cnc kad user manual

7/25/2019 cnc kad user manual

1/50

cncKad

Cutting Tutorial


2/50

LaserTutEng.2006.85.001


3/50

Laser Cutting Tutorial

iii

Copyright 2006

Metalix CAD/CAM.

All Rights Reserved

Limited Warranty

Metalix CAD/CAMWarrants the software will perform substantially in accordance with theaccompanying printed materials. Metalix CAD/CAMdoes not warrant that the functionscontained in the software will meet your requirements or that the operation of the softwarewill be uninterrupted or error-free.

Limitation of Liabilities

In no event willMetalix CAD/CAMor its suppliers be liable for direct, indirect, special,

incidental, contingent, consequential or similar damages of any kind resulting from any defectin the software or documentation, including without limitation, any lost profits or savings.

Metalix CAD/CAM LTD.

Koranit

D.N. Misgav 20181

ISRAEL

Tel: (972) 4-9998436

Fax: (972) 4-9998519

E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright 2006


4/50

cncKad

iv


5/50


v

Table of Contents

Laser Cutting Tutorial .................................................................................................... 7

Laser Tutorial Overview and Aims.............................................................................7

How to use this Tutorial..........................................................................................7

A brief explanation about Clicking.......................................................................... 7

1 Exercise 1 Basic Drafting and Cutting ................................................................. 91.1 Overview............................................................................................................ 9

1.1.1 What you will learn in this exercise: ............................................................ 9

1.1.2 Tips ............................................................................................................. 9

1.2 Creating a New Part ........................................................................................10

1.3 Selecting the Active Machine Model................................................................11

1.4 Positioning Holes with Help Lines ...................................................................12

1.5 Creating the Inner Rectangle...........................................................................13

1.6 Filleting Contours............................................................................................. 16

1.7 Geometry Checks............................................................................................16

1.8 Saving the Part ................................................................................................ 17

1.9 Cutting the Part................................................................................................17

1.10Defining the Sheet Size ...................................................................................19

1.11Generating the NC Code .................................................................................22

1.12Simulating the NC Program.............................................................................23

1.12.1Running the Simulation............................................................................. 23

1.13Summary .........................................................................................................24

2 Exercise 2 Setting Cuts Manually ...................................................................... 25

2.1 Overview..........................................................................................................25

2.1.1 What you will learn in this exercise: ..........................................................25

2.2 Saving a File Under a New Name ................................................................... 25

2.3 Adding a Dimension ........................................................................................ 25

2.4 Stretching the Part...........................................................................................26

2.5 Deleting Existing Cuts on the Part...................................................................27

2.6 Setting Auto Cut Definitions.............................................................................28

2.7 Setting Individual Cuts.....................................................................................28

2.8 Summary .........................................................................................................30

3 Exercise 3 Advanced Drafting ...........................................................................31

3.1 Overview..........................................................................................................31

3.1.1 What you will learn in this exercise: ..........................................................313.2 Creating Notches and Bend Relief ..................................................................31

3.3 Trimming Lines ................................................................................................ 34

3.4 Adding a Rectangular Hole.............................................................................. 35

3.5 Chamfering a Corner ....................................................................................... 36

3.6 Filleting Corners and Contour..........................................................................36

3.7 Creating a Circular Array ................................................................................. 37

3.8 Creating Rectangular Arrays ........................................................................... 39


6/50

cncKad

vi

3.9 Adding a Marking Point ................................................................................... 40

3.10Summary .........................................................................................................41

4 Exercise 4 - Advanced Cutting Definitions............................................................42

4.1 Overview..........................................................................................................42

4.1.1 What you will learn in this exercise: ..........................................................42

4.2 Cutting a Previously Cut Part ..........................................................................424.2.1 Deleting Cuts ............................................................................................42

4.2.2 Replacing Cutting Definitions with Auto Cut..............................................42

4.3 What Are Cutting Tables .................................................................................42

4.3.1 Cutting Tables Example............................................................................43

4.4 Corner Treatment ............................................................................................ 45

4.4.1 Max Angle ................................................................................................. 45

4.5 The Global Cut Tab ......................................................................................... 45

4.6 Rounding Corners ...........................................................................................45

4.7 Slowing ............................................................................................................ 47

4.8 Using Loops.....................................................................................................474.8.1 Editing Corner Parameters .......................................................................48

4.8.2 Setting Corner Parameters .......................................................................48

4.9 Point Marking...................................................................................................48

4.9.1 Options for Marking...................................................................................48

4.10Summary .........................................................................................................49

5 Index ..................................................................................................................... 50


7/50


7


Laser Tutorial Overview and AimsThis Tutorial is designed to give the newcomer to cncKada quick and easy start withthe program, while teaching the use of some of the most common commands. The

exercises are set out so that the user may work with the program in conjunction withthis book.

The exercises are of varying difficulty, each one designed to teach the new user adifferent aspect of the program - various drafting techniques as well as utilizing lasercutting technology. Each exercise is accompanied by detailed steps that allow a newuser to create and learn everything from the easiest to the most complicatedprocedures within the program.

Having completed the exercises in this book you will be able to successfully drawand cut your own sheet metal parts, using many of the commands in cncKad. Youwill be able to take the geometry and cuts and create a working NC program that canbe sent to your machine.

This Tutorial should be used in conjunction with the cncKad Drafting & NestingManualand the cncKad Laser Manual. Working with these manuals will give you theultimate reference and teaching tool.

