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Electrodes CimatronE 10.0 User Guide CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪i Table of Contents Electrodes ......................................................................................................................................1 CimatronE Electrodes.................................................................................................................1 Electrode Basics.........................................................................................................................3 Electrode Basics...............................................................................................................3 Electrode Setup Wizard ...................................................................................................3 Electrode Tree..................................................................................................................5 Working in Electrodes...............................................................................................................10 Working in Electrodes ....................................................................................................10 EDM Setup .....................................................................................................................11 Electrode Templates ......................................................................................................21 Renumber Electrodes ....................................................................................................26 Electrode Functions..................................................................................................................29 Electrode Functions .......................................................................................................29 Electrode Guide..............................................................................................................31 3D Trajectory..................................................................................................................32 Activate Assembly (Electrode) .......................................................................................43 Activate Electrode ..........................................................................................................44 Add Location ..................................................................................................................45 All Drawings ...................................................................................................................49 Loading (Applying) an Electrode Template....................................................................51 Assembly Drawing .........................................................................................................53 Automatic Contour .........................................................................................................56 Blank (Electrode)............................................................................................................58 Electrode Drawing..........................................................................................................75 Extensions......................................................................................................................77 Extract Electrode............................................................................................................91 Holder (Electrode) ........................................................................................................102 Saving (Creating) an Electrode Template....................................................................104 Simulation (Electrode)..................................................................................................105 UCS (Electrode) ...........................................................................................................106 Index ...........................................................................................................................................111 CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide⎪1 Electrodes CimatronE Electrodes Using the CimatronE Electrode application, you can automate the electrode design process. Use the Electrode application for burning faces selection, electrode design, management, documentation and the manufacture of surface geometry. Burning surfaces on the component The Electrode application provides CAD, CAM and Drafting in a fully-associative single database with the following capabilities: • Fast and accurate methods to define burning faces; • Manipulation of burning faces geometry to design the electrode; • Complete automation of the electrode design process using templates; • Automation of electrode documentation. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪2 What would you like to do? Electrode Set-Up Wizard Create a new electrode assembly and a new electrode folder. The Electrode Set-Up Wizard dialog is displayed. This dialog enables you to define the part file for which you wish to create an electrode (mold component). The Electrode Guide is then displayed. This is located on the right side of the CimatronE window and enables you to follow the logical steps of the electrode creation process, from start to finish. Extract Electrode Create a new electrode. This involves defining the burning faces and an electrode area which will be the basis for the blank. Blank Create the blank for the electrode. Electrode UCS Specify an Electrode UCS (User Coordinate System). This UCS serves as the reference point for this electrode in drawings and reports. Holder Add an imported holder on top of the electrode blank. Contour Create a single 2D or 3D contour (from the electrode edges) by joining two or more curves. Auto Contour Look for the open boundary of an electrode and automatically create a contour on it. The contour can later be used for the creation of extensions. The new composite curve is also displayed in the Feature Tree. Extension Create a set of extension faces between the burning surfaces and the electrode base. Apply Template Apply a previously created template to an existing electrode. This automates many of the electrode creation steps thereby considerably shortening the electrode creation time. Simulation Simulate the motion of electrodes. Activate Assembly Activate the main assembly (when an electrode is active). Activate Electrode Activate an electrode. