Use the Machine Data dialog to customize a Machine Data (.mchdat) file, which provides a 3D representation of a machine for use during Full Machine Simulation.
To display the Machine Data dialog, select ToolMinder > Machine from the Menu bar.
The following settings are available:
Machine Configuration
Use these settings to specify details about the machine you are using:
Machine Type — Select the type of machine you have: Vertical Milling Center, Horizontal Milling Center, or Vertical Mill-Turn.
Axis Configuration and Table Type — Select the machine's axis configuration and table type:
- 3-Axis is available only for
Vertical Milling Center
machine types and can have the following table configuration:
- Standard
- 4-Axis is available for
Vertical Milling Center and
Horizontal Milling Center machine types and can have the following table configurations:
- Rotary 4-Axis
- Tombstone
- 5 Axis Table-Table is available for
Vertical Milling Center and
Vertical Mill-Turn machine types and can have the following table configuration:
- Rotary 5-Axis
- 5 Axis Head-Table is available for
Vertical Milling Center and
Vertical Mill-Turn machine types and can have the following table configuration:
- Vertical Rotary
File
Open Machine File — Click to display the Open Machine File dialog, where you can select the Machine Data (.mchdat) file to use during Full Machine Simulation.
Save Machine File — Click to display the Save Machine File As dialog, where you can save the current settings on the dialog to a Machine Data (.mchdat) file.
Create FMS Reference — Click to display the Save Reference Kit dialog, where you can create a Full Machine Simulation (FMS) Reference Kit that describes the various components comprising the machine model. PartMaker saves this information to an .html file, which is displayed in your computer's default web browser.
Table
Motion Axis — Select the axes in which the table can move.
Properties — Click to display the Table Properties dialog, where you can specify more details about the table selected in the Table Type drop-down list:
Machine Housing
Components — Click to display the Components dialog, where you can specify details of any machine housing components.
Units
Inch — Select this option if the machine data uses Inches.
Metric — Select this option if the machine data uses metric units.
Tool Head
Motion Axis — Select the axes in which the tool head can move.
Properties — Click to display the Tool Head Properties dialog, where you can specify more details about the tool head.
Tool Holders
Holder Data — Click to display the Holder Data dialog, where you can specify and preview the holders to be displayed in simulation.