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C A M S
PART PROGRAMMER'S
REFERENCE MANUAL
Version 3
Modification 04
Copyright (C) 1990
by Computer Geometry Co.
February 1, 1990
Computer Geometry Co.
26624 Whispering Leaves
Newhall, CA 91321
(805) 252-4938
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
CAMS comes with no warranties, expressed or implied, of
any kind; it is available as-is. Computer Geometry
Company would like to be informed of any problems that
users of the program encounter, but makes no promise or
guarantee that such problems will be fixed. In no
event will Computer Geometry Company be liable for any
damages, including any lost profits, lost savings,
failure to perform, or other incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use, or
inability to use, the program, even if Computer
Geometry has been advised of the possibility of such
damages, or for any claim by any other party.
Page 2 Disclaimer
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
-------------------------------------------------
C A M S D I S T R I B U T I O N N O T I C E
-------------------------------------------------
Computer Geometry Company is distributing CAMS via the
"SHAREWARE" concept. If, after a reasonable trial period, you
decide to use the product, we will TRUST you to send the
requested $95.00 payment.
You may obtain a copy of the latest CAMS evaluation system by
sending $10.00 to Computer Geometry Company to cover the cost of
diskettes, mailer, and postage. Computer Geometry Co. will send
you the latest version of CAMS immediately by first class mail.
You may also receive a copy of CAMS by sending $95.00. This will
make you a "registered" owner. All registered owners of CAMS
will receive a loose leaf copy of the Part Programmer's Manual
that contains all of the information in this disk version of the
manual, including the diagrams and illustrations that could not
be included on the distribution diskette.
In addition, registered owners receive notification of new
program updates, releases, and additions, including the
availability of new postprocessors. They also receive priority
consideration when requesting postprocessors for machine tools
not already covered by Computer Geometry products.
If, after all this, you still decide not to send the payment, you
are still encouraged to copy and distribute CAMS to your
associates with the following restrictions:
1. CAMS is distributed as a complete set. Do not alter,
or delete any program files from the distribution
copies.
2. No charge is to be made for copying or distributing
CAMS, other than a reasonable copying fee not to exceed
$10.00.
3. Commercial sale of CAMS in any manner is prohibited
without Computer Geometry Company's written permission.
4. The printed manual may not be copied or reproduced in
any way.
Computer Geometry Co.
- 26624 Whispering Leaves -
Newhall, CA 91321
(805) 252-4938
Page 3 Distribution Notice
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISTRIBUTION NOTICE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 CAMS System Description
1.1.1 The History Of CAMS
1.2 How To Read This Manual
1.3 The Distribution Disk
1.4 Execution
1.4.1 CAMS1.EXE
1.4.2 CAMS2.EXE
1.4.3 The XCAMS.BAT Procedure
2. LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX
2.1 Syntactic Elements
2.1.1 Major Words
2.1.2 Punctuation
2.1.3 Minor Words
2.1.4 Numbers
2.1.5 Symbols
2.2 Statement Limitations
2.3 Part Program Termination (FIN)
3. COMPUTING
3.1 Arithmetic Operators
3.2 Scalar Functions
3.2.1 Trigonometric Functions
3.2.2 Arithmetic Functions
3.2.3 The Obtain Statement (OBT/)
3.3 Arithmetic Expressions
3.4 Arithmetic Statements
4. GEOMETRY DEFINITION STATEMENTS
4.1 Canonical Form
4.1.1 Printing Canonical Forms
4.1.2 Canonical Replacement
4.2 Point Definition Patterns
4.2.1 A Point Defined By Rectangular Coordinates
4.2.2 A Point At The Intersection Of Two Lines
4.2.3 A Point Defined By Its Polar Coordinates
4.2.4 A Point On A Circle At A Given Angle To The X Axis
4.2.5 A Point On The Intersect Of A Circle And A Line
4.2.6 A Point At The Intersect Of Two Circles
4.2.7 A Point At The Center Of A Defined Circle
4.2.8 A Point At The Intersection Of Three Defined Planes
4.2.9 A Point At The Nth Intersection Of Line And Spline
4.2.10 A Point At The Nth Intersection Of Circle And Spline
4.3 Vector Definition Patterns
4.3.1 A Vector Defined By Its Components
4.3.2 A Vector Defined Between Two Points
4.3.3 A Vector The Cross Product Of Two Vectors
4.3.4 A Vector Defined As The Sum Of Two Vectors
4.3.5 A Vector Defined As The Difference Of Two Vectors
Page 4 Table Of Contents
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.3.6 A Vector As The Scalar Product Of Another Vector
4.3.7 A Unit Vector With The Direction Of A Given Vector
4.3.8 A Vector Perpendicular To A Given Plane
4.3.9 A Vector Parallel To The Intersection Of Two Planes
4.4 Line Definition Patterns
4.4.1 A line Defined By Coordinate Values Of Two Points
4.4.2 A Line Defined Between Two Points
4.4.3 A Line Thru A Point Perpendicular To Another Line
4.4.4 A Line Thru A Point Parallel To Another Line
4.4.5 A Line Thru A Point At An Angle To The X Axis
4.4.6 A Line Thru A Point At An Angle To Another Line
4.4.7 A Line Parallel To Another Line At A Given Offset
4.4.8 A Line Thru A Point Tangent To A Given Circle
4.4.9 A Line Tangent To Two Defined Circles
4.4.10 A Line Through A Point Perpendicular To A Circle
4.4.11 A Line Through A Point Parallel To A Circle
4.4.11 A Line Through A Point Perpendicular To A Spline
4.4.13 A Line Through A Point Parallel To A Spline
4.5 Plane Definition Patterns
4.5.1 A Plane Defined By Three Points
4.5.2 A Plane Thru A Point Parallel To A Given Plane
4.5.3 A Plane Parallel To Another Plane At A Given Offset
4.5.4 A Plane Thru A Point Perpendicular To A Vector
4.5.5 A Plane Thru A Point Perpendicular To The Intersec-
tion Of Two Planes
4.6 Circle Definition Patterns
4.6.1 A Circle Defined By The Coordinates Of Center And Its
Radius
4.6.2 A Circle Defined By A Point At Center And Its Radius
4.6.3 A Circle Defined By Two Points
4.6.4 A Circle Defined By A Point At Center Tangent To A
Defined Line
4.6.5 A Circle Defined By A Point At Center Tangent To A
Defined Circle
4.6.6 A Circle Defined Thru A Point Tangent To A Defined
Line
4.6.7 A Circle Tangent To Two Intersecting Lines
4.6.8 A Circle Tangent To A Line And A Circle
4.6.9 A Circle Tangent To Two Circles
4.7 Cylinder Definition Patterns
4.7.1 A Cylinder Defined By Its Canonical Form
4.7.2 A Cylinder Defined By Three Points And A Vector
4.8 Transformation Matrix Patterns
4.8.1 Matrix Archtypes
4.8.2 Examples
4.9 Spline Definition Patterns
4.9.1 A Spline Defined Thru Up To 25 Points
4.9.2 A Spline Defined Thru Up To 25 Points With End Control
4.9.3 A Spline Defined By An Offset To An Existing Spline
4.10 Point Pattern Definitions
4.10.1 A Linear Pattern Defined By A Point, An Angle, The
Distance Between Points, And A Point Count
4.10.2 A Circular Pattern Defined By A Circle, A Starting Angle,
An Angular Increment, And A Point Count
4.10.3 A Pattern Defined By A Random Set Of Points And Patterns
Page 5 Table Of Contents
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
5. POINT-TO-POINT PROGRAMMING
5.1 The Control Point
5.2 The Motion Initialization Statement (FROM/)
5.3 The Absolute Positioning Statement (GO/)
5.4 The Incremental Move Statement (GDL/)
6. CONTOUR PROGRAMMING
6.1 The Part Surface Statement (PS/)
6.2 Contouring Arcs (ARC/)
6.3 The Contour Startup (GO/)
6.4 Tool To Part Relationships (TLF, TON, TRG)
6.5 General Contour Motion (GFW/,GBK/,GLF/,GRT/)
7. TRANSFORMATIONS AND REPETATIVE PROGRAMMING
7.1 The Transform Cut Statement (TRA/)
7.2 The Index Statement (IDX/)
7.3 The Copy Statement (CPY/)
7.4 Reference Systems (REF/)
7.5 File Inclusion (GET/)
8. STANDARD CUTTING SEQUENCES
8.1 Standard cutting Sequences
8.2 Pocketing - The POC/ Statement
8.3 Helical Boring - The HLX/ Statement
A. APPENDIX A - VOCABULARY
B. APPENDIX B - SAMPLE PROGRAM
C. APPENDIX C - GENERAL CONTOURING SAMPLE PROGRAM
D. APPENDIX D - POSTPROCESSORS
E. APPENDIX E - GLOSSARY
Page 6 Table Of Contents
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
INTRODUCTION
1.1 CAMS SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
CAMS is a language and a computer program designed for use
in generating machine control data for numerically controlled
machine tools. It will accept a sequence of statements in the
language (called a "part program") which defines the absolute
quantities (dimensions) and shape of a workpiece. It will use
this information to calculate a cutter center location path. The
cutter center path is then processed by another computer program
(called a "postprocessor") into instructions for a specific
machine tool which will accurately machine the workpiece.
Thus, input to CAMS is a sequence of statements in the
CAMS language read by the CAMS computer programs from an
appropriate input device (e.g. terminal keyboard, floppy disk,
etc.). Output from CAMS is a sequence of calculated cutter
center locations written on an appropriate medium (floppy disk,
terminal CRT, punched tape, etc.) to be used by the postprocessor
to create machine control data, or to be read by a human for
verification of the computations.
CAMS has been developed to operate on any IBM/PC or PC
compatible computing equipment that supports the MS-DOS or PC-DOS
operating system. A minimum computer configuration consists of a
central processing unit (CPU) containing at least 256K bytes of
RAM memory, a keyboard, a CRT display, an 80-column system
printer, and at least two floppy disks. While this configuration
will work, performance of the CAMS system will be optimized if a
hard disk and/or a minimum of 512K RAM-disk is available for the
CAMS working file device. Typical output for NC is directly to a
NC machine via RS232C interface, or to a paper tape punch. Hence
it is necessary to have at least one serial or parallel port with
the appropriate device attached.
With the computer configuration mentioned above, CAMS will
accept part program source input from the keyboard or from stored
source in a file on one of the disks. CAMS will produce one or
more optional output listings on the system printer, the CRT, or
to designated files on floppy disk; and will write a complete CL
(cutter location) file to floppy disk for later postprocessing.
It is recommended that back-up copies of source files, CL files,
and postprocessor output files produced by the system be made to
prevent loss of valuable data.
1.1.1 THE HISTORY OF CAMS
CAMS is not a new program. It was developed in 1975 for
internal use by Computer Geometry Company. Then, as now,
Computer Geometry provided NC programming services for small
machine shops who either did not have in-house programming
capability, or whose programming requirements temporarily
Page 7 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
overflowed their capacity.
Originally called "MICROAPT" (version 1.00), the program was
written in assembly language for use on a Computer Automation,
Inc., (CAI) LSI 2-20 minicomputer. The project was completed in
1976. From 1976 to 1982, the program was used to support some
12-15 machine shops for several hundreds of workpieces. A total
of 7 postprocessors were written, also in assembler language.
By 1982, the CAI equipment was aging, and it was obvious
that a replacement for "MICROAPT" was needed. At that time, the
program was re-written in FORTRAN for use on computers equipped
with the CP/M operating system. The specific computer used at
Computer Geometry is a Heathkit H89. It was discovered that, in
the intervening time, another company had used and marketed
another software package under the name "MICROAPT". Hence, the
name was changed to "MINICAM" (version 2.00).
The CP/M version had some enhancement over the original CAI
version (specifically the GO/ and BMILL/ operations), but ran at
about one fourth the speed of the earlier program. During the
period between 1982 and 1987, a somewhat smaller group of machine
shops were supported, and seven postprocessors were developed.
Since 1984, Computer Geometry has become more active in
commercial software development for Numerical Control purposes,
focusing on IBM PCs and compatibles as the computing vehicle.
By 1987, it became necessary to transfer the program into the PC
environment. Again, in the intervening time, another company
began marketing a program under the name "MINICAM." There was
nothing else to do but change the name.
Hence, CAMS.
At the time of this writing, the PC version of CAMS (3.00)
has been used on only a few parts. However, many verification
tests have been run, producing program output identical to the
CP/M version. At the time of this publication, three machine
postprocessors have been converted to PC, and two plotting
postprocessors have been prepared. One of these is the VIDEOPP
that is included in this distribution.
Incidently, all three versions of the program are still
actively being used.
1.2 HOW TO READ THIS MANUAL
This manual is intended to be used as a reference by NC
parts programmers and as a specification of the CAMS language.
Certain notational conventions are followed throughout the manual
in exhibiting the CAMS statement formats and examples. These
are...
Page 8 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
<...> The < and > characters are used to enclose the
description of a syntactic unit, such as a number, or a
specific type of symbol. E.g. <point> means that the
symbol for a point is to be used at this place in the
statement.
[...] Anything enclosed in square brackets is optional to the
statement. E.g. in the statement...
PNT/<symbol>=IO,<line>,<line>[,<z>]
the statement element...
,<z>
is an optional parameter in the definition of the
point, and may or may not be exercised by the part
programmer.
A...Z Capitalized elements in a CAMS statement are
vocabulary words. They must be included in the
statement exactly as written.
1.3 THE DISTRIBUTION DISK
The distribution diskettes contain the files necessary to
execute the CAMS NC parts programming system. The list of files
on the diskettes are...
DISKETTE #1:
XCAMS.BAT A recommended batch submit file for CAMS. May
not be altered for shareware distribution of
CAMS.
CAMS1.EXE The input translation phase of CAMS
CAMS2.EXE The path generation phase of CAMS
VIDEOPP.EXE A plotting postprocessor for the PC screen
NUPAGE.LST A formfeed file used by XCAMS.BAT
????????.NC Sample CAMS part programs.
CAMS.SCR A shareware identification screen. May not be
removed for shareware distribution of CAMS.
CAMS.TBL The vocabulary table for CAMS. Must be
present on the default drive for CAMS to
function.
CAMSMAN.EXE Executing this program will generate the two
Page 9 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
CAMS reference manuals included in this
distribution, CAMSMAN.TXT and VIDEOPP.TXT.
README.1ST Contains installation recommendations, last
minute details, and a description of the
terms and conditions under which this
shareware distribution is made.
It is strongly recommended that working copies of the
distribution diskette be made. The original should be placed in
archival storage, to be used to replace aging and defective
working copies in the future.
1.4 EXECUTION
The CAMS NC processor consists of two software modules,
called CAMS1.EXE and CAMS2.EXE, and a vocabulary file called
CAMS.TBL. At each installation, there is usually at least one
more software module, called a machine postprocessor.
CAMS uses a single file name for all of it's output files,
both permanent and temporary. You establish the <filename>
described below, and CAMS will automatically use that <filename>
to define each of its working output files. Each such working
file is identified by its file extension. The file extensions
reserved for use by CAMS are as follows...
