Defining a workpiece blank with BLK FORM

Application

You use the BLK FORM function to define a workpiece blank for graphic simulation of the NC program.

Description of function

You define the blank relative to the workpiece preset.

Presets in the machine

AS_4_24_11_NCFunktion_Einfuegen_PGM_1339889_BLKFORMQUAD
The Insert NC function window for workpiece blank definition

When you create a new NC program, the control automatically opens the Insert NC function window for workpiece blank definition.

Creating a new NC program

The control offers the following workpiece blank definitions:

Icon

Function

Further information

ProgramBlkFormCyclIcon

BLK FORM QUAD

Cuboid workpiece blank

ProgramBlkFormQuadIcon

BLK FORM CYLINDER

Cylindrical workpiece blank

ProgramBlkFormRotIcon

BLK FORM ROTATION

Rotationally symmetric blank with a definable contour

BLK FORM FILE

STL file as workpiece blank and finished part

Notes

 
Notice
Danger of collision!
Even if Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM) is active, the control does not automatically monitor the workpiece for collisions, neither with the tool nor with other machine components. There is a risk of collision during machining!
  1. Enable the Advanced checks switch for simulations
  2. Check the machining sequence using a simulation
  3. Carefully test your NC program or program section in the Single Block mode
  • You can select files or subprograms in the following ways:
    • Enter the file path
    • Enter the number or name of the subprogram
    • Select a file or subprogram by means of a selection window
    • Define the file path or name of the subprogram in a QS parameter
    • Define the number of the subprogram in a Q, QL, or QR parameter

    If the called file is located in the same folder as the calling NC program, it is also possible to simply enter the file name.

  • In order for the control to show the workpiece blank in the simulation, the workpiece blank must have minimum dimensions. The minimum dimensions are 0.1 mm or 0.004 inches in all axes as well as in the radius.
  • The control shows the workpiece blank in the simulation only after it has executed the complete workpiece blank definition.
  • Even if you want to close the Insert NC function window or add a workpiece blank definition after writing an NC program, you can always define a workpiece blank via the Insert NC function window.
  • The Advanced checks function in the simulation uses the information from the workpiece blank definition for workpiece monitoring. The control can monitor only the active workpiece blank, even if several workpieces are clamped in the machine!
  • Advanced checks in the simulation

  • In the Simulation workspace you can export the current view of the workpiece as an STL file. This function allows you to create missing 3-D models, for example semifinished parts if there are several machining steps.
  • Exporting a simulated workpiece as STL file

Cuboid workpiece blank with BLK FORM QUAD

Application

With BLK FORM QUAD you define a cuboid workpiece blank. You use a MIN point and a MAX point to define a spatial diagonal.

Description of function

blkform
Cuboid workpiece blank with MIN point and MAX point

The sides of the cuboid are parallel to the X, Y and Z axes.

You define the cuboid by entering a MIN point for the bottom front left corner and a MAX point for the top rear right corner.

You define the coordinates of the points in the X, Y and Z relative to the workpiece preset. If you define a positive value for the MAX point in the Z coordinate, the blank is given an oversize.

Presets in the machine

If you use a cuboid workpiece blank for turning (option 50), keep the following in mind:

Even if the turning operation takes place in a two-dimensional plane (Z and X coordinates), you have to program the Y values for a rectangular blank in the definition of the workpiece blank.

Fundamentals

Input

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

  • Change the following contents as needed:
  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-40

2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0

; Cuboid workpiece blank

The NC function includes the following syntax elements:

Syntax element

Meaning

BLK FORM

Syntax initiator for cuboid workpiece blank

0.1

Designation of the first NC block

Z

Tool axis

Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine.

X Y Z

Coordinate definition of the MIN point

0.2

Designation of the second NC block

X Y Z

Coordinate definition of the MAX point

Cylindrical workpiece blank with BLK FORM CYLINDER

Application

With BLK FORM CYLINDER you define a cylindrical workpiece blank. You can define a cylinder either as a solid piece or as a hollow pipe.

Description of function

BLK_Cylinder
Cylindrical blank

To define the cylinder, enter at least the radius or diameter and the height.

