Operation ordering using the Op List tab

The OP List tab of the Results panel displays a list of operations in the order they are performed. By default, the operations are automatically ordered. You can change the order of the operations automatically, by specifying rules, or manually.

For automatic ordering:

  1. Select Automatic Ordering at the top of the Op List tab.
  2. Click Ordering to display the Automatic ordering options dialog.
  3. Select or deselect the following ordering options:
    • Minimize tool changes — Groups operations together that use the same tool. This saves time for you by eliminating or reducing needless tool changes. You must select this check box if you want to generate hole macros in the NC code.
    • Do finish cuts last — Moves the finish milling operations to the end of the Setup without altering the order of the finishing operations. If you want to perform all rough milling operations before finish milling operations, select the Do finish cuts last attribute.
    • Cut higher operations first — Affects only milling Setups. Select this option to mill the features from the top of the stock first and work toward the bottom. If you deselect this option, you should graphically verify the toolpath before cutting your part.
    • Minimize rapid distance — Affects only milling Setups and is the only ordering option that changes the order of features specified in the part view. Minimize rapid distance moves to the next closest feature that uses the same tool as the last operation. You must deselected this option if you want to generate hole macros in the NC code.

    As you select ordering options, the operations are re-sorted.

  4. Click OK.

If you create a new operation with Automatic Ordering selected, the new operation is automatically sequenced using the selected ordering options.

For manual ordering:

  1. Select Manual Ordering at the top of the Op List tab.
  2. To change the position of an operation:
    • Select an operation in the Operation List, then click Move item up or Move item down .
    • Drag-and-drop an operation to move it to a new position in the list.
    Tip: Right-click one of the column names and select Show Priority to display the Priority of each operation.

If you create a new operation with Manual Ordering selected, the new operation is inserted at the end of the list.

Parent topic: Op List tab