Wire Cut EDM2

7/29/2019 Wire Cut EDM2

1/26

SURFCAM Reference Manual, Chapter 6 Wire EDM

Copyright 2000 by Surfware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click To See: How to Use Online Documents SURFCAM Online Documents

T V S A 8 6 H S r s r r

:,5(('0

SURFCAMs Wire EDM mode is used to produce toolpaths for 2 Axis and 4 Axis EDM machine

This chapter describes three Wire EDM operations that are available in SURFCAM: 2 Axis XY,

Axis and 4 Axis UV.

2 Axis XY (Contour)

The 2 Axis XY operation is described in Section 6.2: 2 Axis XY (EDM Contour) on page 341.

4 Axis

The 4 Axis operation is described in Section 6.3: 4 Axis on page 354.

4 Axis UV Trim

The 4 Axis UV operation produces toolpaths that let you perform trimming operations with

4 Axis EDM machine. Refer to Section 6.4: 4 Axis UV Trim on page 363.

Cutting operations described here are all performed in the top view (plan view). Part geometry

should be drawn with the profile of the part in a plan view at Z0.If there are different top and bottom profiles, they should also be drawn at Z0. When creating

geometry, the CView (construction view) should be set to 1 (Top View).

An example of a typical SURFCAM Wire EDM job is to use 2 Axis XY to cut a closed contour.

You will set the width of a Tab on the contour. You can pre-select and color code the Thread Poin

(in green) and the Start Point (in red) on the contour. With the color code, SURFCAM canautomatically select the Thread and Start Points and chain the contour. You will indicate the sid

of the contour to cut.

SURFCAM will create the toolpath starting with the initial burn from the Thread Point to the entr

Retract Point. The initial pass begins with a Straight Line leadin move from the entry Retract Poin

to an offset from the Start Point on the contour. The initial pass ends with a Straight Line leadoufrom the offset of the End point on the contour to the exit Retract Point.

6

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1: NC EDM menu

6.2 2 AXIS XY (EDM CONTOUR)
http://../GS/Use-Acro.pdfhttp://../GS/Access%20Other%20DocumentsTOC.pdfhttp://../GS/Access%20Other%20DocumentsTOC.pdfhttp://../GS/Access%20Other%20DocumentsTOC.pdfhttp://../GS/Use-Acro.pdf


2/26

342 SURFCAM Reference Manual, Chapter 6 Wire EDM


There, a Stop command is inserted in the code to allow the operator to apply appropriate clamps

on the part. The Tab is then cut with a pass that ends at the entry Retract Point. Another Stopcommand is inserted so the waste material can be removed.

Next a number of Skim passes are executed beginning and ending at the entry Retract Point. The

Leadin and Leadout moves for Skim passes can be one of three types: Straight Line, Teardrop,

or Offset Curve Overlap.

After the final Skim pass the wire can be set to stop at the Retract Point or the Thread Point.

You can also use 2 Axis XY to cut multiple contours. Three strategies are available for the order

in which you perform initial passes, Tab cuts, and Skim passes.

Click NC > EDM > 2 Axis XY to display the 2 Axis EDM Contour dialog box. Refer to

After you click OK on the 2 Axis EDM Contour dialog box, SURFCAM will display the NC > EDM

> Select Chain menu.

There are two ways to create the toolpath.

If you have already created and color coded the Thread (green) and Start Points (red), click Auto

on the Select Chain menu. Click Visible on the Select menu, then click Done. Click Done on the

Select Chain menu.

Note: If you do not select a Start Point, SURFCAM will start at the point on the contour nearestthe Thread Point.

With the Auto > Visible method, red Start Points must be on the contour, not just near it.

Be sure to consider the width of the Tab when you select a Start Point. Gouges arepossible if either a Start Point or an End Point is too close to a sharp corner.

If you did not color code the Thread and Start Points, perform the following steps.

1. Chain the contour(s) to be cut, but do not click Done on the Select Chain menu until you have

selected the Thread and Start Points.

2. Click Thread. SURFCAM will display the Select Point menu. Select the Thread point(s) and

click Done.