<filename>.NC NC is always the part program source file.
the <filename> is used by you to identify all
CAMS files relating to a single part program.
<filename>.PRO PRO is always the PROGRAM FILE (see below).
<filename>.CAN CAN is always the CANON FILE (see below).
<filename>.CLF CLF is always the CUTTER LOCATION FILE (see
below).
<filename>.PLT PLT is always the PLOT FILE.
<filename>.PCH PCH is always the PUNCH (Postprocessor
output) FILE.
What follows is a brief description of how the CAMS NC part
programming system operates...
1.4.1 CAMS1.EXE
CAMS1 performs the input translation phase of NC processing.
It reads a file of instructions, written in the CAMS NC language,
Page 10 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
and converts that into two output files for later processing.
The primary output, called the PROGRAM FILE, contains a list of
instructions in computer readable form, derived from statements
in the CAMS language that refer to machine motion and auxilliary
function control. It also reduces all caculations, including
geometry definitions, into their respective canonical forms, e.g.
points, lines, circles, numbers, etc. These are placed in an
output file which has the same <filename> as the input file and
the file extension ".CAN".
CAMS1 processes input statements until it reads a FIN
statement, or until an end of file is reached on the source
input.
CAMS1 can also produce an output listing of the source and
calculated canonical data on demand. The listing can be produced
on the CRT screen, the system printer, or to a named file.
The CAMS1 processor is invoked by using a DOS command line
as follows...
A>[d:\path\]CAMS1 <filename>.<ext>
The optional control parameters on the command line are defined
as follows...
[d:\path\] This parameter specifies the DOS disk drive
unit and/or path on which the file CAMS1.EXE
(the executable processor) is located. If
CAMS1.EXE is located on the currently active
DOS disk, the parameter is optional.
<filename>.<ext> Informs CAMS1 of the source input file that
is to be read. If this option is omitted,
then CAMS1 expects to read input data from
the console keyboard, typed in one line at a
time, after it displays the line number as a
prompt. <filename> may optionally include a
DOS drive\path\ specification, but it must be
understood that the CAMS output files will
also be sent using that drive\path\.
Note that all CAMS1 printed output is always sent to the
console. It may be redirected to file or printer using standard
DOS redirection techniques. A command line example might be as
follows...
C>CAMS1 B:PART1053.NC >B:PART1053.PR1
The sample command line executes the CAMS1 processor,
residing on disk drive C: (or on a device\path accessible in the
Page 11 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
current path), establishes disk drive B: as the CAMS working
device, which will also contain the three working files, reads
source input from the file PART1053.NC residing on disk drive B:,
and writes the listing file PART1053.PR1 to disk drive B:.
1.4.2 CAMS2.EXE
CAMS2 is the path generator for the CAMS system. It
requires the two files produced by CAMS1 as input, and produces a
file of cutter locations and paths, called the CL FILE. As an
option, it can produce a listing of cutter locations, on the CRT
screen, the system printer, or to a file.
The CAMS2 processor is invoked by using a DOS command line
as follows...
A>[d:\path\]CAMS2 <filename>.PRO
The optional control parameters on the command line are defined
as follows...
[d:\path\] This parameter specifies the DOS disk drive
unit and/or path on which the file CAMS2.EXE
(the executable processor) is located. If
CAMS2.EXE is located on the currently active
DOS disk, the parameter is optional.
<filename>.PRO Informs CAMS2 of the program input file that
is to be read. <filename> may optionally
include a DOS drive\path\ specification, but
it must be understood that the CAMS2 output
files will also be sent using that
drive\path\.
Note that all CAMS2 printed output is always sent to the
console. It may be redirected to file or printer using standard
DOS redirection techniques. A command line example might be as
follows...
C>CAMS2 B:PART1053.PRO >B:PART1053.PR2
The sample command line executes the CAMS2 processor,
residing on disk drive C: (or on a device\path\ accessible in the
current path), establishes disk drive B: as the CAMS working
device, which will also contain the three working files, reads
program input from the file PART1053.PRO residing on disk drive
B:, and writes the listing file PART1053.PR2 to disk drive B:.
NOTE: the input file <filename>.PRO must have been produced by
the CAMS1 program module.
Page 12 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
1.4.3 THE XCAMS.BAT PROCEDURE
To provide a more automatic way to submit CAMS NC part
programs for complete processing, a batch procedure, XCAMS.BAT
(for eXecute CAMS) has been included in the distribution package.
XCAMS provides for full CAMS processing, with optional output
listing to screen or file, and for optional plotting and
postprocessing.
XCAMS also provides fairly sophisticated error checking for
improper submittals. Error checking includes 1) verification
that the source input file exists in the specified data access
path; 2) verification that the plotting and/or machining
postprocessors exist in the specified program access path; and 3)
verification that the specified processing options are correct.
The correct command for the execution of the CAMS system is...
C>XCAMS {name} [MLP/ML/MP/LP/M/L/P] [plotter] [machine]
where...
{name} The source file name (without extension) - required
M Machine output --- [machine] name is required
L Listing output --- produces {name}.LST
P Plotter output --- [plotter] name is required
Options omitting the "L" will print to the screen. If an
"M" is included in the option specifior, then the machine name is
required. Similarly, if a "P" is included in the option
specifior, then the plotter name ([plotter]) is required. Note
also that the specification of options and parameters is order
dependent, which is to say that they must appear on the command
line in precisely the order shown above.
An example of a correct command line is as follows...
C>XCAMS THINGMJ MLP VIDEO BANDIT
This example executes the CAMS system, both CAMS1 and CAMS2,
using as source the file THINGMJ.NC residing on the currently
logged disk (C:) and producing a listing file THINGMJ.LST on C:.
It further executes the VIDEOPP plotting postprocessor, and the
BANDITPP machine postprocessor. VIDEOPP will produce a plot of
the cutter path on the PC console. BANDITPP produces an output
file called THINGMJ.PCH on drive C:, which is suitable for
transmission to a BANDIT controlled NC machine tool.
Page 13 Introduction
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX
2. LANGUAGE AND SYNTAX
Input to CAMS, called a Part Program, is a sequence of
ordered statements from an input medium which constitute
instructions to the CAMS computing system. Input media
include the terminal keyboard, a punched paper tape in ASCII
format, a file on floppy disk, etc. CAMS statements are
used to...
o define a scalar number
o define a geometric entity
o describe auxilliary machine tool functions
o describe a tool motion
o describe standard cutting sequences
IMPORTANT: all input source programs to CAMS must be in
upper case characters.
2.1 SYNTACTIC ELEMENTS
Each CAMS statement is made up of one or more of the
following syntactic elements...
o A keyword describing the major function of the
statement (also called a major word).
o Punctuation characters.
o Vocabulary words (also called minor words).
o Numbers.
o Symbols
2.1.1 MAJOR WORDS
Every CAMS statement must begin with a major word followed
by a slash (/), unless the statement consists only of the
major word, in which case the slash is not required. The
major word describes the major function of the statement to
the system. Examples of major words are...
#/ Tells CAMS that a scalar value is to be entered or
calculated.
PNT/ Tells CAMS that a point is to be defined.
Page 14 Language And Syntax
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
GTO/ Tells CAMS that a move from the present
position of the cutter to the point specified in
the remainder of the statement is to be calcu-
lated.
2.1.2 PUNCTUATION
Certain characters on the terminal keyboard have been
designated as valid punctuation for CAMS statements.
Punctuation characters are used to separate other language
elements (thus permitting computer recognition of the
elements), and to specify certain operations to the CAMS
system. A list of valid CAMS punctuation, and its meaning
to CAMS follows...
/ The first slash in every CAMS statement is
interpreted as a major word terminator. Every
major word must be followed by a slash, unless it
is the sole component of the CAMS statement.
Subsequent use of the slash within any statement
is interpreted as specifying the arithmetic
operation of division, e. g.
#/A0=1/3
* The asterisk character is used to specify the
arithmetic operation of multiplication, e. g.
#/A1=A0*7
+ The plus character is used to specify 1) the
arithmetic operation of addition or 2) the unary
operation specifying positive, e. g.
#/A2=A0+A1
#/A3=+3
Note: if the unary plus is omitted, it is assumed
by CAMS. For example, the second statement listed
above would be just as correct if it were
written...
#/A3=3
- The minus character is used to specify 1) the
arithmetic operation of subtraction or 2) the
unary operation of negation, e. g.
#/A4=A2-A3
#/A5=-5
Page 15 Language And Syntax
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
Unlike the plus character, the minus character
must always be used to specify negative numbers.
^ The carat character (on some keyboards this is an
up arrow) is used to specify the arithmetic
operation of exponentiation. For example...
#/A6=A5^2
tells CAMS that the symbol A6 is to refer to the
value represented by symbol A5 raised to the
second power (squared).
= The equals character is used to 1) assign a
symbol, or name, to a geometric entity or 2) to
assign a value to a scalar variable symbol.
Examples are...
PNT/P0=0,0,0
#/A7=7.5
() The left and right parentheses are used to 1)
enclose the arguments of an arithmetic function or
2) to establish the precedence of arithmetic
operations. Examples are...
#/S250=SIN(250)
#/A8=(A7+A4-5)/S250
. The period, or decimal point, character is used to
specify the location of the decimal point in a
number, e. g.
#/A9=9.375
: The colon character is used to indicate a
comparison operation within the MIN and MAX
functions.
, The comma character is used to separate elements
of a CAMS statement where no other punctuation is
appropriate. For example...
PNT/P2=A9,A8,-.05
2.1.3 MINOR WORDS
CAMS recognizes a set of specific minor vocabulary words
which 1) indicate selections and choices to the system and
2) specify the use of certain arithmetic functions.
Examples are...
Page 16 Language And Syntax
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
PNT/P2=IO,L1,L2,.05
which specifies a point at the intersection of (IO) lines L1
and L2 with a Z value of .05, or...
#/A70=ATN(.707107)
which assigns the value arc-tangent (using the minor word
ATN) of .707107 to the symbol A70.
2.1.4 NUMBERS
All numbers, however specified, are considered to be real,
or floating point, quantities by CAMS. The number range
used for internal calculation purposes is 10E-38 to 10E37.
Numbers may be entered only in their natural form, e. g.,
the number ten may be entered as...
10
10.
10.0
Numbers used to express angles are always input in decimal
degrees. That is, the angle 30 degrees and 25 minutes is
entered as 30.4167 when used in a CAMS statement. Angular
dimensions are measured from a parallel to the positive X
axis of the coordinate system. The angle is positive if it
measures a counter-clockwise rotation, and negative if it
measures a clockwise rotation.
2.1.5 SYMBOLS
A symbol is used to define an entity, either geometric or
scalar, in a CAMS statement which is to be referenced in
subsequent statements of the part program. For example, the
statement..
PNT/P7=COS(30),SIN(30),.5
defines a point whose coordinates are [.86603,.5,.5].
Subsequent part program statements can refer to this point
by the symbol P7. The statement...
GTO/P7
tells CAMS to move the cutter from wherever it is to the
coordinates [.86603,.5,.5].
Symbols in the CAMS language are composed of one capitalized
alphabetic character (e.g. A,B,...,Z) followed by a sequence
of not more than three (3) numeric characters which express
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
a number (n) in the range 0 <= n <= 255. This symbol
structure imposes an absolute upper bound of 26x256 or 6656
symbols in any part program. Leading zeroes in the symbol
number are ignored by CAMS, hence...
A3 A03 A003
all refer to the same entity, and are not separate, unique
symbols.
Since a symbol contains a numeric component, it is sometimes
convenient to symbolically define the numeric component
rather than explicitly define it. This is particularly true
when defining repetative motion sequences and/or families of
parts. For this reason, a special set of parentheses, the
square brackets ("[" and "]") are used to define a numeric
subscript which, coupled with an alphabetic character, can
be used to specify a symbol. The following CAMS statement
sequences serve to illustrate the use of subscripted symbols
and are exactly equivalent:
#/ I10= 100
PNT/ P[I10]= 1.25,0.5
LIN/ L[I10]= P[I10],ANG,30
PNT/ P100= 1.25,0.5
LIN/ L100= P100,ANG,30
Care must be exercised to be sure that the symbol used
inside the square brackets has been assigned to a numeric
value (n) in the range 0 <= n <= 255 prior to its use in
as a symbol component.
2.2 STATEMENT LIMITATIONS
All statements must be complete in a maximum of 256
meaningful input characters. Meaningful characters are any
characters except the space. Any number of spaces may be
included to make the CAMS statements more readable. CAMS
ignores them.
Continuation of a statement to the next line is indicated by
entering an ampersand character (&) as the last character of
the line. For example...
MAT/M1=1,0,0,0,&
0,1,0,0,&
0,0,1,0
is exactly equivalent to the statement...
MAT/M1=1,0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0,0,1,0
and accounts for 30 meaningful characters of the 256
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
character maximum.
Certain statements permit no continuation. A complete list
of these statements are..
PNO/ which identifies a part program.
PPR/ which permits operator instructions to be
included in a part program.
REM/ which permits the inclusion of non-executable
remarks in the part program.
INS/ which permits literal insertion into the
punch tape output of a part program.
2.3 PART PROGRAM TERMINATION (FIN)
Every part program must be terminated by a FIN statement.
The FIN statement has no parameters and is always the last
statement in the part program. For example...
:
PRT/ALL
FIN
exhibits a proper termination of the part program, after
printing all of the canon table entries.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
COMPUTING
3. COMPUTING
One of the principal benefits of the CAMS language is its
capability to perform indicated calculations within any
appropriate statement. The computing feature permits a
given quantity to be expressed as the result of one or more
arithmetic operations. At any point in a CAMS statement
where a number is required, an arithmetic expression may be
substituted. For example, the statement...
#/B3=7.+3*SQR(2)
specifies that B3 is to be assigned the value 11.2426, which
is the result of multiplying the square root of 2 by 3, then
adding 7. Any combination of scalars, arithmetic operators,
arithmetic expressions enclosed in parentheses, and scalar
valued functions, so long as syntactically correct, may be
used in an arithmetic expression.
3.1 ARITHMETIC OPERATORS
The CAMS arithmetic operators are...
+ arithmetic addition or unary positive
- arithmetic subtraction or unary negative
* arithmetic multiplication
/ arithmetic division
^ arithmetic exponentiation
3.2 SCALAR VALUED FUNCTIONS
CAMS provides the following set of scalar valued
functions...
3.2.1 TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Sine SIN(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression
specifying an angle in decimal
degrees.
Cosine COS(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression
specifying an angle in decimal
degrees.
Arctangent ATN(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression
specifying the tangent of the
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
angle.
3.2.2 ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS
Absolute ABS(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
Value returns the absolute value of
"arg".
Exponential EXP(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
returns e (2.71828...) raised to
the "arg" power.
Base 10 LGD(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
Logarithm returns the logarithm of "arg" to
the base 10.
Base e LOG(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
Logarithm returns the natural logarithm of
"arg".
Square Root SQR(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
returns the square root of "arg".