The workpiece preset is in the cylinder center in the working plane. Optionally you can define an oversize and the inside radius or diameter of the blank.

Input

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

  • Change the following contents as needed:
  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

1 BLK FORM CYLINDER Z R50 L105 DIST+5 RI10

; Cylindrical blank

The NC function includes the following syntax elements:

Syntax element

Meaning

BLK FORM CYLINDER

Syntax initiator for cylindrical workpiece blank

Z

Tool axis

Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine.

R or D

Radius or diameter of the cylinder

L

Total height of the cylinder

DIST

Oversize of the cylinder relative to the workpiece preset

Optional syntax element

RI or DI

Inside radius diameter of the core hole

Optional syntax element

Rotationally symmetric workpiece blank with BLK FORM ROTATION

Application

With BLK FORM ROTATION you define a rotationally symmetric workpiece blank with a definable contour. You define the contour in a subprogram or separate NC program.

Description of function

BLK_ROTATION
Blank contour with tool axis Z and main axis X

In the workpiece blank definition you refer to the contour description.

In the contour description, you program a half-section of the contour around the tool axis as the rotational axis.

  • The following conditions apply to the contour description:
  • Only coordinates of the main axis and tool axis
  • Starting point defined in both axes
  • Closed contour
  • Only positive values in the main axis
  • Positive and negative values are possible in the tool axis

The workpiece preset is in the center of the blank in the working plane. You define the coordinates of the blank contour relative to the workpiece preset. You can also define an oversize.

Input

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

  • Change the following contents as needed:
  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

1 BLK FORM ROTATION Z DIM_R LBL "BLANK"

; Rotationally symmetric blank

* - ...

11 LBL "BLANK"

; Subprogram start

12 L X+0 Z+0

; Beginning of contour

13 L X+50

; Coordinates in positive direction of main axis

14 L Z+50

15 L X+30

16 L Z+70

17 L X+0

18 L Z+0

; End of contour

19 LBL 0

; End of subprogram

The NC function includes the following syntax elements:

Syntax element

Meaning

BLK FORM ROTATION

Syntax initiator for rotationally symmetric workpiece blank

Z

Active tool axis

Other possibilities might be available, depending on the machine.

DIM_R or DIM_D

Interpret values in the main axes in the contour description as radius or diameter

LBL or FILE

Name or number of the contour subprogram or path of the separate NC program

Notes

  • If you program the contour description with incremental values, the control interprets the values as radii regardless of whether DIM_R or DIM_D is selected.
  • With software option 42 CAD Import, you can load contours from CAD files and save them in subprograms or separate NC programs.
  • Opening CAD Files with the CAD-Viewer

STL file as workpiece blank with BLK FORM FILE

Application

You can integrate 3D models in STL format as workpiece blank and optionally as finished part. This function is particularly convenient in combination with CAM programs, where the required 3D models are available in addition to the NC program.

Requirement

  • Max. 20 000 triangles per STL file in ASCII format
  • Max. 50 000 triangles per STL file in binary format

Description of function

The dimensions of the NC program come from the same source as the dimensions of the 3D model.

Input

NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.

  • Change the following contents as needed:
  • Tools
  • Cutting parameters
  • Feed rates
  • Clearance height or safe position
  • Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
  • Paths of program calls

Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.

In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.

 
Tip

With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.

1 BLK FORM FILE "TNC:\CAD\blank.stl" TARGET "TNC:\CAD\finish.stl"

; STL file as workpiece blank and finished part

The NC function includes the following syntax elements:

Syntax element

Meaning

BLK FORM FILE

Syntax initiator for an STL file as workpiece blank

" "

Path of the STL file

TARGET

STL file as finished part

Optional syntax element

" "

Path of the STL file

Notes

  • In the Simulation workspace you can export the current view of the workpiece as an STL file. This function allows you to create missing 3-D models, for example semifinished parts if there are several machining steps.
  • Exporting a simulated workpiece as STL file

  • If you have integrated a workpiece blank and a finished part, you can compare the models in the simulation and easily identify any residual material.
  • Model comparison

  • The control loads STL files in binary format faster than STL files in ASCII format.