Import vise add-in

Use the Import Vise add-in to import vises into FeatureCAM for 3D simulation and gouge checking.

To import a vise into FeatureCAM:

1. Load the Import_Vise.bas add-in.
2. Select Add-Ins tab > Macros panel > Import_Vise.

   The Import Vise dialog is displayed.

3. In the Vise list, select the vise you want to import.

   A preview of the vise is displayed in the dialog.

Vises

1. Select an option in the Part position in vise list to specify how to align the part in the vise.
2. Under Part along, select the axis that you want to be perpendicular to the jaws to specify the orientation of the part in the vise.
3. Under X offset from position, enter the offset of the part along the axis parallel to the jaws. You can enter a negative value.

   For example, select a Part position in vise of Left and enter a X offset from position of -1 to extend the part by 1 inch past the left edge of the jaws.

4. Under Amount of part held, enter the height at which to hold the part in the vise. If this value is set to 0 it is ignored and the part is held at the bottom of the vise. This option is unavailable when using parallels.
5. Under Jaws position, select how you want to position the jaws to hold the part.

   For Selected Solid Faces, Selected Surfaces, and Selected geometry, select items in the graphics window.

6. For vises with multiple holding positions, select Alternative holding to use the alternative holding position.
7. To add parallels to raise the part in the vise, select Add parallels and select the Parallels dimensions from the list.

   To add a custom parallel:

   1. In the Parallels dimensions list, select Custom.
   2. Select Metric to enter the dimensions in cm, or deselect it to enter the dimensions in inches.
   3. Enter the width (W), length (L), and thickness (T) dimensions.
   4. Select Save to library to add your custom parallel to the Parallel dimensions list.
8. Click Import to import the vise.

Turning chucks

1. Under Part along, select the axis about which the chuck rotates to specify the orientation of the part in the vise.
2. Under Z offset from position, enter an offset to raise or lower the part in the jaws.
3. Under Part length from Jaws Faces, enter the length of part you want to extend past the top of the jaws.
4. Under Jaws position, select how you want the jaws to hold the part.

   For Selected Solid Faces, select solid faces in the graphics window.

5. Select the Jaws types you want to use.
6. Click Import to import the vise.

Setup Activate add-in

You may find the Setup Activate add-in useful when using the Import vise add-in. You can use the Setup Activate add-in to automatically hide vise solids associated with the non-active setup.