Integer INT(arg) arg = any arithmetic expression;
returns the integer part of the
number "arg" as a floating point
integer.
Modulus MOD(a,m) a,m = any arithmetic expression
representing floating point
integers; returns a modulo m.
Sign SGN(a,s) a,s = any arithmetic expression;
returns sign of s times a.
Minimum MIN(a:b) a,b = any arithmetic expression;
Value returns the minimum value of a and
b.
Maximum MAX(a:b) a,b = any arithmetic expression;
Value returns the maximum value of a and
b.
3.2.3 THE OBTAIN STATEMENT (OBT/)
Many geometric definitions produce, as part of their
canonical forms, numeric values that are usable in other
computations. CAMS provides the obtain statement to permit
you to extract a number from the canonical form of any
definable element and assign it to a symbol.
The obtain statement format is as follows...
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
OBT/<symbol>=<canonical symbol>,<position #>
Where the <canonical symbol> is the symbolic name of the
element you wish to retrieve from canon, and <position #> is
the position of the desired number in the canonical form.
For example, the statement...
PNT/P1=IO,L5,L7
OBT/Y1=P1,2
will retrieve the second value in the canonical form for the
point P1 and assign it to the symbolic name Y1. Y1 may then
be used anywhere that a scalar value is acceptable.
3.3 ARITHMETIC EXPRESSIONS
Symbols representing scalars, numbers, arithmetic operators,
and scalar valued functions with their arguments may be
combined to form an arithmetic expression in the CAMS
language. Examples of well-formed expressions include...
3*S1-C2
7*SQR(2.4)/(A3^3)
In the CAMS language, an arithmetic expression may be used
at any point in a statement which requires entry of a scalar
value. To avoid ambiguity, arithmetic operators and scalar
functions are assigned priorities which establish the
sequence of operations used to evaluate an arithmetic
expression. These priorities are...
5 (highest) scalar function
4 unary + or -
3 exponentiation (^)
2 multiplication (*) and division (/)
1 addition (+) and subtraction (-)
Parentheses are used to alter the priority of operations.
For example, the result of...
10*2+3
is 23, whereas the result of...
10*(2+3)
is 50.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
3.4 ARITHMETIC STATEMENTS
Any valid symbol may be assigned to a scalar value by means
of an arithmetic statement. An arithmetic statement
consists of the major word #/; followed by a symbol;
followed by the punctuation =; then followed by an
arithmetic expression. Examples of well formed arithmetic
statements are...
#/A10=10
#/B255=2*SQR(2)
The value of a symbol may be changed at will within the part
program. For example...
#/A10=10
#/A10=A10^2
represents a perfectly valid way to assign the value 100 to
the symbol A10.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
GEOMETRY DEFINITION STATEMENTS
4. GEOMETRY DEFINITION STATEMENTS
The CAMS part programming system is designed to permit the
definition of a variety of geometric entities, each in a
variety of ways. The CAMS geometric entity classes are...
PNT/ POINT
VEC/ VECTOR
LIN/ LINE
PLN/ PLANE
CIR/ CIRCLE
CYL/ CYLINDER
MAT/ TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
SPL/ SPLINE (FREE-FORM CURVE)
The format for a geometry defining statement is...
<major>/<symbol>=[method of definition]
Some of the methods of definition require minor vocabulary
words when there needs to be a selection of more than one
possible geometric entity for the input data. An example of
this might be...
LIN/L1=P1,LFT,C1
which uses the minor word "LFT" (LeFT) to permit CAMS to
distinquish between the two possible resulting lines. LFT
indicates that, looking from the point towards the circle,
the leftmost of the two possible lines is the chosen line.
4.1 CANONICAL FORM
There are a great many ways to define a point, or a line, or
a circle, etc., which depend upon the known information
about the specific geometry entity in question. To use all
of these methods to store the information about a geometry
entity would require prohibitive amounts of computer memory
for both data and software. Therefore, for each geometry
subtype, there is exactly one stored form which is used by
CAMS for subsequent references. This stored format is
called the canonical form.
The canonical form for the geometric entities listed above
are as follows...
POINT (VECTOR) X, Y, Z The X, Y, and Z
coordinates (components)
of the point (vector).
LINE (PLANE) A, B, C, D The direction cosines of
a unit vector perpendi-
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
cular to the line
(plane) [A, B, C] and
the directed distance
from the coordinate
origin to the line
(plane), [D]. This is
also known as the "plane
equation".
CIRCLE (CYLINDER) X, Y Z, The coordinates of a
I, J, K, point [X, Y, Z] on the
R axis of the circle (cy-
linder), the components
of a unit vector along
the axis of the circle
(cylinder), and the
radius of the circle
(cylinder).
TRANSFORMATION A1,B1,C1,D1 The twelve values of a
MATRIX A2,B2,C2,D2 3x4 matrix that
A3,B3,C3,D3 represents a combined
rotation and translation
in three-dimensional
space.
SPLINE CURVE X1,Y1,A1,B1,S1 For each defined point
: : on the curve, the point
Xn,Yn,An,Bn,Sn (Xn,Yn), the forward
tangent vector (An,Bn),
and the length of the
chord between the point
and its successor (Sn)
is stored.
SPLINE OFFSET NAME,offset The name and index of
the parent spline and
the signed offset value,
positive for LFT,
negative for RGT.
4.1.1 PRINTING CANONICAL FORMS (PRT/)
Any or all of the canonical forms for the defined geometry
and scalars may be printed at any point in the part program
by means of the PRT/ statement. The formats for the PRT/
statement are...
PRT/<symbol>,....,<symbol>
or PRT/ALL
The "ALL" minor word causes all canonical forms to be
printed.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.1.2 CANONICAL REPLACEMENT
In general, every symbolically defined entity in CAMS must
have a unique symbol. However, CAMS has a restricted symbol
set consisting of 26 alphabetic characters, each permitted
256 instances. For this reason, provision has been made to
permit replacement of any defined entity on an instance by
instance basis. The vocabulary word "CAN" is used to
accomplish this end, as follows...
:
PNT/ P12= 2.25,1.125
:
:
PNT/ P12= CAN,IO,L5,L6
:
Canonical replacement must be made in kind; that is, a point
can only be replaced by another point, a line/plane by
another line/plane, and so forth. Since scalars may always
be replaced, the vocabulary word "CAN" is meaningless in the
assignment of a scalar, and hence is not allowed.
4.2 POINT DEFINITION PATTERNS
A point is a unique position in three-dimensional space. It
can be defined in a number of ways. In CAMS, any definition
format for a point may include an optional, appended Z
coordinate.
Selection modifiors used by the point definitions are:
XL XLARGE The point with the largest X coordinate
XS XSMALL The point with the smallest X coordinate
YL YLARGE The point with the largest Y coordinate
YS YSMALL The point with the smallest Y coordinate
In the case of spline intercept definitions for a point, it
must be noted that multiple intersections can occur. When
seeking such intercepts, CAMS finds ALL intercepts for the
element up to and including the intercept number included in
the definition. (See definitions 4.2.9 and 4.2.10.) It is
important to remember that the spline is directed (see
section 4.9), and that the intercepts are counted from the
beginning of the curve.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.2.1 A POINT DEFINED BY RECTANGULAR COORDINATES
PNT/symbol=x,y,z
4.2.2 A POINT AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO LINES
PNT/symbol=IO,line,line[,z]
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.2.3 A POINT DEFINED BY ITS POLAR COORDINATES
PNT/symbol=XYR,angle,radius[,z]
4.2.4 A POINT ON A CIRCLE AT A GIVEN ANGLE TO THE X-AXIS
PNT/symbol=circle,ANG,angle[,z]
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.2.5 A POINT ON THE INTERSECT OF A CIRCLE AND A LINE
PNT/symbol=modifior,circle,line[,z]
4.2.6 A POINT AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO CIRCLES
PNT/symbol=modifior,circle,circle[,z]
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.2.7 A POINT AT THE CENTER OF A DEFINED CIRCLE
PNT/symbol=circle[,z]
4.2.8 A POINT AT THE INTERSECTION OF THREE DEFINED PLANES
PNT/symbol=plane,plane,plane[,z]
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.2.9 A POINT AT THE Nth INTERCEPT OF LINE AND SPLINE
PNT/symbol=IO,n,line,spline[,z]
4.2.10 A POINT AT THE Nth INTERCEPT OF CIRCLE AND SPLINE
PNT/symbol=IO,n,circle,spline[,z]
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4.3 VECTOR DEFINITION PATTERNS
A vector in CAMS is defined to be an ordered set of three
numbers that represent both a direction and magnitude in
three-dimensional space. Normally, a vector is not
considered to be "anchored", that is to say, its position in
space is irrelevant, only its attitude and length are
relevant. One can think of a vector as an arrow, of
specific length, that always points in the same direction,
no matter where it is moved.
If a vector is to be anchored with its tail on the
coordinate origin, then the three numbers that represent the
vector exactly correspond with the three numbers that
represent the point at its tip. Thus we can see that a
vector has the identical canonical format as a point.
CAMS, in its canonical forms, does not distinguish between
an entity defined as a vector an an entity defined as a
point. Thus, given a point, a new point can be
incrementally defined from that point by defining the
incremental vector and (vector) adding it to the point. For
example, the statement sequence...
PNT/P1=1,1,1
VEC/V1=1,0,1
VEC/P2=ADD,P1,V1
will produce a geometric entity (P2) which can be
considered, in subsequent statements, as either a point or a
vector having component values [2,1,2]. Note that, even
though we consider P2 a point, it was necessary to define it
as a vector.
Selection modifiors used by the vector definitions are:
XL XLARGE The vector with the largest X component
XS XSMALL The vector with the smallest X component
YL YLARGE The vector with the largest Y component
YS YSMALL The vector with the smallest Y component
ZL ZLARGE The vector with the largest Z component
ZS ZSMALL The vector with the smallest Z component
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4.3.1 A VECTOR DEFINED BY ITS COMPONENTS
VEC/symbol=x,y,z
4.3.2 A VECTOR DEFINED BETWEEN TWO POINTS
VEC/symbol=point,point
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4.3.3 A VECTOR THE CROSS PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS
VEC/symbol=CROS,vector,vector
4.3.4 A VECTOR DEFINED AS THE SUM OF TWO VECTORS
VEC/symbol=ADD,vector,vector
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4.3.5 A VECTOR DEFINED AS THE DIFFERENCE OF TWO VECTORS
VEC/symbol=SUB,vector,vector
4.3.6 A VECTOR AS THE SCALAR PRODUCT OF ANOTHER VECTOR
VEC/symbol=MPY,scalar,vector
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4.3.7 A UNIT VECTOR WITH THE SAME DIRECTION AS A GIVEN VECTOR
VEC/symbol=UNIT,vector
4.3.8 A VECTOR PERPENDICULAR TO A GIVEN PLANE
VEC/symbol=PERP,plane,modifior
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.3.9 A VECTOR PARALLEL TO THE INTERSECTION OF TWO PLANES
VEC/symbol=PARL,IO,plane,plane,modifior
4.4 LINE DEFINITION PATTERNS
A line is normally considered the path of a moving point
which has the shortest distance between two fixed points.
This is not the case in CAMS. For purposes of machine tool
control, it is more convenient to consider a line to be the
edge view of a plane in three-dimensional space. Therefore,
all lines in CAMS are defined to be planes which are
perpendicular (i.e. in edge view) to the X-Y plane of the
reference coordinate system in which they are defined.
Selection modifiors used by the line definitions are:
XL XLARGE The line farthest offset in increasing X
XS XSMALL The line farthest offset in decreasing X
YL YLARGE The line farthest offset in increasing Y
YS YSMALL The line farthest offset in decreasing Y
ZL ZLARGE The line farthest offset in increasing Z
ZS ZSMALL The line farthest offset in decreasing Z
LFT LEFT The leftmost of two possible conditions
RGT RIGHT The rightmost of two possible conditions
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4.4.1 A LINE DEFINED BY COORDINATE VALUES OF TWO POINTS
LIN/symbol=x1,y1,x2,y2
4.4.2 A LINE DEFINED BETWEEN TWO POINTS
LIN/symbol=point,point
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4.4.3 A LINE THRU A POINT AND PERPENDICULAR TO ANOTHER LINE
LIN/symbol=point,PERP,line
4.4.4 A LINE THRU A POINT AND PARALLEL TO ANOTHER LINE
LIN/symbol=point,PARL,line
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4.4.5 A LINE THRU A POINT AT A GIVEN ANGLE TO THE X AXIS
LIN/symbol=point,ANG,angle
4.4.6 A LINE THRU A POINT AT A GIVEN ANGLE TO ANOTHER LINE
LIN/symbol=point,ANG,angle,line
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.4.7 A LINE PARALLEL TO ANOTHER LINE AT A GIVEN OFFSET
LIN/symbol=PARL,line,modifior,offset
4.4.8 A LINE THRU A POINT AND TANGENT TO A GIVEN CIRCLE
LIN/symbol=point,modifior,circle
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4.4.9 A LINE TANGENT TO TWO DEFINED CIRCLES
LIN/symbol=modifior,circle,modifior,circle
4.4.10 A LINE THRU A POINT PERPENDICULAR TO A CIRCLE
LIN/symbol=point,PERP,circle
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.4.11 A LINE THRU A POINT PARALLEL TO A CIRCLE
LIN/symbol=point,PARL,circle
Note: The resulting parallel line is perpendicular to a
normal to the circle thru the point.
4.4.12 A LINE THRU A POINT PERPENDICULAR TO A SPLINE
LIN/symbol=point,PERP,spline
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.4.13 A LINE THRU A POINT PARALLEL TO A SPLINE
LIN/symbol=point,PARL,spline
Note: The resulting parallel line is perpendicular to a
normal to the spline thru the point.
4.5 PLANE DEFINITION PATTERNS
Since CAMS regards a line as the edge view of a plane, there
is no basic difference between a line and a plane except in
their respective definition patterns. For example, to
define a plane as the concurrence points requires three
points. However, in the line definitions, only two points
are required, since the desired "line" (i.e. plane) is known
to be perpendicular to the X-Y plane of reference. This
makes the line definitions a convenient shorthand to
defining planes. The canonical forms are identical. Plane
definitions are included in CAMS to provide the means of
defining those part planes that are not perpendicular to the
X-Y coordinate plane.
Selection modifiors used by the plane definitions are:
XL XLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing X
XS XSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing X
YL YLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing Y
YS YSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing Y
ZL ZLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing Z
ZS ZSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing Z
A plane may be defined by its canonical form...
PLN/symbol=a,b,c,d
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.5.1 A PLANE DEFINED BY THREE POINTS
PLN/symbol=point,point,point
4.5.2 A PLANE THRU A POINT AND PARALLEL TO A GIVEN PLANE
PLN/symbol=PARL,plane,point
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.5.3 A PLANE PARALLEL TO ANOTHER PLANE AT A GIVEN OFFSET
PLN/symbol=modifior,plane,offset
4.5.4 A PLANE THRU A POINT AND PERPENDICULAR TO A VECTOR
PLN/symbol=PERP,vector,point
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.5.5 A PLANE THRU A POINT, PERPENDICULAR TO THE INTERSECTION
OF TWO PLANES
PLN/symbol=PERP,IO,plane,plane,point
4.6 CIRCLE DEFINITION PATTERNS
A circle is normally considered the locus of all points in a
plane that are equidistant from a fixed point in the plane.
