The Cutting Data tab of the Wire Feature Properties dialog displays the feed, water, and cutter compensation registers for each pass of the operation selected in the Tree view.
The use of all these settings depends on the machine and controller type. You can set these values automatically from the current material database, or enter them manually.
Most modern NC machines have an integrated technology database which the machine uses to set up the optimum cutting conditions for the workpiece. In this way the cutting is accurate and uses the full power of the machine. These settings for the cutting conditions are usually stored in Registers in the controller and are activated by particular codes in the NC program. FeatureCAM enables you to define these codes for up to nine cuts (either backwards/forwards cutting or with sub-programs). You can also load pre-defined settings from a database you have prepared.
Feed — This is used to select the generator setting on the wire machine. The generator setting controls the cutting speed of the machine by setting parameters such as strength, pulse time, and pause time between pulses of the electrical current used to produce the spark. These parameters vary with the workpiece material, height, and so on.
Water — This is used to select the machine register that defines the water flow during cutting. The parameters that are controlled include the water pressure, flow rate, and so on.
Comp. Reg. — This sets the number of the Compensation Register of the NC machine, which is used for wire radius compensation. The value held within this register is the amount by which the wire is corrected to the left or right of the defined wire path when the function for wire correction on the machine is switched on (normally G41 or G42).
Comp. Val. — This sets the wire radius correction value for the given offset register on the machine. The value is normally the sum of the wire radius + spark gap + any finishing allowance required. For most machines, the compensation value is referenced through the compensation register, so there is no need to set this value.