Writing two NC program files

This example shows how to generate two NC program files, one with two roughing toolpaths, and another with the two finishing toolpaths.

1. From the NC Programs context menu, select Create NC Program.

   

   This displays the NC Program dialog.

2. In the Name field, enter Cavity_Roughing.
3. In the NC Program dialog, click the Options button. The Options dialog is displayed.
4. On the Output tab:
   1. If selected, deselect the Write File for Each Toolpath option. As a result, the Output File is displayed at the top of the NC Program dialog instead of the Root Name.
   2. Select Option File as heid400.
   3. Enter Output File Extension as tap.
   4. Click Accept to update and close the Options dialog.

   

5. Click the Accept button at the bottom of the NC Program dialog to create a new roughing NC program.
6. From the individual NC Program, Cavity_Roughing, context menu, and select Edit > Copy NC Program.
7. A new entity is added to the NC Programs list with the default name of Cavity_Roughing_1. Right-click it and Rename it as Cavity_Finishing.

   

   To identify which NC program is currently active, expand the NC Programs node in the Explorer; the active program is shown in bold and preceded by the > symbol.

8. In the Explorer, move the two roughing toolpaths under Cavity_Roughing, and the two finishing toolpaths under Cavity_Finishing.

   

9. Select the Cavity_Roughing and Cavity_Finishing NC programs. Right-click and select Write Selected.

   

10. PowerMill postprocesses the NC programs using the specified parameters, and displays a confirmation window showing where the programs are saved.

    

    Two NC programs are written: Cavity_Roughing.tap containing both roughing toolpaths, and Cavity_Finishing.tap containing both finishing toolpaths.

11. Click to close the Information window.
12. To save project changes, click File tab > Save.