The clamping reserved words <CLAMP-ON> and <CLAMP-OFF> have sophisticated functionality within FeatureCAM that requires special considerations in the post. In order to get correct results, the post author must:
<CLAMP-ON> is required in both the drill format and canned move format in order to output clamping codes on individual moves in the canned cycle. If <CLAMP-ON> is not present, the clamping codes are only output once in the segment start section for the canned cycle and do not work for combined cycles.
The <CLAMP-ON> word will be active for milling cycles if there is a change in the C angle. If there is no change, the modality brackets prevent the M code from being output. FeatureCAM figures out the correct main/sub spindle and brake/clamp code.
The <CLAMP-OFF> word will be active if clamping is currently on and needs to be turned off. This happens if we switch to turning mode or if there is a C angle change.
The following examples summarize the recommended use of the clamping reserved words in various formats of a post. Note that all of these reserved words should be in modality brackets.
Program Start format:
If milling
X Y Z C
{<CLAMP-ON>}
Segment Start and Tool Change formats:
{<CLAMP-OFF>}
If milling
X Y Z C
{<CLAMP-ON>}
Rapid and Z Rapid formats:
If milling
{<CLAMP-OFF>}
X Y Z C
{<CLAMP-ON>}
Drilling canned cycles:
G81 ….. {<CLAMP-ON>}
Canned Move format:
X Y Z C {<CLAMP-ON>}
Cycle Cancel format:
<CLAMP-OFF> is available in the canned cycle cancel format, but is not required.