Set Modes dialog - PartMaker/SwissCAM

When using PartMaker/SwissCAM, the following options are available on the Set Modes dialog:

Main Spindle Mode

Specify how the main spindle machines the process:

• Idle (MO) — Select if the main spindle is not used during machining.
• Machining with One Tool (M1) — Select if the main spindle uses one tool during machining.
• Machining with Two Tools (M2) — Select if the main spindle uses two tools during machining.

Sub-Spindle Mode

Specify how the sub-spindle machines the process:

• Idle (S0) — Select if the sub-spindle is not used during machining.
• Follow Support (SF) — Select if the sub-spindle supports the stock during machining. The sub-spindle collet is closed during machining. Using this mode, the sub-spindle moves in synchronization with the main spindle.
  Note: Select this option, together with Cutting With One Tool (M1) for the main spindle, for cut-off processes (M1SF).
• Non-Follow Support (SN) — Select if the sub-spindle supports the stock during machining. The sub-spindle collet is open during machining, which provides extra support during machining.
• Machining with One Tool (S1) — Select if the sub-spindle uses one tool during machining.
• Machining with Two Tools (S2) — Select if the sub-spindle uses two tools during machining.
• Double-Ended Drilling (SD) — Select if the main and the sub-spindle perform double-ended drilling or on-centerline drilling simultaneously.

Note: For a complete list of Modes that are configured in the Post Processor, refer to the "Synchronization Modes Support" section in the Post Processor Reference Guide.

Graphical representation of Synchronization Mode

The top right-hand area of the dialog contains a graphical representation of the Synchronization Mode, which updates to reflect your selections for Main Spindle Mode and Sub-Spindle Mode.

The tool in use during the process is shown in yellow. The tool that is not cutting is shown in gray. For example:

Other options

The following options are also available:

• Modify Mode for Current Process Only — Select this option to apply your selections to the current process only.
• Modify Modes for all Consecutive Processes with Same Mode — Select this option to apply your selections to all consecutive processes with the same Synchronization Mode.
• Eject Part (E) — Select this option to eject the part from the sub-spindle at the end of the process. You would usually select this option for the last process machined on the sub-spindle. You can set this option automatically for the last process on the sub-spindle, by selecting the Eject Part After Last Sub-Spindle Process option on the Process Table Options dialog.
• Sub-Spindle Support Z-Coordinate (Sz) — When the Sub-Spindle Mode is:
  • Follow Support (SF), enter the Z position at which the sub-spindle grips the part.
  • Non-Follow Support (SF), enter the distance between the main spindle and the sub-spindle during support.
• Sub-Spindle Z-Distance from Home — Enter the machining position of a sub-spindle relative to its home position. This is available for the M0S1, M1S1, M0S2, M1S2, or M2S1 Synchronization Modes for processes programmed on the sub-spindle.

  This option is available only if the postprocessor uses the <sub-spindle-distance> reserved word.

• Stock Motion — Click to display the Stock Motion dialog, where you can specify whether the stock or the tool moves in the Z axis.

  This button is not available for processes in Faces that are machined on the sub-spindle or for Material Control Processes (MCPs).

• Wait Distances — Click to display the Wait Distances dialog, where you can specify when the secondary tool and/or sub-spindle engages. This button is available only if the postprocessor supports wait distances.

User Data — Click to display the User Data dialog, where you can specify custom data (known as User Data) for the current Post Configuration file.