How to use this Tutorial

The first page of each chapter shows the part we will create during the exercise.Throughout the exercise you will find tips that will help you create the draft and thencut it. These tips will be denoted by the sign, e.g.:

The Shapescommands are quick and easy methods for building

different contours that are typical to the sheet metal industries.

You may want to try creating these parts before looking at the following pages for thedetailed explanation and part creation steps.

This book is written for work in conjunction with version 8 of cncKad. If you have the

DOS version of cncKad please refer to the appropriate books.If you have a different version of cncKad Windows, while most of the exercises andcommands are compatible, you may find slight discrepancies between thecommands and the procedures as listed here and your software. If such a case,please consult the user manual that came with your copy of the program or theupdate pamphlet.

A brief explanation about Cl icking

When working with cncKad, it is important to remember that the basic unit of draftingis the Entity.

An Entity can be a Line, an Arc, a Circle or a Point.

As you create parts, you will often need to choose a specific Entity or processing

definition for manipulation.When you click your mouse to choose a specific Entity, it is imperative you rememberthat cncKad uses the following rules to interpret your action:

1. Which Entity has been chosen?

2. Which Endpoint of the entity has been chosen? (lines and arcs have 2Endpoints)


8/50

cncKad

8

3. Which Side of the Entity has been chosen?1

The following example illustrates this interpretation process:

When selecting a processing definition, you must still select the Entity

associated with this definition.

LineAhas been cut; if you wish to manipulate this processing (e.g. change CuttingSpeed), you can click on points 1or 2, but NOT on 3, 4or 5.

1When clicking on an Entity that is in a closed Contour, your click represents a choice of

Inside\Outside for this Contour.


9/50


9

1 Exercise 1 Basic Drafting and Cutting

1.1 OverviewThe aim of this first exercise is to give you the ability to open a new file in cncKad,create a basic drawing, place cuts on the drawing and simulate the NC code created

from the geometry.In this exercise we will be creating the following part:

1.1.1 What you wil l learn in this exercise:

1. Opening a new part file.

2. Selecting the active machine for a workstation.3. Placing shapes and holes on the part.

4. Creating inner rectangle.

5. Creating fillets.

6. Running geometry checks.

7. Saving a part.

8. Adding laser cuts.

9. Defining the sheet size.

10. Generating NC code.

11. Simulating the NC.

1.1.2 Tips

When the new drawing is opened a rectangle is created this will be thebasis for drawing the part.

The bottom left corner of the draft is placed at coordinate position X=0, Y=0.

You can position the shapes and circles using absolute coordinates.

You can use Help Linesto find a position on the part.


10/50

cncKad

10

1.2 Creating a New Part

1. Double click on the cncKadIcon to open cncKad.

2. From the Filemenu (at the top of the screen) select the New => New Part

option, or click the New PartButton from the Standardtoolbar. Thefollowing dialog will be displayed.

The procedure for opening new files in cncKadis the same as for

opening any new file in Windows programs - press the Ctrl+N

combination on your Keyboard.

3. In the File Namebox type Exer1 instead of Part1. You can do this bydouble-clicking on the name "Part1" and then typing-in the new name. Whenyou are done, click on the Savebutton.

4. The following dialog will now be displayed:


11/50


11

Remember that you define the size of the part when you open a new part

and not the size of the sheet.

If you make a mistake while typing the values - use the Backspace key to

erase the value and retype it, and the Tab key to move between fields.

5. This dialog allows you to define the part Size, sheet Material and Thickness.In Part Size, set the Xsize to 300and Ysize to 200.

6. Select a material from the drop-down list and define the thickness as 1mm.Leave all the rest of the options at their defaults. For the time being we willnot fill out the User Data options, so just click on the OKbutton to confirmyour part definitions.

The User Data tab allows the user to associate certain information with

the part, for instance - Order Number, Drawing Name, Revisions, and

Notes. This information can then be inserted in the Report File.

7. A white rectangle of the defined size will appear on the screen.

1.3 Selecting the Active Machine ModelIt often happens that a workstation supports more than one machine model, forexample one (or more) for laser cutting and one (or more) for punching.

Before beginning to draft the part, we should make sure that we are working on alaser cutting machine.

To select the machine model that will be the active one:

1. Click on the Machine button at the left side of the cncKad window.


12/50

cncKad

12

2. A list will open with the models that are installed on this workstation, with theactive one marked by a check mark:

3. To change the active machine, simply click on the one you want.

1.4 Positioning Holes with Help LinesIn this stage we will be placing holes on the drawing and positioning them bysnapping them to intersections of the Help Lines.

We will place these Help Lines on the drawing in order to enable the exactpositioning of the holes.

Help Lines are always displayed as green lines that cross the entire

extent of the screen.

Any position can be located by entering the absolute coordinate, but

sometimes it is easier to use Help Lines to find the position.

1. From the Help Linestoolbar click the

Parallel Help-Line by Distance button.

2. In the dialog that appears define a distance of 50and click on the OKbutton.

3. Position the Help Line by clicking the mouse on the inner side of the leftvertical line.

4. Repeat this for the right vertical line.

5. Press the Space bar and re-define the parallel distance as 30. Click the OKbutton to close the dialog.

6. Click the bottom horizontal line on its inner side, and then click the tophorizontal line on its inner side. The result should be as shown below:

7. From the ShapesToolbar

select the Draw Circ lebutton . The following dialog box will be displayed:


13/50


13

8. Define a diameter of 15and click on theApplybutton.

9. The dialog will disappear and you will be able to move the circle with thecursor. Click on the Snap=Autobutton on the top left side of the screen. Amenu will appear, from this menu select the Snap Intersectionoption (orpress F7).