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪3 Electrode Basics Electrode Basics The following links explain the Electrode Setup Wizard, Guide, Electrode Tree and the popup menus. Electrode Setup Wizard Electrode Guide Electrode Tree Popup Menus Electrode Setup Wizard This wizard assists you in setting up a new Electrode file by prompting you to define the appropriate parameters. An Assembly file is then opened. The Assembly Name defined in the wizard is displayed in the assembly tree on the left of the screen and the Electrode Guide is displayed on the right side of the screen. The component file is added to the assembly (see below). Upon completion of the Electrode Setup Wizard, continue with the Electrode creation using the Electrode Guide to guide you through the logical order. General Interaction The Electrode Setup Wizard dialog is displayed. Define the following parameters: 1. Define the Component Part file in one of the following ways: • Open File : Open a CimatronE Part or Assembly file (from the CimatronE Explorer) for which you wish to create an electrode (mold component). • Import File : Import an external file (PFM, IGES, SAT, etc.). The Assembly Name and Folder Name for the electrode are automatically created, based on the Name Generator fields defined in the Electrode Preferences. 2. Set the working Assembly file name. If the Create New Folder checkbox is turnedon - a new folder will be created under the folder which CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪4 holds the master file. The working file will be created inside that folder. Set the new folder name. If the new folder is to be placed under a different folder - click the browse button to select that parent folder. 3. Define the units of measurement for the file. 4. Click the Preferences button to change the Electrode Preferences, if required. 5. Press the appropriate confirmation button: Cancel and exit the dialog. OK, accept the data in the dialog and continue with the Electrode creation using the Electrode Guide to guide you through the logical order. The assembly file is opened with the Assembly Name displayed in the Assembly Tree. The Assembly Name for the electrode is automatically created, based on the Name Generator fields defined in the Electrode Preferences. The component file is added to the assembly In the CimatronE Explorer, these appear as follows (in the example below, an Electrode has been added): CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪5 Electrode Tree Electrode Tree When an electrode has been extracted, the Electrode tab appears next to the Assembly Tree area. This tab displays the Electrode Tree. (See the Assembly Tree for an explanation of the display symbols that appear in the Electrode Tree). The Electrode assembly is also displayed in the Assembly Tree. Example of the tree structure before creating an electrode: The Electrode Tree items consist of a Component, UCSs, Electrodes and Locations. The Electrode assembly is also displayed in the Feature Tree. Assembly Tree and Feature Tree Electrode Tree Electrode Tree: Structure Operations Popup Operations Auto Hide A number of operations can be performed from the Electrode Tree; these include performing operations on multiple entities in the tree and using popup submenus. Note: Double clicking a tree item (root, electrode or location) activates it. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪6 Picking Multiple Entities Operations on multiple entities in the tree can be performed. If the entities selected are of the same level (locations, electrodes, etc.), the operations that can be performed are Hide, Show, Create Electrode Drawing, Create Assembly Drawing, All Drawings and Simulation (all appear under the popup menu). If the entities selected are not of the same level, only Hide, Show and Simulation are available. For example: 1. Select multiple electrodes from the Electrode Tree: 2. Select All Drawings from the popup submenu. All drawings will be created for the selected electrodes. Electrode Tree Structure The structure of the Electrode Tree enables full control over the components and their display. For each electrode location, the hide/show status, color and render mode (shade / transparency / wireframe) characteristics can be set. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪7 Electrode Tree Popup Operations Electrode Tree popup submenus are displayed by right-clicking on an item in the appropriate tree. The popup submenu displayed will depend upon the level of the item selected. Component: This level represents the main assembly and all the mold components which are not electrode files. Activate Assembly, EDM Setup, Report, Simulation. UCS: This level represents reference UCSs that were used during the electrode extraction. Each UCS represents an orientation of the mold component on the EDM machine. Extract Electrode, Add Electrode(see the Add Electrode explanation in Electrode Functions), Hide(hide all the locations under the UCS ), Show(show all the locations under the UCS ), Electrode Drawing, Assembly Drawing, All Drawings, Rename(rename the UCS ), Report, Simulation. Electrode: This level represents electrodes which exist in the assembly. EDM Setup, Edit(edit the creation of this electrode), Delete(delete all the locations of this electrode), Activate(activate the first location of this electrode. After running the Extract Electrode function from the Electrode Guide, activating the electrode displays the remaining steps in the Electrode Guide), Open Component, Hide(hide all the locations of this electrode), Show(show all the locations of this electrode), Electrode Drawing, Report, Simulation, Hide Other, Ignore Update, Rename Component. