The Business Master (3rd Edition)

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------------------------ CIMplicity User's Manual ------------------------ Copyright 1991, PMX Inc. First printing, Apr 1991 CIMplicity is an introductory level CIM (Integrated CAD/CAM) system. Al- though it is powerful, is just a subset of the larger packages available from us. It is offered as a starter system for those that are new to the CAD/CAM field. Its CAD capabilities are fine for making simple mechan- ical drawings, doing design work, and for driving a plotter to generate finished plans. Its CAM capabilities include feature based machining of finish toolpaths and drilling cycles, and for generating NC/CNC machine tapes for the Fanuc/Yasnac/Okuma style of controls. It does NOT include any roughing cycles, island avoidance, curves, advanced patterns, or for sophisticated control of the output. However, it is a very usable CAD/ CAM system. Customer Support: ----------------- In order to make CIMplicity available to everyone that needs it, a lim- ited customer support plan is available. Please do NOT attempt to call in for support. Do NOT ask us to provide extensive problem analysis. When you need to have a question (or questions) answered, or a problem solved, please narrow it down to a point where we can reproduce it immediately. If necessary, send us a 5-1/4 floppy disk with the part- program (and related) files. Explain the problem on a sketch or screen- print of the part. If we cannot duplicate the situation in a couple of minutes, your request will be returned with a notice that you must further isolate the problem before we can help you. When you send in the request, include your serial number and authorization code, and you MUST enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you want your floppy disk returned, the envelope must be large enough to hold it and it must have sufficient postage. Disclaimer: ----------- PMX Inc. and CIMplicity remarketters, dealers or distributors can not be held responsible for the results of the use of this software. It is the responsibility of the user to thoroughly inspect the output, dry-run the program, and take normal safety precautions as warranted by good practice. Computers, programmers, software, and users DO make mistakes. Please be careful, never giving full faith to the system to catch potential problems. This software carries no guarantee stated or implied. It is provided for the user to make use of as it applies to his line of work. Notice: ------- The software and documentation are protected by the copyright and patent laws of the United States of America and other nations. It is a federal crime to make unauthorized copies or to alter the software in any way. System Requirements: -------------------- EGA or VGA graphics card with 16-color 640x350 capability. Mouse or tablet with a standard mouse driver loaded. 640K of low memory, with at least 575K available. In the \CONFIG.SYS file, FILES must be set to at least 20. 3 megabytes of available fixed-disk space. It must be okay to create a directory named \CIM on the fixed disk. Installing the Software: ------------------------ To install on drive C, insert disk 1 into drive A and type: A:INSTALL To install it elsewhere, type: a:INSTALL a c cim ...where "a" is the floppy drive, "c" is the fixed disk, and 'cim' is the directory to be created. For instance: B:INSTALL B D CIM ...would install the system from floppy B onto fixed disk drive D. You must register your software by typing: REGISTER This program will ask you to answer a few questions, then it will print out your registration cerificate. This certificate MUST be mailed to us at the address shown. If you do not have a printer, send a handwritten or typed copy of the output file "REGISTER.TXT". You must sign the certificate, and send it to us along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. We will soon return your authorization code (and instructions for installing it) in that envelope. Record your code and your serial number for future use. To run CIMplicity, make sure that your mouse driver is loaded, then type: CD\CIM CIM What is Included With CIMplicity: --------------------------------- 1. The capability to read-in NC/CNC tapes. (and backplot) 2. Read DXF (most common entities) files from Autocad or other CAD systems. 3. The ability to read geometry from CADKEY CADL files. 