Setup tab (milling and cutting) reference

This section covers the parameters that define the stock size, stock shape, WorkCoordinate System (WCS) axis orientation and part zero.

Manufacture toolbar, click Setup > New Setup new setup.

If you are using a Machine Definition, select your machine. Selecting the machine defines the Operation Type.

The information below assumes you have selected a Milling or a Cutting, Operation Type.

Operation Type Milling

Interested in a structured lesson on Setup for Milling? Setup for Milling

Work Coordinate System (WCS) - Milling & Cutting

The Work Coordinate System (WCS) specifies the global coordinate system in which the post processed toolpath is output. The WCS defaults to the model orientation.

   
setup dialog - wcs group setup dialog - wcs group
Model Orientation. Select Z axis/plane & X axis.

Orientation

The Orientation allows you to set the working XY plane and the Z spindle axis orientation. The drop-down menu provides the following options to define the setup orientation of the X, Y, and Z WCS axes. The Z should always point away from the face you plan on machining.

     
z orientation - xy machining plane example Z orientation face selection Z orientation edge selection
Z Orientation. Select perpendicular face Select parallel edge.
   
Select a Face or Edge to set the axes.

  1. X perpendicular face
  2. X parallel line
  3. Y perpendicular face
  4. Y parallel line
Setup WCS Turning Example
Setup WCS Milling Example

Flip Z Axis
Setup WCS Milling Example

Flip X or Y Axis
   
Setup WCS Milling Example Setup WCS Milling Example
Select Z axis/plane & X axis. Select Z axis/plane & Y axis.

Origin

The Origin allows you to set the reference for defining part zero. The drop-down menu offers the following options for locating the WCS origin:

Stock box - Model box Point

Specifies the XYZ zero origin of the machining plane.

       
wcs origin example wcs origin example
Select lower corner origin Select upper corner origin

Accessibility analysis

You can assess which areas are accessible to the tool given the currently set orientation using Accessibility Analysis

   
Accessibility analysis off Accessibility analysis on
Accessibility analysis off Accessibility analysis on

Model

The model defines what is being machined. By default, all the models on the canvas are automatically selected. If you have multiple models representing multiple parts, you can individually select which models you want included in the setup.

setup dialog - model group

Fixture

You can also specify any model as a fixture. A fixture is a structure that holds or supports the workpiece during machining, for example, a vice, a clamp, or a chuck. Collisions with fixtures are highlighted during stock simulation.