-axis while a negative value rotates the tool in

the clockwise direction about the Y-axis. Positive and negative values indicate the

rotation sense assigned in the workcell.

FLASH_TOOL

Allows you to flash a cutting tool, that is, rotate the tool by 180 degrees in its spindle

to cut in the opposite direction. Set FLASH_TOOL to YES to enable flashing of the

tool. The default is NO.

If you set FLASH_TOOL to YES for a tool with a flashed orientation, the tool

orientation is rotated about the X-axis by 180 degrees and the cutting direction is

reversed. If you set FLASH_TOOL to YES for a tool that does not have a flashed

orientation, a message appears stating that you have not defined a flashed orientation

for the tool.



If FLASH_TOOL is set to YES, then the TURRET statement in the CL file displays

the offset register. This is the offset number defined for a Flashed orientation in the

Offset Table tabbed page of the Tools Setup dialog box.

DELAY

The duration in seconds of a period of tool dwelling at the bottom of the groove. The

default is 0, in which case the "DELAY / t" statement is not used in the CL file.

Applicable for Groove turning only.

Entry/Exit

PLUNGE_ANGLE

The angle at which the tool approaches the workpiece. The default is 0. Applicable for

Area and Profile turning.

PULLOUT_ANGLE

The angle at which the tool is pulled away from the workpiece. The default is 0.

Applicable for Area and Profile turning.

The following illustration shows the toolpath representation for different

PULLOUT_ANGLE values:

1 PLUNGE_ANGLE 45

2 PULLOUT_ANGLE

3 PLUNGE_ANGLE 0

4 PULLOUT_ANGLE 45

RETRACT_RATIO

Controls the depth of the tool retracting motion during an Area turning NC sequence.

This depth is specified as a ratio of STEP_DEPTH. The default is 1.1.

The following illustration shows the usage of RETRACT RATIO in Area turning NC

sequences:

1 STEP_DEPTH

2. Retracting depth = STEP_DEPTH * RETRACT_RATIO



PULLOUT_DIST

Used for the final retract of the tool. The default is 0, in which case the system default

value for retract is used. Applicable for Groove turning only.

FULL_RETRACT_DEPTH

Applicable for peck cycle Groove turning only. If other than 0 (the default), the tool

retracts all the way back to CLEAR_DIST upon reaching this depth below the top of

the groove.

CLEAR_DIST

For Groove NC sequences, the clearance distance above the workpiece surface at

which the PLUNGE_FEED ends and the CUT_FEED begins. For Thread NC

sequences, the clearance distance from the workpiece (corresponds to "d" in the AI

parameter "FEDTO, d"). The default is 1.

APPROACH_DISTANCE

In Area turning, used for the initial entry into rough turning, as well as for the entry

into the profiling motion. Also specifies the length of approach Tool Motions for all

NC sequence types. The default is 0.

EXIT_DISTANCE

In Area turning, used for the final exit from rough turning, as well as for the exit from

the profiling motion. Also specifies the length of exit Tool Motions for all NC

sequence types. The default is a dash (-), that is, 0.

LEAD_RADIUS

The radius of the tangential circular movement of the tool when leading in or out.

Used when creating Lead In and Lead Out Tool Motions, and in Build Cut for Profile

turning. The default is 0.

TANGENT_LEAD_STEP

The length of the linear movement that is tangent to the circular lead-in or lead-out

motion. Used when creating Lead In and Lead Out motions in Build Cut for Profile

turning. The default is 0.

NORMAL_LEAD_STEP

The length of the linear movement that is normal to the tangent portion of the lead-in

or lead-out motion. Used when creating Lead In and Lead Out motions in Build Cut

for Profile turning. The default is 0.

CUT_ENTRY_EXT

For Profile Turning, specifies the entry move type for individual cuts or slices. It has

the following values:

● NONE—No entry move.

● LINE_TANGENT—The tool enters in a line tangent to the cut or slice.

● NORMAL—The entry motion is a straight line normal to the cut motion.