Figure 2: Initial Pass Before Tab is Cut Figure 3: Skim Passes with Teardrop Lead moves

1. Section 6.2.1: Tool Information Tab on page 343, 3. Section 6.2.3: Skim Cut Tab on page 350

2. Section 6.2.2: Cut Control Tab on page 345, 4. Section 6.2.4: EDM Options Tab on page 351.

Figure 4: NC > EDM > 2 Axis XY > Select Chain


3/26


SURFCAM Reference Manual, Chapter 6 Wire EDM 3

3. Click Start Point. The Select Point Menu will be displayed. Select the Start Point(s) on or nea

each contour and click Done. Selected points not on the contour will be projected onto thecontour as the Start Points.

Click Done on the Select Chain menu.

You will be prompted to select the side to contour. After you click on the correct side of a contouSURFCAM will create the 2 Axis XY toolpath and display the tool motion on the screen. It will the

display the Keep Operation dialog box. Click Accept to keep the operation.

Note: To permanently save these toolpaths, you must use the Save command on the Filemenu to re-save the DSN file and the ICD file.

6.2.1 Tool Information Tab

Figure 5: 2 Axis EDM Contour Tool Information tab


4/26



Tool

The name of the currently selected tool is displayed. The corresponding tool reference

number is displayed on the button. To select a different tool, edit a tool record, or add anew tool, click the button to display a Select EDM Tool dialog box.

Refer to Section 6.3.1.1: Select an EDM Tool on page 357and Section 6.3.1.2: Edit or Add an EDM

Tool on page 359.

Material

The name of the currently selected material is displayed. The corresponding material

reference number is displayed on the button. To select a different material, edit a

material record, or add a new material, click the button to display the Select Materialdialog box.

Refer to the SURFCAM Getting Started Manual, Chapter 3: Common NC Parameters, Section

3.2.2: The Material Library on page 76.

Wire Diameter

This is the diameter of the EDM wire.

Thread Wire

Check this box to cause the EDM machine to automatically thread the wire.

Spark Gap

The distance to offset the tool path for spark compensation.

Submerge Tank

Check this box to cause the EDM machine to automatically fill the tank with fluid so the

material will be submerged.

Offset Register

Enter the number of the register used to store the offset value for the initial cut.

Initial Power Setting

Specify the power setting for the initial burn into the material.

Power Setting

Specify the power setting for the remainder of the burn along the contour.

Initial Feed Rate

Specify the XY axis feed rate, in inches per minute, for the initial burn into the material.

Feed Rate

Specify the XY axis feed rate, in inches per minute, for the remainder of the burn alongthe contour.

Work Offset

Enter the work offset for the operation. This value is used by the post processor todefine the desired fixture offset register.

Flushing

Specify the force that will be used to propel the flushing fluid down the wire. Your

choices are High, Medium, Low and None.
http://../GS/GSChap3.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap3.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap3.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap3.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap3.pdf


5/26



Program Number

Specify the program number that the EDM machine will use for the program.

On some controls, this is the O number at the top of the program. The largest numbe

accepted is 32,767.

Comments

You can place a comment into the tool change output during post processing as amessage to the operator.

Insert Post Processor Commands...

Refer to the SURFCAM Getting Started Manual, Chapter 3: Common NC Parameters, Section

3.2.3: Inline Text on page 78.

6.2.2 Cut Control Tab

Figure 6: 2 Axis EDM Contour Cut Control tab


6/26



Wire Compensation

This is the wire compensation type. The actual value used for wire compensation is the

value for Spark Gap on the Tool Information tab.

None

This method outputs the coordinates of the chained geometry. The output will not

include G41/G42 codes.

SURFCAM

This method outputs the compensated coordinates of the chained geometry. The

coordinates are adjusted by the value for Spark Gap. The output will not includeG41/G42 codes.

Control

This method outputs the coordinates of the chained geometry. The output will

include G41/G42 codes.

Both

This method outputs the compensated coordinates of the chained geometry. The

coordinates are adjusted by the value for Spark Gap. The output will include G41/G42 codes.

Compensation Side

Choose Right or Left as the side on which to cut the contour. The compensation will

apply to this side.

This is the distance from the contour of a point that is the beginning of a leadin move orthe end of a leadout move.

Sharp Corner Type

A sharp corner occurs when two sides of a part intersect at a point and create an interior

angle that is less than 180. The toolpath around a sharp corner can be one of threeshapes.

