To apply a fixture offset

This example shows how to create and apply fixture offsets to toolpaths, using the Channels.dgk model in the Examples folder.

Create and add toolpaths to an NC program

  1. Before you can apply fixture offsets, you must create the relevant toolpaths to machine the channel:
    • Roughing — Model area clearance toolpath using a tip radiused tool with a diameter of 15, a tip radius of 1, and a length of 75.
    • Rest Roughing — Model rest area clearance toolpath using a ball nosed tool with a diameter of 15 and a length of 75.
    • Steep and Shallow Finishing — Steep and shallow finishing toolpath using a ball nosed tool with a diameter of 10 and a length of 50.

  2. Create four identical toolpaths:
    1. In the Explorer, right-click the roughing toolpath and select Settings to display the Model Area Clearance dialog.
    2. On the dialog, click to create a copy of the toolpath.
    3. Click Calculate.
    4. Without closing the dialog, click .
    5. Click Calculate.

      This creates another copy of the toolpath. Repeat again, so you have four instances of the Roughing toolpath.

  3. Repeat step 1 to create four rest roughing toolpaths and four steep and shallow finishing toolpaths.
  4. Create an NC program.
    1. In the Explorer, right-click NC Programs and select Create NC Program.

      This displays the NC Program dialog.

    2. In the NC Program dialog, enter the name: Channel with fixture offsets.
    3. Click Accept.
  5. In the Explorer, select all the toolpaths, right-click and select Add to > NC Program.

Create and apply fixture offsets

  1. Create the fixture offsets:
    1. On the NC Program dialog, select . This displays the Fixture Offset for NC Program dialog.

    2. In the Name field, enter G55 and click .
    3. In the Fixture offset table, click in the X field and enter 300, then press Enter.
  2. Repeat step 1 to create two more fixture offsets:
    • G56 with a Y value of 300.
    • G57 with an X value of 300 and a Y value of 300.
  3. Click Close.
  4. Apply the fixture offsets to the toolpaths in the NC program.
    1. On the NC Program dialog, click . This displays the toolpaths in the NC program toolpath table in the resizable Toolpath table window.
    2. In the Toolpath table window, select Roughing_1 and then, on the NC Program dialog, select G55 from the Fixture offset list.

      This applies the fixture offset G55 to the toolpath Roughing_1.

  5. Select Roughing_1_1 and apply the fixture offset G56.
  6. Select Roughing_1_1_1 and apply the fixture offset G57.
  7. Repeat the process to apply the fixture offsets to the rest of the toolpaths.

    Do not apply fixture offsets to the original toolpaths. Apply G55 to toolpaths ending in _1, G56 to toolpaths ending in _1_1, and G57 to toolpaths ending in _1_1_1.

  8. On the NC Program dialog, click Apply.
  9. To display the toolpaths in their new positions, draw () the Channel with fixture offsets NC program.

Parent topic: Fixture offset dialog