● LEAD_IN—The tool leads into the cut or slice.

● PLUNGE—The tool plunges before a selected cut motion or approach motion. This

parameter works in conjunction with the APPROACH_DISTANCE and

PLUNGE_ANGLE parameters.

CUT_EXIT_EXT

For Profile Turning, specifies the default exit move type for intermediate cuts or

slices. It has the following values:

● NONE—No exit move.

● LINE_TANGENT—The tool exits in a line tangent to the cut or slice.



● NORMAL—The exit motion is a straight line normal to the cut motion.

● LEAD_OUT—The tool exits along an arc to the cut or slice.

● GOTO_END—The tool moves to the specified datum point at the end of the cut

motion if you specify an end point while defining a Profile turning step. The

direction in which the tool moves is defined when you select the option of the

END_MOTION parameter.

● GOHOME—The tool moves to the specified Home point at the end of the cut

motion. You must have specified a Home point for the operation. The direction in

which the tool moves is defined when you select the option of the END_MOTION

parameter.

● PULLOUT—The tool moves away after a selected cut motion. This parameter

works in conjunction with the EXIT_DISTANCE and PULLOUT_ANGLE

parameters.

ENTRY_ANGLE

The angle of the arc created by the circular movement of the tool when leading in.

Used when creating Lead In and Lead Out motions in Build Cut for Profile turning.

The default is 90.

EXIT_ANGLE

The angle of the arc created by the circular movement of the tool when leading out.

Used when creating Lead In and Lead Out motions in Build Cut for Profile turning.

The default is 90.

The following illustration shows the various entry/exit parameters used in Profile

turning:

Thread

THREAD_FEED

Number of threads per inch. The default value is not set (displayed as "–1").

THREAD_FEED_UNITS

TPI (default), MMPR, IPR. Allows alternate pitch designations.

PERCENT_DEPTH

A decimal number between 0 and 1 that indicates the percentage of remaining

material to be removed with each pass.

Note

This option is valid only for AI macros, not for ISO standard CL Data.

NUMBER_FIN_PASSES

Sets the number of passes to be made after the final thread depth (determined by

STOCK_ALLOW) is reached. The default is 1.

NUMBER_STARTS

The number of threading starts in multiple start threading (corresponds to the AI

parameter "TIMES,t" and to the ISO parameter "MULTRD,t"). For example, if

1 cut motion

2 NORMAL_LEAD_STEP

3 TANGENT_LEAD_STEP

4 LEAD_RADIUS

5 ENTRY_ANGLE

6 EXIT_ANGLE



NUMBER_STARTS is set to 4, then four threading starts are spaced at equal intervals

around the part.

NUMBER_CUTS

For ISO threads, the number of times the tool will be positioned to a multiple cut

(corresponds to the ISO parameter "CUTS,c").

NUM_TRANSVERSE_CUTS

For AI threads, the number of times the tool will be positioned to a multiple cut

(corresponds to "n" in the AI parameter "OFSETL,n,o").

CUT_OFFSET

For AI threads, the offset distance between the cuts in multiple cut threading

(corresponds to "o" in the AI parameter "OFSETL,n,o").

The following illustration shows the NUM_TRANSVERSE_CUTS and

CUT_OFFSET parameters. In this example, NUM_TRANSVERSE_CUTS equals 4.

1 thread profile

2 tool

3 CUT_OFFSET

OUTPUT_THRD_PNTS

If set to YES (the default), uses GOTO statements for the first and last points of the

thread into the CL file, before and after the THREAD/AUTO command, respectively.

If set to NO, does not use these GOTO statements.

INFEED_ANGLE

Angle at which the tool begins the cut. The default value is 0.

THREAD_DEPTH

Thread depth (for General thread type only). The default value is not set (displayed as

"–1").

parameter trong pro-e 5.0

Documents

cut type

milling tool

type parameter

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tool s

dirthe tool cuts

spiralthe tool

helicalthe tool