Taper

Taper is the value of the angle between the wire and the

normal to the part.

A positive value will create an edge that is beveled toward

the top of the part.

A negative angle will create an edge that is beveledtoward the bottom of the part.

A value of zero will create a part edge that is

perpendicular to the surface of the part.

Retract Distance

Figure 7: Positive Taper angle

Figure 8: Negative Taper angle


7/26



Overlap

Overlap is not currently active.

Lead In Out Type

This parameter controls the lead moves from a Retract Point to a Start Point or from a

End point to a Retract Point for Skim passes. SURFCAM will display the EDM Leadinand Out Information dialog box.

Sharp

Choose Sharp to force two consecutive parts ofthe toolpath to intersect at a point.

Figure 9: Sharp Corner

Round

Choose Round to force an arc to be inserted

between two parts of the tool path.

Figure 10: Round Corner

Loop

Choose Loop to force a loop to be insertedbetween two parts of the tool path.

Figure 11: Loop Corner

Figure 12: EDM Leadin and Out Information dialog box


8/26



Lead Type

Length

Length is not currently active.

Angle

Angle becomes active when Lead Type is Teardrop. This is the angular measure

of the arc in the teardrop lead move. It can have a value between 120and 180.

Radius

Radius becomes active when the Lead Type is Teardrop or Offset Curve Overlap.

This is the radius of the arc in each of these moves. This value must be less than

one fourth of the Tab width.

Feed Rate

Feed Rate is not currently active.

Stock To Leave

This is the stock to leave after the first pass.

Pre-drill Thread Points

Check this box to have the EDM machine pre-drill the thread points, if it has thatcapability.

Burn To Thread Point On Exit

Check this box to burn from the retract point to the thread point at the end of the last

skim cut.

Tab Width

Enter the length of the Tab or enter zero for no Tab.

Straight Line

The lead moves are along a line normal to

the contour. The wire makes a 90turn to

travel along the contour.

Teardrop

The lead moves consist of a line from the

Retract Point to one end of an arc whosemeasure can be from 120to 180.

The other end of the arc is located at theintersection of the normal to the contour

and the toolpath along the contour.

The arc is tangent to the toolpath. You will

enter the radius and angular measure of

this arc.

Offset Curve Overlap

This parameter is not currently active.

Figure 13: Straight Line

Figure 14: Teardrop


9/26



Tab Stop Code

A tab stop code is placed at the end of the first cutting pass after the wire has reache

the Retract Point. Another stop code is placed at the end of the pass that cuts the Tabut before the move to the other Retract Point.

OPSTOP

OPSTOP will cause a reading of the stop switch on the controller.

STOP

STOP will force an automatic stop.

Cut Strategy

When you cut multiple contours, you have three options for the order in which Rough(or initial) passes, Tab cuts, and Skim passes are performed.

Rough, Tab, Skim each profile

The Tab is cut after the Rough pass. Then the Skim passes are performed befor

SURFCAM moves to the next profile.

Rough, Skim, Tab each profile

The Skim passes are performed after the Rough pass. Then the Tab is cut beforSURFCAM moves to the next profile.

Rough and Skim each, then All Tabs

The Rough and Skim passes are performed, but not the Tab cut, before

SURFCAM moves to the next profile. All passes on all profiles are performedbefore SURFCAM cuts the Tabs on each profile.

Part Thickness

It is optional to enter the thickness of the material being cut.

Upper Guide Distance

This is the distance from the top of the work piece to the upper guide.

Lower Guide Distance

This is the distance from the bottom of the work piece to the lower guide.


10/26



Number of Skim Passes

Enter the number of skim passes to be made after the first pass.

Offset Register

Enter the number of the register to be used to store the offset value for each of the skimpasses.

Stock To Leave

This is the stock to leave at the end of each skim pass.

Power Setting

This is the power setting for each skim pass.

6.2.3 Skim Cut Tab

Figure 15: 2 Axis EDM Skim Cut tab


11/26



Flushing

Enter the Flushing force (None, Low, Medium or High) to use for each of the skim

passes.

Maximum Feed Between

When the wire finishes one pass and must move to the start of the next pass, it can

either rapid or feed across the part at the current feed rate setting. If the distance from

the end of one pass to the start of the next is smaller than the value specified here, th

wire will feed across.