4. Zoom, pan, view-all, and interactive tumble-view. 5. A fairly complete geometry construction system. 6. Geometric editing, such as mirror, copy, delete, trim, and move. 7. Attribute editing, in order to change colors, feedrates, etc. 8. Feature-based identification of pockets, holes, outlines. 9. Tool positioning, contour finishing, and drilling cycles. 10. The resequencing of operations. 11. Generic post-processing for Fanuc/Yasnac/Okuma style controls. 12. Manual or semi-automatic dimensioning and detailing. 13. Simple single-contour crosshatching, notes, and labels. 14. Calculator mode, file maintenance, and visual preview. 15. EGA 640x350 graphics, standard mouse, and HP/GL A-size plotter support. What is NOT Included With CIMplicity: ------------------------------------- Advanced machining operations: 1. ROUGH TURN 2. PROFILE ROUGH 3. SWEEP CROSS-SECTION 4. GROOVE ROUGH 5. ZIGZAG ROUGH 6. SWARF CROSS-SECTIONS 7. PLUNGE ROUGH 8. GROOVE FINISH 9. THREADING 10. MULTI-Z ROUGH 11. MULTI-PASS ROUGH 12. 4-AXIS/2-PLANE WIRE-EDM 13. NIBBLE 14. NIBBLE-PUNCH 15. REVERSE FINISH 16. BRIDGE-HIT 17. PROFILE TURNING 18. HOG AREA CLEAR Advanced commands: 19. 3D ROTATE 20. ENGRAVING/ALPHAS 21. PROJECT-ONTO VIEW 22. CAMS 23. GEARS 24. POLYGONS AND ELLIPSES 25. B-SPLINES 26. BEZIER CURVES 27. CUBIC INTERPOLATION 28. ARC-FIT 29. ARC-SERIES 30. MORE ARC DEFINITIONS Advanced capabilities: 31. Unlimited island avoidance and undercut clean-up 32. Arbitrary tool-geometry, tool drawing files 33. Definable rough stock 34. NC/BASIC shell language for families-of-parts or algebraic curves 35. A library of existing post-processors and support files 36. Post-processor tools for supporting various NC/CNC machines 37. Tape-management software for editing and background-downloading 38. Support for high-resolution graphics cards and various plotters 39. The ability to read in DXF text data, and output DXF and CADL files 40. Capabilities to read IGES files 41. Support for a math coprocessor and up to 16MB of extended memory 42. The ability to save toolpaths within the part-program Additionally, our regular customer support plan offers immediate help via an 800 number, FAX, and BBS system. The Provided Files: ------------------- README.TXT Information SS1001.FNT Cimplicity Support MANUAL.TXT User's Manual DRIV7470.PLT Cimplicity Support MANUAL.BAT Prints the Manual ED.BAT Tape edit batch file INSTALL.BAT Installs CIMplicity DNC.BAT Download batch file YYYYYYYY. Script for Install FIXTURES.SET Milling Setup File REGISTER.EXE User's Registration SPINDLES.SET Lathe Setup File CIM.EXE CIMplicity Program DRAWINGS.SET CAD Setup File CONFIG.DAT Cimplicity Support MTOOLS.TLB Mill Tooling Lib HELLO.DAT Cimplicity Support LTOOLS.TLB Lathe Tooling Lib LOGON.DAT Cimplicity Support ALUM.MTL Material Library LOGO.DAT Cimplicity Support FMILL.MCH Mill Post-Processor BANNER.DAT Cimplicity Support FLATHE.MCH Lathe Post-Processor EIA.DAT Cimplicity Support EXAMPLE.DXF DXF Example File PDF3223.DAT Cimplicity Support SAMPLE?.PRT Part-Program Examples HINDEX.DAT Cimplicity Support FIGURES.PRT Manual Illustrations HELP.DAT Cimplicity Support LAST.DSK Flag File for Install Possible Delivery Configurations: --------------------------------- On DS/DD floppy disk: Disk 1: INSTALL.BAT, YYYYYYYY, README.TXT, CIM2.EXE Disk 2: CIM1.EXE, LAST.DSK On mini-floppy or DS/HD disk: INSTALL.BAT, YYYYYYYY, README.TXT, CIM1.EXE, CIM2.EXE, LAST.DSK On a bulletin board: CIM1.EXE and CIM2.EXE (both are required) Where: CIM1.EXE is a compressed executable containing CIM.EXE, and... CIM2.EXE is a compressed executable containing the remaining files. Note that within the compressed file CIM2.EXE are duplicates of the INSTALL.BAT and YYYYYYYY files (renamed INSTALL.NEW and YYYYYYYY.NEW) and a duplicate of README.TXT. Learning to Use CIMplicity: --------------------------- This manual is by no means a complete technical reference. Instead, we recommend that you refer to the on-line help for detailed questions. This is always available in CIMplicity by pointing at the command in question and hitting the [F10] key. This manual serves two purposes: 1) It answers some of the more common questions. 