Boundaries

This section of the Cycle Data dialog is used to specify the roughing area for a Work Step that uses one of the TURN, BORE, FACE or BACKFACE cycles. In general, there are two ways to define the roughing boundary. First by using Auto or Manual options to set Outer Dia, Inner Dia, Left Bound and Right Bound parameters which define a rectangular area in the upper ( positive X) quadrants. Second by selecting a previously created curve from the Stock Curve pick list as the custom boundary.

The Auto option in the pick list automatically calculates the roughing boundary based on the overall dimensions and location of selected path curve.  The Manual option allows you to define the stock in the traditional manner using Inner/Outer/Left/Right parameters.  The Calc button can be used in Manual mode in order to preset the parameter fields using the same method as the Auto option. These changes eliminate the need to carefully match the boundary coordinates to the path curve extents, and instantly ensures that a valid machinable area has been defined.

Example 1:

Standard rectangular boundary defined by the four settings as displayed in the graphic below.

Example 2:

The boundary is specified by a curve selected as the Stock Curve. For the Turn and Bore cycles, the ends of the stock curve become the default Left Bound and Right Bound parameters. For the Face and Back Face cycles, the ends of the stock curve become the default ID Value and OD Value parameters. These defaults may be changed in the Boundary entry boxes after the path is selected. If  'stockcrv' is used as the path ID for the selected custom stock profile, the 3D Preview simulation will use this curve to create and display a custom stock solid.

Click here for graphic Example

Tip

The path itself may extend beyond the material boundary. This would allow machining specific portions of a long path in different work steps.

 Important !

• The boundary must be specified so that it completely encloses the path. The path curve cannot start or end inside; it must start on, or outside of the boundary.

• When setting the secondary Turret,  the system automatically mirrors the boundaries to the lower (negative X) quadrants.