CAM Lite Workflow

CAM Lite workflow reproduces the natural thought-process of the NC Programmer

Create the NC Model

The NC model is an assemblement of the design part (reference model) and the workpiece (stock)

The reference model can be a Pro/ENGINEER native part or imported.
The optional workpiece can be created automatically. using the reference model envelope or assembled using an existing model (casting for example).

Set-up the Operation

This will establish the machining environment:

Machine tool (Workcell)
Program zero
Material
Tooling
Retract
Fixture

A workcell can be saved and re-used with the tooling setup feature

Create Machining Features

The idea is to re-classify the total volume of material to be removed into smaller, more recognizable and detailed machining volumes. Making it more manageable for you.

These machining features, are independant of the design features and toolpath creation. They define the material to be removed based on shop floor terminology: pocket, step, face, slot, chamfer, chanel, through pocket, holes,etc...

Create Toolpaths on the Features

Machine's using these features are shop floor accepted techniques which require minimum user interaction:

Select the feature to be machined
Select or define a tool
Accept or modify user defined default of the dialog
Play path!

Simulate & Output CL data

CAM Lite includes a shaded tool simulation to graphically authenticate the toolpath and check for potential collision points.

The output is a standard APT based CL data. This CL file can be used with APT based post-processor such as GPOST, bundled with Pro/ENGINEER NC solutions, to generate G Code data to drive CNC machine. CAM Lite includes a basic hardcoded post-processor for sample G-code output.