2) It serves as a tutorial to introduce you to the system. We feel that CIMplicity is easy enough to use that you will not need an extensive manual. However, we DO recommend that you begin by following along with the tutorials that follow. After that, experimentation is the best way to learn. Here are a few definitions: 1. LAYER: A LAYER is a concept used in CAD/CAM systems that is roughly the equivalent of a transparency on a draftsman's drawing. In other words, you may draw the part on layer 0, label a pocket by drawing it in another color on layer 1, show the machining toolpath on layer 2, then put the dimensions on layer 250. 2. MASK: A MASK is a method of helping you select specific items from the screen. For instance, you may only wish to delete arcs, and only those that are on layer 12. This is called "masking". Try not to confuse a layer mask with the layer number. For example, you may draw a line on layer 3 (the layer number) and then delete a circle on layer 5. (the layer mask) 3. GROUP: A GROUP is what we call a feature, such as the pocket in the example above. A group is a set of lines, arcs, and circles that duplicates lines, arcs, and circles on another layer, but in a different color, in order to highlight a feature such as HOLES, an OUTLINE, or POCKET. Every time you build a new group, CIMplicity will place it on the lowest vacant layer. Thus, when a group is labelled "POCKET-3", it means that this group is a POCKET that is drawn on layer number 3. 4. POST: A post-processor is a program that customizes the output to drive a specific NC/CNC machine. Two posts are provided with CIMplicity: FLATHE and FMILL, which are generic lathe and mill posts for the most common NC/CNC machines. The output of a post is called a TAPE, even though it is normally stored as a file on disk. 5. COMMAND, OPERATION, FUNCTION, and INFO: A COMMAND is an instruction to CIMplicity to do something, usually invoked by selections from the main menu. An OPERATION is a command that is unique to the current CAD/CAM mode, such as FINISH MACHINE, CROSSHATCH, or DIMENSION. A FUNCTION is a mathematic/trigonometric instruction such as TAN, COS, SIN, or SQR. Finally, the INFO values are items that appear in the info table, such as COLOR, TOOLNO, or FEEDRATE. Quick Reference Sheets: ----------------------- Accelerator keys: [F1] Mini-INFO table for setting various modes, flags, and defaults. [F2] Sets "Endpoint" pick mode for one pick only. [F3] Sets "Center Point" pick mode for one pick only. [F4] Sets "Intersection" pick mode for one pick only. [F5] Shrinks/reduces the sprite during TUMBLE. [F6] Grows/enlarges the sprite during TUMBLE. [F7] Rotates the sprite counter-clockwise during MOVE or COPY. [F8] Rotates the sprite clockwise during MOVE ro COPY. [F9] Allows the selection of commands by their menu-number. [F10] Requests context-sensitive HELP. [Alt]-[B] BREAK BOTH command. [Alt]-[D] CONTINUATION DIMENSION command. [Alt]-[F] FILLET command. [Alt]-[J] (Jump back) PREVIOUS VIEW command. [Alt]-[M] (Math) CALCULATOR command. [Alt]-[Q] QUERY GEOMETRY command. (fills in variables with geometry values) [Alt]-[R] REDRAW command. [Alt]-[T] TUMBLE command. [Alt]-[U] UNDO command. [Alt]-[V] VIEW-ALL command. [Alt]-[W] WINDOW (zoom) command. [Alt]-[X] TRIM BOTH command. [Alt]-[Z] SET-Z command. [,] The comma enters a zero then hits the [Enter] key for you. (Note: At the main menu, holding down the [Alt] key is optional.) Mouse buttons: 1. [Enter] Picks an item or completes an entry. 2a. [Ins] (normally) Repeats last command, location, or radius. 2b. [Ins] (for filenames) Displays a directory. 2c. [Ins] (at the left edge of the screen) Brings up a screen keypad. 2d. [Ins] (when noted) Terminates list/picking. 3. [Esc] Cancels the current command and return to main menu. The five screen areas: 1. The graphics area where drawing takes place. 2. The main menu across the top of the screen. 3. The status area at the left of the screen. 4. The INFO TABLE which overlays the status area as needed. 5. The prompt line that appears at the bottom of the graphics area. Entering values: 1.375 Normal floating-point value. 1+3/8 Fractions are also allowed. (4-13/16)*3 Parenthesis and math are handled as in most computer languages. A+.5 Variables are also allowed. 