Note: Too large a value could cause the tool to overcut the part by feeding throug

a narrow area. To avoid this, reduce the Maximum Feed Between size to les

than the distance to the start of the next pass.

6.2.4 EDM Options Tab

Figure 16: 2 Axis EDM Options tab


12/26



Constant / Cutter Radius

This controls how the value you enter in the accompanying box (on the left) will be

used.

Constant

The value you enter will be used for this parameter.

Cutter RadiusThe value you enter will be multiplied by the radius of the cutter selected to

determine this parameter.

Corner Angle (30150)

This is not currently available in Wire EDM.

Corner Clearance

This is not currently available in Wire EDM.

Side Clearance

This is the side clearance for the infeed and outfeed movements at the start and end ofeach pass.

Refer to Constant / Cutter Radius (p. 352).

Side Finishing Step Size

This is the default distance between finishing passes. This is the distance for the wire

to cut into the work on each finish pass. The default overlap is 80% of the wire radius.

Refer to Constant / Cutter Radius (p. 352).

Gouge Check

There are two options when developing toolpaths that affect the gouge checking.

Full

This is the default. SURFCAM will evaluate the entire profile before generating tool

paths. This guarantees that the tool path will not gouge the profile.Single

When creating a tool path that drives the center of the tool on the profile, select

this option. Otherwise the system will not machine all of the chained elements

when they intersect others.

Sort Type

Refer to the online SURFCAM Getting Started Manual, Chapter 6: 2 Axis, Sort Type on page187.

Display Thread Point Changes

Yes

SURFCAM will notify you when a thread (plunge) point is changed, and the reasonwhy the point was changed.

No

SURFCAM may change the thread point without notification.


13/26



Sharp Corner Angle

SURFCAM creates toolpaths by creating offsets from the contour or sides of a part. Th

offsets around a corner angle will be two lines that may or may not intersect.

The Sharp Corner Angle parameter tells SURFCAM how to fill the offset gap when a

sharp corner angle is between 5and 160.

5< Corner Angle < 160If a corner angle is in the range of 5to 160and is greater than the value you ente

for Sharp Corner Angle, SURFCAM will extend the offsets so they intersect at apoint.

If a corner angle in this range is less than or equal to the value you enter for Shar

Corner Angle, SURFCAM will close the offset gap with two lines, an arc, or a

loopdepending on your selection of Sharp, Round, or Loop for the Sharp CorneType parameter on the Cut Control tab.

Notes:

Corner Angle > 180

The lines will intersect. The wire path continue at the intersection.

160< Corner Angle < 180

Offsets of corner angles between 160and 180will not intersect, but SURFCAM

will automatically extend them so they do. The toolpath will then change directioat this intersection.

Corner Angle < 5

SURFCAM will close the gap between the two offsets by inserting an arc.

Curve Tolerance

SURFCAM will break all contour moves along a spline into linear moves along chord

connecting two points on the spline. When driving the tool along a spline curve,SURFCAM will adjust the length of the chordal moves to make sure that the contour never a greater distance from the chord than the value of the Curve Tolerance.

Restore Defaults

Restore the SURFCAM default values for EDM options.


14/26



The 4 Axis operation is used to make a single pass with the EDM wire in swarf cut mode. This

operation is available to end users with the SURFCAM 2 Axis PLUS system and above.

Before you use the 4 Axis operation you must:

Note: The Thread and Cut points must be on the side of the surface to be cut. They must be

located so the wire will not gouge the part as it moves from the Thread Point to the Start

Point and from the End Point to the Cut Point.

The Start Point of the cut will be the location on the bottom profile where the surface

arrow is attached.When you click 4 Axis on the NC > Wire EDM menu you will be prompted to Select a surface.

Select the surface by clicking its surface arrow. (Make sure the arrow is pointed in the right

direction.

The 4 Axis EDM dialog box will be displayed.

Refer to

1. Section 6.2.1: Tool Information Tab on page 343,

2. Section 6.3.2: Cut Control Tab on page 361, and

3. Section 6.2.4: EDM Options Tab on page 351.

Note: Since gouge checking is not currently implemented in 4 Axis EDM, it is recommended

that you enter a value of 0 for the Tool Diameter parameter on the Tool Information tab.

