2.5D Milling example part 6: Ordering operations automatically

The Op List tab in the Results window shows all of the operations needed to machine the features. A yellow warning sign next to an operation indicates a potential problem with that operation. In this case, if you see any warnings ignore them.

You can control the automatic ordering of operations by using either rules or operation templates. The turning tutorial looks at operation templates.

1. Select the Automatic Ordering option on the Op List tab. This ensures the automatic ordering rules are applied to the operations.
2. Change the automatic ordering to group together the operations which use the same tool.
   • Click the Ordering options button.
   • In the Automatic Ordering Options dialog, select Minimize tool changes, deselect everything else, and click OK.
3. Simulate the part.
   • Click Home tab > Simulation panel > Sim mode > 3D to change the simulation type.
   • Click Play on the Simulation toolbar to start the simulation.

     Notice that the simulation first performs all the spot-drills, then the drills, and then the rough and finish milling for the pockets.

   • Click Stop to end the simulation.
4. Change the automatic ordering to move the finish operations to the end of the list.
   • Click the Ordering options button.
   • In the Automatic Ordering Options dialog, select Do finish cuts last, deselect everything else, and click OK.

     This changes the order of operations in the Operation List.

   • Click Play on the Simulation toolbar to start the simulation.

     The finish cuts for the two pockets are now cut last.

   • Click Stop to end the simulation.
5. Simulate the part.
   • Click Play on the Simulation toolbar to start the simulation.

     The finish cuts for the two pockets are now cut last.

   • Click Stop to end the simulation.
6. Change the automatic ordering to match the order of the features in the Part View panel.
   • Click the Ordering Options button.
   • Deselect everything, and click OK.
   • Open the Part View panel by clicking Part View on the left of the Graphics window. The tree view contains all the setups and features you have created.
   • Click the rect_pock2 item in the Setup1 node, and drag it up above hole2.

     

   • Click Play on the Simulation toolbar.

     The second pocket is cut as the second feature.

   • Click Stop to end the simulation.
7. Simulate the part.
   • Click Play on the Simulation toolbar.

     The second pocket is cut as the second feature.

   • Click Stop to end the simulation.