You can define any Snap position as the default by clicking on the Snap

button at the top left of the screen, and selecting the Snap position from

the menu e.g. Endpoint, Center, and Intersection etc.

Unless defined otherwise a help line will automatically "snap" to the

nearest snap point. This can be an endpoint of a line, a center of a circle

or line and an intersection between two entities.

10. Position the cursor near the intersection of the help lines and click the mouse.

The circle will snap to the intersection. Repeat this for the other three holes.

11. From the Delete toolbar click theDelete Help-Linesbutton

.

12. The Select Optiontoolbar will open. ClicktheAbutton (or press the letter A on your keyboard) and press Entertoconfirm the selection.

13. Press Esc and clean the screen by clicking on the Redraw button (or

press F2). The part should appear as shown below:

1.5 Creating the Inner RectangleIn this stage we will be creating a rectangle by using the help lines to define therectangle corners. We will then draw a line by snapping to the intersections of thehelp lines. There are also other methods for creating rectangles - for instance youcould use the Shapes options.


14/50

cncKad

14

The Shapes commands allow you to build certain shapes parametrically,

i.e. you define the dimensions and orientation of the shapes, and to place

them on the drawing.

There are eleven types of shapes available (from the Shapestoolbar or

from the Draw=> Shapesmenu) -

o

RectangleoOval

oSingle-D

oDouble-D

oTrapeze (Connector)

oBolt Hole

oBanana Shape

oEllipse

oPunched Sheet

oTriangle

oPolygon

1. From the Help Lines toolbar click on the Vertical Help Linebutton .

2. Click the cursor on the bottom horizontal line, near the middle of the line. Agreen, vertical help line will be placed through the midpoint of this line.

3. From the same toolbar click on the Horizontal Help Linebutton .

4. Now click the left vertical line near the midpoint. The part should now besimilar to the drawing shown below.

5. From the Help Lines toolbar select the Parallel Help Line by Distancebutton

. The distance dialog box will appear, enter a value of 100and click onthe OKbutton.

6. Click the vertical help line on either its left or right side. A new help line will beplaced 100mm from the original vertical help line.

7. Click the other side of the (vertical) center help line. There should now bethree vertical help lines with a 100mm distance between each of them.

8. Click on the Parallel Help-Line by Distancebutton again and re-enter thevalue as 50. Click the OKbutton, and click the horizontal help line once oneach side. Now the part should be as on the picture shown below.


15/50


15

9. Click the Line, Auto-Snapbutton from the Shapes Toolbar.

The Line, Auto Snapcommand automatically snaps the cursor to the

nearest Snap position. There is no need to place the cursor exactly at the

desired position. The start and endpoint of the lines will be placed at the

closest snapping positions.The Line, Auto Snapoption is a quick and accurate way of snapping to

intersections created by the help lines.

The user can define any snap position as the default by clicking on the

Snapbutton at the top left of the screen, and selecting the snap position

from the menu i.e. Endpoint, Center, Intersectionetc.

10. With the aid of the cursor click the four intersections of the help lines, asshown below, and then click the first one again (to close the rectangle).

11. Press the right mouse button. This is the Escapebutton and closes thecommand.

12. From the Delete Toolbar click on the Delete Help Lines button . Click theAbutton and then Enterto delete all the help lines.

13. Click on the Redraw button from the Zoom Toolbar to clean the screen.

The screen can be redrawn any time by using the button.

Use the Zooming commands to enlarge a portion of the drawing to

enable accurate work.


16/50

cncKad

16

1.6 Filleting ContoursIn this stage we will be placing fillet radii on the outer and inner contours.

1. From the Edittoolbar click the Filletbutton .The following menu will appear:

The Fillet menu gives you the options of creating one single fillet on a

corner, or of creating the same fillet radius on every corner making up a

closed contour, or of creating fillet radiuses on every corner of the part.

2. Select the second option the Contourcommand.

3. Click the inner rectangle on one of its lines. When asked if "OK to filletselected contour ", press the Yesbutton.

4. TheRadius Definit iondialog will be displayed. Define a radius of 10and

click the OKbutton. The inner contour will be filleted on all four corners.5. Click the outer contour. The contour will be highlighted and you will be asked

again if this is the correct contour, click on the Yesbutton. Define a radius of20and click on the OKbutton. The outer contour will be filleted.

6. The part should now be as shown below:

1.7 Geometry ChecksWe will now check the part for any errors or problems.

It is important to execute these checks before entering the cutting stage, so thatcncKadwill be able to recognize the part correctly.

These checks not only verify the legality of the existing geometry, but also repair it, ifneeded you can choose to delete duplicate entities (e.g. Circles placed on top of

each other), join all the breaks in the geometry, examine the part to see if all thecontours are connected properly.

1. From the Viewmenu (at the top of the screen) select the Checkoption, or

click the Checkbutton .

2. The dialog, as shown below, will be displayed. Make sure that the options areset as shown:


17/50


17

3. Press the OKbutton, to execute the checks. If there are any gaps in contoursbigger than 1mm, the examination process will stop, a red Xwill be placed atthat position and you will be allowed to press Enter to continue with thechecks.

Gaps in the contours that are smaller than 1mm will be repaired

automatically. The size of the repaired gap can be set by editing the

Connect Tolerancefield.