It is best to use the cutter compensation on the machine controller to control potentialgouges in narrow interior angles.

6.3 4 AXIS

1. Create a top profile;

2. Create a bottom profile;

3. Connect the two profiles with a

surface;

4. Edit the surface so the arrow is

A. attached along the bottom

profile;

B. pointed to the outside of the

surface;

C. pointing in the direction of the

cut;

5. Create a Thread Point;

6. Create a Cut Point (the locationwhere the wire will be cut).

Figure 17: 4 Axis EDM Example


15/26



It is also recommended that you enter a value of 0 for the Curve Tolerance on the Cu

Control tab. This will prevent a tool move that is within the allowable chordal deviatiofrom cutting off the tip of a sharp exterior corner.

After you click OK on the 4 Axis EDM dialog box, the Select Point menu will be displayed and yo

will be prompted to Select the thread point of the wire. Click on the Thread Point.

You will then be prompted to Select cut point. Click the Cut Point.

SURFCAM will create the 4 Axis toolpath and display the tool motion on the screen. It will then

display the Keep Operation dialog box. Click Accept to keep the operation.


6.3.1 Tool Information Tab

Figure 18: 4 Axis EDM dialog box


16/26



Tool

The name of the currently selected tool is displayed. The corresponding tool reference

number is displayed on the button. To select a different tool, edit a tool record, or add anew tool, click the button to display a Select EDM Tool dialog box.

Refer to Section 6.3.1.1: Select an EDM Tool on page 357and Section 6.3.1.2: Edit or Add an EDM

Tool on page 359.

Material

The name of the currently selected material is displayed. The corresponding materialreference number is displayed on the button. To select a different material, edit a

material record, or add a new material, click the button to display the Select Material

dialog box.

Refer to the SURFCAM Getting Started Manual, Chapter 3: Common NC Parameters, Section3.2.2: The Material Library on page 76.

Tool Number

Specifies the tool number for the upcoming cutting cycle.

Diameter OffsetThe diameter offset numbernot a diameter measurementto be used with this tool.

On most NC machines a D or an H number appears in the code to identify whichoffset number to activatenot the distance to offset the tool.

Initial Power Setting

This value is used by the machine for the initial burn into the material.

Power Setting

Power Setting is sometimes called EPAC. This value is used by the machine for the

length of the contour.

Feed Rate

Feed Rate is sometimes called velocity. Specify the XY axis feed rate in inches perminute.

Taper Angle

The angle of the wire as it moves along the contour.

Spark Gap

The distance to offset the tool path for spark compensation. The system does not

include this offset in the tool path, rather it is used by the control.

Wire Feed

If the machine has the ability to automatically feed the wire through the material, set this

to Yes.

Program Number

Specifies the program number that the NC machine will use for the program beinggenerated. On some controls, this is the O number at the top of the program. The

largest number accepted is 32,767.


17/26



Comments

You can place a comment into the tool change output during post processing as a

message to the operator.

Insert Post Processor Commands...

Refer to the SURFCAM Getting Started Manual, Chapter 3: Common NC Parameters, Section3.2.3: Inline Text on page 78.

To select an EDM tool, click the button after the description of the current tool.

6.3.1.1 Select an EDM Tool

Figure 19: Tool and Material Buttons on Tool Information Tab

Figure 20: Select EDM Tool dialog box.

Go to first record. Add EDM tool to library.

Go to previous record. Edit / Save the current tool information.

Go to next record. Delete the current tool record.

Go to last record.

Figure 21: Select EDM Tool dialog box Toolbar


18/26



Tables

This box is available so you can select from different tool tables that you might

have.

Available Tools

This list box will display the available EDM tools. The tool reference number and

description appear in the list. Selecting a tool from the list selects its parameters

as the ones that will be used in the next NC EDM operation. You can change thevalue of the tool parameters in the text fields, but the changes affect only the

current operation and are not saved in the EDM tool library.

EDM Tool Parameters List Box

The EDM tool parameters that can be changed are displayed in the EDM Tool

Parameters list box next to the Available Tools list box.

Spark Gap

This value defines the distance to offset the tool path for spark compensation. The

system does not include this offset in the tool path, rather it is used by the control.

