Workflow for Machined Part

The workflow in machined part is launched using the 'workflow for machined part button' available in the File menu. It launches the workflow ribbon, based on the module, but with the stock creation step removed. This is because the machined stock from the imported file is automatically recognized.

The purpose is to reposition the part for machining in another orientation or in a specific module, such as from milling to turning.

The ribbon in itself can be segregated into 3 zones as shown below.

Dynamic ribbon: Outlines all steps to process an imported machined part through the application of machining cycles.

Since the part is partially machined, the stock step is omitted, as we are using the previous stock, and many steps are skipped as unnecessary.

The user can, at any point in the workflow, revert back to a previous step by clicking on the ribbon icon and carry out modifications as required.

Environment: This zone defines the machine, material, and vice. You can access and modify it anytime during workflow steps.

If material is already defined for your machined part, the material section cannot be edited, as it retains the initial material used.

Validation controls:

Validation of the current step and proceed to the next step. Validating the final step completes the workflow wizard and finalizes the computation of the toolpaths.

The same is achieved on validating (green tick) through the dialog for each step.

Available as a drop down from the main validation button. It allows for automatic validation of default values (preset settings saved from previous workflow operation), quickly going through the steps and computing the machining toolpaths.

This button stops and exits the workflow wizard at any point in the workflow steps. All prior setups done in the wizard are saved.

Watch a video showing the workflow in action.

This is usually the first setup that is carried out, even though it can be modified/updated at any moment in the workflow.

This section allows to setup the machine and vice, and define the material at any point during the workflow. It provides a complete workflow experience with a programing process with the part and machine setup, just through this ribbon.

The drop down list for the machine, material and vice is based on the user database and compatibility.

The user can further click on the Vice button to access the library to search or download other work holding devices.

A color code is associated on the left of each category. The representation of the color code are as per below:

RED: Nothing is set or defined for the category

YELLOW: Automatic preset based on previous settings. Data from the previous operation is saved

GREEN: Manual selection has been done.

• If a Machine or Material has been defined in the software configurations, these are always prioritized and automatically set in the workflow. The indicator is GREEN for this situation.

• If material is already defined for your machined part, the material section cannot be edited, as it retains the initial material used.

The first step in the ribbon, launching the workflow on loading a part is done only through File> Workflow for machined part .

At any point in the workflow process, the user can click on the Import icon to revert back and relaunch the import operation.

This step is the positioning of the solid and the stock on the Reference plane in XY.

The Face on solid button allows to simply click the face of solid that will be in contact with the machine table or plate if set to Support Face. The Upper Face option positions the selected face to be topmost with the opposite face oriented to be in contact with the table.

The Inversion of direction button allows to quickly invert the position of the part based on its initial vector directions.

You can also orient the workpiece by inserting the orientation angle. This will rotate the part in the XY plane.

You can also position the solid according to a solid edge, by defining the the X-axis with the selection of 2 points on the solid.

There are 2 possibilities for positioning of the origin:

1. You can set the origin according to 9 predefined positions on the part by clicking the button.

2. Click any edge extremity on the solid or click a face to get its barycenter. This will manually set the origin at that point. You can also click the stock.

After selecting the point, you can move it on the Z axis by defining an Altitude. By default, the origin is set at the maxi Z of part.

An offset on X axis (DX) or Y axis (DY) can also be set according to the reference point.

For additional information on the creation of program origins, click the link here.

If a vice is defined, this step automatically adjusts the stock optimally in it.

This diminishes any need for readjustments but the dialog box is still provided for any manual settings.

Details about the adjustment settings can be found by clicking the link here.

Toggle the Analyze step off (red) or on (green) to avoid or allow application of cycles computation.

Mostly applicable for automatic validation of the workflow.

This step launches the automatic recognition of features on the solid for application of machining cycles based on features opelists.

This is the final step and upon validation, the machining cycles will be automatically computed and the machined part will be presented.

For details about the general machining features, click the link here.