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This allows you to generate a PCI from selected instructions in the window.
Output Process
This passes the selected instructions to EdgeCAM Strategy Manager.
Swathe
This allows you to activate/deactivate the Swathe mode in GLview. (Supported in both milling and turning.)
Text File
This allows you to export the contents of the sequence to a text file for subsequent printing. Different levels
of information can be exported to the text file.
Refresh
Ensures that the instruction list is displayed correctly in the Sequence Window.
Regenerate (for instructions)
Regenerates the toolpath for the instruction. (See Regenerating).
Auto Regenerate
Enable this (shown by a ' ') for all the subsequent instructions in the sequence to be regenerated when you
edit an instruction. (See Regenerating).
(Note that the Auto-Regenerate enabled/disabled setting is a 'session setting'. It applies to all sequences for
the duration of the current EdgeCAM session, and resets to Enabled on re-starting EdgeCAM.)
Regenerate (for the sequence)
Regenerates the toolpath the all the instructions in the sequence.(See Regenerating).
Merge Sequences
Opens a dialog for merging the instructions from two or more sequences into a new sequence, with several
options for the merge. All the sequences to be merged must have the same code generator file.
Rationalise
Rationalises the instructions in a sequence by 'Tool', 'CPL' or 'Index'. You only see this when you right-click
on a sequence name (top of the instruction tree). See also Re-ordering the Machining Instructions in a
Sequence.
Insert
Search
Opens a dialog for searching for text occurring in the Sequence Window; in the names of tools and cycles
for example. For more information see Searching for Text in the Sequence Window.
Group
For information see Grouping Instructions.
Rename
Opens the name of the item for editing.
Reset Names
Sets names you have changed back to the original; either the selected items or all renamed items.
Synchronise
This option applies turret synchronisation retrospectively. In the Sequence Window select the two
instructions to synchronise (one on each turret), then open the shortcut menu with a right-hand mouse click
and select Synchronise. The synchronisation markers are added to both turrets. The lower turret waits for
the upper turret to complete rough turning before starting to finish turn. See also Priority below.
Also see Synchronising Turrets.
Priority
Sets the spindle priority. This might be needed after using Synchronise, for example.
Side by Side
This places each sequence in its own tab. The tab label acts as the sequence name (in that you can rightclick on it to display the shortcut menu for the sequence). This is in addition to the normal use of the tab
label to switch to the tab. Also, for twin turret machines, the Upper and Lower turrets are displayed as two
columns of instructions placed next to each other.
Single Scroll Bar
This scrolls both the panes (in Side by Side view, one pane for each turret) using the same scroll bar.
When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to corruption. To ensure that
inserting and merging function correctly, profiles must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".
The most common use for these features is in loading components onto a machine with rotary axes so that
a combination of parts or multiples of the same part can be machined.
This use of Insert and Merge is the most complex and is described below in some detail. The principles laid
down here, and the techniques suggested, can also be applied in other circumstances such as multiple
parts laid on a flat machine bed or sub-programs merged into a single final program for a turning
application. Please note that since datum shifting is not supported in turning only sequences utilizing
common initial and machine datum points can be successfully merged.
The use of both Insert and Merge offers considerable flexibility in approach but for maximum ease of use it
is suggested that you follow a few simple guidelines:
1. For each machine tool, a "Base Part" containing the machine's basic set up and configuration should
be created. Common use fixtures such as a machined cube should be incorporated. This part should
contain a single sequence with the Code Generator reference and with home/toolchange positions,
initial plane, initial CPL and machine datum points correctly configured.
When you merge
sequences, the current sequence is copied to form the new sequence. For this reason it is important
that your current sequence has been created correctly for your machine tool, especially with regard to
the machine datum and initial CPL.
2. Suitable location or mounting positions should be created as CPLs on the cube faces.
3. Parts to be inserted as components should always be created with a "location" CPL in position to
enable easy placement on the machine. If fixtures are used they may be incorporated into the
component with the "location" CPL on the back face of the fixture.