Diameter

The diameter of the wire.

Initial Power

This value is used by the machine for the initial burn into the material.

Power Setting

This value is used by the machine for the length of the contour.

Wire Feed

If the machine has the ability to automatically feed the wire through the material,set this to Yes.

Figure 22: EDM tool parameter list box


19/26



Reference Number

The tool reference number. This number is used to look up the tool in the EDM too

library and must be unique. (Hint: Choose a reference number before selecting th

add tool button. There are usually unused reference numbers following each

group of tools. Use one of these numbers when adding new tools to the list.)

Tool Description

The description of the tool as it is to appear in the EDM tool list box on the SelecEDM Tool dialog box. This is limited to 40 characters. (The default descriptions

provided include information such as the size and tool material type.)

Tool Number

An integer value that indicates the station in the machines tool carousel that wihold the current tool. If the machine being used has no tool carousel, the post

processor for that machine will ignore any entry for Tool Number.

6.3.1.2 Edit or Add an EDM Tool

New tools can be added to the EDM tool library.Features of an existing tool can be edited.

Click the Edit/Save button or the Add EDM Tool button

to display the EDM Tool Information dialog box.

Figure 23:

Edit/ Save ToolFigure 24:

Add EDM Too

Figure 25: Use this dialog box to edit an EDM tool or add a new EDM tool to the EDM tool librar


20/26



Length Offset

Not applicable to Wire EDM.

Diameter Offset

Diameter Offset is an integer value that tells the post processor the number of thecontroller register in which the diameter offset value will be stored. For many

controllers this is the D number.

Tool Material

The material from which the tool is made.

Default Coolant

The default flushing to be used with the wire. This can be Off, Flood or Mist.

Drawing Files

Specify the files used to draw the tool and the tool holder. When tool paths are

being drawn, you can press the tab key to toggle through displaying just the tool,

the tool and the tool holder, or neither the tool nor the holder. The file in the Toollist box contains the design for the tool.

Click the ... button to display the Select Tool Drawing File dialog box which isused to select an existing tool file.

These tool files are design files in the same format as a DSN file except they are

given the TLE file extension. The default directory for storing TLE files is C:\

SURFCAM\Tool.

Spark Gap, Diameter, Initial Power, Power Setting, Wire Feed

Refer to Section 6.3.1.1: Select an EDM Tool on page 357.

Chip Load Per Flute

Not applicable to Wire EDM.

Figure 26: Select Tool Drawing File dialog box


21/26



This section describes the parameters that appear on the 4 Axis and the 4 Axis UV EDM Cu

Control tabs.

Cutting Method

On

This is used to drive the center line of the wire directly along the path of the chaine

elements.

Right

SURFCAM drives the tool to the right side of the contour, based on the chaining

direction.

LeftSURFCAM drives the tool to the left side of the contour, based on the chaining

direction.

6.3.2 Cut Control Tab

Figure 27: Cut Control tab for Wire EDM


22/26



Curve Tolerance

SURFCAM will break all contour moves along a spline into linear moves along a chord

between two points on the spline. When driving the tool around a spline curve,SURFCAM will adjust the length of the chordal moves to make sure that the edge of thecontour is never a greater distance from the chord than the value of the curve tolerance.

Side Clearance (type)

A side clearance move is a linear move that is perpendicular to the beginning of a leadinmove or the end of a leadout move. If lead moves have not been defined (if Lead Type

is None), a side clearance move will be perpendicular to the part contour. Sideclearance moves are commonly used for applying cutter compensation. They are alsooften used to position the tool away from the profile to avoid leaving a dwell mark.

The Side Clearance (type) parameter indicates the cutting situation in which a side

clearance move will be applied.

None

No side clearance moves are applied.

On All

Apply side clearance moves to all lead moves.

With Cutter Comp

This will force the post processor to add diameter compensation codes to theinfeed and outfeed moves in the final NCC programG41, G42 and G40 on mostmachines.

Side Clearance Amount

This is the length of the perpendicular side clearance moves (infeed and outfeed moves

to and from lead moves). When no leadout move has been defined this is the value of

the leadout move, away from the part, along a perpendicular to the part.