1.8 Saving the PartIt is important to save your part after each important change you make, so that youwill not loose a lot of work if there is a problem. To do this, select the Savebutton

from the Filetoolbar.

You can also do this by pressing the Ctrl+Skey combination on your

Keyboard.

If you want to change the parts name select Save Asfrom the Filemenu. Thefollowing dialog will appear:

Type-in a new name for the file and click the Savebutton. The dialog will disappearand the part will be saved under the new name.

1.9 Cutting the PartThe parts drawing is now complete, and it is time to cut it.


18/50

cncKad

18

The cuts will be presented on the drawing as yellow lines, placed to one

side of the contour (white) lines.

To cut the part we will use the Auto Cut option.

Click theAuto Cut button on the Commontoolbar, and the following dialog willopen:

At this point we will not go into all the options this dialog offers - simply click the Run button.

The part will be cut automatically (as you will see from the addition of the yellowcutting lines), and the following message will appear:

Confirm by clicking OKand view your part:


19/50


19

The dotted lines are the Rapid Tool Path. You can turn this feature on

and off from the Viewmenu, or by pressing the Alt+Bkeyboard

combination.

The Entry into a cut is marked with the circular piercinggraphic:

1.10 Defining the Sheet SizeWe will now define the size of the sheet, the number of parts that fit on it and theoffsets of the actual parts from the sheets edges.

When defining a sheet size, cncKad will attempt to fit in as many part

copies as possible. These copies are called "multiple parts". The amount

of parts that fit on the sheet is displayed in the Number of Partsfields,below the Sheet Sizedefinition fields.

1. Click the Set Sheet and Clampsbutton from the Commontoolbar (youcan also access this dialog from the CAMmenu).

2. The following dialog will appear. Go to the Sheettab and define the SheetSizeand the Offsetsas shown below:


20/50

cncKad

20

3. Click on the Parttab and note the Distance between Partssection; here youcan define the distances of each part from the next.

It is important to separate the parts enough to allow for the Entryand

Exitfor the cuts of the parts outer contours.


21/50


21

4. Confirm the new definitions by clicking the OKbutton. Your sheet should nowlook like this:


22/50

cncKad

22

Remember to Saveyour work periodically.

1.11 Generating the NC CodeIt is now time to convert the parts drawing and cutting definitions into NC code.

1. Click the button in the Commontoolbar, or open the Filemenu andselect the Post Processoption.

2. The User Datadialog will open; at this point we will ignore it. Click the Nextbutton continue.

3. This dialog shows you for which machine this NC code is being generated(which post processor is being used).

4. This dialog deals with Laser Optimization. You can leave the definitions asthey are, or set different ordering for the cuts. For now, accept the defaultsand click the Nextbutton.

5. This dialog enables you to add Tool Functionsto your cuts. Again, click the

Nextbutton to skip it.6. This dialog is the Post Processor Options. Here you can define the name

and directory for the NC file, whether or not to create a Report file and variousother options. For now accept the defaults and click the Finishbutton.

7. The Post Processor will start and when it finishes you will receive a summarysuch as the following:


23/50


23

8. Click the OKbutton and the Simulation program will open showing yoursheet.

1.12 Simulating the NC ProgramAfter the Post Processor finishes, the Simulation program opens showing your sheet:

As you can see, there are two main elements in the Simulations screen:

A graphic representation of the sheet.

The NC code generated for this sheet (on the right side).

1.12.1 Running the Simulation

The simulations running and speed are controlled by the Executetoolbar:


24/50

cncKad

24

To run the simulation, simply click the Run button .

To Pauseor Stopit, use the and buttons.

To adjust the speed, use the slider .

You can also run the NC code line after line:

1. Click the Linebutton on the left side of screen so that it shows Line=ON.

2. Click the Run button to move from one line to the next one.

To exit the simulation from the Filemenu select the Exitoption.

1.13 SummaryIn this exercise we created a simple part, used theAuto Cut feature to process it,defined a sheet size and created multiple parts, generated NC code for it and run thiscode in the Simulation.

You might want to create a few parts on your own and process them to gain some

confidence before continuing to the next exercise, which will be more advanced.


25/50


25

2 Exercise 2 Setting Cuts Manually

2.1 OverviewIn this exercise we will use the part we created in Exercise 1 to see how we canmanually set the cuts on our part.


1. Adding Dimensions

2. Stretching

3. Setting Auto Cut definitions

4. Editing individual cuts

2.2 Saving a File Under a New NameBecause we will now make changes to the part, it is good procedure to save it undera new name:

1. Select Save Asfrom the Filemenu. The following dialog will appear:

2. Type-in Exer2 in the File namefield and click the Savebutton.

The dialog will close and the part will be saved under the new name.

2.3 Adding a DimensionAmong the other drafting tools, cncKadenables you to add dimensions on your part:

1. From the Dimensiontoolbar , select the

Add Dimension button .


26/50

cncKad

26

2. TheAdd Dimension/Text dialog will open. Define the parameters as bellowand click OK:

3. Click on the parts left side and then on its right side. A Dimension line will bedrawn on the cursor, moving as it moves.

4. Move the cursor above the part and click. The Dimension will positioned andits size shown:

2.4 Stretching the PartIt often happens that you want to re-size a part, or a section of it:

1. From the Transformtoolbar , select the

Stretchbutton .

2. The cursor will change to a cross with a Wletter. This indicates that you needto select a window to perform the Stretch. Click positions 1and 2as shown


27/50


27

below:

Entities that are entirely inside the Stretching window will be moved, not

re-sized note the two round holes.

