Acu-Rite CNC 3500i user manual CAM Programming, CAM Mode

10.1 CAM Programming

10.1 CAM Programming

CAM Mode

CAM Mode is different from the standard CNC programming method of part programming. With CAM programming, you create part programs with the help of geometry tool buttons. These buttons prompt you for necessary information. CAM Programming utilizes a graphical interface and features that eliminate the need for CNC programming and complicated calculations.

To use CAM programming, you must know the XYZ (Cartesian) coordinate system, the polar coordinate system, and machining sequences. Refer to chapter "2.1 Fundamentals of Positioning on page 26”. You must make a machining plan, decide which type of tools to use and when to use those tools in the program.

CAM programming is used to generate tool paths from “Shapes.” These Shapes are generated from geometry created with the CAM geometry tools, importing geometry in a DXF file or a combination of creating and importing.

To create the geometric elements required for a part program, such as: points, lines and circles, select the appropriate Geometry Tools button. Next select on the appropriate sub-tool button. The CAM software prompts you to enter the required information to create the geometry. These entries combined with selecting shapes and creating tool paths enable the system to perform the desired machine sequences. As you program points, lines and circles, they are displayed on the Graphics screen. The resulting tool path is also shown in the graphics screen for tool path verification.

CAM mode features a powerful tool table which can be used to calculate feeds and speeds used in the program.

To utilize this feature tools must be set up in the CAM tool table. Feeds and speeds can also be manually entered and calculated values overridden.

CAM Mode enables you to generate complete part programs. CAM generated programs are based on canned cycles which makes the program easier to edit outside of CAM if needed.

276 10 CAM: Programming