22.45'21" Degrees, minutes, and seconds (CCW from 3 O'clock) may be used. R*SIN(15) Trig and algebraic functions are supported. Y=B+2.5 Assignment works in CALCULATOR ([Alt]-[M]) mode only. Pick selectors (when the cursor is shaped like an "X"): P Pick only POINTS. L Pick only LINES. A Pick only ARCS. C Pick only CIRCLES. D Pick only DETAILS such as dimensions or notes. G Pick only GROUP geometry. T Pick only TOOLPATH geometry. N Pick only NON-TOOLPATH, NON-GROUP geometry. Z Pick only geometry at the current Z level. V Verify by prompting before picking. Digitize selectors (when the cursor is shaped like a "+" crosshair) [F2] Digitize only at an endpoint. [F3] Digitize only at a center-point. [F4] Digitize only at an intersection of two geometry items. Where to pick: FILLET Pick the portions of the legs to be retained after filleting. CHAMFER Pick the portions of the legs to be retained after chamfering. TRIM BOTH Pick the portions of the legs to be retained after trimming. TRIM MODAL Pick the portions of the legs to be discarded after trimming. CHAIN START Pick the endpoint of the item where you wish the chain to start. NEXT MOVE Pick on an item that emanates from the center of the bullseye. DRILL w/SORT Pick the first hole to be drilled. Five steps of part-programming: 1. SETUP Start the part, enter a description, load a setup file. 2. GEOMETRY Build the construction geometry, trim it up as the final part. 3. GROUPING Label the features that are to be machined. 4. OPERATIONS Perform the necessary operations to complete the part. 5. PROCESS Build the NC/CNC tape. (resequence, post-process) Milling Example: ---------------- Machine a contour of this shape to a Z depth of -0.75: |<------------------------- 6.000 ------------------->| | | |<---------- 3.500 ---------->| | | | | | | | E ******************************* ----------------------|-------------- * F * | ^ * A * | | * * | | * * | | * ************************* ------- | * B * ^ | * * | | * * | | * * | 3.750 * C + - - - 1.000 Rad * | | ----- **************** / * 2.500 | ^ | *** * | | | | / ** * | | 1.500 | / * * | | | | / * D * | | v | + * * v v ------X------------------- ********************************** ------------- (0,0) | | | | |<----- 2.000 ------>| STEP 1: Start the part-program, describe it, and load a setup file. (If the part-program named M-TEST1 already exists, use a different name.) [ ] 1a. Start up CIMplicity CIM [ ] 1b. Give the part a name M-TEST1 [ ] 1c. Describe the part Example for milling [ ] 1d. Load a setup file [Ins] (button 2), then pick FIXTURES (using button 1) STEP 2: Design the part geometry. Note: Whenever you use the keyboard, make sure to move the cursor out of the INFO TABLE area. (...unless you really want to change a value in the table) Remember: to "pick" always means to use button 1. [ ] 2a. Invoke the rectangle command GEOM: PATTERN: RECTANGLE [ ] 2b. Enter one corner 0, 3.75 [ ] 2c. Enter the other corner 3.5, 1.5 [ ] 2d. Build another rectangle [Ins] (repeats the command) [ ] 2e. Enter one corner 2, 0 [ ] 2f. Enter the other corner 6, 2.5 [ ] 2g. Rescale the view to fit the screen DISP: VIEW ALL [ ] 2h. Invoke the TRIM BOTH command EDIT: TRIM/BREAK: TRIM BOTH [ ] 2i. Trim the inside corner pick near A, then near B [ ] 2j. Invoke the FILLET command GEOM: ARC: FILLET [ ] 2k. Enter the radius 1 [ ] 2l. Pick the items to be filleted pick near C, then near D STEP 3: Label the features. It is NOT important that you chain the geometry in the same sequence as they are to be machined, as this group is labelled as an OUTLINE, telling the system to handle the machining direction. [ ] 3a. Invoke an appropriate GROUP GROUP: OUTLINE: CHAIN [ ] 3b. Pick a startpoint pick near E [ ] 3c. Pick a next move pick near F [ ] 3d. Terminate the command [Ins] (button 2) STEP 4: Perform the machining operations. Note that the TOOL SIDE setting will control the direction in which the system will machine around the OUTLINE. This is because the system always machines OUTLINES on the outside, POCKETS on the inside, and BOUNDARIES on either side. [ ] 4a. Invoke the FINISH operation OPER: FINISH [ ] 4b. Select a tool pick TOOLNO, enter a 1 [ ] 4c. Set the feedrate pick FEEDRATE, enter 12.5 [ ] 4d. Set the full Z depth pick FULL Z, enter -.75 [ ] 4e. Pick the contour to be machined pick anywhere along the contour [ ] 4f. Terminate the command [Ins] (button 2) STEP 5: Generate the tape for the NC/CNC machine. [ ] 5a. Invoke post-process PROCESS: POST-PROCESS [ ] 5b. If you have a printer, use it FULL PRINTOUT [ ] 5c. Graphical verification DRAW TOOL CHAIN [ ] 5d. Exit from CIMplicity FILES: EXIT [ ] 5e. Save the part-program pick SAVE PART FIRST Turning example: ---------------- Machine the shaft and shoulder of this part, using rear