For purposes of defining parts for NC machining, it is more
convenient to regard a circle as the edge view of a right
circular cylinder whose axis is perpendicular to the X-Y
coordinate plane. This is the way it is done in CAMS.
Thus, the canonical form of a circle is identical to that of
a cylinder.
Selection modifiors used by the circle definitions are:
XL XLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing X
XS XSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing X
YL YLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing Y
YS YSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing Y
ZL ZLARGE The plane farthest offset in increasing Z
ZS ZSMALL The plane farthest offset in decreasing Z
IN The circle that lies inside the defining
circle
OUT The circle that lies outside the defining
circle
LGE LARGE The largest of two resulting circles
SMA SMALL The smallest of two resulting circles
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4.6.1 A CIRCLE DEFINED BY THE COORDINATES OF CENTER AND
ITS RADIUS
CIR/symbol=xc,yc,radius
4.6.2 A CIRCLE DEFINED BY A POINT ON ITS CENTER AND ITS
RADIUS
CIR/symbol=point,radius
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4.6.3 A CIRCLE DEFINED BY THE TWO-POINT METHOD
CIR/symbol=point,point
4.6.4 A CIRCLE DEFINED BY ITS CENTER POINT AND TANGENT TO A
DEFINED LINE
CIR/symbol=point,TGT,line
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4.6.5 A CIRCLE DEFINED BY ITS CENTER POINT AND TANGENT TO A
DEFINED CIRCLE
CIR/symbol=point,LGE,line
SMA
4.6.6 A CIRCLE DEFINED THRU A POINT AND TANGENT TO A LINE
CIR/symbol=TGT,line,modifior,point,radius
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4.6.7 A CIRCLE TANGENT TO TWO INTERSECTING LINES
XL XL
CIR/symbol=XS,line,XS,line,radius
YL YL
YS YS
4.6.8 A CIRCLE TANGENT TO A LINE AND A CIRCLE
XL XL IN
CIR/symbol=XS,line,XS,OUT,circle,radius
YL YL
YS YS
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4.6.9 A CIRCLE TANGENT TWO TWO INTERSECTING CIRCLES
XL IN IN
CIR/symbol=XS,OUT,circle,OUT,circle,radius
YL
YS
4.6.10 A CIRCLE TANGENT TO THREE LINES
XL XL XL
CIR/symbol=XS,line,XS,line,XS,line
YL YL YL
YS YS YS
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4.7 CYLINDER DEFINITION PATTERNS
As mentioned in the section on circles (section 4.10), the
canonical forms of the "circle" and cylinder are identical.
The circle definitions make it convenient for the NC parts
programmer to define cylinders (circles) whose axes are
perpendicular to the XY coordinate plane. For all other
cylinders, it is necessary to use the CYL/ keyword function.
It should be noted that in CAMS, the term cylinder always
means a right circular cylinder, unless otherwise specified.
4.7.1 A CYLINDER DEFINED BY ITS CANONICAL FORM
x,y,z i,j,k
CYL/symbol=point,vector,radius
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4.7.2 A CYLINDER DEFINED BY THREE POINTS AND A VECTOR
CYL/symbol=PT3,point,point,point,vector
Where the three points are presumed to lie on the surface of
the cylinder and the vector coincides with the cylinder
axis. The three points must not be colinear.
4.8 TRANSFORMATION MATRIX PATTERNS
Among the most useful features of CAMS are the functions
that permit the NC parts programmer to 1) define geometric
elements in one coordinate system and use them in another,
or 2) progressively alter cyclic cutter paths in order to
accomplish the same motion at different locations in the
machining space (i.e. repetative programming). In order to
accomplish these worthwhile goals, it is necessary to be
able to define the manner in which geometry, or motion, is
to be altered, that is, transformed.
CAMS' internal calculations use sophisticated vector and
matrix algebra techniques which provide flexibility, speed
and accuracy of calculation. To be consistent with these
methods, it is necessary to define geometry (or cutter path)
transformations as 3 by 4 matrices which represent a
combined rotation, translation and scale on the respective
data. Not all users of CAMS, however, can be expected to be
trained in the use of these advanced mathematical
techniques. Therefore, CAMS provides the means for an
unsophisticated user to define transformations as a finite
sequence of translation, rotation and scaling operations
that "happen" to the data in a specified order. Each of
these operations is known as a matrix archtype. Matrix
archtypes may be combined in unlimited sequence to form a
complex transformation in a manner that is easy for the user
to understand.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
Each MAT/ statement can be either unary (having one matrix
archtype) or binary (having two matrix archtypes). If it is
binary, then the rightmost matrix archtype always "happens"
first. Matrix archtypes are listed below. The MAT/
statement format is:
MAT/symbol=<matrix archtype>
or MAT/symbol=<matrix archtype>,<matrix archtype>
4.8.1 MATRIX ARCHTYPES:
4.8.1.1 DIRECT ENTRY
a1,b1,c1,d1,a2,b2,c2,d2,a3,b3,c3,d3
4.8.1.2 CANONICAL REPLACEMENT
<symbol for a matrix>
4.8.1.3 TRANSLATION
TRN,x,y,z
4.8.1.4 XY ROTATION
XYR,angle
4.8.1.5 YZ ROTATION
YZR,angle
4.8.1.6 ZX ROTATION
ZXR,angle
4.8.1.7 INVERSION
INV,<symbol for a matrix>
Inversion of a matrix produces another matrix which, if
combined with the original matrix, completely cancels its
effect.
4.8.1.8 SCALE
SCL,<scale factor>
4.8.1.9 THREE PLANE METHOD
PL3,<YZ plane>,<ZX plane>,<XY plane>
The three planes become the coordinate planes of the
Page 55 Geometry Definition Statements
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
transformation. As such, they must be mutually
perpendicular.
4.8.1.10 THREE POINTS
PT3,<origin point>,<X-axis point>,<Ylarge point>
<origin point> will become the origin (or center) of the new
coordinate system. <X-axis point> is presumed to define the
direction of the new X-axis. <Ylarge point> is presumed to
lie in the positive Y half of the new XY coordinate plane.
4.8.2 EXAMPLES
Some examples of matrix definitions are:
MAT/M1=TRN,0,1.25,1,XYR,30
MAT/M2=YZR,45
MAT/M3=M1,M2
In these examples, M1 establishes a transformation that is
composed of a counter-clockwise rotation in the XY
coordinate plane of 30 degrees, followed by a translation of
the origin of 1.25 units in Y and 1 unit in Z. M2 is a
simple rotation in the YZ coordinate plane of 45 degrees,
and M3 is a transformation composed first of M2, then
followed by M1. Notice that M3 is actually composed of
three matrix archtypes.
4.9 SPLINE CURVE DEFINITION PATTERNS
CAMS is capable of defining and machining free-form curves.
Called SPLINES, the curves consist of a sequence of slope
continuous two dimensional parametric cubic equations
passing thru a sequence of up to twenty-five (25) points.
The minimum number of points for a spline is two (2).
Splines are extremely flexible. They are used to fit
continuous curves thru the tabular data that is sometimes
found on the engineering drawing of a workpiece. They can
be offset to account for wall thicknesses and/or stock
allowances.
Additional controls on the definition of a spline curve can
be had by defining the end tangency conditions. This is
done by describing either the end angle (ANG) or the end
tangent vector (TGT) at either or both ends of the curve.
In fact, if the end conditions are not specified on a two-
point spline, the resulting curve will be a straight line
between the points.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
Splines in CAMS are directed curves. That is, the "forward"
direction of the curve begins at the first point and flows
thru the points in sequential order as defined. While this
directed aspect is not important during machining of the
spline, it is very important to the definition of offset
splines and when using the spline in defining intercept
points. Please keep this in mind when using the modifiors
"LFT" and "RGT" while defining an offset spline.
Selection modifiors used by the spline definitions are:
LFT LEFT Describes an offset to the left of the
curve when looking along the curve in
the forward direction.
RGT RIGHT Describes an offset to the right of the
curve when looking along the curve in
the forward direction.
4.9.1 A SPLINE DEFINED BY UP TO 25 POINTS
SPL/symbol=x1,y1,...,xn,yn
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.9.2 A SPLINE DEFINED BY UP TO 25 POINTS WITH END CONTROL
[ANG,a1, ] [ANG,an, ]
SPL/symbol=[TGT,i1,j1,]x1,y1,...,[TGT,in,jn,]xn,yn
4.9.3 A SPLINE DEFINED BY AN OFFSET TO AN EXISTING SPLINE
LFT
SPL/symbol=RGT,<offset>,<spline>
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4.10 POINT PATTERN DEFINITIONS
A pattern is a set of one or more points. The maximum number
of points in a single pattern is 42. The use of patterns
allows you to define and manipulate groups of points in a
simple and convenient manner. You can define a pattern as a
linear, circular, or random array of points You can also
define patterns as combinations of points and other
patterns. Once defined, you can subsequently reference the
symbol for a pattern in a GTO/ statement to move the cutter
to each of its points in the sequence in which you defined
them.
A linear pattern is a set of points all of which lie on a
straight line. A circular pattern is a set of points all of
which lie on a given circle. A random pattern consists of
points randomly distributed in the plane, but may also
contain other patterns which were not randomly defined. In
each pattern definition, except the random pattern, an
optional Z coordinate may be appended which will be applied
to all of the points in the pattern.
4.10.1 A LINEAR PATTERN DEFINED BY A POINT, AN ANGLE, THE
DISTANCE BETWEEN POINTS, AND A POINT COUNT
x,y
PAT/symbol=ANG,point,angle,delta,count[,z]
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
4.10.2 A CIRCULAR PATTERN DEFINED BY A CIRCLE, A STARTING ANGLE,
AN ANGULAR INCREMENT, AND A POINT COUNT
CCW
PAT/symbol=CLW,circle,angle,increment,count[,z]
4.10.3 A PATTERN DEFINED BY A RANDOM SET OF POINTS AND PATTERNS
point point
PAT/symbol=pattern,pattern,...
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
POINT-TO-POINT PROGRAMMING
5. POINT-TO-POINT PROGRAMMING
CAMS provides the capability to explicitly move the cutting
tool to any absolute position in the workpiece reference
system. The technique of moving the cutter thru a sequence
of explicit coordinate positions is called point-to-point
programming. In CAMS, point-to-point programming is
accomplished by means of the keywords FROM/, GTO/, and GDL/.
Statements based on these keywords do not require additional
information, such as cutter shape descriptions, in order to
control cutter motion. You should not make the assumption
that complex parts cannot be programmed using point-to-point
methods. While a greater cutter path specification burden
is placed on the parts programmer than with contouring
methods, all NC programming systems produce sequences of
absolute positions for postprocessing.
5.1 THE CONTROL POINT
Even a simple drill bit has a complex shape. For point-to-
point programming, a definition of the shape of the cutting
tool is not required. What is needed for accurate
positioning of the cutter is an agreed upon convention for a
single point on the tool which will be used to control
positioning. This point, called the control point, is
defined to be on the axis of the tool, precisely at its tip.
All CAMS calculated output positions are control point
positions, irrespective of the actual shape of the cutter.
5.2 THE MOTION INITIALIZATION STATEMENT (FROM/)
The FROM/ statement specifies the initial location at which
the cutter is assumed to be positioned. A FROM/ statement
must be the first motion statement in a part program. Use
of the FROM/ statement does not produce any motion data on
the machine control tape the first time it appears in the
part program. Subsequent use of the FROM/ statement can
result in a tool motion for some absolute positioning
machine tools. On incremental positioning machine tools,
subsequent uses of the FROM/ statement will not cause
motion. In general, it is advisable to use only one FROM/
statement in a part program, unless circumstances warrent
otherwise.
As with most point-to-point motion keywords, the tool
position entered in a FROM/ statement can also define and
label a point. Thus, the format for a FROM/ statement is...
FROM/[<symbol>=]<any point definition>
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
Some examples are...
FROM/0,0,0
FROM/P1=IO,L1,L10,.5
5.3 THE ABSOLUTE POSITIONING STATEMENT (GTO/)
The GTO/ statement is an absolute positioning, or "go to,"
statement. It is used to move the cutting tool from its
present position to the absolute position specified in the
body of the GTO/ statement. Except for the keyword, the
format of the GTO/ statement is identical to that of FROM/.
The absolute cutter position, in part coordinates, can be
labeled and stored as a point in canon. The format of the
GTO/ statement is...
GTO/[<symbol>=]<any point definition>
Examples include...
GTO/P5=XYR,30,2.6875,1.1
GTO/3,7,2
You can also substitute a new Z coordinate for a pre-defined
point in the GTO/ statement. For example, the statements...
PNT/P1=.125,1.5,2
GTO/P1,1
would produce motion to the coordinates [.125,1.5,1] instead
of [.125,1.5,2]. This eliminates the necessity of defining
a number of points with the same X,Y coordinates, but
differing Z coordinates.
In addition to generating motion to a single point, the GTO/
statement is also used to generate motion to all of the
points in a pre-defined pattern. For example...
PAT/B1=ANG,1,1,45,.5,3
GTO/B1
would produce motion to all three points of the pattern.
5.4 THE INCREMENTAL MOVE STATEMENT (GDL/)
The GDL/ statement specifies an incremental vector value
which is to be added to the present tool position to form a
new tool position. Thus, it defines an increment of
movement, in each of the machine's coordinate axes. It does
not specify an absolute position at any time. The GDL/
statement takes two forms...
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
GDL/<dx>,<dy>,<dz>
GDL/<da>
In the first form, an independent increment of motion is
specified for each of the coordinate axes of the machine.
In the second form, the single scalar (<da>) specifies the
amount of motion required along the tool axis. A positive
value for <da> specifies motion up the tool axis (i.e.from
the tool tip towards the spindle face). A negative value
for <da> specifies a move down the tool axis, away from the
spindle face. Some examples of the GDL/ statement are...
GDL/0,0,1
GDL/1
Note that both of these statements produce exactly the same
result on a three axis machine. On a machine with tilt and
rotational axes, the motions resulting from the two
statements can be vastly different.
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CONTOUR PROGRAMMING
6.1 THE PART SURFACE STATEMENT (PS/)
All contouring motion in CAMS must have an established part
surface plane. In some cases (e.g. ARC/) the part surface
plane may be established within the body of the command.
For some cases (notably GO/) the part surface must be
established in some other way before the command can be
executed.
The PS/ statement has been established to permit you to
clearly define the part surface to be used by subsequent
contouring statements.
TO
PS/ON,plane
TO The TO modifior for the part surface informs
CAMS that the tool end is to remain in tangent
contact with the part surface plane at all times
during the cut.