3. This defines the Entities that will undergo the Stretching. The Stretchdialogwill open; set dXvalue of 50and click OK:

4. The part will be re-sized as below:

Note that the cutting definitions have been updated, and also that theDimension now shows the new size.

2.5 Deleting Existing Cuts on the Part

1. From the Delete toolbar, click theDelete CAMsbutton .

2. Click theAButton (or press the letter A on the Keyboard) and press Enter.

3. From the Zoomtoolbar, click the Zoom Partbutton (or press F5).

As you can see all the cuts have been removed from the part.


28/50

cncKad

28

2.6 Setting Auto Cut Definitions

The changes we make here are reserved for specialized cases usually

the standard setting should be used.

We will now add new cuts, using manual definitions.

1. Click theAuto Cut button on the Commontoolbar, and theAuto Cut willopen.

2. Un-check the Use Technology table for Entry and Exitoption, andApproach and Exit sections will be un-grayed:

3. For theApproachand the Exit, set the Geo-Typeand Lengthparametersas above, click the Run button, and the part will be cut with the newdefinitions.

4. Using the Zoom Windowbutton zoom to the inner rectangle, to thesection with the Entry and the Exit:

Note that the Entry (marked with the piercing) is much longer and steeperthan the Exit, as per our definitions.

When you set the Auto Cut Approach/Exitdefinitions, you do it for the

entire part zoom-in to other contours on the part to see this.

2.7 Setting Individual CutsWe will now see how to change the cutting definitions for an individual cut.


29/50


29

1. From the CAMtoolbar , click the Edit CAMbutton

.

You can also press the letter Eon your keyboard.

2. Click anywhere near the parts outer contour, and the Edit Contour Cutdialog will open:

3. Define the Contour Overlapas 5, and click OK. Zoom-in to note thedifference in the cut:

Before: After:


30/50

cncKad

30

4. Click on one of the holes and the Edit Contour Cutdialog will open. For theExit, define the Geo-TypeasArc 90, and the Lengthas 4.

5. Click OKto confirm the new definitions, and the hole should now look like:

6. Do the same for the other three holes and Saveyour part.

2.8 SummaryIn this exercise we learnt how to manually set Auto Cut to create cuts to suit ourneeds, and how to edit individual cuts after they have been created.

You may want to play around with these features, to see the effects of variousdefinitions.


31/50


31

3 Exercise 3 Advanced Drafting

3.1 OverviewIn this exercise we will create a more intricate part, using some new commands.

We will also be using commands we have used before, so some of the explanations

are less explicit.In this exercise we will be creating the following part:

3.1.1 What you wil l learn in this exercise:1. Notching.

2. Bend Relief.

3. Trimming.

4. Filleting single corners.

5. Chamfering corners.

6. Round and Rectangular Arrays.

3.2 Creating Notches and Bend Relief1. Start a new part, name it Exer3 and give the dimensions Xequals 250and

Yequals 150.


32/50

cncKad

32

2. From the Edittoolbar click the Notchbutton . The following menu willappear:

3. Set the parameters as above, click OK, and the part near the bottom leftcorner.

A notch can be inner or outer, depending which side of the contour was

selected; so you need to make sure you click the right one.

4. Press the Space bar to re-open the Notch dialog, select the OffsetRectangular Notchtab, and set the parameters as below:

5. Click OK, and then click inside the bottom right corner, near the bottom line.

6. Use Zoom Window to zoom in on the corner notch you created, andthen from the Editmenu, select the Bend Reliefoption.


33/50


33

7. The Bend Reliefdialog will open; enter a diameter of 2and click OK:

8. Click near the corner:

9. Redraw the part with the button to see the result, and then do the same

for the two corners you created with the rectangular notch.10. Re-open the Notchdialog, select the Corner Notchtab, and set the

parameters as below:

11. Click near the top right corner, closer to the top line. If your click is nearer theside line, the Notch will not be created correctly; remember the explanationregarding clickingat the beginning of this Tutorial.


34/50

cncKad

34

12. Your part should now look like this:

3.3 Trimming Lines

Trimmingmeans deleting a section of an Entity.

1. Click the Parallel Help Line by Distancebutton and set a distance of100.

2. Click just above the parts bottom-most line.

3. Press the Space bar to re-open the dialog, set a distance of20.21, and clickjust above the existing Help Line. You should now have:

4. Click the Help-Line by Absolute Anglebutton , enter a value of 30(degrees), and click near the intersection of the bottom Help line with the leftside of the part.

5. Click on the Vertical Help Linebutton , and click near the intersection ofthe angular Help Line with the upper one.


35/50


35

6. Click the Line, Auto Snapbutton , and click the intersections numbered1,2 and 3 as shown below:

7. Delete the Help Lines (click ,Aand then press Enter).

Remember you can clean the screen by clicking on the Redrawbutton

.

8. From the Edittoolbar, click the Trimbutton . All the lines will be colored alight blue.

When an Entity is colored light blue it indicates it has been selected for

the current action.9. Click the lines running from ato 1and from ato 3in the picture above, and

Redrawthe part.


3.4 Adding a Rectangular Hole1. Click the Parallel Help-Line by Distancebutton, enter a distance of 30and

click just inside the parts top horizontal line.

2. Press the Space bar to re-open the dialog, redefine the parallel distance as66.7, and click on the right side of the vertical line we drew in the last stage(the line running from 2to 3in the illustration).

