A Sub-spindle feature enables you to manipulate the main and sub spindles. Often these features are used to transfer the stock from one spindle to the other. There are two ways to transfer operations in FeatureCAM:
- Program each operation by using Sub-spindle features. To do this you must create the appropriate sequence of Sub-spindle features for your part. You must also use a post that fills in all the required sub-spindle formats properly.
- Use an add-in (macro) that creates a full block of G-code describing the transfer from a custom format in the post. Machine simulation is provided by the add-in. This method can usually be programmed more quickly, but retains plenty of flexibility for many types of transfer. It is also convenient if you already have a standard transfer sequence in G-code that you would like to just drop in to your NC program. We expect to provide this method directly in FeatureCAM in the future.
To use the second method, load one of the following add-ins:
- Subspindle_Transfer_UDF_1Turret.bas, for machines with a single turret
- Subspindle_Transfer_UDF_2Turret.bas, for machines with twin turrets
These files are in the Addins folder of your FeatureCAM installation, which also contains documentation (Subspindle_Transfer_UDF.doc) for using the add-ins. See also User-defined features for more information.
There is only one feature-type for sub-spindles, but it performs many different tasks.
First, you specify the spindle you want to control, either the main or sub spindle; you then select the action you want to perform:
- Open the spindle — Select this option to open the current spindle.
- Close the spindle — Select this option to close the current spindle.
- Orient the spindle — Select this option to rotate the current spindle.
Note: FeatureCAM orients the spindle during cutting. This feature type is needed only to orient the spindle before grabbing the part or initializing the spindle position.
- Turn spindle on/off — Select this option to have direct control over rotating the spindle or turning it off. FeatureCAM automatically controls the spindle, but this feature type may be necessary to provide precise control of the spindle when moving from one spindle to the other.
- Position the spindle — Select this option to position the current spindle.
- Synchronize the spindles — Select this option to synchronize spindle rotations for milling or turning.