ON The ON modifior for the part surface informs
CAMS that the control point is to remain in
contact with the part surface plane at all times
during the cut.
6.2 CONTOURING ARCS (ARC/)
The vast majority of contour operations involve contours of
lines and circular arcs. To be effective, an NC programming
system must provide adequate (and convenient) means for the
parts programmer to specify contour machining along circular
arcs. Arc calculations are invoked by the CAMS ARC/
statement.
The basic Arc processor computes an arc from a starting
angle (a) to an ending angle (b) along a specified circle.
The cutter may be inside (IN), outside (OUT) or centered on
(ON) the circle. Direction of rotation around the circle is
specified by the sign of the difference between the two
angles. I.e., if b-a is positive, the arc will be
counterclockwise; if b-a is negative, the arc will be
clockwise. A tolerance is required to produce accurate
incremental motions in case the machine postprocessor must
use linear interpolation to cut the arc. End control of the
cutter is accomplished by requiring a defined plane for use
as the part surface. The tool tip may be either TO or ON
the part surface plane.
The general ARC/ statement, showing all possible options, is
as follows...
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
[,CLW],a [,b ][,ON ],IN
ARC/tol[,CCW],point [,point ][,TO,plane],OUT,circle
,CTR [,TGT,line ] ,ON
,LFT [,PARL,line]
,RGT
,TGT,line
,PARL,line
tol: Tolerance. The tolerance input is required on all
ARC/ statements. It is used to calculate accurate
linear increments for use by 1) postprocessors
that do not have circular interpolation, or 2)
those situations where the postprocessor must
produce linear motion.
CLW The modifior CLW or CCW is optional. If present,
CCW the modifior will guarantee the direction of
rotation of the cutting arc, over-riding the sign
rule as required.
a The angles "a" and "b" represent the respective
b start and end angles for the arc. Direction of
rotation will be specified by the difference, b-a,
unless one of CLW/CCW is present in the statement.
If the difference is positive, rotation is CCW; if
negative, rotation is CLW. All other options in
the angle positions of the ARC/ statement permit
the program to calculate the beginning and ending
angles.
If the ending angle (b) is completely omitted from
the ARC/ statement, a full 360 degree arc will be
machined. In this case, the rotational parameter
(CLW or CCW) must be present in the ARC/ statement.
CTR The minor word CTR (CenTeR) is used to specify
that the starting angle corresponds to that of a
straight line between the current cutter position
and the center of the arc circle. CTR may only be
used for a starting angle.
LFT The minor words LFT (LeFT) and RGT (RiGhT) are
RGT used to specify a starting angle that causes the
cutter to move to either a left or a right
tangency condition from the present cutter
position. One of these words may only be used to
specify a starting angle.
TGT The TGT (TanGenT) minor word option permits
calculation of a starting or an ending angle that
is computed from the center of the motion arc to
the point of tangency of the specified line. If
the tangency is not geometrically possible, the
ARC/ statement will fail.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
PARL The PARL (PARalleL) minor word option permits
calculation of a starting or an ending angle that
is computed from a vector thru the center of the
motion arc and normal to the point of tangency of
the specified line. If the vector is not
geometrically possible, the ARC/ statement will
fail.
TO Tool end conditions with respect to the part
ON surface plane (see below). A TO condition means
that the end of the cutter is to remain in tangent
contact with the part surface plane throughout the
cut. An ON condition means that the tool control
point is to lie in the part surface plane
throughout the cut.
plane A part surface must be in effect during the
processing of an ARC/ statement. If a part
surface is already in effect (thru a preceeding
ARC/ statement or a PS/ statement), then the part
surface plane and its attendant conditions are
optional in the ARC/ statement. A part surface
plane must always be preceeded by one of the tool
end conditions, TO or ON.
IN The arc may be driven with the tool inside the arc
OUT (IN), the tool outside the arc (OUT), or the tool
ON ON the arc.
circle The final parameter of the ARC/ statement is the
specification of the arc circle. This may be any
form of circle definition (see chapter 4).
By convention, all calculated angles will be computed within
the range 0 to 360 degrees. of arc. In view of the
processors method of calculating rotational direction of
cut, it is advisable to specify CLW or CCW when using any of
the calculation options in the ARC/ statement.
6.3 THE CONTOUR STARTUP (GO/)
The contour startup command (GO/) is used to place the
currently defined cutter into position with respect to three
controlling geometry elements.
The first of these is called the part surface, and must be must be
defined prior to using the GO/ statement with a PS/ or ARC/ defined prior to using the GO/ statement
statement.
The second controlling surface is called the drive surface.
The drive surface is the geometry element you want to be
traversed in the next up-coming motion command. The drive
surface must be the first of the two surfaces permitted in
the GO/ command.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
The third controlling surface is called the check surface.
The check surface is the geometry element you want to use
for precise positioning of the cutter relative to the part
and drive surfaces.
TO TO
GO/PAST,<drive surface>,PAST,<check surface>
ON ON
TO Position the cutter tangent to the drive/check
surface on the side nearest to the cutter's
present position.
PAST Position the cutter tangent to the drive/check
surface on the side nearest to the cutter's
present position.
ON Position the cutter with the control point
directly on the drive/check surface.
Both the drive and check surface must always be present in a
GO/ statement. Each must have the appropriate modifior
present in the statement. Any combination of modifiors on
the two surfaces is permissible.
6.4 TOOL TO PART RELATIONSHIPS (TLF, TON, TRG)
The vocabulary words "TLF" (Tool LeFt), "TON" (Tool ON) and
"TRG" (Tool RiGht) are used to specify the tool relationsip
with respect to a drive surface. They are used to inform
the motion generator as to which side of a drive surface the
tool is to remain during a general contour motion (see the
next section).
6.5 GENERAL CONTOUR MOTION (GFW/,GBK/,GLF/,GRT/)
The contour motion commands (GFW/,GBK/,GLF/,GRT/) are used
to perform continuous cutter offset calculations while
traversing the defined surfaces of the part. These commands
depend upon CAMS' sense of forward cutter motion.
At every cutter motion in the part program, the forward
direction of the cutter in the part space is calculated.
This happens regardless of the type of statement used to
produce the motion. The only time when this forward sense
may be lost is immediately after a copy (CPY/) statement
(see chapter 7). Even in this case, the forward sense can
be re-established by the simple expedient of a point-to-
point motion (e.g. GO/).
The general motion statements are intended to provide the
means to generate contour motion around a part boundary
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
consisting of an arbitrary number and type of CAMS geometry
elements. This is called a "motion sequence".
A motion sequence should begin with a contour startup (GO/)
command to place the cutter in contact with the drive
surface. Note that that movement established a forward
direction for the cutter. Then, depending on how the cutter
approached the drive surface during the startup, one of the
general motion statements is used to instruct the cutter to
move along the drive surface until the desired tool
condition (TO,ON,PAST) with respect to the check surface is
reached. This establishes a new forward direction for the
cutter. Another general motion statement is programmed to
traverse the new drive surface (perhaps the same surface)
until tool condition with its check surface is found. And so
on...
To better illustrate the principle, Appendix C contains the
same part program illustrated in Appendix B, but with motion
generated by the general contouring principles.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
TRANSFORMATIONS AND REPETATIVE PROGRAMMING
7. TRANSFORMATIONS AND REPETATIVE PROGRAMMING
Among the major benefits derived from using a computer
system to prepare programs for N/C machining are the
system's capabilities to 1) perform rapid, accurate
transformations on large quantities of cutter center
positions, and 2) produce repeated cutting sequences under
transformation. The CAMS system has facilities for both of
these capabilities thru the TRA/ (TRAnsform cut) and the
CPY/ (CoPY) keyword functions. Each of these keywords
either make use of transformations previously defined in the
part program by means of the MAT/ (MATrix) keyword function,
or contain embeded information equivalent to a matrix
definition.
7.1 THE TRANSFORM CUT STATEMENT (TRA/)
The TRA/ statement provides the parts programmer with the
flexibility of defining the part geometry and motion
statements in a convenient coordinate system for the part,
while producing CL file data for output motion in a
convenient frame of reference for the machine. The
tiresome, error prone chore of converting blue-print
dimensions to the machine reference system is taken over by
CAMS.
A TRA/ statement can either make use of a pre-defined
matrix, use an un-named matrix defined in the body of the
statement, or name, store, and use a matrix defined in the
body of the statement (see section 3.8). The TRA/ statement
has two formats:
TRA/[<symbol>=]<matrix archtype>[,<matrix archtype>]
TRA/OFF
TRA/ establishes a modal condition that can only be altered
by another TRA/ statement. That means that once a TRA/ mode
establishes a transformation matrix, all CL file records
will be affected by the transformation until another TRA/
statement is entered. The TRA/OFF statement is used to
permit the parts programmer to cancel any TRA/
transformations in effect.
There are several cogent reasons for providing
transformation capability such as TRA/. These include:
1. TRA/ can be used to transform cutter locations from the
xy plane into any other plane. Thus allowing the use
of all the LIN/, CIR/, and PNT/ definitions for canted
faces of the workpiece instead of using the more
complex PLN/ and CYL/ definition formats.
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
2. TRA/ is useful for matching the coordinates of cutter
positions to the special requirements of a particular
machine tool. This might involve a simple translation
to eliminate negative values, or a rotation to match
the part program xy plane to the machine tool xy plane.
3. TRA/ will permit easy production of over-size or under-
size parts through appropriate scaling matrices. This
can be especially useful in the production of dies
where shrinkage allowances must be provided. It can
also be used to provide grind allowances, and the like.
4. TRA/ can be used to get around the "large number"
problems encountered with floating point numbers.
Sometimes a portion of the geometry of a part is
located in the coordinate system such that the
definitions involve numbers in the hundreds or
thousands. Erroneous output can sometimes occur under
these conditions due to the loss of significance as the
computer manipulates these large numbers. In that
event, it is practical to define the geometry and
cutter path close to the origin, then use TRA/ to
translate the cutter locations back to their proper
location.
7.2 THE INDEX STATEMENT (IDX/)
The index statement is used to establish numbered reference
points on the CL file. It is used in conjunction with the
copy (CPY/) statement described in section 7.3. The two
forms of the index statement are:
IDX/ON,<number>
IDX/OFF,<number>
If the IDX/OFF form of the statement is used, it is always
paired with an IDX/ON statement with a corresponding index
number. Each index number must be a unique integer
identifying the cutting sequence referenced. If the number
is not entered in the statement as an integer, the number is
truncated to an integer. In effect, the IDX/ON - IDX/OFF
pair "traps" a sequence of CL file records for copy
purposes, permitting the "trapped" sequence to be repeated
under any appropriate transformation matrix.
The index numbers must be used in a monotonically increasing
sequence in your part program. That is, each IDX/ON,...
statement must use an index number larger then any
preceeding IDX/ON,... in the part program.
Index regions in a part program may not overlap. However,
an index region may totally contain another. This is called
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
"nesting." Nesting may be carried out to a maximum depth of
three. For example...
:
IDX/ON,10
IDX/ON,20
IDX/ON,30
GTO/P3
IDX/OFF,30
CPY/30,2,TRN,.5,0,0
IDX/OFF,20
CPY/20,1,TRN,0,.5,0
IDX/OFF,10
:
shows a collection of index regions which are nested to a
depth of three. The example shows how IDX/ and CPY/ can
work together to drill a rectangular pattern of six holes,
three holes wide by two holes high, at .500 spacing between
holes.
7.3 THE COPY STATEMENT (CPY/)
The copy statement is used to repeat sequences of CL file
records, transforming or changing the motion specified
according to an appropriate transformation matrix. The
proper form of the copy statement is:
CPY/<number>,<count>,<matrix archtype>
where <number> refers to an index reference number
established by an IDX/ON statement, <count> is the number of
progressively transformed copies to be processed, and
<matrix archtype> refers to any matrix archtype described in
section 3.8.1. Note that if the <count> of copies is more
than 1, the transformation matrix is progressively applied.
For example, the statement sequence:
:
PNT/P1=0,0,0
IDX/ON,1
GTO/P1
CPY/1,2,TRN,1,0,0
:
will produce the following output:
1. a move to the point 0,0,0
2. a move to the point 1,0,0 (the first copy)
3. a move to the point 2,0,0 (the second, progressive, copy)
Another thing to notice about this example is that the CPY/
statement itself may serve in the capacity of an IDX/OFF
statement. The IDX/OFF statement is used when there are CL
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February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
records between the copy master and the copy statement that
should not be copied. For example, the statement sequence:
:
IDX/ON,2
GTO/P2=1,0,0
IDX/OFF,2
GTO/P3=2,0,1
CPY/2,2,XYR,90
:
will produce the output:
1. a move to the point 1,0,0
2. a move to the point 2,0,1
3. a move to the point 0,1,0 (the first copy)
4. a move to the point -1,0,0 (the second, progressive, copy)
Note that in this manner, the move to P3 was not made a part
of the copy master.
Further examples of the copy capability may be seen in the
programmed examples of appendix a. Some typical copy
pitfalls are listed as follows.
1. Rotational copies always rotate about the coordinate
origin. This means that it is not possible to use the
progressive copy feature to drill a bolt circle whose
center of rotation does not coincide with the
coordinate origin by copying it's first point.
2. Copy can be used in conjunction with TRA/ quite
successfully, except when mirrored image TRA/s are
attempted. The mirror TRA/ matrix will not change a
positive translation factor in a copy statement to a
negative translation factor in the mirror image, hence
the mirrored part will not be correct.
7.4 REFERENCE SYSTEMS - THE REF/ STATEMENT
The REF/ statement is used to establish an auxilliary
coordinate system which is used for the sole purpose of
defining geometric elements. Geometry which is defined
under a reference system is immediately transformed into the
base coordinate system of the part program. As such, the
action of a reference system occurs before cutter paths are
calculated from the geometry. By contrast, the TRA/
statement acts on completed cutter paths to transform them
from the base coordinate system into some other system,
presumably into machine coordinates.
Geometry entities that are defined outside the range of a
reference system are transformed when they are retrieved
Page 72 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
from canonical storage for use in other definitions. This
keeps the entire geometry of the part consistent with the
base coordinate system.
The formats of the REF/ statement are:
:
REF/ <symbol>[=<matrix archtype>]
:
:
REF/ OFF
:
The first statement establishes a reference system
controlled by the matrix archtype used (or defined) in the
REF/ statement. The second statement turns off the
reference system so that subsequent geometry definitions
will be defined in the base coordinate system. It is not
necessary to close a reference system with the REF/ OFF
statement if you wish to use more than one reference system
to define your part geometry. Simply establish the new
reference system with a new REF/ statement, and it will
supercede the previously active reference system, as
follows:
:
REF/ <symbol>[=<matrix archtype 1>]
:
REF/ <symbol>[=<matrix archtype 2>]
:
REF/ OFF
:
Any matrix archtype as described in section 4.8 may be used
in the REF/ statement. The "range" of a reference system is
all of the statements between the "REF/ <matrix archtype>"
and the next REF/ statement, or the end of the program
(FIN), whichever comes first.