We will use the resulting intersection to position our rectangle. This is an

easy and precise way to positions shapes.


36/50

cncKad

36

3. Click the Draw Rectanglebutton and define the settings as shownbelow:

4. Click OKand then click on the intersection we made with the Help Lines.

Note that the Rectangles outline is ghosted around the cursor, movingas you move it.

5. Delete the Help Lines and Saveyour part.

3.5 Chamfering a Corner

1. From the Edittoolbar, click the Chamferbutton , and define theparameters as below:

The 1stvalue sets distance (from the corner) along the first line where

the chamfering line will start. The 2ndvalue is the distance (from the

corner) along the second line where it will terminate.

2. Click the vertical line of the top right notch, and then click the parts top-mosthorizontal line.

3. Redraw the part and compare how the corner has been chamfered with the

order in which you clicked the corners lines.

3.6 Filleting Corners and Contour

1. Click the Filletbutton and select the second option Contour.

2. Click the inner rectangle on one of its lines. When asked if "OK to filletselected contour ", press the Yesbutton to confirm the selection.

3. TheRadius Definit iondialog will be displayed. Define a radius of 6and clickthe OKbutton. The rectangles contour will be filleted on all four corners.


37/50


37

4. Click the Filletbutton again, and this time select the first option Single.

To Fillet a single corner, you must select the two lines that comprise it.

5. Note that the Radiusis set to 6from before, and zoom-in to the parts top leftarea:

6. Click the lines marked above in the following sequence 1 then 2, 2 then 3, 3then 4. When you finish, Redrawthe part.

7. Click the Filletbutton again, and again select the Singleoption.

8. Set the Radiusto 10and zoom-in to the parts top right area:

9. Click the lines marked above in the following sequence 1 then 2, 2 then 3.

10. Redraw the part, and its upper section should now look like this:

Do not forget to Saveyour part periodically.

3.7 Creating a Circular Array1. Click the Parallel Help-Line by Distancebutton, set a distance of 52.5and

click the parts bottom most horizontal line.

2. Press the Spacebarand set the value to 62.5and click the parts left mostvertical line. You should now have two Help Lines whose intersection marksthe center of the circular array we will build.

3. Press the Spacebar, redefine the distance as 22.5, and click the vertical helpline on its left side.

4. From the ShapesToolbar select the Draw Ovalbutton . The Ovaldialogwill be displayed. Enter the definitions as shown below and then click on the


38/50

cncKad

38

OK button:

5. Click the intersection of the left Help Line with the horizontal one and the ovalwill be positioned with its center on the intersection.

6. Zoom-in to the new oval, and from the Transformtoolbar

click theAr ray button .

7. The Selecttoolbar will open and you should click the Windowselection

button , and make a window that contains the entire oval.

When using the Windowselection, the first click opens the window and

the second sets its size.

8. Press Enterto confirm the selection and theAr ray dialog will open. Definethe parameters as below and click OK:

9. Now, you must select the center of the array; click the intersection of the rightHelp Line with the horizontal one and the array will be drawn around it.


39/50


39

10. Delete the Help Lines and Redraw your part. It should now look like:

3.8 Creating Rectangular Arrays1. Place a Parallel Help Line at a distance of 10on the right of the left vertical

side of the rectangular notch:

When you want to place the same type of Help Line and at the same

distance setting, simply click where you want to put it you do not have

to re-click the button

2. Place another Help Line parallel at a distance of 10from this notchshorizontal line.

3. Press Space bar to re-open the Parallel Help Line at Distancedialog, set adistance of 15and click above the horizontal Help Line you just placed.


5. From the Shapestoolbar, click the Draw Circlebutton , set a Diameterof 4, and click the bottom intersection of the Help Lines.

6. Click the Draw Rectanglebutton , set the Lengthand Widthto 10, andclick the top intersection of the Help Lines.


40/50

cncKad

40

7. Click theAr ray button, click the new circle and press Enterto confirm yourselection; set the parameters as below, and then click OK:

8. Now, use the Windowselection to select the new square, confirm with Enter,

set the parameters as below, and then click OK:

9. Delete the Help Lines.

3.9 Adding a Marking PointWe will now add a marking on the part to help later in bending it to shape.

1. Create a parallel Help Line inside the right side of the part, at a distance of 2.

2. Create another parallel Help Line at a distance of12.5, frominside oftheparts bottom line.

3. Put a Circular hole with a diameter of 0.30at the intersection of these Help

Lines.4. Delete the Help Lines and Save.


41/50


41


3.10 SummaryIn this exercise we learnt new drafting techniques, including Notching, Chamfering,Trimming and different kinds of Arraying.


42/50

cncKad

42

4 Exercise 4 - Advanced Cutting Definitions

4.1 OverviewIn this exercise we will go over some of the options you can use to set the way partsare cut.


1. What Cutting Tables are

2. How Cutting Tables relate to Sheet Material and Thickness

3. Corner Treatment

4. Point marking

4.2 Cutting a Previously Cut PartIn this chapter we will often re-cut our part, to see the different treatments available.

To begin with, open the part we created in the previous chapter and run Auto Cut onit.

When we want to re-cut a part, we have two options: Deleting the previous cuts and cutting again.

Running Auto Cut and thereby automatically replacing the cuts.

4.2.1 Deleting Cuts

To delete a cutting definition from an Entity, simply click the Delete CAMsbuttonon the Deletetoolbar, and use the Selection options to select one, some, or all thecuts on the part.

