Specifying a Machine tool enables the toolpath to access machine tool data to optimise the toolpath for a specific machine tool and setup.
This page contains the following:
Machine tool — This specifies the machine tool used to optimise the toolpath. By default, no machine tool is selected and therefore no additional toolpath optimisation takes place.
Model location — Select the workplane that aligns with the machine tool coordinate system. This specifies the orientation of the part relative to the machine tool.
If it is the first toolpath in the NC program, the Output workplane selected here is used as the default output workplane for an NC program. This option is available only when you select a Machine tool.
Allow use of machine tool information — Select to allow PowerMill to use machine tool information to optimise the toolpath. As a minimum, select a machine tool from the Machine tool list; you may also want to select a workplane from the Output workplane list. If you do select an output workplane, it is recommended that you select the same workplane as selected on the toolpath's NC program dialog.
Rotary axis configuration — The options enable you to select a suitable coordinate system PowerMill can use for calculating the azimuth and elevation angles for redistributing points, smoothing the tool axis, and fixing the tool axis angle. If you do not select a coordinate system, PowerMill uses the toolpath workplane by default.
For PowerMill to use the selected workplane in rotary axis configuration calculations, you also need to select the relevant options on a strategy dialog's Point redistribution and Tool axis pages.
For point redistribution, from the Output type list, select Redistribute.
For fixed tool axis angle, from the Fixed angle list, select Elevation or Azimuth.
For tool axis smoothing, select Tool axis smoothing.
- Use machine tool when possible — Select to enable PowerMill to calculate a suitable workplane based on the machine tool (mtd) selected from the Machine tool list. You also need to select Allow use of machine tool information, if not selected.
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— Hover over to display machine tool notifications.
- Override toolpath workplane — Select so you can choose a workplane from the Workplane list. Using an alternative workplane can be useful if PowerMill cannot produce good results using either the toolpath workplane or a workplane based on a machine tool mtd.
- Workplane — Select a workplane from the list.