If a PRT/ statement is included in the range of a reference
system, the geometry specified by the PRT/ statement will be
printed in reference system coordinates. If the PRT/
statement is outside the range of any reference system, the
geometry specified will be printed in base coordinates.
Certain geometric entities are not affected by a reference
system. These are the more complex geometry types,
specifically matrices (as defined by MAT/ statements) and
spline curves (as defined by SPL/ statements). To define a
transformed spline, you must define the points under a
reference system, then define the spline with the
transformed points. In the following example, splines S1
and S2 have exactly the same shape, but lie in different
positions and orientations in the base coordinate system.
Page 73 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
1 PNT/ P1= 1,0
2 PNT/ P2= 2,0.5
3 PNT/ P3= 3,0
4 PNT/ P4= 4,0.5
5 SPL/ S1= P1,P2,P3,P4
6 PRT/ S1
S1 052A 1.00000 .00000 .70711 .70711 1.11803
2.00000 .50000 .93189 -.14142 1.11803
3.00000 .00000 .93189 -.14142 1.11803
4.00000 .50000 .70711 .70711 .00000
7 REF/ M1= TRN,1,1,0,XYR,30
8 PNT/ P5= 1,0
9 PNT/ P6= 2,0.5
10 PNT/ P7= 3,0
11 PNT/ P8= 4,0.5
12 REF/ OFF
13 SPL/ S2= P5,P6,P7,P8
14 PRT/ S2
S2 052A 1.86603 1.50000 .25882 .96593 1.11803
2.48205 2.43301 .87775 .34347 1.11803
3.59808 2.50000 .87775 .34347 1.11803
4.21410 3.43301 .25882 .96593 .00000
15 FIN
In general, CAMS does not distinguish between entities that
are defined as points and entities that are defined as
vectors. The one exception to this rule is when entities
are defined or used under a reference system. Points are
considered fixed locations in the part space, and hence are
affected by translation. Vectors are considered to specify
a direction, and hence are rotated but NEVER TRANSLATED,
since translation would destroy their directional sense.
Another way to view a point is that it is a vector with its
tail anchored to the origin, whereas a true vector does not
have an anchor.
Sometimes it is convenient to define a point by means of a
vector definition, such as adding an incremental
displacement to an existing point. Beware of using this
technique under a reference system, or of using the
resultant "vector" under a reference system. For example:
1 PNT/ P1= 1,1
2 VEC/ V1= 1,0,0
3 VEC/ P2= ADD,P1,V1
4 PRT/ P1,P2
P1 0008 1.00000 1.00000 .00000
P2 0308 2.00000 1.00000 .00000
Page 74 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
5 REF/ M1= TRN,-1,0,0
6 PRT/ P1,P2
P1 0008 2.00000 1.00000 .00000
P2 0308 2.00000 1.00000 .00000
7 REF/ OFF
8 FIN
The above part program fragment illustrates the fundamental
difference between points and vectors under reference system
transformations. Notice that the relationship between P1
and P2 of "1 unit apart," established by their original
definition, NO LONGER HOLDS UNDER THE REFERENCE SYSTEM. The
correct way to accomplish the desired end is to redefine the
computed vector as a point, as follows:
1 PNT/ P1= 1,1
2 VEC/ V1= 1,0,0
3 VEC/ V2= ADD,P1,V1
4 PNT/ P2= V2
5 PRT/ P1,P2
P1 0008 1.00000 1.00000 .00000
P2 0008 2.00000 1.00000 .00000
6 REF/ M1= TRN,-1,0,0
7 PRT/ P1,P2
P1 0008 2.00000 1.00000 .00000
P2 0008 3.00000 1.00000 .00000
8 REF/ OFF
9 FIN
Every transformable entity will be converted into local
coordinates under a reference system, regardless of how it
was defined. This means that if you obtain (using OBT/)
values from the canonical form of an entity, you will get
those values in local coordinates. The following example of
obtaining the coordinates of the normal vector to a line
will illustrate this point.
1 LIN/ L1= 1,.5,4,1.5
2 OBT/ A= L1,1
3 OBT/ B= L1,2
4 OBT/ C= L1,3
5 PRT/ A,B,C
A0 2104 .31623
B0 2104 -.94868
C0 2104 .00000
6 REF/ M1= XYR,30
7 OBT/ A= L1,1
Page 75 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
8 OBT/ B= L1,2
9 OBT/ C= L1,3
10 PRT/ A,B,C
A0 2104 -.20048
B0 2104 -.97970
C0 2104 .00000
11 REF/ OFF
12 FIN
Reference system matrices involving scale factors may yield
incorrect results (with no diagnostic message) for several
reasons. If a scale factor is used, the unit vectors of
certain geometry types (line, plane, circle, cylinder) will
be scaled, and could produce cutter path calculation errors
in CAMS2. Furthermore, the radii of circles and cylinders
will not be scaled at all.
CAMS passes geometry entities to the path generator (CAMS2)
by symbolic name, and not by canonical form. This means
that the calculation of cutter paths ALWAYS occurs with
respect to the base coordinate system. CUTTER PATHS ARE
NORMALLY UNAFFECTED IN ANY WAY BY REFERENCE SYSTEMS. The
exception to this rule is geometry that is defined in a
cutter motion statement when a reference system is in
effect. To avoid ambiguity and cutter motion failures it is
strongly recommended that all motion statements be outside
the range of any reference system.
7.5 FILE INCLUSION (GET/)
CAMS normally reads part program statements from the
specified input file. It is sometimes convenient to be able
to read a portion of the program from a different source.
For example, a standard tool change program sequence may be
established that is use in several places in a part program,
or, for that matter, it may be used in many part programs.
It is undesirable to program this many times because it
uses time that could be better spent elsewhere in the part
programming process.
An alternative source of input statements can be specified
at any time in the part program by means of the GET/
statement. This statement includes the DOS file name of the
part program fragment that is to be included in the primary
part program. The format of the GET/ statement is as
follows:
GET/ <filename>
The file name may optionally include a DOS path.
As an example, suppose the tool change sequence is contained
Page 76 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
in the current directory under the filename "BANDIT.INC" as
follows:
REM/ T255= TOOL NUMBER TO BE LOADED
REM/ D255= TOOL DIAMETER
REM/ U255= CHIP LOAD PER CUTTING EDGE
REM/ N255= NUMBER OF FLUTES
#/ T[T255]= D255
#/ S[T255]= INT(MIN(3525:MAX(100:12*S100/(3.1416*T[T255]))))
#/ F[T255]= S[T255]*U255*N255
LTL/ T255
SPN/ S[T255]
FED/ F[T255]
PRT/ S[T255],F[T255]
CUTR/T[T255]
RPD
The following main part program segment shows how the tool
change sequence would be used:
:
#/ T255= 1
#/ D255= 0.5
#/ U255= 0.0025
#/ N255= 2
PPR/ (LOAD 1/2 DIA. 2-FLUTE END MILL)
GET/ BANDIT.INC
:
#/ T255= 2
#/ D255= 0.25
#/ U255= 0.0015
#/ N255= 2
PPR/ (LOAD 1/4 DIA. 2-FLUTE END MILL)
GET/ BANDIT.INC
:
Page 77 Transformations And Repetative Programming
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
STANDARD CUTTING SEQUENCES
8. STANDARD CUTTING SEQUENCES
Certain macnining operations are sufficiently standard and
repeated often enough to in the course of NC programming as
to warrent development of special cutting algorithms. The
cutting out of straight sided pockets is an excellent
example of often repeated cutting operations with many
variations. CAMS has the capability to automatically hog-
out a pocket. Other standard cutting sequences may be added
to CAMS from time to time as their utility and frequency of
use become apparent.
8.1 POCKETING - THE POC/ STATEMENT
The CAMS pocketing procedure can remove stock from an area
bounded by up to twenty straight line sides. The straight
line sides must form a convex polygon. That is to say, the
internal angle between any two successive sides must always
be less then 180 degrees.
The parts programmer, by means of the POC/ statement,
defines certain parameters used to calculate bottom
coverage, rough cut stepovers, cutter offsets from the
pocket sides, and feedrates. He also provides a list of
pre-defined points which describe the vertices of the pocket
polygon. The POC/ statement is...
plane
POC/re,c,fin,f1,f2,f3,type,i,j,k,d,point,...,point
where:
re The effective cutter radius for pocket bottom
coverage testing. Note that a .75 diameter end
mill with a .125 corner radius has a maximum value
for re of .250.
c An upper bound for the roughing cut step over for
successive cutter paths around the pocket. The
pocketing procedure may reduce the step over to
maintain control of bottom coverage, but it will
never exceed this programmed step over value.
fin The programmed finish cut step over. The last cut
around the pocket polygon will always remove this
amount of material from the pocket sides.
f1 The feed rate in inches/minute for the plunge cut
into the pocket.
f2 The feed rate in inches/minute for the rough
cutting of the pocket area.
Page 78 Standard Cutting Sequences
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
f3 The feed rate in inches/minute for the finish cut
around of the pocket polygon.
type The point type indicator. If type = 0 then the
points specified in the pocket statement are the
cutter center points of the finish cut around the
pocket polygon. Any value for type other than
zero indicates that the points specified in the
POC/ statement are the vertices of the sides of
the pocket.
plane The symbolic name of a CAMS plane (the numeric
i,j,k,d parameters of the plane equation) for the
pocket bottom. A restriction on the pocketing
procedure is that the tool axis vector and the
normal vector to the pocket bottom plane must
describe an angle greater than 12 degrees between
them.
point A minumum of three (3) to a maximum of twenty (20)
points describing a convex polygon may be used.
Depending on the value of "type," these are
interpreted by CAMS as either the cutter center
locations of the finish cut, or as the vertices of
the pocket sides.
Some programming considerations for pocketing should be
noted...
1. Step over, both c and fin, are always measured in the
plane of the pocket bottom. The parts programmer must
determine adequate step over to maintain part
tolerances when using ball end mills, radiused end
mills, barrel shaped cutters, and when using canted
pocket floor planes.
2. Unlike the point-to-point statements, a cutter must be
defined in a CUTR/ statement prior to using the POC/
statement. This is necessary to allow the system to
calculate the sequence of offsets from the pocket
sides.
3. The points describing the pocket polygon need not be
co-planar. The parts programmer should be aware that
their projections onto the pocket floor plane, in a
direction parallel to the tool axis are actually used
for all pocket calculations.
8.2 HELICAL BORING - THE HLX/ STATEMENT
To provide the means for controlled plunging and ramp
cutting into confined volumes, the helical boring procedure
has been developed and implemented into CAMS. In using the
Page 79 Standard Cutting Sequences
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
HLX/ statement, the parts programmer provides the
information necessary to compute the cutter offset bore
diameter, bore depth, ramp angle, starting angular position,
and the angular increment to be used to calculate the
helical path. The HLX/ statement format is...
HLX/<crad>,<depth>,<toler>,<alpha>,<beta>,<circle>
<crad> The radius of the cutter. By including this
parameter, the user may define a fictitious cutter
for the helical bore.
<depth> The depth of the bore along the tool axis from the
point at center of the circle.
<toler> The tolerance used to compute incremental moves
along the helical path.
<alpha> The starting angle, measured positive
couterclockwise from a parallel to the positive X
axis, for the helical path.
<beta> The ramp angle, or helix angle, for the helical
path.
<circle> Either a symbol for a circle, or the definition of
a circle. Care must be taken that the point at
the center of the circle has the correct Z
coordinate for beginning the helical bore
sequence. Z should represent the surface of the
part plus any clearance that may be required.
The first move of a helical bore is to the defined point at
circle center. Next is a move to the first point on the
helical path, as specified by the <alpha> angle. The
helical path will ensue, followed by a full 360 degree cut
around the bottom to clean out the bore.
Page 80 Standard Cutting Sequences
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
APPENDIX A - VOCABULARY
The complete CAMS vocabulary is shown in the following
tables. Each entry shows the vocabulary word, its
hexadecimal recognition code, the APT equivalent word (where
appropriate), and a brief description of the word's usage.
Not all the vocabulary is needed for a given installation.
Many of the words are postprocessor words, and may not apply
to your machine tools. Detailed descriptions of the usage
of postprocessor vocabulary words will be found in the
appropriate postprocessor manual.
Vocabulary words may be added from time to time to support
new machine tools and/or new CAMS functions. Those words
with the "***" at the right margin are reserved words, and
are not in use by CAMS at this time.
