The Profile tool creates a contour operation based on selected features of the model. The tool was introduced in version 0.19. It offers three operations that were handled by separate tools in previous versions.
All operations create objects that are made to be part of a CAM Job.
These are the available operations:
Konturbearbeitung
A Contour operation is the default. It creates a simple external contour cut of complex 3D Part-based objects. The entire Job Model serves as the input for the Operation, regardless of whether any Body Geometry is selected when the Contour command is invoked.
Profilflächenbearbeitung
A Profile Face operation creates a simple contour path from one or more selected faces of an object.
Profilkantenbearbeitung
A Profile Edges operation creates a simple contour path from selected edges.
Activate the Base Geometry section by clicking its tab, and select features from the Job model.
If no features are selected, the command defaults to a Contour operation, contouring the entire model.
If faces are selected, then the result is a Profile Face operation.
If edges are selected, then the result is a Profile Edges operation. NOTE: This operation has received improvements to allow functionality on some open-edge (non-loop) selections. See the Usage Notes section below for additional information on best practice for profiling open-edges.
Activate the Operation section by clicking on its tab, and adjust the operation's settings as desired.
Optionally press the Apply button to preview the operation with the current settings.
Click the OK button or the Cancel button to create or cancel the operation.
Important Note: CAM Profile doesn't take care of other details of the object. You have to adjust the properties, especially the final depth, carefully, a mistake might destroy your work piece
A Start point can be enabled from the Operation tab in the Tasks Window editor, using a location defined in the Property View → Data → Start Point.
Make additional adjustments to the operation by modifying the operation's properties in the Data tab of the Property View. Advanced properties will be located here, if any.
Usage Notes
The Profile operation is capable of profiling open-edges (one or more continuous edges that do not form a loop as seen from the Top View)
It is best to select the top edges (highest edges) for the selection. After doing so, you will need to manually set the Final Depth for the operation. Selection of bottom edges only is unpredictable and will likely return undesirable paths in many situations; however, it will return correct paths in some situations.
Selected edges must form a continual edge as viewed from the Top View. Selected top edges may have differing heights, so long as they connect at a common (X, Y) coordinate - differing Z-heights are acceptable in some** cases. **In certain cases, the user will need to include in their selection the straight vertical connecting edge between two adjacent edges of different heights that share a common (X, Y) coordinate.
Because top edges are selected, the Final Depth for the operation will need to be set manually.
When profiling open-edges, the `Side` or `Cut Side` property is disabled internally even though it will likely be visible within the Task editor window and the Properties list within the Data tab.
When profiling the entire model (a complete contour of the model) the `Side` or `Cut Side` property is set to `Outside` by default. User can adjust it depending on the configuration of the part.
Eigenschaften
Note: Not all of these Properties are available in the Task Window Editor. Some are only accessible in the Data tab of the Properties View panel for this Operation.
Base
Note: It is suggested that you do not edit the Placement property of path operations. Rather, move or rotate the CAM Job model as needed.
DatenPlacement: Overall placement[position and rotation] of the object - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
DatenAngle: Angle in degrees applied to rotation of the object around Axis property value
DatenAxis: Axis(one or multiple) around which to rotate the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z
DatenX: x axis value
DatenY: y axis value
DatenZ: z axis value
DatenPosition: Position of the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
DatenX: x distance value
DatenY: y distance value
DatenZ: z distance value
DatenLabel: User-provided name of the object (UTF-8)
Depth
DatenClearance Height: The height needed to clear clamps and obstructions
DatenFinal Depth: Final Depth of Tool- lowest value in Z. User must define it.
DatenFinish Depth: Maximum material removed on final pass. The height (thickness) of the last cutting level - set for a better finish.
DatenSafe Height: The height above which Rapid motions are allowed. (Rapid safety height between locations)
DatenStart Depth: Starting depth of Tool - first cut depth in Z. User must define it.
DatenStep Down: Incremental step down of Tool during operation
Visual reference for Depth properties (settings)
Path
DatenActive: make False, to prevent operation from generating code
DatenBase: The base geometry for this operation
DatenComment: An optional comment for this Operation
DatenCoolant Mode: The coolant mode for this operation.
DatenCycle Time: The cycle time estimation for this operation.
DatenTool Controller: Defines the Tool controller used in the Operation
DatenUser Label: User assigned label
Profile
DatenDirection: The direction that the tool path should go around the part: Clockwise[CW] or Counterclockwise[CCW]
DatenExpand Profile: Extend the profile clearing beyond the Extra Offset.
DatenExpand Profile Step Over: Set the stepover percentage, based on the tool's diameter.
DatenHandle Multiple Features: Choose how to process multiple Base Geometry features.
DatenOffsetExtra: Extra value to stay away from final profile- good for roughing toolpath
DatenProcess Circles: Check if you want this Profile Operation to also be applied to cylindrical holes, which normally get drilled.
DatenProcess Holes: Check if this Profile Operation should also process holes in the base geometry. Note that this does not include cylindrical holes.
DatenProcess Perimeter: Check if this Profile Operation should also process the outside perimeter of the base geometry shapes
DatenSide: (Cut Side) Side of edge that tool should cut. This only matters if `Use Compensation` is True(checked).
DatenUse Compensation: If checked, the Profile Operation is offset by the tool radius. The offset direction is determined by the Cut Side.
Rotation
DatenAttempt Inverse Angle: Automatically attempt Inverse Angle if initial rotation is incorrect.
DatenEnable Rotation: Enable rotation to gain access to pockets or areas not normal to Z axis.
DatenInverse Angle: Inverse the angle of the rotation. Example: change a rotation from -22.5 to 22.5 degrees.
DatenLimit Depth To Face: Enforce the Z-depth of the selected face as the lowest value for final depth. Higher user values for final depth will be observed.
DatenReverse Direction: Reverse orientation of Operation by 180 degrees.
Start Point
DatenStart Point: The custom start point for the path of this operation.
DatenX: x distance value
DatenY: y distance value
DatenZ: z distance value
DatenUse Start Point: Make True, if manually specifying a Start Point. Set the start point in the property data Start Point field.
Tasks Window Editor Layout
Descriptions for the settings are provided in the Properties list above.
This section is simply a layout map of the settings in the window editor for the Operation.
Basisgeometrie
Add: Adds selected element(s) which should be the base(s) for the path(s)
Delete: Delete the selected item(s) in the Base Geometry list
Clear: Clear all items in the Base Geometry list
Tiefen
DatenStart Depth
DatenFinal Depth
DatenStep Down
Höhen
DatenSafe Height
DatenClearance Height
Bearbeitung
DatenTool Controller
DatenCoolant Mode
DatenCut Side **
DatenDirection
DatenExtra Offset
DatenEnable Rotation
DatenUse Start Point
DatenUse Compensation
DatenProcess Holes **
DatenProcess Circles **
DatenProcess Perimeter **
** Availability changes based on selections in Base Geometry section.