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪8 Location: This level represents the locations of each electrode. If an electrode appears more than once in the assembly, it will have several locations. EDM Setup, Add Location, Edit(edit the creation of this electrode), Delete(delete the electrode location), Activate(activate the first location of this electrode. After running the Extract Electrode function from the Electrode Guide, activating the electrode displays the remaining steps in the Electrode Guide), Electrode Drawing, Rename(rename the location ), Report, 3D Trajectory, Hide/Show Trajectory Lines(hide/show the trajectory lines - displayed when a 3D Trajectory has been defined and the function exited), Delete Trajectory(delete a trajectory - displayed when a 3D Trajectory has been defined and the function exited), Simulation, Hide Other. Electrode Report CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪9 The EDM Setup Report is displayed showing the Component, Electrode and Location data. This report can be converted into a Microsoft Excel file format. Use the EDM Setup dialog to set general parameters for Components, Electrodes and Locations before creating a machine-readable file. An example EDM Setup Report is shown below: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪10 Working in Electrodes Working in Electrodes The following links provide additional information for working in the Electrode environment: EDM Setup The EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Setup dialog enables you to set general parameters for Components, Electrodes and Locations before creating a machine-readable file. Electrode Templates CimatronE uses various types of templates to speed up the work- process and automate different operations. An Electrode Template holds the electrode features and some of the parameters used to design an electrode. Renumber Electrodes Renumber multiple electrodes in one operation. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪11 EDM Setup EDM Setup The EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Setup dialog enables you to set general parameters for Components, Electrodes and Locations before creating a machine-readable file. The EDM Setup dialog initially displays the parameters relating to the item( Component, Electrode and Location) right-clicked in the Electrode Tree, however, once the EDM Setup dialog is displayed, you can also browse the EDM tree within the EDM Setup dialog to display all the relevant parameters ( Component, Electrode and Location). EDM Setup Interaction CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪12 EDM Setup Interaction 1. Select the EDM Machine type. Standard parameters, or machine-specific parameters (such as AGIE and Mitsubishi) can be defined. The type of Output File created depends on whether standard or machine- specific parameters are defined. The dropdown list of available EDM machines depends on the machine(s) selected in the CimatronE Control Panel > EDM Setup Machine Registration. The default list of available EDM machines is as follows: If the Sodick machine is selected in the CimatronE Control Panel, it appears in the list of available EDM machines instead of the Mitsubishi and Makino machines: 2. Set the appropriate parameters ( Component, Electrode and Location). Each EDM Machine type has its own specific set of parameters. Only the Standard parameters are described in this Help. 3. Create the output file. Click the Output button , set the file name and destinationpath to create an .erp file containing a list of all the parameters. The .erp file is an ASCII file which can be edited using any ASCII editor. To convert the .erp file to an EDM machine-readable version, send the .erp file to your Cimatron Provider. Note: If the Charmilles - DPC EDM machine is selected, an .xmlj is created. This file is already EDM machine-readable and can be loaded directly to the Charmilles DP Control interface. If Open Output Files is selected, the ASCII .erp file is opened in Microsoft® Notepad®. This file can then be edited if required. If Multi Files is selected, multiple files can be created. Define the folder name and the destination path for the output files. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪13 Notes: • If specific Customized Output executable files (.exe) are supplied by your Cimatron Provider, an additional option is displayed to enable you to select the type of output file to be produced. This output file is automatically opened in the application supplied by your Provider, enabling you to easily update or add parameter values before creating the machine-readable file. Customize enables you to choose the type of output file. If a number of .exe files exist, select the appropriate output file type from the dropdown menu. • If supplied, these customized reports should be installed in the following location: Cimatron\CimatronE\Program\EDM_Setup 4. Press the appropriate confirmation button: Define the Electrode Offset Setting. This toggles the settings of the Electrode Parameters between Standard and Legacy (prior to CimatronE 9.0). Save the current contents of the dialog as the default parameters. Accept the changes and exit the current dialog. Apply the changes and remain within the current dialog. Cancel the changes and exit the current dialog. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪14 EDM Setup: Component The EDM Setup Component Parameters are as follows: Component Name Name of the component as it appears in the Electrode Tree. Material Component material. Options are Steel, Aluminium, None. Display the Material List. Select a material or enter a new material and press OK . Comment Enter a comment if required. The Add/Remove Parameters button enables you to control the display of parameters on the EDM Setup dialog. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪15 EDM Setup: Electrode The EDM Setup Electrode Parameters are as follows (for each operation, the parameter displayed in the highlighted section depends on whether you have selected the Standard or Legacy setting as defined in the Electrode Offset Setting): Standard setting Legacy setting Electrode Name The name of the electrode and its number as it appears in the Electrode Tree. Material Select the electrode Material from a dropdown list. Press the button to display the Material Edit List. Select a material or enter a new material and press OK . CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪16 Rough, Pre-Finish, Finish, Polish: Quantity The number of electrodes for each operation required for the job. Orbiting Type Select the Orbiting Type from a dropdown list. Press the button to display the Orbiting Type Edit List. Select an orbiting type or enter a new material and press OK . Orbiting Size How much the electrode rotates. Spark Gap The distance between the electrode and the workpiece when discharges are occurring. Additional Part Offset / Maximum Undersize The parameter (and interaction) displayed here, depends on whether you have selected the Standard or Legacy setting as defined in the Electrode Offset Setting. Material Select the specific electrode Material from a dropdown list. