This task shows you how to define macros on a
turning operation.
This is done using the Macros tab of the machining operation editor. In this example you will add approach and retract macros to a Longitudinal Rough Turning operation. For more general information about macros, see NC Macros. |
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Predefined MacrosYou can use predefined macros such as Direct or Axial-Radial approach. These are made up from one or more paths in a specific order. Just select the desired mode in the Current Macro Toolbox. You can then adjust parameters (such as feedrate) of the macro. |
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User-Built MacrosYou can also build your own macros using the Build by user mode. Depending on the context, you can use the following icons to specify macro paths:
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In addition, the following icons allow you to:
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Macro EditionA sensitive icon representing the elementary paths of the macro will help you to build or edit your macro. The current macro path is colored violet. Right-clicking a macro path gives you access to a contextual menu.
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Inherited MacrosIf you create a machining operation and there are other operations of the same type in the program, the new operation will inherit the macros used in the most-recently edited operation of the same type. An operation is considered edited when you click OK to quit the operation definition dialog box. |
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Interruptible MacrosLinking macros, which are available for Rough, Groove, Recess, Ramp Rough and Ramp Recess Turning operations, can be interrupted. Interrupt conditions are defined in the Options tab of the Current Macro Toolbox. Interrupt modes for Linking macros are:
The specified time may correspond to the expected lifetime of the insert, for example. This allows you to interrupt an operation in order to change a worn insert. This is useful when machining very hard materials. |
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Create a Longitudinal Rough Turning operation as described in the Lathe Machining User's Guide. | ||
1. | Double-click the Longitudinal Rough Turning operation in the specification tree to edit that operation. | |
2. | Select the Macros tab in the operation definition dialog box. The initial status of all the macros in the Macro Management list is Inactive. | |
3. | Right-click the Approach macro line
and activate the macro by means of Activate. In the Current Macro Toolbox, select the Axial radial mode. A sensitive icon representing the paths of the approach macro appears. |
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4. | Select the point symbol in the
sensitive icon then select a point in the 3D window. The radial and axial paths of the macro are calculated from the selected point to the start point of the operation. |
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5. | You can then click Replay to check the approach motion. The status of the macro becomes Up to date. | |
6. | Right-click the Retract macro line
and activate the macro by means of Activate. In the Current Macro Toolbox, select the Radial axial mode. |
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7. | Select the point symbol in the
sensitive icon then select a point in the 3D window. The axial and radial paths of the macro are calculated from the end point of the operation to the selected point. |
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8. |
Click Replay to validate the tool path. The status of the macro becomes Up to date. |
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In the Replay dialog box, select the
Different colors mode
in
order to visualize feedrate changes. The tool path is displayed with the
following colors:
Please note that transition paths are represented by dashed white lines. |
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9. | Click OK to accept the modifications made to
the operation. The operation is updated with the specified macros. |
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PP Words in MacrosYou can insert PP words in macros by double-clicking the green X symbols in the sensitive icons. The PP Words Selection dialog box is displayed. You can enter the syntax in the following ways:
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