4. When components are inserted the target part will, inevitably, build up a large number of CPLs. Whilst
EdgeCAM will ensure that there are no name clashes, you may find it helpful to use the "Name Prefix"
field in the Insert Component dialog. This enables all CPLs and layers relating to a particular
component to be identified.
It is strongly recommended to use the following suggested method for use of Insert and Merge in a
multiplane environment. In other environments these procedures can be adapted accordingly.
Inserting Sequences
Note: The 'Undo' functionality is not supported when inserting components with sequences.
See Also
Combining Components and Sequences
Notes on Inserting and Merging Sequences
Merging Sequences
Only available in the milling and turning environment. Please note that this function is not supported by
rotary milling.
The Merge Sequences command allows you to merge two or more sequences into one by appending the
instructions in the second and subsequent sequences to those in the current sequence. For more detailed
information on common use and recommended methods, please refer to Combining Components and
Sequences.
All sequences to be merged must use the same Code Generator.
When merging sequences in multiplane milling the Profile cycle is liable to corruption. To ensure that
inserting and merging function correctly, profiles must be created in a defined view, not in "dynamic".
When you merge sequences, the current sequence is copied to form the new sequence. For this reason
it is important that your current sequence has been created correctly for your machine tool, especially with
regard to the machine datum and initial CPL.
To merge sequences
1. Highlight a base sequence in the Sequence Window and call up the Merge Sequences command,
either via the shortcut menu (right-hand mouse click) or the Instructions menu. This will open the
Merge Sequence dialog.
2. The Current Sequence field specifies the name of the base sequence. When merging, the current
sequence is copied to a new name and all other selected sequences are appended in order.
3. Specify the name for the new (merged) sequence in the Description field. By default, the name of the
new sequence is created by appending .1, .2 etc to the name of the current sequence.
4. Job file names allocated to the sequences being merged will not be carried over to the new (merged)
sequence. If you want to allocate a job file to this sequence you must enter the required name in the
Job Name field.
5. Select sequences required by moving them from the list of Available Sequences on the left to the list
ofSelected Sequences on the right. You can do this by simply highlighting the required sequence(s)
and pressing the single arrow. The double arrow allows you to move all sequences to the right panel.
To change the order in which sequences are merged, select one or more in the right-hand panel
and use the arrows on the extreme right to change their relative positions. Sequences will be
merged in the order shown when the command is executed.
6. Specify the required Datum Type. You must take into account the requirements of your machine tool
when making this choice. Also bear in mind any limit on the number of definable datum points when
planning a merged sequence.
Please note that datum shifting is relative to the current CPL. If a
CPL is realigned it will invalidate the datum shift. In cases where CPL realignment is likely it would be
better to use an absolute index command instead of a datum shift. To do this, check the Force Index
option. If this option is checked, the Datum Type should be set to Absolute.
7. Check the Remove Tool Positions option to set all tool positions to blank in the merged sequence.
You will need to re-specify these parameters for all toolchanges by editing the appropriate toolchange
dialog. If this option is not checked, it is assumed that you are happy with the sequences and no
changes will be made. Please note that option is only offered once for each merge commend and
there will be no further checks for compatibility.
8. Click OK.
If angles, such as lace cycle angle or thread mill start/end angles, are critical then they must be re-adjusted
after the realignment.
Post Processors
All sequences must use the same code generator when merging.
The success of insert and merge operations is utterly dependent on the compatibility of the code generator
files in use and the machine tool requirements. You must ensure that you have set your Code Generator
files correctly for all possible instances of Index and Datum Shift commands.
Inserted sequences retain their machine datum. When sequences are merged the current or base
sequence machine datum is used.
Safe Indexing
It is vital that all index moves be performed with the tool at a safe height. You must ensure that individual
parts are programmed with this in mind and that any merged sequences are thoroughly checked in an
appropriate view to ensure safety.
The toolchange heights and initial plane value should reflect actual machine tool requirements.
All index commands in parts to be inserted as components should be to named CPLs (Position To Name).
The way in which indexing by angle handles datum positions may not give the required result.