4.2.2 Replacing Cutting Definitions with Auto Cut

We can also runAuto Cut and have it automatically replace existing cutting

definitions.To do this, we must enable the Delete old before runn ingoptions in the Auto Cut

dialog - .

Note that there are two of these options:

In the Holessection this will affect only the holes in a part.

In the Partssection this will affect the contours of parts.

4.3 What Are Cutting TablesCutting Tables are charts that cover all aspects of cutting a material which Gas touse, what the Feed Rate is, the Approach and Exit definitions for different sizedEntities, how to pierce the material and many other parameters.

These Tables are specific for both material typeand thickness the table forAluminum 1mm is different from the one for Steel 1mm, but also from the one forAluminum 5mm.

Also, the Tables are specific for machines the Tables for Trumpf are different thanthe ones for Amada or Bystronic.

cncKad comes with standard Tables appropriate for the machine model

you installed, but in any case where these clash with the definitions from

your machines manufacturers recommendations you should follow

these recommendations.


43/50


43

Because the Cutting Tables are machine-specific, we will not give any in-depthexamples.

Once you are familiar with your machine and the manufacturer

recommendations you may wish to study this matter on our own.

To view the Tables, click the Cutting Tablebutton from the Cut toolbar -

.

A dialog will open, showing data such as the following:

As discussed before these tables are machine-specific, Trumpf 6030 in

this case, so your tables may show different values.

Try changing the Thickness, and note that the parameters in the chart at the bottomchange for each value, and the same if you change the Gas, Heador Lens(if youhave more than one value available for these).

For now, set the Material to Steeland the Thicknessto 2, and close the dialog.

4.3.1 Cutting Tables Example

We will now see an example of how the Cutting Tables affect the cuts placed on apart.

1. Click the Set Sheet and Clampsbutton to open the dialog, go to theSheettab and set the Material Listto 0 Steel with Sheet Thicknessas 2(or a close value).

At this point you can also set the Sheet Size.


44/50

cncKad

44

2. Open the Cutting Table the Cutting Tableby clicking on thebutton , go tothe Geometrytab, and note theApproach Path Min/Max parameters:

As noted before this table is machine-specific, Trumpf 6030 in this case.

3. Close this dialog and runAuto Cut . Make sure that all the options called UseTechnology Tableare enabled.

4. If your table is close to mine, the square holes in the array will be cut in thefollowing manner:

5. The entry to the cut was made just beside the hole's center point (the white X,which is 5mm from the holes edge). Note in the Table above that theApproach Path Maximum is set as4.5for the Largecategory.

6. Now, open the Set Sheet and Clampsdialog, set the Sheet Thicknessas 6(or a close value), close this dialog and re-open the Cutting Table.

7. The Geometry table has changed, and now theApproach Path Maximum isset as6.5for the Largecategory:

8. Close this dialog and runAuto Cut . Now the square holes are cut like this:

9. You can tell from its position relative to the holes center that the Entry is nowlonger than before, as per the parameters in the Table.

This is a simple example of the way the Cutting Tables affect the way a part is cut.


45/50


45

As mentioned before, each machine manufacturer provides different

recommendations for these tables to allow for the machines attributes,

and unless you are sure they are inadequate you should follow these

recommendations.

4.4 Corner Treatment

Cutting corners is often problematic they can be easily damaged without carefulhandling, leading to scrapping the entire part.

cncKad has several strategies to handle this problem, of which we will review three.

Rounding

Slowing

Loops

Before we discuss strategies, we must understand the concept of Max Angle, andthe role of the Global Cuttab in the Set Sheet and Clampsdialog.

4.4.1 Max Angle

When we look at the corners of a part, the way we want to cut them often depends

on a corners angle an acute angle will require special treatment, while an obtuseone can be left alone.

The Max Angleparameter defines the maximum angle that a corner can have sothat it will be subject to treatment.

For example:

In our part we have two types of angles:

Straight angles -

Obtuse ones -

If we set the Max Angle as 90, only the straight (and smaller) angles will be affected,

while those with an angle greater than 90 will be left unaffected.

4.5 The Global Cut Tab

To get to this tab, click the Set Sheet and Clampsbutton .

The definitions in this tab set an overall (i.e. global) cutting strategy for the sheet onwhich you are currently working.

This means that any definitions you set for the current part will not be

saved for the next part you create.

For now, set the Max Ang leto 90, make sure all theActivecheckboxes are notenabled, and close the dialog.

4.6 Rounding CornersRunAuto Cut with the following settings:


46/50

cncKad

46

Make sure that in the Corner Treatmentsection, the Use Technology Tableoption

is not enabled, and that the Delete old before running options are indeed enabled.Now zoom-in to corners of the part, and they should look as follows:

The Bend Relief The Notch outer corners The Chamfered corners

If your corners look like this:

Toggle the Full Cut Tool Widthoption in the Viewmenu. You can also

use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+B.

We will now add Rounding to the corners. OpenAuto Cut again, go to the GlobalCut tab and set the parameters as follows:

Max Angle 90


47/50


47

Rounding,Active enabled

Rounding, Size 0.5

RunAuto Cut again, and look at the corners:

The Bend Relief The Notch outer corners The square holes corners

Note that in each case the cutting line is an arc instead of a straight angle.

4.7 SlowingThis time we will use the Slowing strategy to process the corners.

OpenAuto Cut again, go to the Global Cuttab and set the parameters as follows:

Max Angle 90

Rounding,Active disabled

Slow,Active enabled

Slow, Distance Before Corner 8

Slow, Distance After Corner 5

Slow, Under Radius 0

RunAuto Cut again.

