Use the Machine Data dialog to customize a Machine Data (.mch) file, which provides a 3D representation of a machine for use during Advanced and Full Machine Simulation.
To display the Machine Data dialog, select ToolMinder > Machine.
The following settings are available:
Properties — Click to display the Main Spindle Properties dialog, where you can specify details of the machine's main spindle.
Machine Coordinate System
Select — Click to display the Machine Coordinate System dialog, where you can specify the spindle location and the orientation of the machine's axis.
Stand Alone — Select this option if the sub-spindle can move independently.
Attached to End-Working Slide — Select this option if the sub-spindle is attached to the endworking slide.
Not Available — Select this option if the machine does not have a sub-spindle.
Motion Axis — Select the motion axes in which the sub-spindle can move.
Rotation Axis — Select R if the sub-spindle can rotate between different orientation angles. This applies only to Bar-Fed Mill machines.
Rotation Options — Click to display the Sub-Spindle Rotation Options dialog, where you can specify how the sub-spindle rotates between different orientation angles.
Properties — Click to display the Sub-Spindle Properties dialog, where you can specify further details about the machine's sub-spindle.
Components — Click to display the Components dialog, where you can specify machine housing components for Full Machine Simulation.
Holder Data — Click to display the Holder Data dialog, where you can specify holders to be displayed in simulation.
File
Open Machine File — Click to open a Machine Data (.mch) file.
Save Machine File — Click to save the current settings on the dialog to a Machine Data (.mch) file.
Create FMS Reference — Click to create a Full Machine Simulation (FMS) Reference Kit, which describes the various components comprising the machine model. PartMaker saves this information to a .html file, which is displayed in your computer's default web browser.
Use this area of the dialog to specify details of the tool posts that available on the machine. For each tool post, you can specify the following information:
Tool Range — The tool range on the tool post (for example 1-6, 11-14). If only one tool is located on the tool post, use the same number (for example 3-3).
Motion Axes — Specify the axes in which the tool post can move.
Properties — Click to display a Tool Post Properties dialog, where you can specify more details about the tool post. The options displayed on the dialog depend on the type of tool post you select:
Metric — Select this option if the machine data uses metric units.
Lock Units — Select this option to 'lock' the currently selected units, so the data cannot be converted from one unit to another using the Convert From Metric/Convert From Inch button.
Convert From Metric/Convert From Inch — Click to convert the data from inches to metric or metric to inches.
Select the types of simulation (Basic, Advanced and Full) that are supported by the Machine Data file. When a simulation type is selected, its corresponding menu option is available in the Simulation menu. For example, select Advanced Simulation to enable the Simulation > Advanced Simulation option when this Machine Data file is in use.