It is important to accurately reflect the dimensions of the tombstone because these dimensions are used to simulate toolpaths and to calculate the required retract distances.
To specify the dimensions of the tombstone:
- If the
Tombstone Dimensions dialog is not already open, click the
Tombstone
step in the
Steps Toolbox to open it.
- Select the Axis of rotation for the tombstone. For horizontal machining centers, this is normally the Y axis. For vertical machining centers, this is normally the X axis.
- Enter the Number of faces of the tombstone.
- Enter the dimensions as indicated on the diagram on the dialog:
- Enter the axis Length. This is the dimension of the tombstone parallel with the tombstone axis.
- Enter the Width of Face. This is the dimension that is perpendicular to the Axis Length.
- Enter the Tombstone Thickness. For a tombstone with an even number of faces, this is the distance between parallel faces. For a tombstone with an odd number of faces it is the perpendicular distance from a face to the joint of faces on the opposite side of the tombstone.
- Click OK to close the dialog.
Handling multiple tombstones
If you have more than one tombstone in your shop, you can enter the dimensions of the tombstone with each part, but there is an easier way. The dimensions of the tombstone are stored in the tombstone part file (.tsf file extension). If you create a blank tombstone file for each tombstone in your shop you can use these files as a starting point for each tombstone part. Ensure you save your part under a different name so that you do not overwrite your initial blank tombstone file.