Overview - CURVES

The EZCAM software uses the curve entity in several different ways. Curves represent a chain of directly linked Lines, Arcs, Splines and Rapid moves in any desired combination. The curve creation does not have to follow any specific rules on its own, but only curves which follow certain rules may be used for particular purposes. For instance, a curve that is not closed may not be used as a pocket boundary. And a curve which has only one point may only be used to create a surface or to represent a single drilling location.

In general, curves are used for several purposes:

Path Curves (MILL, TURN)

When creating a new Work Step you normally select a certain curve to be machined from the Path ID list box on the Work Step Data dialog. In EZCAM we call this the "Path Curve". These curves can represent open or closed profiles, but have to follow certain rules depending on the cycle (Contouring, Pocketing, etc.) selected for machining. Closed curves that are used for pocketing operations are often referred to as "Boundary Curves" because they represent the outside pocket boundaries. Only a single curve can be machined per Work Step, but in certain cases you can connect multiple profiles into one curve by linking them with rapid curve links.

$image\ar2.gif$ Path Curves for Milling Operations

$image\ar2.gif$ Path Curves for Turning Operations

Check Curves (MILL)

Check curves represent closed profiles that act as boundaries to limit tool moves to a certain area. Curves that are used as "Check Curves" for a certain Work Step need to be added to the Check Curves table on the 3D Cycle Data tab of the Work Step Data dialog. This is normally done when using the Surface cycle to restrict tool moves to a certain area of the machined surface or to represent islands for pocketing operations (Pocketing & Zig-Zag cycle ).

$image\ar2.gif$ More about Check Curves

Surface Curves (MILL)

The creation process of some surface types (Lofted, Translation, Coons, etc.) requires the definition of a certain number of curves that determine the surface curvature. These curves have to follow certain rules regarding the defined profile, location, direction and orientation in 3D space as applied by the surface type created.

$image\ar2.gif$ Curves & Surface Creation

Curve Properties:

$image\ar.gif$ Curve Name (Curve ID)

$image\ar.gif$ Curve Layer and Color

$image\ar.gif$ 2D vs. 3D Curves

Curve Handling & Editing:

$image\ar2.gif$ Chaining Geometry

$image\ar2.gif$ Curve Editing

$image\ar2.gif$ Rapid Moves

$image\ar2.gif$ Curve Direction <-> Machining Direction

$image\ar2.gif$ Closed Curves

$image\ar.gif$ Moving Curve Start Point (on closed profiles)

$image\ar.gif$ Transforming Curves

$image\ar.gif$ Converting Toolpaths into Curves