In order to see the difference in the speed of the cut, toggle the Colored Tool Pathby Speedoption in the Viewmenu.

After you enable the coloring, the regular speed cuts are colored yellow, while theslow ones are orange:

To see this more clearly, toggle the Full Cut Tool Widthoption.

Note that the Chamfered corners are still cut with the regular speed.

Re-openAuto Cut , go to the Global Cuttab, set the Max Angleto 160, and re-cutthe part.

Now the Chamfers obtuse angles (153 and 115) are included in the angle valuegoverning the Slow processing:

4.8 Using LoopsWe will now see two ways to set individual corner processing parameters:

Selecting a corner and then setting parameters for it (click then set).

Setting parameters and then selecting one or more corners (set then click).


48/50

cncKad

48

The procedure we will use for using the Corner Parametersdialog to

create Loops can also be used for defining the other cutting strategies for

corners Slowing, Cooling and Rounding.

4.8.1 Editing Corner Parameters

1. Click the Edit Corner Parametersbutton from the Cut toolbar.2. Now you must select a corner. Click the bottom left corner, and the Corner

Parameters dialog will open.

3. In the Loopssection, select Yesfrom theActivedrop-down menu, set Sizeto 3 and click OK.

4. Zoom-in to this corner and note the loop that was added on it.

Note that the Slow cutting definition has been removed from this corner

no need for slowing when you are cutting the loop.

You can now click on a different corner and set the parameters for it, but we will notdo this at this point.

4.8.2 Setting Corner Parameters

1. Click the Set Corner Parametersbutton from the Cut toolbar.

2. The Corner Parametersdialog opens immediately; In the Loopssection,select Yesfrom theActivedrop-down menu, set Sizeto 2and click OKandthe dialog will close.

3. Click on the left corner of the rectangular notch at the bottom, and a loop willbe added on it.

4. Click on this notchs other corner, and again a loop will be added to thecorner.

4.9 Point MarkingAs you will recall, we put a 0.30hole on the part. Zoom-in to this hole and look how it

has been cut.

As you can see, it is marked in blue. This means that it will be engraved, instead ofbeing cut.

1. The reason that this particular hole has been marked in this way is becauseof its size: Open the Cutting Table, go to the Geometrytab.

2. Note the Min Diametervalue for the first entry. Anything below this diameteris considered an Undersized Hole.

3. Now, open theAuto Cutdialog and go to the Technologytab. Here you willfind an item calledAction for undersized holes , with a drop-down menu toselect the action.

4.9.1 Options for Marking

By default, the undersized hole was marked with a point, but you can define foryourself what kind of Marking will be used.

Click the Set Sheet and Clampsbutton and go to the Cutting Parameterstab,and find the section called Point Marking.

Here you can select the Marking type and its size:


49/50


49

4.10 SummaryIn this chapter we have gone over some of the ways in which you can define the wayyour part will be cut. We have seen ways to do this on three levels:

For the entire workstation the Cutting Technology Table.

For an entire part from the Set Sheet and Clampsdialog.

For specific items in a part individual corner treatment.

This three-tier system is often found in cncKad, because some definitions you wantto be permanent, some just for the current part, and other for individual items in thecurrent part.

Whenever you change a definition, it is important to be sure you are working at thecorrect level dont change workstation definitions when all you want is a small

correction on a part.


50/50

cncKad

5 Index

A brief explanation about ClickingLaser ............................................................ 1

Adding a Marking Point ................................34

Adding a Rectangular Hole ...........................29

Advanced Cutting Definitions.......................36Advanced Drafting.........................................25

Auto Cut Definitions......................................22

Basic Drafting and Cutting

Laser ............................................................ 3

Chamfering a Corner .....................................30Corner Treatment...........................................39

Creating a Circular Array ..............................31

Creating a New Part.........................................4Creating Notches and Bend Relief ................25

Creating Rectangular Arrays .........................33

Creating the Inner Rectangle ...........................7

Cutting a Previously Cut Part ........................36Cutting Tables................................................36

Cutting Tables Example ................................37

Cutting the Part .............................................. 11

Defining the Sheet Size .................................13

Deleting Cuts .................................................36

Deleting Existing Cuts on the Part ................21

Dimension ...................................................... 19

Editing Corner Parameters.............................42

Filleting Contours ..........................................10

Filleting Corners and Contour.......................30

Generating the NC Code................................16Geometry Checks...........................................10

Global Cut Tab...............................................39

How to use this Tutorial

Laser.............................................................1

Laser Cutting Tutorial......................................1Laser Tutorial Overview and Aims .................1

Loops ..............................................................41

Max Angle......................................................39

Options for Marking.......................................42

Overview....................................... 3, 19, 25, 36

Point Marking.................................................42

Positioning Holes with Help Lines..................6

Replacing Cutting Definitions with Auto

Cut..............................................................36

Rounding Corners ..........................................39Running the Simulation .................................17

Saving a File Under a New Name .................19Saving the Part ...............................................11

Setting Corner Parameters .............................42

Setting Cuts Manually....................................19

Setting Individual Cuts ..................................22

Simulating the NC Program...........................17Slowing...........................................................41

Stretch.............................................................20Summary ..................................... 18, 24, 35, 43

Tips...................................................................3

Trimming Lines..............................................28

What you will learn in this exercise:3, 19, 25, 36

cnc kad user manual

Documents