tooling. |<-------------- 3.000 ----------->| | | | | ------- ******** | ^ * | | * | | A * | | * | | ** | | *** | C | ****************************** ------ | B * ^ | * | | * | 3.500 ----------------------------------------- * 1.500 | * | | * | | * v | ****************************** ------ | *** | ** \ | * \ | * + - - - 0.5 Rad | * v * ------- ******** STEP 1: Start the part-program, describe it, load a setup file, and select DIAMETER programming. (If the part-program named L-TEST1 already exists, use a different name.) [ ] 1a. Start up CIMplicity CIM [ ] 1b. Give the part a name L-TEST1 [ ] 1c. Describe the part Example for lathe work [ ] 1d. Load a setup file [Ins] (button 2), then pick SPINDLES (using button 1) [ ] 1e. Bring up the MINI-INFO table [F1] [ ] 1f. Set DIAMETER mode programming pick DIAM VALS, then ON STEP 2: Design the part geometry. Note: Whenever you use the keyboard, make sure to move the cursor out of the INFO TABLE area. (...unless you really want to change a value in the table) Remember: to "pick" always means to use button 1. [ ] 2a. Invoke the LINE command GEOM: LINE: 2 END POS [ ] 2b. Enter the right end of the shaft 0, 1.5 [ ] 2c. Enter the left end -3, 1.5 [ ] 2d. Invoke the LINE command again [Ins] (repeats last command) [ ] 2e. Enter inside end of the shoulder [Ins] (repeats last location) [ ] 2f. Enter outer end of the shoulder -3, 3.5 [ ] 2g. Invoke the FILLET command GEOM: ARC: FILLET [ ] 2h. Enter the radius of the fillet .5 [ ] 2i. Pick the items to be filleted pick near A, then near B STEP 3: Label the features. [ ] 3a. Invoke the appropriate GROUP GROUP: BOUNDARY: CHAIN [ ] 3b. Select the start point pick near C [ ] 3c. Terminate the command [Ins] (button 2) STEP 4: Perform the operations. [ ] 4a. Invoke the FINISH command OPER: FINISH [ ] 4b. Select tool 7 pick TOOLNO, enter a 7 [ ] 4c. Set the feedrate pick FEEDRATE, enter .002 [ ] 4d. Pick the contour to machine pick anywhere along BOUNDARY [ ] 4e. Terminate the command [Ins] (button 2) STEP 5: Generate the tape for the NC/CNC machine. [ ] 5a. Invoke post-process PROCESS: POST-PROCESS [ ] 5b. If you have a printer, use it FULL PRINTOUT [ ] 5c. Graphical verification SYMMETRIC VIEW [ ] 5d. Invoke view-tape-file FILES: VIEW TAPE FILE [ ] 5e. Select the current tape [Enter] (button 1) [ ] 5f. Review the tape (use the [+] and [-] keys) [ ] 5g. Cancel the command [Esc] (button 3) [ ] 5h. Exit from CIMplicity FILES: EXIT [ ] 5i. Save the part-program pick SAVE PART FIRST Drawing Example: ---------------- In this example, we will start from an existing drawing generated as a DXF file, load it in, then dimension it. The DXF file that is provided has points (marked with an "X") in it to help you locate the positions noted below. However, the DXF files that you normally load will not contain such points, just the lines, arcs, text, and circles. C I J A ************************* H * N *** * ** * * B M L * * * * * * * * D * ****************** * F * * * K * * * * * * ****************************************************** G E Refer to the drawing above for the pick points mentioned in the tutorial. Remember: If you make an error, hit the [Alt]-[U] keys to UNDO that command. STEP 1: Start the part-program, describe it, load a setup file, and select DIAMETER programming. (If the part-program named D-TEST1 already exists, use a different name.) [ ] 1a. Start up CIMplicity CIM [ ] 1b. Give the part a name D-TEST1 [ ] 1c. Describe the part Example for dimensioning [ ] 1d. Load a setup file [Ins] (button 2), then pick DRAWINGS (using button 1) STEP 2: Load in the existing drawing: [ ] 2a. Invoke the MERGE DXF command FILES: MERGE FILE: DXF [ ] 2b. Select the example DXF [Ins] (button 2), then pick EXAMPLE (using button 1) [ ] 2c. Load all layers [Enter] (button 1) STEP 3: (Since we are NOT going to machine this part, we can skip this step.) STEP 4: Perform the necessary operations. In several of these operations, you are told to hit the [F2] key before picking. This causes the system to select the nearest geometry item endpoint, making a much more precise drawing. (Remember: to "pick" always means to use button 1.) [ ] 4a. Invoke HORIZONTAL DIMENSION OPER: DIMENSION: HORIZONTAL [ ] 4b. Select the points to be measured [F2] pick A, then [F2] pick B [ ] 4c. Place the first arrow tip pick near C [ ] 4d. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4e. Make a CONTINUATION DIMENSION OPER: DIMENSION: CONTINUATION [ ] 4f. Pick the next point to be measured [F2] pick near D [ ] 4g. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4h. Invoke VERTICAL DIMENSION OPER: DIMENSION: VERTICAL [ ] 4i. Select the points to be measured [F2] pick E, then [F2] pick F [ ] 4j. Place the first arrow tip pick near G [ ] 4k. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4l. Make a CONTINUATION DIMENSION OPER: DIMENSION: CONTINUATION [ ] 4m. Pick the next point to be measured [F2] pick A [ ] 4n. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4o. Invoke the LABEL command OPER: LABEL [ ] 4p. Pick the fillet radius pick the arc near H [ ] 4q. Locate the label pointer pick near I, then near J [ ] 4r. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4s. Repeat the LABEL command [Ins] (button 2) [ ] 4t. Pick the tilted line pick the line near K [ ] 4u. Locate the label pointer pick near L, then near M [ ] 4v. Let the system measure it (just hit [Enter]) [ ] 4w. Invoke the CROSSHATCH command OPER: CROSSHATCH: CHAIN [ ] 4x. Pick the start point pick near A [ ] 4y. Pick the next move pick near N [ ] 4z. Terminate the command [Ins] (button 2) STEP 5: [ ] 5a. Exit from CIMplicity FILES: EXIT [ ] 5b. Save the part-program pick SAVE PART FIRST Pointers: --------- 1. If you wish to alter a feedrate on a toolpath or a portion of it, or you want to change a color or other INFO TABLE value, use the INFO: ALTER GEOM INFO command in the INFO menu. (Do not confuse the INFO menu with the INFO TABLE. The INFO MENU contins commands that may be used to manipulate the values in the INFO TABLE.) 2. You may edit toolpath geometry, move it, add new geometry to it, fillet it, or copy it. However, if you do so, you must supply CIMplicity with enough information that it can properly place the edited information into a desirable cutting sequence. For instance, if you add an arc to a toolpath by describing its endpoints and mid- point, CIMplicity will come back and machine the arc AFTER the rest of the toolpath. However, if you added the arc by using the FILLET command, CIMplicity would sequence the machining of the arc so that it would occur between the two items filleted. Note that in order to add geometry to a toolpath, you must set the layer number to the same layer on which the toolpath resides. 3. Let CIMplicity perform all of your cutter compensation. It does a better job than the NC/CNC machines, and it allows you to visually check the toolpath on the computer. Go ahead and turn on the CDC on the NC/CNC machine, but set the CDC registers to an offset of 0.0 so that no machine compensation is done. In that way you can still correct for wear and tool fluctuation by changing value in the register. 4. When you use the COPY command for multiple-fixtured parts, CIMplicity automatically tool-sorts. This means that it will machine all of the parts using the first tool before switching to the second tool, and so forth. 5. If you think that CIMplicity does something in a different manner than you would like, it may be that you have a selection in the INFO TABLE set incorrectly. Inspect the values in the table closely when you perform a machining operation. Note: always set info values from top-to-bottom, as some values affect values below them in the table. 6. You cannot change Z-levels with the INFO: ALTER GEOM INFO command! The INFO menu does NOT change any coordinate values. Instead, use the EDIT menu, as its purpose IS to change coordinate values. 7. To stretch one end of a Z-only (third axis) line such as a mill- plunge, set the Z to that level using [Alt]-[Z], hit [F1] and set the TYPE MASK to 3D (Z) LEVEL, then invoke the STRETCH command. (Remember to clear the TYPE MASK when you are done.) 8. If you bring in geometry from another CAD system via DXF, or CADL; it will often contain gaps, overlaps, and redundant geometry. Use the EDIT: TRIM/BREAK: CONTINUITY TRIM command to clean up such geometry before grouping it. 9. An operation named MANUAL PATH is available in the CONTOUR mode, which allows you to program in a G-code style. A value in the info table, MANUAL G, can be set to 92, 0, 1, 2, 3, 81, or 83; then X,Y,Z positions along the contour can be entered. This allows you to do manual programming, yet retain machine independence, and to make use of the mathematical and geometric capabilities of CIMplicity. 