*** MAJOR WORD TABLE ***
PNT :00 POINT Definition
LIN :01 LINE Definition
CIR :02 CIRCLE Definition
VEC :03 VECTOR Definition
MAT :04 MATRIX Definition
SPL :05 SPLINE Definition
CNC :06 CONIC Definition ***
PLN :07 PLANE Definition
REF :08 REFSYS Define Modal Reference System
TRA :09 TRACUT Define Modal Path Transformation
CPY :0A COPY Specify Path Replication
IDX :0B INDEX Path Replication Delimiter
GTO :0C GOTO Specify Absolute Cutter Position
GDL :0D GODLTA Specify Incremental Cutter Position
FROM :0E FROM Specify Initial Cutter Position
END :0F END Terminate Post Processing
IFO :10 IFRO AUX Internal Feedrate Override
OPS :11 OPSTOP AUX Optional Program Stop
RPD :12 RAPID AUX One-shot Rapid Traverse Move
RTR :13 RETRCT AUX Spindle Retract
STP :14 STOP AUX Mandatory Program Stop
AUX :15 AUXFUN AUX Machine Auxilliary Function (M)
PRE :16 PREFUN AUX Machine Preparatory Function (G)
GO :17 GO Specify Relative Motion Startup
GLF :18 GOLFT Specify Relative Motion LEFT
GRT :19 GORGT Specify Relative Motion RIGHT
GFW :1A GOFWD Specify Relative Motion FORWARD
GBK :1B GOBACK Specify Relative Motion BACKWARD
POC :1C POCKET Specify Pocketing Path
HLX :1D ---- Specify Helical Boring Motion
SPN :1E SPINDL AUX Spindle Control
CLN :1F COOLNT AUX Coolant Control
TNO :20 TOOLNO AUX Machine Cutter Parameters
Page 81 Appendix A - Vocabulary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
# :21 ---- Scalar Definition
PRT :22 PRINT Print Canonical Elements
FIN :23 FINI Terminate CAMS
PNO :24 PARTNO Program Identifier
PPR :25 PPRINT Post Processor Comment
MCH :26 MACHIN Specify Machine Post Processor
FED :27 FEDRAT AUX Specify Cutting Feed Rate
LDR :28 LEADER AUX Punched Tape Leader
MCT :29 MCHTOL AUX Post Processor Path Tolerance
SEQ :2A SEQNO AUX Tape Sequence Number
TLF :2B TLLFT Tool Motion Condition LEFT
TRG :2C RIGHT Tool Motion Condition RIGHT
TON :2D TLON Tool Motion Condition ON
CUTR :2E CUTTER Specify Cutter Calculation Parameters
PS :2F PSIS Specify Part Surface
OFST :30 OFFSET Tool Position Offset ***
IDV :31 INDIRV In Direction Vector
IDP :32 INDIRP In Direction Point
PCH :33 PUNCH ***
ARC :34 ---- Specify Arc Motion
CYL :35 CYLNDR Define A Right Circular Cylinder
DWL :36 DWELL AUX Machine Time Delay
LTL :37 LOADTL AUX Load Cutting Tool
CYC :38 CYCLE AUX Calculated Or Machine Cycle
JIG :39 ---- AUX Accurate Position Approach
OBT :3A OBTAIN Obtain Values From Canonical Form
CLP :3B CLPRNT Print Cutter Location File
PAT :3C PATERN Define Point Pattern
PLT :3D PLOT Plot Cutter Location File
REM :3E REMARK Program Listing Remark
INS :3F INSERT Direct Insert Of Machine Control Data
CCO :40 CUTCOM Cutter Compensation
RTB :41 ROTABL Rotate Machine Table
TMK :42 TMARK Tape Mark
TLO :43 ---- Tool Offset
BMILL :44 ---- Boundary Milling ***
THK :45 THICK Stock Allowance
GET :46 ---- File Inclusion
*** MINOR WORD TABLE ***
XL :00 XLARGE Directional Modifior
XS :01 XSMALL Directional Modifior
YL :02 YLARGE Directional Modifior
YS :03 YSMALL Directional Modifior
ZL :04 ZLARGE Directional Modifior
ZS :05 ZSMALL Directional Modifior
IO :06 INTOF Intersection Of
TGT :07 TANTO Tangency Indicator
CTR :08 CENTER
RGT :09 RIGHT Directional Modifior
LFT :0A LEFT Directional Modifior
ANG :0B ATANGL Angular Modifior
Page 82 Appendix A - Vocabulary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
PERP :0C PERPTO Perpendicularity Indicator
PARL :0D PARLEL Parallel Indicator
RAD :0E RADIUS
TRN :0F TRANSL Translation Indicator
ROT :10 ROTABL Rotate Table
UNIT :11 UNIT
DOT :12 DOTF Vector Dot Product
XYR :13 XYROT X-Y Rotation
YZR :14 YZROT Y-Z Rotation
ZXR :15 ZXROT Z-X Rotation
SCL :16 SCALE Scale Factor
ALL :17 ALL
LGE :18 LARGE Largest Item Indicator
SMA :19 SMALL Smallest Item Indicator
INV :1A INVERS Inversion Operator
PL3 :1B ---- 3-Plane Format
PT3 :1C ---- 3-Point Format
OFF :1D OFF
ON :1E ON
TO :1F TO
CLW :20 CLW Clockwise
CCW :21 CCW Counterclockwise
PAST :22 PAST
CROS :23 CROSS Vector Cross Product
ADD :24 PLUS Vector Addition Operator
SUB :25 MINUS Vector Subtraction Operator
MPY :26 TIMES Vector Multiplication Operator
IN :27 IN
OUT :28 OUT
PEK :29 ---- Peck Drill Cycle
DRL :2A DRILL Drill Cycle
TAP :2B TAP Tap Cycle
BOR :2C BORE Boring Cycle
IPM :2D IPM Inches Per Minute
IPR :2E IPR Inches Per Revolution
CSS :2F
RPM :30 RPM Revolutions Per Minute
CRC :31 CIRCUL Circular Interpolation
VCR :32 Vector
CBOR :33 CBORE Counterbore
DRAG :34 DRAG Cycle Bore Dragout
OFS :35 Offset
REV :36 Revolutions
RET :37 Cycle Retract
DLY :38 DELAY Cycle Dwell
UP :39 UP
DWN :3A DOWN
SPS :3B STOPS Spindle Stop
HI :3C HIGH
LO :3D LOW
PCH :3E PCH Punch
CLAMP :3F CLAMP
GRID :40 GRID
CAN :41 CANON Canonical Replacement
Page 83 Appendix A - Vocabulary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
*** SCIENTIFIC FUNCTION TABLE ***
ABS :00 ABSF Absolute Value
SQR :01 SQRTF Square Root
SIN :02 SINF Sine
COS :03 COSF Cosine
ATN :04 ATANF Arctangent
EXP :05 EXPF Exponential
LGD :06 Base 10 Logarithm
LOG :07 Natural Logarithm
INT :08 Greatest Integer
SGN :09 Sign
MOD :0A Remainder
MIN :0B Minimum
MAX :0C Maximum
Page 84 Appendix A - Vocabulary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
APPENDIX B - SAMPLE PROGRAM
This appendix contains a sample part program illustrating
CAMS part programming techniques. It should be noted that
this example does not show the only "right" way to program
the part. Just one of the many ways. The CAMS language is
sufficiently rich to adapt to most machining techniques.
The "THINGAMAJIG" was selected in order to illustrate how
the contour machining techniques may be used. A statement
by statement account of the sample program follows the
listed output.
Page 85 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
========================================
C A M S Section 1
Version 3, Mod 00
Copyright 1987 by Computer Geometry Co.
All Rights Reserved
========================================
Date: 07-Dec-87
Source File: THINGMJ.NC
1 PNO/ CAMS TEST CASE #1 - THINGAMAJIG - 12/17/86
2 #/S0=185
3 #/R1=.25
4 #/Z1=.625+.25
5 #/Z2=-.05
6 #/Y0=1.725-.4+2
7 #/X0=3
8 PLN/Q1=0,0,1,Z2
9 LIN/L1=0,-Y0,1,-Y0
10 LIN/L2=-X0,0,-X0,1
11 LIN/L3=-X0,2-Y0,COS(15)-X0,SIN(15)+2-Y0
12 LIN/L4=PARL,L1,YL,1.725
13 LIN/L5=PARL,L2,XL,6
14 CIR/C1=0,0,2
15 REM/ ** COMPUTE SPINDLE RPM (S1) SUCH THAT 100 <= S1 <= 4000
16 #/S1=MAX(100:MIN(4000:(S0*12/(3.1416*R1*2))))
17 REM/ ** COMPUTE FEEDRATE; .004 PER EDGE FOR 2 FLUTE CUTTER
18 #/F1=.004*S1*2
19 PRT/S1,F1
S1 2104 1413.29300
F1 2104 11.30634
20 FROM/P255=-(X0+1),-(Y0+1.125),Z1
21 FED/F1
22 CUTR/2*R1
23 RPD
24 PS/Q1
25 GO/TO,L2,TO,L1
26 GO/PAST,L3,TO,L2
27 GO/PAST,C1,TO,L3
28 REM/ *** GEOMETRY TO COMPUTE ARC END ANGLE USING A CIRCLE
29 CIR/C100=YL,L4,XL,IN,C1,R1
30 ARC/.003,CCW,CTR,C100,IN,C1
31 GO/PAST,L5,TO,L4
32 GO/PAST,L1,TO,L5
33 GO/PAST,L2,TO,L1
34 RPD
35 GTO/P255
36 PRT/ALL
Page 86 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
S0 2104 185.00000
R1 2104 .25000
Z1 2104 .87500
Z2 2104 -.05000
Y0 2104 3.32500
X0 2104 3.00000
Q1 010A .00000 .00000 1.00000 -.05000
L1 010A .00000 -1.00000 .00000 3.32500
L2 010A 1.00000 .00000 .00000 -3.00000
L3 010A .25882 -.96593 .00000 .50339
L4 010A .00000 -1.00000 .00000 1.60000
L5 010A 1.00000 .00000 .00000 3.00000
C1 0210 .00000 .00000 .00000 .00000 .00000 1.00000
2.00000
S1 2104 1413.29300
F1 2104 11.30634
P255 0008 -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
C100 0210 1.11355 -1.35000 .00000 .00000 .00000 1.00000
.25000
37 FIN
**** 0 ERRORS ****
0
========================================
C A M S Section 2
Version 3, Modification 00
Copyright 1987 by Computer Geometry Co.
All Rights Reserved
========================================
Date: 07-Dec-87
CL Data File: THINGMJ.CLF
1 1 PNO/ CAMS TEST CASE #1 - THINGAMAJIG - 12/17/86
2 20 FROM/ -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
3 21 FED/ 11.30634
4 23 RPD/
5 25 GTO/ -3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
6 26 GTO/ -3.25000 -1.13317 -.05000
7 27 GTO/ -1.60697 -.69292 -.05000
8 30 ARC/ .00000 .00000 .00000
.00000 .00000 1.00000
1.75000
9 30 GTO/ -1.60697 -.69292 -.05000
-1.51612 -.87401 -.05000
-1.40494 -1.04338 -.05000
-1.27493 -1.19877 -.05000
-1.12784 -1.33809 -.05000
-.96562 -1.45948 -.05000
-.79047 -1.56130 -.05000
-.60472 -1.64220 -.05000
Page 87 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
-.41086 -1.70109 -.05000
-.21150 -1.73717 -.05000
-.00930 -1.74998 -.05000
.19302 -1.73932 -.05000
.39276 -1.70536 -.05000
.58723 -1.64853 -.05000
.77383 -1.56961 -.05000
.95006 -1.46966 -.05000
1.11355 -1.35000 -.05000
10 31 GTO/ 3.25000 -1.35000 -.05000
11 32 GTO/ 3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
12 33 GTO/ -3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
13 34 RPD/
14 35 GTO/ -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
15 37 FIN/
**** 0 ERRORS ****
0
What follows is a statement-by-statement account of the
THINGAMAJIG part program and its CAMS1 output...
1 PNO/ CAMS TEST CASE #1 - THINGAMAJIG - 12/17/86
Establishes identifying information about the program and
instructs the postprocessor to create an identifying leader
for the machine control tape.
2 #/S0=185
The value 185 is assigned to the symbol S0. 185 is the
cutting speed chosen in surface feet/minute. Assigning
surface speed to a variable at the beginning of the part
program, subsequently using it to calculate spindle RPM, is
good programming technique. It allows all the feeds and
speeds of the part program to be automatically altered by
the simple expedient of changing this statement.
3 #/R1=.25
The value .25 is assigned to the symbol R1. .25 is the
cutter radius used in the contour operation. Assigning a
symbol to this value, then using the symbol in all
subsequent statements, permits the cutter radius to be
changed by altering only this one statement.
4 #/Z1=.625+.25
Establishes the machine orientation point Z coordinate as
.875. Notice that the part programmer used only blueprint
dimensions and left the calculation for the computer. This
makes checking and engineering changes much easier to
Page 88 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
incorporate into the part program.
5 #/Z2=-.05
Establishes the Z coordinate for depth of cut as .05 below
the locating surface (Z=0) of the part.
6 #/Y0=1.725-.4+2
Establishes the dimension from the 2.000 radius arc center
to the lower edge of the part.
7 #/X0=3
Establishes the dimension from the 2.000 radius arc center
to the left edge of the part.
8 PLN/Q1=0,0,1,Z2
Defines a plane at Z=Z2. This plane will later be used as a
part surface in contour machining operations.
9 LIN/L1=0,-Y0,1,-Y0
Defines the line representing the bottom edge of the part.
10 LIN/L2=-X0,0,-X0,1
Defines the line representing the left edge of the part.
11 LIN/L3=-X0,2-Y0,COS(15)-X0,SIN(15)+2-Y0
Defines the 15 degree angle line at the top edge of the
part.
12 LIN/L4=PARL,L1,YL,1.725
Defines the horizontal line at the top edge of the part.
13 LIN/L5=PARL,L2,XL,6
Defines the vertical line at the right edge of the part.
14 CIR/C1=0,0,2
Defines the circle representing the 2.000 radius at the top
of the part.
15 REM/ ** COMPUTE SPINDLE RPM (S1) SUCH THAT 100 <= S1 <= 4000
A comment used to describe the next calculation.
16 #/S1=MAX(100:MIN(4000:(S0*12/(3.1416*R1*2))))
The computation of spindle speed from surface speed, using
Page 89 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
the radius of the cutter. Note the use of the MAX and MIN
functions to guarantee that the resulting spindle speed is
within the machine tool's range (100 <= spindle speed <=
4000). This is good programming practice, since the next
computation will be for feedrate, and it will need the
actual spindle speed to be effective.
17 REM/ *** COMPUTE FEEDRATE; .004 PER EDGE FOR 2 FLUTE CUTTER
A comment used to describe the next calculation.
18 #/F1=.004*S1*2
Establishes the symbol F1 as containing the calculated
feedrate for the part program.
19 PRT/S1,F1
Prints the calculated spindle speed and feedrate at the
point in the program at which they are calculated. This is
good for debugging purposes, later.
20 FROM/P255=-(X0+1),-(Y0+1.125),Z1
Initializes motion for both CAMS and the machine
postprocessor. Establishes the pick-up point for the part
program. On an incremental machine, for example, the
operator would have had to manually set the machine at the
specified position before start-up.
21 FED/F1
Establishes F1 as the feedrate for subsequent motion
statements.
22 CUTR/2*R1
Define the cutter to be 2*R1 (.500) in diameter. This
value is used on all subsequent contouring motion
statements.
23 RPD
Over-rides the established feedrate on a one-shot basis, and
establishes the feed rate for the next motion statement at
maximum, or rapid traverse, for the machine tool.
24 PS/Q1
Establishes the part surface plane as Q1 for subsequent
contouring motion.
25 GO/TO,L2,TO,L1
From the initial position (line 20, above), compute a cutter
Page 90 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
offset position that is in contact with both L2 and L1 on
the respective side nearest to the present cutter location.
26 GO/PAST,L3,TO,L2
From the most recent cutter location, compute a cutter
offset position that is in contact with L3 on the far side,
and in contact with L2 on the near side.
27 GO/PAST,C1,TO,L3
From the most recent cutter location, compute a cutter
offset position that is in contact with C1 on the far side,
and in contact with L3 on the near side.
28 REM/ *** GEOMETRY TO COMPUTE ARC END ANGLE USING A CIRCLE
29 CIR/C100=YL,L4,XL,IN,C1,R1
Define a construction circle, equivalent to a cross section
of the cutter, that is in contact with circle C1 at the
desired end angle of the upcoming ARC/ statement.
30 ARC/.003,CCW,CTR,C100,IN,C1
Contour an arc, using a .003 tolerance for linear
interpolation, to be traversed in a counterclockwise
direction, beginning at the present position of the cutter
(CTR), ending at an angle coincident with the center of
C100, and traversing inside of circle C1.
31 GO/PAST,L5,TO,L4
From the most recent cutter location, compute a cutter
offset position that is in contact with L5 on the far side,
and in contact with L4 on the near side.
32 GO/PAST,L1,TO,L5
From the most recent cutter location, compute a cutter
offset position that is in contact with L1 on the far side,
and in contact with L5 on the near side.
33 GO/PAST,L2,TO,L1
From the most recent cutter location, compute a cutter
offset position that is in contact with L2 on the far side,
and in contact with L1 on the near side.
34 RPD
35 GTO/P255
Return to the coordinate position of the "FROM" point at
rapid traverse feed rate.
36 PRT/ALL
Page 91 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
Print all canonical forms computed in the part program.
37 FIN
Terminate the CAMS part program.
