To define the stock using a curve

To use a curve to define the stock boundary

1. Right-click the stock in the Part View and select Properties.
2. On the Dimensions tab of the Stock Properties dialog, select Block.
3. Click Stock Curve.
4. In the Select Stock Curve dialog, select Use a Curve as the Stock Boundary.
5. Select a curve in the list, or click Pick Curve and select a curve in the Graphics window.
6. Click OK to close the dialog.
7. Enter the Thickness.
8. Click Apply to preview the stock in the Graphics window.
9. Click OK to close the dialog.

To use a curve to define the stock cross-section

1. Right-click the stock in the Part View and select Properties.
2. On the Dimensions tab of the Stock Properties dialog, select Round or N-sided.
3. Click Stock Curve.
4. In the Select Stock Curve dialog, select Use a Curve as the Stock Boundary.
5. Select a curve in the list, or click Pick Curve and select a curve in the Graphics window.
6. Click OK to close the dialog.
7. Select the Axis about which the curve is revolved.
8. Enter the Length of the stock.
9. For N-sided stock, enter the number of Sides.
10. Click Apply to preview the stock in the Graphics window.
11. Click OK to close the dialog.

Notes about Stock curves

Stock curves must be closed and lie in the world XY plane. You may use a full circle, but only a single curve or circle can be selected. Also, the curve must not self-intersect, although FeatureCAMdoes not detect this condition.

A stock curve is the default stock boundary for features on the top and bottom of the stock. For simplicity and flexibility, the stock curve should meet the positive X and Y axes. This location lets you easily calculate the width and length of the stock curve extent and position the origin at the corner of those rectangular extents.

To work from the sides of the stock, the Width and Length of the block stock must be set manually. They are measured from the world origin. If the stock curve's extents do not align with the world origin, the length and width settings will not match the stock curve's location and dimensions.

Because of the nature of stock defined by a curve, aligning a UCS to custom stock ignores the stock curve and works with the rectangular extents.