10. Commands may be nested when using CIMplicity. In other words, when you are in the middle of building an arc, you may decide to first trim a line (using the [Alt]-[X] key); then while performing the trim, zoom in on the part (using the [Alt]-[W] command), then resume with the arc definition. If you do this, then perform an UNDO, the entire set of nested operations will be undone. 11. In case you didn't notice: CIMplicity supports multiple UNDOs; the use of mathematical expressions, variables, and algebraic functions; and graphic part-preview (to see this, first use the [Ins] key for a directory when loading a part). Many of the questions we get, could have be answered by consulting the HELP [F10] within CIMplicity. Please get used to using the [F10] key frequently. Questions We Often Hear: ------------------------ Q: How can I get the output to more closely resemble the tapes that I need to drive my NC/CNC machine? A: You must purchase a post-processor (they start at about $1000) or have access to a post-processor development kit to write your own. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What is this NC/BASIC language? A: NC/BASIC is a language that may be used to write your own post-processors, or to write family-of-parts programs, or to add your own commands to the CAD/CAM system. For instance, you may write this program named BOX: MENU N, "SQUARE", "RECTANGULAR" IF N = 1 GOSUB MKSQUARE ELSE GOSUB MKRECT ENDIF etc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Are upgrades to CIMplicity available? A: No. We may release updates in the future, but they will be released via our own channels, and made available from the same source that you acquired your version. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Can I purchase the advanced cycles, NC/BASIC, or other options for my CIMplicity? A: No. CIMplicity is a non-extensible system. You need one of the higher- level products in order to purchase upgrades. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: I need to drive a wire-EDM, laser, or flame-cutter; but CIMplicity has no selection for such a machine. Am I out-of-luck? A: You are in luck. Follow the instructions for MILL machining. You will need to ignore or remove any Z values. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Once I have made a tape, how can I send it to my NC/CNC machine or punch? A: Many people use a modem program to do this. However, you may do it directly from DOS via the COPY command. For instance, if you have COM2 connected to a machine at 2400 baud, you could send a tape named M-TEST1 by typing: MODE COM2:2400,7,E,1,P COPY M-TEST1.TAP COM2 (You may automate this by customizing the file named "DNC.BAT".) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: I'm having trouble getting my printer or plotter to work with CIMplicity. A: There are printer and plotter sections in the file named CONFIG.DAT. In addition, the plotter is controlled by a file named DRIV7470.PLT, which can be customized. Just be careful not to change unrelated values, or you may disable CIMplicity completely. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: I was working with the system, when all of a sudden, geometry vanished or became unpickable! What happened? A: You selected a mask in the INFO TABLE. The purpose of the LAYER MASK is to make selected geometry temporarily vanish. The purpose of the TYPE MASK is to make selected geometry temporarily unpickable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: My CIMplicity crashes, locking up, or leaving menus on the screen. Why? A: Normally, if CIMplicity runs out of memopry or disk space, it will just report the problem and abort the current operation. However, if there is not enough room on disk or in memory for CIMplicity's scratch files, then it may loack up or abort. If this happens, your work is NOT lost, but can be found in the part file named BREAK.PRT. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Sometimes I perform a machining operation, but no toolpath gets built. Why don't I get an error message? A: CIMplicity always does tool-interference-checking, eliminating any moves that would gouge the part. This is not considered an error, but a normal part of the calculations. You have described a part that cannot be machined with the given tool. Check the tool width, side, and type; as well as the finish stock. --------------------------------------------------------------------------