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪17 Press the button to display the Material Edit List. Select a material or enter a new material and press OK . The Add/Remove Parameters button enables you to control the display of parameters on the EDM Setup dialog. Electrode Offset Setting The Electrode Offset Setting enables you to toggle the setting of the Electrode Parameters between Standard and Legacy (prior to CimatronE 9.0). The difference between these settings is as follows: Standard setting The Additional Part Offset parameter is displayed. This parameter defines the difference between the actual electrode and the designed electrode. (The actual electrode is geometrically smaller than the designed electrode.) In essence, this parameter defines how much material should be left after the burning, for the next electrode operation. This parameter is used by the CMM measuring function which, while inspecting an electrode, considers the burning parameters. When switching from Legacy to Standard, the Additional Part Offset = 0. Example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪18 If Quantity = 0, all fields are grayed out except the Additional Part Offset. Example: Legacy setting The Maximum Undersize parameter is displayed. This parameter is system calculated (Spark Gap + Orbit Size) and defines the maximum undersize of the electrode. If Quantity = 0, all fields are grayed out. Example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪19 To switch from one setting to the other: 1. Press the Electrode Offset Setting button (at the bottom of the dialog). The following dialog is displayed: 2. Select the required electrode offset setting. This becomes your default setting and is displayed the next time you enter the EDM Setup. EDM Setup: Location The EDM Setup Location Parameters are as follows: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪20 Location Name Name of the component, its number and location number as it appears in the Electrode Tree. Burn Depth: Top Z Uppermost burning surface point. Bottom Z Lowest burning surface point. Delta Total burning depth. Burn UCS Origin: Start Start coordinates of the Burn UCS origin. End End coordinates of the Burn UCS origin. The Add/Remove Parameters button enables you to control the display of parameters on the EDM Setup dialog. The diagram below shows the parameters used in this dialog. EDM Setup: Add/Remove Parameters Add and/or remove parameters to/from the EDM Setup dialog. To add/remove parameters: 1. Press the Add/Remove Parameters button at the bottom of the Component, Electrode and Location EDM Setup dialogs. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪21 The following dialog is displayed: 2. For each required set of parameters press the Enable radio button and enter the relevant parameter values and press OK . For example: The parameters and their default values are displayed in the EDM Setup dialog. Electrode Templates Electrode Templates CimatronE uses various types of templates to speed up the work-process and automate different operations. An Electrode Template holds the electrode features and some of the parameters used to design an electrode. You can use it to save time by creating the entire geometry of an electrode (once the electrode burning faces were defined) automatically. Using Electrode Templates Loading (Applying) an Electrode Template Saving (Creating) an Electrode Template CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪22 Note: All user-defined templates are stored in the same location. Using Electrode Templates You can use Electrode Templates to build several templates for typical electrodes (typical means that each type has the same set of features, not the same type of geometry). You can create a several templates holding only the Blanks (including advanced blank features such as marking or stepped blanks) and Holders and other templates holding the entire geometry including all extensions and an Electrode UCS. Saving a template will keep all the parameters and features used in a specific electrode. Loading andusing the template will apply those features to a new or existing electrode part. Loading (Applying) an Electrode Template When a template is applied, it creates a set of new features. An electrode template can be used in two ways: Extracting a new electrode. Completing an existing electrode. When Apply Template is selected, the following dialog is displayed: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪23 This dialog displays a list of the Electrode Templates you've saved and the picture that was saved with them. Note: Each view in the template must have a unique name. 1. Set the options in the dialog: Save in: Select the directory from where to load the template. The directory tree on the left of the dialog can also be used to select the appropriate directory. Files of type: Select the template type. File name: Select the file name of the template to load. Template file details displayed in the middle of the dialog can also be used to select the appropriate file. 2. Press OK to execute the template and create the relevant features. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. Extracting a new electrode When creating a new electrode, the Apply Template and Change Template buttons are displayed. Apply Template: This button determines that a template will be used. The button toggles to No Template. Change Template: Selecting this button displays the Load Template dialog. This button is only visible if the Apply Template button is on. If you leave the cursor on the Change Template button for two seconds, it will show a tooltip with the name of the template currently in use. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪24 Completing an existing electrode Templates can be applied on existing electrodes in two ways: 1. Select Apply Template from the Electrode Guide or select Electrode > Apply Template from the menu bar. The Load Template dialog is displayed. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. 2. If the contour is not picked properly automatically, using templates from within the Extension function allows you to define the contour first. From within the Extension function, select the Apply Template and Change Template buttons, as mentioned above (applying templates when creating a new electrode). Saving (Creating) an Electrode Template Any electrode part can be saved as an Electrode Template. The system will save all the electrode features - such as Extensions, Electrode UCS, Blank and Electrode Holder. The features are saved so that they can be used for any geometry. This means that all the important parameters which represent decisions made by you are kept, but any parameter which has to be flexible and adjusted to the selected geometry is not saved. For example, the height of the Base will be saved, but not the length and width of it. The system will ask you to specify a name for the new Electrode Template and then save it. Note that the picture presented when you are saving the Electrode Template will be saved alongside it and will be presented when you load the template - so it is recommended to make sure that the electrode shows what you want to see when you load that template, before you save the template. Note: This function is only available when an electrode file is active. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪25 The following dialog is displayed: Note: Each view in the template must have a unique name. 1. Set the options in the dialog: Save In: Select the directory of the saved template. The default directory is Cimatron\CimatronE\Data\Templates. The directory tree on the left of the dialog can also be used to select the appropriate directory. Files of types: The default electrode template file type is .etp. File name: Enter the template file name. Comment: Enter a comment to describe the template. Template file details are displayed in the middle of the dialog. 2. Press OK to save the template. Note: All user-defined templates are stored in the same location. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪26 Renumber Electrodes Renumber multiple electrodes in one operation. This function is similar to the Electrode Name function in the Preferences (Preferences > Electrode > Name Generator > Electrode Name), however, the Renumber Electrodes function can renumber multiple electrodes in one operation. The Renumber Electrodes dialog is displayed: Set the parameters: Index Digits From the dropdown list, set the number of digits to be added to the electrode name. An example result is automatically displayed in the Last Number and Example fields - see below. Start Number Renumber the electrodes starting with the value in this field. When selecting multiple electrodes for renumbering, the electrodes are numbered according to the order in which they were selected in the Electrode Tree. This means that the first selected electrode will be renumbered according to the Start Number, the second and subsequent selected electrodes will be renumbered in increments based on the Step value. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪27 Step Renumber the electrodes in increments based on the Step value. Last Number This field is for reference only and displays the last number that will be given to a renumbered electrode. This value is based on the number of electrodes selected, the Start Number and the Step. The number of digits displayed is based on the Index Digits definition. Example: In this example 2 electrodes were selected: • The last number is based on the start number 1 in steps of 1 (hence Last Number = 2). • The number of digits displayed (in the Last Number and Example fields) is 3 (based on the Index Digits value). In this example 2 electrodes were selected: • The last number is based on the start number 2 in steps of 3 (hence Last Number = 5). • The number of digits displayed (in the Last Number and Example fields) is 4 (based on the Index Digits value). Prefix Define a prefix for the electrode name. An example result is automatically displayed in the Example field - see below. Suffix Define a suffix for the electrode name. An example result is automatically displayed in the Example field - see below. Include Main Assembly Name Select this checkbox to add the main assembly name to the electrode name. An example result is automatically displayed in the Example field - see below. Example This field is for reference only and displays the structure and content of the electrode name based on your definitions. The number of digits displayed is based on the Index Digits definition. Example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪28 In this example the electrode name consists of the: • prefix • electrode number - see note below. In this example the electrode name consists of the: • main assembly name • prefix • electrode number - see note below. • suffix Note: In the Example field, the electrode number is based on the Start Number value and the Index Digits value. Consider these changes while extracting new electrodes Select this checkbox to ensure that subsequently extracted electrodes will be numbered and named according to the settings in this dialog. For example, if the checkbox is selected, the next extracted electrode will be numbered based on the Last Number + the increment in the Step field. Press OK to rename all selected electrodes at once. The electrodes will be renumbered based on the Start Number and in increments as defined by the Step value. If any of the newly assigned names already exists as an electrode name, an appropriate messageis displayed. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪29 Electrode Functions Electrode Functions The following Electrode functions appear under the Electrode menu and/or the Electrode Guide (in addition, the EDM Setup function is also listed below). 3D Trajectory Create a 3D trajectory for an electrode. Use the Electrodes Simulation to simulate the electrode movement along this trajectory. Activate Assembly Activate the main assembly (when an electrode is active). Activate Electrode Activate an electrode. Add Electrode Add an electrode to the assembly. Select the electrode from the CimatronE Explorer. The electrode may be one that was created in the assembly, or it could be an electrode that was created elsewhere. The interaction is identical to the Add Component function in the Assembly application. If the electrode does not exist within the UCS, this adds an electrode and a location in the tree. If the electrode already exists in the UCS, this adds another location to the existing electrode. Add Location Copy an existing electrode and place it on other burn areas. All Drawings (Electrode) Create an assembly drawing and one or more electrode drawings for the locations under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. This function is available only when the assembly is active. Apply Template Load (apply) an electrode template to an existing electrode. This function is available when an electrode file is active. See Electrode Templates. Assembly Drawing Create an assembly drawing as defined in the Electrode Preferences. This function is available only when the assembly is active. An assembly drawing is created for selected locations under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. Automatic Contour Look for the open boundary of an electrode and automatically create a contour on it. The contour can later be used for the creation of extensions. The new composite curve is also displayed in the