When you set the Side Clearance (type) to be With Cutter Comp, the Side Clearance

(value) must be larger than the value stored in the corresponding diameter offsetregister on the machine, otherwise the machine may not be able to correctly cut the

contour. Cutter or diameter compensation involves making an adjustment for the

difference between the programmed tool diameter and the diameter of the actual toolthat is used.

Finish Passes

SURFCAM automatically incorporates finish passes into the cycle if you enter a non-

zero number. For a single pass around the contour, set this value to 1 or zero. You can,

however, have as many finish passes as desired. Each pass will remove the amount of

stock entered in the Finish Spacing parameter.

Finish SpacingSpecify the amount of stock to be removed in each finish pass.


23/26



Stock To Leave

This cutting operation will leave the stockin the amount of the value enteredon th

sides of the contour.

Leadin Move / Leadout Move

SURFCAM can add linear motion or arc motion that causes the tool to approach and

depart the workpiece with a tangent move. Click the Leadin Move / Leadout Move

buttons to display the Leadin Information / Leadout Information dialog boxes. Thesedialog boxes are the same as those used in 2 Axis cutting. Refer to the SURFCAM GettinStarted Manual, Chapter 6: 2 Axis, Section 6.1.2.1: Leadin/Leadout Parameters2 Axis on page

177.

Refer to Section 6.2.4: EDM Options Tab on page 351.

The 4 Axis UV operation is used to trim excess material from the edge or periphery of a part.One application is to trim the edges of a part that has been formed from a relatively thin sheet o

material by some process such as vacuum forming or stamping.

6.3.3 EDM Options Tab

6.4 4 AXIS UV TRIM

The The toolpath is directed by a trimming curve that coincides

with the final edge of the part. During the 4 Axis UV operation, the

outside edge of the tool is tangent to the trimming curve. Thecenter of the tool is offset to one side or the other of the trimming

curve. This makes it possible to trim material from the edges of ahole in the interior of a part as well as material from the outer

edges. Doing both on the same part requires two separate 4 Axis

UV operations.

The angle between the top surface of the part and the edge that

is cut by the side of the tool is determined by direction lines thatyou attach to the trimming curve at appropriate locations. The

angle at which the direction lines intersect the surface is the angle

at which the tool will cut. If a direction line is normal to the surfaceat a given location, the angle between the surface and the edge

will be 90. The size of the cutting angle, as the tool moves from

the location of one direction line to the next, will change in asmooth transition.

Direction lines must be attached to the trimming curve at end

points of elements that make up that curve. If you must put a

direction line between the end points of an element (such as a

spline, an arc or a line), you must use the Break 1 command onthe Edit > Trim/Break menu to break that element where it

intersects the direction line.

Figure 28: A trimming curve

Figure 29: Trimming curve with

direction lines
http://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdfhttp://../GS/GSChap6.pdf


24/26



To access the 4 Axis UV operation, click 4 Axis UV on the NC > Wire EDM menu.

The Trim Curve chaining menu will be displayed and you will be prompted to Select beginning

element of trimming curve.

After you complete the chaining of the trimming curve, the EDM 4 Axis UV Trim dialog box will be

displayed.

Figure 30: Views showing tool tilted to follow direction lines

Figure 31: EDM 4 Axis UV Trim Tool Information dialog box


25/26



Refer to

1. Section 6.3.1: Tool Information Tab on page 355,

2. Section 6.3.2: Cut Control Tab on page 361, and

3. Section 6.2.4: EDM Options Tab on page 351.

After you click OK on the EDM 4 Axis UV Trim dialog box, the Select menu will be displayed. Yo

will be prompted to Select tool direction lines or vectors. Select the lines or vectors and clickDone.

You will then be prompted to Select offset side. Click on the appropriate side of the trimmingcurve.

SURFCAM will create the trim toolpath and display the tool motion on the screen. The Keep

Operation dialog box will be displayed. Click Ok to keep the operation.


The Options command displays the NC Option dialog box which contains all the NC mode Option

tabs. It provides a convenient way to view and/or edit the EDM Options tab and the tabs of the

other NC modes at the same time.

The EDM Options tab parameters are described in Section 6.3.3: EDM Options Tab on page 363.

6.5 OPTIONS

Wire Cut EDM2

Documents

Transcript of Wire Cut EDM2