Workpiece preset in the CAD file

Application

The datum of the drawing in the CAD file is not always located in a manner that lets you use it as a workpiece preset. Therefore, the control provides a function with which you can shift the workpiece preset to a suitable location by clicking an element. You can also define the orientation of the coordinate system.

Description of function

When you select the Preset icon, the control displays the following information in the list view area:

  • Distance between the defined preset and the drawing datum
  • Orientation of the working plane

The control displays values not equal to 0 in orange.

Workpiece preset in the CAD file

You can position the preset at the following locations:

  • By direct numerical input in the List View area
  • For lines:
    • Starting point
    • Midpoint
    • End point
  • For circular arcs:
    • Starting point
    • Midpoint
    • End point
  • For full circles:
    • At the quadrant transitions
    • At the center
  • At the intersection between:
    • Two lines, even if the point of intersection is actually on the extension of one of the lines
    • Line and circular arc
    • Line and full circle
    • Two circles (regardless of whether a circular arc or a full circle)

    If you have set a workpiece preset, the control displays the Preset icon in the menu bar with a yellow quadrant.

    The preset and optional orientation are inserted in the NC program as a comment starting with origin.

    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.

    4 ;orgin = X... Y... Z...

    5 ;orgin_plane_spatial = SPA... SPB... SPC...

    You can save the workpiece preset and workpiece datum information to a file or the clipboard even without the CAD Import software option (#42 / #1-03-1).

     
    Tip

    The control retains the content of the clipboard only as long as CAD Viewer is open.

    You can change the preset even after you have selected the contour. The control does not calculate the actual contour data until you save the selected contour in a contour program.

    Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum and orienting the coordinate system

     
    Tip
    • The following instructions apply when using a mouse. You can also perform these steps with touch gestures.
    • Common gestures for the touchscreen

    • The following instructions also apply to the workpiece datum. In this case, start by selecting the Datum icon.

    Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum on an individual element

    To set the workpiece preset on an individual element:

      1. Select Preset

      1. Select Rotate, if necessary

      1. The icon changes, and the control activates the Select mode.

      1. Position the cursor on the desired element
      2. If you are using a mouse, the control displays selectable presets for the element using gray icons.

      1. Click the icon at the desired position
      2. The control sets the workpiece preset to the selected position. The control turns the icon green.

      1. Orient the working plane, if required

      Setting the workpiece preset or workpiece datum at the intersection of two elements

      You can set the workpiece preset at the intersection of lines, full circles, and arcs.

      To set the workpiece preset at the intersection of two elements:

        1. Select Preset

        1. Select Rotate, if necessary

        1. The icon changes, and the control activates the Select mode.

        1. Click on the first element
        2. The control highlights the element in color.
        3. Click on the second element
        4. The control sets the workpiece preset at the point of intersection of the two elements. The control marks the workpiece preset with a green symbol.

        1. Orient the working plane, if required
         
        Tip
        • If there are several possible intersections, the control selects the intersection nearest the mouse-click on the second element.
        • If two elements do not intersect directly, the control automatically calculates the intersection of their extensions.
        • If the control cannot calculate an intersection, it deselects the previously selected element.

        Orienting the working plane

        The following requirements must be met in order to orient the working plane:

        • Preset has been defined
        • There are elements next to the preset that can be used for the desired orientation

        To orient the working plane:

        1. Select an element in the positive direction of the X axis
        2. The control orients the X axis.
        3. The control changes the C angle in the List View area.
        4. Select an element in the positive direction of the Y axis
        5. The control orients the Y and Z axes.
        6. The control changes the A and C angles in the List View area.