Feature Tree. Blank (Electrode) Create the blank for the electrode. This function is available when an electrode file is active. Composite Create a single 2D or 3D contour (from the electrode edges) by joining two or more curves. The contour can later be used CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪30 for the creation of extensions. The new composite curve is also displayed in the Feature Tree. This function is available when an electrode file is active. Electrode Drawing Create an electrode drawing as defined in the Electrode Preferences. This function is available only when the assembly is active. An electrode drawing is created for each selected location under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. It is also possible to create an electrode drawing via the NC Report. This creates a Standard NC Report which displays four views of the electrode, including dimensions. EDM Setup The EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Setup dialog enables you to set general parameters for Components, Electrodes and Locations before creating a machine- readable file. Extensions Create a set of extension faces between the burning surfaces and the electrode base. This function is available when an electrode file is active. Extract Electrode Create a new electrode. This involves defining the burning faces and an electrode area which will be the basis for the blank. The Extract Electrode function is available only when an assembly is active. Activate the electrode in the electrode tree to display the remaining steps in the Electrode Guide. Holder Add an imported holder on top of the electrode Blank. Save as Template Save (create) an electrode template. Any electrode part can be saved as an Electrode Template. The system will save all the electrode features - such as Extensions, Electrode UCS, Blank and Electrode Holder. This function is available when an electrode file is active. See Electrode Templates. Simulation (Electrode) Simulate the motion of electrodes. UCS (Electrode) Specify a Burning UCS (User Coordinate System). This UCS serves as the reference point for this electrode in drawings and reports. This function is available when an electrode file is active and a blank has been created. Note: All operations are also accessible either through the menu bar and / or toolbar icons. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪31 Electrode Guide The Electrode Guide, located on the right side of the CimatronE window, lists the Electrode functions in a logical order to guide you through the electrode creation process, from start to finish. All the Electrode functions can either be accessed from the menu bar (under the Electrode menu) or from the Electrode Guide. Notes: • See Navigating the Guide Bars. • The Guide Bars can be customized as required. • See the Electrode Functions for a description of the various functions in this guide. The Electrode Guide steps are organized as follows (see the Electrode Functions for a description of the various functions in this guide): Electrode Guide See the Electrode Functions. The following options are displayed. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪32 Showing or Hiding the Electrode Guide To show the Electrode Guide, click the Access button at the top of this topic to display the Access button dropdown text. To hide the Electrode Guide, do the opposite of the Access button dropdown text. 3D Trajectory 3D Trajectory Create a 3D trajectory for an electrode. Use the Electrodes Simulation to simulate the electrode movement along this trajectory. General Interaction The following is the Feature Guide for 3D Trajectory. Remember: You can open the Feature Guide at any time on the graphic display area by right-clicking. Required Step 1 : Pick the electrode whose trajectory is to be defined. Required Step 2 : Define the trajectory steps for the electrode. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪33 3D Trajectory : Options and Results Create a 3D trajectory for an electrode. Use the Electrodes Simulation to simulate the electrode movement along this trajectory. Required Step 1 Pick the electrode whose trajectory is to be defined. Required Step 2 Define the trajectory steps for the electrode. This trajectory is composed of steps of either linear movement or rotation around the electrode axis. The picked electrode is highlighted, the 3D Trajectory Manager appears and the following parameters are displayed: Linear Movement and Rotation are toggle parameters CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪34 Linear Movement / Rotation Toggle between Linear Movement and Rotation. Delta Set the delta distance of the current (Linear Movement) trajectory step. This distance can also be set by clicking on the arrow head or shaft and dragging the electrode to the required distance (you can drag in the arrow direction only). Z Axis Set the rotation angle of the current (Rotation) trajectory step. Reset Reset the movement to Delta = 0 or Angle = 0 degrees. The OK option is disabled. OK Accept the defined trajectory step. The trajectory step data is entered into the 3D Trajectory Manager. This option is available only if movement (Linear or Rotation) has been defined. Linear Movement Set a linear trajectory step(s) for the electrode. This is the default trajectory option and displays a directional arrow. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪35 To set a linear trajectory: 1. Set the direction using the arrow. Click on the arrow origin to open the direction menu. The default direction is the +Z of the electrode. 2. Set the delta distance of the current trajectory step. 3. Press OK to accept the defined trajectory step. The trajectory step data is entered into the 3D Trajectory Manager. Rotation Set a rotation trajectory step(s) for the electrode.CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪36 To set a rotation trajectory: 1. Set the rotation angle. The rotation axis is around the Z axis of the electrode UCS. 2. Press OK to accept the defined trajectory step. The trajectory step data is entered into the 3D Trajectory Manager. To edit the defined trajectory, use the 3D Trajectory Manager. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. Once the trajectory has been defined and the function exited, the following occur: 1. The defined trajectory is displayed as follows: Linear Movement steps are displayed using a dashed line. Rotation steps are displayed by small points. 2. Additional options become available in the Location popup submenu: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪37 These options enable you to Show or Hide the trajectory lines, or to Delete the trajectory. 