Component Prefixes
When inserting multiple components into a part, EdgeCAM will rename CPLs, layers, sequences etc. with
an appended number to ensure that the integrity of each component is maintained. This can become
confusing and it is strongly recommended to specify a name prefix for each component inserted so that the
CPLs and layers relevant to any individual component are easily identifiable.
Rotary Milling
The Insert Component and Merge Sequence commands are not supported in rotary milling.
Wire Erosion
Merging Sequences is restricted to the milling and turning environment and will not appear in the wire
manufacture mode.
PCI
PCI command recording and playback is not supported for merge sequences.
Turning
Datum shift is not supported by EdgeCAM for turning parts. For this reason all inserted components with
sequences must use the same target CPL.
By Tool to group together all the instructions that use a particular tool, so that the repeat toolchange
instructions back to the tool can be eliminated.
Or by CPL or Index.
See a warning on potential uncompleted machine functions.
Please note:
The sequence selected in the Sequence Window is rationalised.
When re-ordering by several criteria, sort in the reverse order. Also see Example 3.
You cannot undo the rationalisation. However the rationalised sequence is created as a copy, leaving
the original unaffected. A .1 is appended to produce the new sequence name. You can delete the
original when it is no longer needed.
Sequences containing instructions in Matrix Mode cannot be rationalised.
See Also
Merging Hole Cycles
Example 1 Rationalise by Tool Position
Example 2 Rationalise by CPL
Example 3 Rationalise by Tool Position and then CPL
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Rationalising by Tool
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Rationalise by Tool groups together all the instructions that use the same tool, under the first toolchange to
the tool. This eliminates repeated toolchanges back to the tool .
To be the 'same tool', the turret position must be the same, as well as all the tool parameters (diameter,
corner radius etc.).
Sort Priority
The rationalise may occasionally produce unwanted results; for example you may have used the same tool
for roughing then profiling, but the rationalise places the profiling before the roughing.
In this situation you can set a Sort Priority (in the More tab of the toolchange dialog). This produces a
separate sorting stream; only instructions of the same priority can be grouped together.
There are some tips for using Sort Priority.
Sequence Integrity
The integrity of the sequence is maintained:
Changes to Tlo offset register for a given tool position are maintained. Where necessary, toolchange
commands are used to change the value. No other tool parameters are changed and there is a retract
to safe height before the toolchange, instead of a return to toolchange position.
Any necessary index or datum shift instructions are inserted.
Moves to safe clearances are inserted to prevent tool collisions (see below).
Rationalise will insert retract moves to the Z of the toolchange position before inserted index and
datum shift instructions. Index commands will be inserted with the shortest direction modifier set.
Moves to safe clearance
Where moves to safe clearances are inserted, you have a choice of how the clearance Z value is derived:
Toolchange Z - The 'Z Change' parameter, as set in the Machine Parameters dialog, Tool Change tab.
See a warning on potential uncompleted machine functions.
Max Clearance - The maximum 'Clearance' value (as found in a Roughing cycle's Depth tab, for example)
of any of the instructions that are moved.
Z Initial - The 'Initial Plane' parameter, as set in the Machine Parameters dialog, General tab.
Merge Hole Cycle
When hole cycles are grouped together, this produces a canned cycle (G81 etc) in the NC file for each
EdgeCAM cycle instruction. Checking the Merge Hole Cycle option on the Rationalise Sequence
(Instructions menu) dialog groups such instructions into a single cycle, so that multiple, identical holes
may be drilled with one G81 canned cycle.
Example 1 Rationalise by Tool Position
Rationalising by CPL/Index
Rationalising by Index is ordering by resultant rotary axis positions. If two or more CPLs result in the same
rotary axis positions then the instructions associated with them will be combined, e.g. the front face of a
component on a cube might be machined at the same time as side faces of components mounted on
adjacent sides. Datum changes will be retained by insertion of a datum shift command.
Sort by CPL works on CPL name only. Identical (rotary angle and datum position) CPLs will be combined
but CPLs having the same rotation but a different datum will not.
When rationalising additional toolchanges with safe moves to the toolchange position are inserted as
required. The data for these toolchanges is copied from the relevant toolchange instructions in the original
sequence (including both turret position and Tlo number).