We're done! (With CAMS1.)
The CAMS2 output listing contains a substantial amount of
diagnostic information for the experienced user. Each record
begins with its unique and sequential CL record number at the
left margin.
The number second from the left is the CAMS1 statement
sequence number. It is used to correlate the CL record with the
source statement that produced it. You may note that some CAMS
source statements are capable of generating more than one CL
record.
Finally, a representation of the CL record data is
reproduced in a man-readable form. Notice that there are several
classes of CL record. Some (e.g. 1, 2, and 4) simply carry
forward their data for later use by the postprocessor. (In the
case of CL record number 4, the feedrate computation has been
resolved into a number.) Others, e.g. 2, 5, and 6) are resolved
into point-to-point cutter motion.
Still others, e.g. 8 and 9, are linked records which
completely specify a motion ARC. Record 8 specifies the circle
on which the arc is measured, and record 9 contains all the
linear moves necessary to cut the arc in linear interpolation
while maintaining the specified tolerance (0.003 as seen in
statement number 30)
Page 92 Appendix B - Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
APPENDIX C - GENERAL CONTOURING SAMPLE PROGRAM
This appendix contains a sample part program illustrating
the CAMS general contouring techniques. It should be noted
that this example does not show the only "right" way to
program the part. Just one of the many ways. The CAMS
language is sufficiently rich to adapt to most machining
techniques.
To show the different programming techniques used, the
"THINGAMAJIG" example from Appendix B is shown re-programmed
here. This will provide you with an illustration of how
the general contour machining techniques may be used. The
resulting cutter location file is not exactly the same as,
but is equivalent to, that of Appendix B. Those statements
that differ from the example in Appendix B are described in
detail following the listed output.
========================================
C A M S Section 1
Version 3, Mod 00
Copyright 1987 by Computer Geometry Co.
All Rights Reserved
========================================
Date: 03-May-88
Source File: THINGMJ.NC
1 PNO/ CAMS GENERAL CONTOURING TEST CASE #1 - THINGAMAJIG
3 #/S0=185
4 #/R1=.25
5 #/Z1=.625+.25
6 #/Z2=-.05
7 #/Y0=1.725-.4+2
8 #/X0=3
9 PLN/Q1=0,0,1,Z2
10 LIN/L1=0,-Y0,1,-Y0
11 LIN/L2=-X0,0,-X0,1
12 LIN/L3=-X0,2-Y0,COS(15)-X0,SIN(15)+2-Y0
13 LIN/L4=PARL,L1,YL,1.725
14 LIN/L5=PARL,L2,XL,6
15 CIR/C1=0,0,2
16 REM/ ** COMPUTE SPINDLE RPM (S1) SUCH THAT 100 <= S1 <= 4000
17 #/S1=MAX(100:MIN(4000:(S0*12/(3.1416*R1*2))))
18 REM/ ** COMPUTE FEEDRATE; .004 PER EDGE FOR 2 FLUTE CUTTER
19 #/F1=.004*S1*2
20 PRT/S1,F1
Page 93 Appendix C - General Contouring Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
S1 2104 1413.29300
F1 2104 11.30634
21 FROM/P255=-(X0+1),-(Y0+1.125),Z1
22 FED/F1
23 CUTR/2*R1
24 RPD
25 PS/Q1
26 GO/TO,L2,TO,L1
27 TLF
28 GLF/L2,PAST,L3
29 GRT/L3,PAST,C1
30 GRT/C1,ON,L4
31 IDV/0,1,0
32 GRT/C1,PAST,L4
33 GRT/L4,PAST,L5
34 GRT/L5,PAST,L1
35 GRT/L1,PAST,L2
36 RPD
37 GTO/P255
38 PRT/ALL
M1 041A 1.00000 .00000 .00000 .37500
.00000 1.00000 .00000 2.22500
.00000 .00000 1.00000 -.41250
S0 2104 185.00000
R1 2104 .25000
Z1 2104 .87500
Z2 2104 -.05000
Y0 2104 3.32500
X0 2104 3.00000
Q1 010A .00000 .00000 1.00000 -.05000
L1 010A .00000 -1.00000 .00000 3.32500
L2 010A 1.00000 .00000 .00000 -3.00000
L3 010A .25882 -.96593 .00000 .50339
L4 010A .00000 -1.00000 .00000 1.60000
L5 010A 1.00000 .00000 .00000 3.00000
C1 0210 .00000 .00000 .00000 .00000 .00000 1.00000
2.00000
S1 2104 1413.29300
F1 2104 11.30634
P255 0008 -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
39 FIN
**** 0 ERRORS ****
Return code 0
Page 94 Appendix C - General Contouring Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
========================================
C A M S Section 2
Version 3, Modification 00
Copyright 1987 by Computer Geometry Co.
All Rights Reserved
========================================
Date: 03-May-88
CL Data File: THINGMJ.CLF
1 1 PNO/ CAMS GENERAL CONTOURING TEST CASE #1 - THINGAMAJIG
2 21 FROM/ -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
3 22 FED/ 11.30634
4 24 RPD/
5 26 GTO/ -3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
6 28 GTO/ -3.25000 -1.13317 -.05000
7 29 GTO/ -1.60697 -.69292 -.05000
8 30 ARC/ .00000 .00000 .00000
.00000 .00000 1.00000
1.75000
9 30 GTO/ -1.60697 -.69292 -.05000
-1.55628 -.80032 -.05000
-1.49841 -.90402 -.05000
-1.43365 -1.00357 -.05000
-1.36228 -1.09850 -.05000
-1.28464 -1.18836 -.05000
-1.20108 -1.27275 -.05000
-1.11199 -1.35128 -.05000
-1.01778 -1.42359 -.05000
-.91889 -1.48934 -.05000
-.81576 -1.54824 -.05000
-.70887 -1.60000 -.05000
10 32 ARC/ .00000 .00000 .00000
.00000 .00000 1.00000
1.75000
11 32 GTO/ -.70887 -1.60000 -.05000
-.59659 -1.64517 -.05000
-.48145 -1.68247 -.05000
-.36401 -1.71172 -.05000
-.24483 -1.73279 -.05000
-.12448 -1.74557 -.05000
-.00353 -1.75000 -.05000
.11743 -1.74606 -.05000
.23784 -1.73376 -.05000
.35710 -1.71318 -.05000
.47466 -1.68440 -.05000
.58994 -1.64756 -.05000
.70241 -1.60285 -.05000
.81151 -1.55047 -.05000
.91674 -1.49067 -.05000
1.01758 -1.42374 -.05000
1.11355 -1.35000 -.05000
12 33 GTO/ 3.25000 -1.35000 -.05000
13 34 GTO/ 3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
Page 95 Appendix C - General Contouring Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
14 35 GTO/ -3.25000 -3.57500 -.05000
15 36 RPD/
16 37 GTO/ -4.00000 -4.45000 .87500
17 39 FIN/
**** 0 ERRORS ****
Return code 0
What follows is a statement-by-statement account of the
THINGAMAJIG part program statements that differ from the sample
program in Appendix B...
:
:
27 TLF
For the upcoming motion sequence, the tool will remain on
the left side of each drive surface during the drive.
28 GLF/L2,PAST,L3
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the left along the drive surface (L2) untill it moves PAST
the check surface (L3).
29 GRT/L3,PAST,C1
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the new drive surface (L3) untill it moves
PAST the check surface (C1). Notice that the new drive
surface was the check surface for the preceeding motion.
This is a common pattern.
30 GRT/C1,ON,L4
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the new drive surface (L3) untill it moves
PAST the check surface (C1). Our objective for the C1 drive
surface is to eventually go PAST L4. However, the cutter
will not fit into the space between L4 and C1, so we will
first go ON L4, then continue the motion in the next motion
statement.
31 IDV/0,1,0
Since we are now ON the line L4, there are two possibilities
for a PAST condition for L4. We must set up a forward
motion sense for going PAST L4. This is best accomplished
by defining the forward direction for the next move with a
vector. In this case, the vector pointing straight up will
give us a PAST condition.
Page 96 Appendix C - General Contouring Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
32 GRT/C1,PAST,L4
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the continuing drive surface (C1) untill it
moves PAST the check surface (L4).
33 GRT/L4,PAST,L5
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the new drive surface (L4) untill it moves
PAST the check surface (L5).
34 GRT/L5,PAST,L1
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the new drive surface (L5) untill it moves
PAST the check surface (L1).
35 GRT/L1,PAST,L2
Based on the last preceeding motion, the tool is to go to
the right along the new drive surface (L1) untill it moves
PAST the check surface (L2).
:
:
We're done! (Showing the differences in the part programs.)
A quick examination of the CAMS2 output will demonstrate the
equivalence of the two methods in terms of the generated tool
paths. The general contouring method is the preferred method for
several reasons. Since no additional geometry needs to be
calculated in order to control the arc contour, less effort is
needed on the part of the parts programmer. In addition, the
generated tool path automatically accounts for the tool radius
offsets. Dimensional engineering changes in the shape of the
part will have little or no effect on the motion statements. The
proper path will automatically be calculated despite the change.
Page 97 Appendix C - General Contouring Sample Program
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
APPENDIX D - POSTPROCESSORS
Postprocessing is the final computer operation in the CAMS
system. The postprocessor is yet another computer program that
converts the machine-independent tool path and auxilliary
function records in the CL data file (as calculated by CAMS2)
into the machine-specific control instructions necessary to cut
out the workpiece.
Cut vectors (i.e. motion command records in the CL file) together
with feedrates are utilized to establish the axial motions,
accelerations and velocities within the capability of the machine
tool. Where necessary (usually on older NC machines),
accelerations and decelerations are calculated to avoid overshoot
and/or undershoot of the axes, thereby avoiding part and machine
damage.
Since each machine control system has its own language and
characteristics, it is necessary to treat seperately that portion
of the CAMS vocabulary which directly refers to the machine
control system. Therefore, the machine postprocessor has a
seperate manual. Furthermore, each class of machine
postprocessor frequently uses the vocabulary in different ways.
Because of the wide diversity of machine tool / controller
combinations, postprocessing of CL data usually requires a unique
program to prepare the necessary machine control data. Indeed,
one of the most difficult aspects of setting up a computer aided
NC system in your shop may be the specification and obtaining of
the appropriate machine postprocessors, regardless of the NC
programming system you select.
This diversity of machines/controller combinations makes the
preparation of a library of postprocessors an order of magnitude
larger task than the development of an NC programming system. In
other words, THIS IS WHERE ALL THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WORK IS.
A class of postprocessors designed to alleviate these problems
has been developed in recent years. These are called the G-POSTs
(for Generalized POSTprocessor). Indeed, some of the G-POSTs are
capable of supporting a good variety of machine tool controllers.
In general, they tend to be very large, complex beasts as
compared to the smaller "custom" postprocessors. Both their
output and their operation tend to be less efficient than that of
a "custom" postprocessor for a given machine/controller
combination. Nevertheless, in those shops that have a large
number of diverse machines and controllers, they have proven
their worth.
It is expected that the average user of CAMS only has a small
handfull of NC machines in its shop inventory. For this
situation, the "custom" postprocessor is most likely to be the
most effective and least costly solution to the dilemma.
Page 98 Appendix D - Postprocessors
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
COMPUTER GEOMETY'S POSTPROCESSOR POLICY
Computer Geometry regards postprocessor development as a major
segment of our business. It is our policy to apply our best
efforts to providing high quality, low cost postprocessing
capability to all of the CAMS users that request it. If a
postprocessor is not currently available for a registered user's
need, we will bend every effort to prepare one in a timely and
cost-effective manner.
As a registered user with a need, however, you must recognize
that you have a responsibility to provide the necessary data,
manuals, and acceptance testing necessary to produce a good
postprocessor. This team approach is necessary to preparing the
best possible NC programming system for your machine shop.
Please read the README.1ST file on your distribution diskette for
a list of the machine postprocessors already available.
Page 99 Appendix D - Postprocessors
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
APPENDIX E - GLOSSARY
alphanumeric code: Code using numbers, letters, and
special characters.
APT: (Automatic Programmed Tool) A
numerical control programming
language.
auxiliary function: Numerical control function other
than those that control cutter
motion (e.g., starting and stopping
a spindle).
batch processing: Automatic sequential execution of
computer programs, controlled by
the facilities and dynamic demands
of the computer system.
BCD: (Binary Coded Decimal) A character
representation code, now obsolete.
channel: The path in punch tape along which
holes are punched, also known as
tracks or levels. Standard NC tape
has eight channels.
CL data: (Cutter location data) The
coordinate locations of the cutter
centerline motion as it moves to
machine the part.
CL file: (Center location file) A data set
containing CL data.
CL path: (Cutter location path) The path
taken by the center of the cutter.
CL print: (Center location print) A printout
of the CL file data.
CL tape: (Cutter location tape) The tape
that contains CL file data.
CNC: Computer Numerical Control.
column binary: The binary representation of
character punches as represented in
columns on a punched card image.
As used in this manual, each row of
the punched card image represents a
channel on a punched tape.
Page 100 Appendix E - Glossary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
dataset: The major unit of data storage and
retrieval in the operating system
consisting of a collection of data.
DNC: Direct Numerical Control or
Distributed Numerical Control.
EBCDIC: (Extended Binary Coded Decimal for
Interchange Code) A character
representation code still in
extensive use.
FROM point: The initializing position for
CAMS' cutter path generator. Many
postprocessors require a FROM point
before generating machine motion
commands.
INDEX number: Number used to mark the beginning
and end of a part program segment
that is to be copied.
interface: The communication between two
separate elements, as between
machine control unit and machine
tool.
level: See CHANNEL.
major word: The CAMS vocabulary word that
immediately preceeds the slash (/)
in a statement.
minor word: The CAMS vocabulary word(s) that
appear in a statement following the
slash (/).
NC: Numerical Control.
NC data: NC part program data.
Part program: A complete set of machine control
data used for manufacturing a part
on an NC machine.
POST: To post process an NC part program.
post processing: Transforming the format of a data
file (CL FILE) output by a
processor into machine motion
commands using the proper format
required by a particular machine
control unit/machine tool
combination.
Page 101 Appendix E - Glossary
February 1, 1990 CAMS Part Programmer's Reference Manual
post processor: A computer program that takes a
generalized or centerline output
and adapts it to the particular
machine control unit/machine.
processor: A computer program that performs
the compiling, assembling,
translating, and related functions
for a specific programming
language.
record: A general term for any unit of data
that is distinct from all others
when considered in a particular
context.
spline: The term used for a free-form curve
generated thru a defining sequence
of coordinate data (points). The
term originates from the long, thin
wooden beam used by draftsmen to
draw curved lines.
tool centerline data: The centerline of the cutter path
of a cutting tool at the tip end
(see CL FILE and CL DATA). The
absolute position of the machine
tool at the cutter centroid.
track: (See CHANNEL.)
volume: Storage media such as tape reels,
disk packs, and drums.
Page 102 Appendix E - Glossary
(see CL FILE and CL DATA). The
absolute position of the machine
tool at the cutter centroid.
track: (See CHANNEL.)
v