3. The trajectory points and parameters are displayed in the EDM Setup for Standard machines. They appear in the report of the specific Location, as follows: 4. The trajectory points and parameters are displayed in the EDM Setup Output File, as follows: [COMPONENT] NAME = Part for copy Electrode-EL FILE_NAME = MATERIAL = Aluminium UNITS = MM NOTE = CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪38 [ELECTRODE_0001:01] NAME = Part for copy Electrode-EL-001:Loc1 FILE_NAME = UNITS = MM COMMENT = BLANK_TYPE = Rectangular BLANK_ORIGIN_X = 0.0000 BLANK_ORIGIN_Y = 62.4995 BLANK_ORIGIN_Z = 45.0000 BLANK_HEIGHT = 41.6127 ... [TRAJECTORY] STEP_1_ANGLE =30 STEP_2_LINEAR_START=3.3, 78, 56.78 STEP_2_LINEAR_END= 99.6, 77, 66 BURN_UCS_ROTATION = 0.0000 QUANT_RO = 4 ORBIT_TYPE_RO = 3-D ORBITING ORBIT_VALUE_RO = 0.0021 SPARK_GAP_RO = 0.0001 ORBIT_OFFSET_RO = 0.0022 MATERIAL_RO = QUANT_PF = 3 ORBIT_TYPE_PF = 3-D ORBITING ORBIT_VALUE_PF = 0.0000 CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪39 ... 5. The trajectory points and parameters are displayed in the EDM Setup Report, as follows: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪40 3D Trajectory Manager The 3D Trajectory Manager stores the trajectory steps that have been confirmed (OK'd). The combined Linear and Rotation steps make up the complete electrode trajectory. Each trajectory step can either be edited or deleted. 1. Either double-click the value to be changed and enter the new value directly into the 3D Trajectory Manager, or right-click the appropriate step and select Edit Step or Delete Step. In both cases, the step in the 3D Trajectory Manager and the actual trajectory movement in the display area are highlighted. In the example below, step 2 is selected for editing. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪41 Edit Step The trajectory is rolled back to the selected step and subsequent steps are not shown. The parameters of the selected trajectory step are displayed. The Linear Movement / Rotate option is grayed out as it is irrelevant at this stage. Note the highlighted trajectory. 1. Edit the Delta or Angle value and press OK. The 3D Trajectory Manager and graphics area are updated with the new values. The original step 2 value and trajectory display. After the Edit, the new step 2 value and the updated trajectory display. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪42 Delete Step The entry in the 3D Trajectory Manager is deleted and the following step is renumbered. 1. Delete the selected step. The 3D Trajectory Manager and graphics area are updated with the new values. The original step 2 value and trajectory display. After the Delete, the new step 2 value and the updated trajectory display. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪43 Activate Assembly (Electrode) Activate the main assembly (when an electrode is active). Example: 1. An electrode is active. 2. Press the Activate Assembly button. The main assembly is now active. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪44 Activate Electrode Activate an electrode by picking it in the display area. Example: 1. The main assembly is active. 2. Press the Activate Electrode button and pick the electrode to activate. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪45 3. The electrode is now active. Add Location Add Location Copy an existing electrode and place it on other burn areas. General Interaction The following is the Feature Guide for Add Location. Remember: You can open the Feature Guide at any time on the graphic display area by right-clicking. Required Step 1 : Pick three points from the burn area of the electrode to be copied. These three points define a UCS. Optional Step 1 : Pick the points to define the target UCS or pick a target UCS. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪46 Add Location: Options and Results Copy an existing electrode and place it on other burn areas. Existing electrode. Existing electrode copied to target location. Required Step 1 Pick three points from the burn area of the electrode to be copied. 1. Pick the three points to define a UCS. The points can only be picked from the electrode to be copied. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪47 2. Press exit(middle mouse button) when finished. Required Step 2 Pick the points to define the target UCS or pick a target UCS. 1. Set the displayed Same Component / Different Component toggle option. 2. Pick the points to define the target UCS or pick a target UCS. These points are geometric points and can only be picked from "main" parts only. Alternatively, the target UCS must belong to the main part. Pick the target points. When the third point or a UCS is picked, the copied electrode is displayed in gray. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪48 Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function. When completed, the additional electrode is added to the Electrode Tree according to the Same Component / Different Component toggle option used: Same Component: The additional electrode is added as a "Location" in the Electrode Tree. Different Component: The additional electrode is added as a new electrode with one new "Location" in the Electrode Tree. When completed, an Add operation appears in the Feature Tree as follows: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪49 All Drawings Create an assembly drawing and one or more electrode drawings for the locations under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. This function is available only when the assembly is active. To create all drawings: 1. Activate the electrode assembly. 2. Select the appropriate position in the Electrode Tree - see below. 3. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic) the Create Electrode Drawing function. Depending on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree, the assembly drawing may contain one or more electrode locations in the drawing, and one or more electrode drawings are created - see below. Selection Point in the Electrode Tree The drawings created by running this function depend on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree: 1. If you select the UCS in the Electrode Tree and then run the function, the result is as follows: • a single assembly drawing is created showing all the electrode locations under the UCS. • an electrode drawing is created for each electrode location under the UCS. For example: Note: The prefix of the assembly and electrode drawing file names consists of the names of the assembly and electrode(s) respectively. 