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When sequences are rationalised, a number of cycles are frequently grouped together for machining by a
single tool. In the case of hole cycles this gives rise to a canned cycle (G81 etc) in the NC file for each
EdgeCAM cycle instruction.
The Merge Hole Cycle option on the Rationalise Sequence (Instructions menu) dialog enables you to
group such instructions into a single cycle so that multiple, identical holes may be drilled with one G81
canned cycle and not many individual canned cycles each drilling one hole.
Click here to view an example
You can merge hole cycles if the following conditions are met:
the cycle parameters are equal or compatible (see Setting Parameters before Merging Hole Cycles)
the cycles are adjacent except for rapid Z moves, repeat modal functions (such as instruction 9 in the
example) and self-cancelling pairs of modal functions (e.g. Coolant Off followed by Coolant Flood)*
* Self-cancelling pairs of spindle and coolant instructions will be removed from between cycles that are
being merged. This action is controlled by the instruction number (Code Generator macro number) and
custom posts using different macro numbers may produce unexpected results.
Where a number of cycles are to be merged and there are some intermediate instructions that prevent
merging into one cycle, the cycles will be merged into multiple cycles separated by the appropriate
commands (see example).
The Merge Hole Cycle command is only available for Code Generators that support multilevel/multidepth
drilling.
When using the Merge Hole Cycle command compatible cycles with different Feature Name settings are
not merged. For this reason, the Feature Name modifier should be left blank if the hole cycles are to be
merged.
You must ensure that merged cycles act in the required way and that the toolpaths produced are safe
and clear of any obstacles such as fixtures etc.
Also see
How to use the Merge Hole Cycles command
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3. Self-cancelling pairs of spindle and coolant instructions (e.g. Coolant Off followed by Coolant Flood)
will be removed from between cycles that are being merged. This action is controlled by the
instruction number (Code Generator macro number) and custom posts using different macro numbers
may produce unexpected results.
4. You must ensure that merged cycles act in the required way and that the toolpaths produced are safe
and clear of any obstacles such as fixtures etc.
5. Ensure that the Feature Name modifier for the hole cycles to merged has been left blank as otherwise
compatible cycles with different Feature Name settings are notmerged.
6. Once you are satisfied that all these points have been considered, select the Rationalise
(Instructions menu) command and ensure that the default option By Tool is selected.
7. Check the Merge Hole Cycles option and click OK.
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Once the instruction list has been changed, EdgeCAM recalculates the toolpath according to the new
geometry.
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feature(s) as their entity data. When you finish without any selection the entire sequence will be checked for
cycles or operations that contain invalid entity data and the results displayed in the feedback window.
See Also
Choosing the Editing Options
Selecting from the Instruction List
Editing Instructions in the Sequence Window
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Edit, to edit instructions, you first see a dialog for specifying the options
Screen Snap Check this box to select the command by digitising the appropriate toolpath, rather than by
selecting the command from the instruction list.
Operations Check this box to list only those operations defined in the current machining sequence, rather
than all commands in the instruction list. Operations can be defined with the Operation (Instructions
menu) command.
Global Check this box to alter the Feeds,Speeds and Depth... parameters for all selected commands.
Redraw Check this box to redraw the screen after you have edited the instruction list.
Disable Automatic Regeneration Check this box to only regenerate the selected instructions. EdgeCAM
defaults to regenerating all subsequent instructions, which you might consider unnecessary and timeconsuming if you were simply changing the colour of the toolpath.
Caution To avoid invalid results you should regenerate the toolpath before saving or generating
CNC code.
Click OK when you want to proceed.
Note that you can also edit instructions using the shortcut menu in the Sequence Window.
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2. Click OK to continue.
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Select one or more of the options. You can re-specify the co-ordinate information for each of these
aspects of the cycle after you click OK for the cycle parameter input dialog box.
Check this box to respecify the co-ordinates required by EdgeCAM. Once you click on the OK
button you are prompted to enter this information in the usual manner for the particular command.
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Copyright
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Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
The information contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a
licence agreement and may only be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.