2. If you select an Electrode or Electrode Location in the Electrode Tree and then run the function: • the assembly drawing shows only that electrode location . • one electrode drawing is created for that electrode location . For example:CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪50 Note: If an assembly or electrode drawing file with the same name already exists. the drawing name is appended with the suffix #<n> (where <n> is the number of the files with the same name). 3. You can also select multiple Electrodes or Electrode Locations in the Electrode Tree and then run the function. In this case: • the assembly drawing shows each of the items selected. • an electrode drawing is created for each item selected. For example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪51 Loading (Applying) an Electrode Template When a template is applied, it creates a set of new features. An electrode template can be used in two ways: Extracting a new electrode. Completing an existing electrode. When Apply Template is selected, the following dialog is displayed: This dialog displays a list of the Electrode Templates you've saved and the picture that was saved with them. Note: Each view in the template must have a unique name. 1. Set the options in the dialog: Save in: Select the directory from where to load the template. The directory tree on the left of the dialog can also be used to select the appropriate directory. Files of type: Select the template type. File name: Select the file name of the template to load. Template file details displayed in the middle of the dialog can also be used to select the appropriate file. 2. Press OK to execute the template and create the relevant features. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪52 Extracting a new electrode When creating a new electrode, the Apply Template and Change Template buttons are displayed. Apply Template: This button determines that a template will be used. The button toggles to No Template. Change Template: Selecting this button displays the Load Template dialog. This button is only visible if the Apply Template button is on. If you leave the cursor on the Change Template button for two seconds, it will show a tooltip with the name of the template currently in use. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. Completing an existing electrode Templates can be applied on existing electrodes in two ways: 1. Select Apply Template from the Electrode Guide or select Electrode > Apply Template from the menu bar. The Load Template dialog is displayed. Note: If there are extension features in the template, the system will automatically find the contour for them. 2. If the contour is not picked properly automatically, using templates from within the Extension function allows you to define the contour first. From within the Extension function, select the Apply Template and Change Template buttons, as mentioned above (applying templates when creating a new electrode). CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪53 Assembly Drawing Create an assembly drawing as defined in the Electrode Preferences. This function is available only when the assembly is active. An assembly drawing is created for selected locations under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. An example of an assembly drawing: To create electrode drawings: 1. Activate the electrode assembly. 2. Select the appropriate position in the Electrode Tree - see below. 3. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic) the Create Electrode Drawing function. Depending on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree, the assembly drawing may contain a single or multiple electrode locations in the drawing - see below. Selection Point in the Electrode Tree The drawings created by running this function depend on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree: 1. If you select the UCS in the Electrode Tree and then run the function, the assembly drawing is created showing all the electrode locations under the UCS. For example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪54 Note: The prefix of the assembly drawing file name consists of the name of the assembly. 2. If you select an Electrode or Electrode Location in the Electrode Tree and then run the function, the assembly drawing shows only that electrode location . For example: Note: If an assembly drawing file with the same name already exists. the drawing name is appended with the suffix #<n> (where <n> is the number of the files with the same name). 3. You can also select multiple Electrodes or Electrode Locations in the Electrode Tree and then run the function. In this case the assembly drawing shows each of the items selected. For example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪55 CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪56 Automatic Contour Look for the open boundary of an electrode and automatically create a contour on it. The contour can later be used for the creation of extensions. The new composite curve is also displayed in the Feature Tree, as shown below: Before running Auto Contour: After running Auto Contour: Notice the new composite curve in the display area and also in the Feature Tree. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪57 Usage Example The Auto Contour function results in faster work and reduces the need for manual intervention, especially when working with templates. 1. In the example below, a simple electrode has already been designed for this part. Now, a complex electrode for the area with the crossing slots needs to be created. 2. These are the burning surfaces of the new electrode. Even though the orange capping surfaces were manually created to close the gaps made by the crossing slots, the blue contour was automatically created. 3. The complex electrode was automatically created by using the simple electrode as a template. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪58 Blank (Electrode) Blank (Electrode) Create the blank for the electrode. Notes: • Only one Blank feature per electrode can be created. If the Blank function is invoked after a Blank has been created, the function will be invoked in edit mode. • This function is only available when an electrode file is active. General Interaction The following is the Feature Guide for Blank. Remember: You can open the Feature Guide at any time on the graphic display area by right- clicking. Required Step 1 : Select the options and set the parameters for the blank. Optional Step 1 : Center To Selection. Optional Step 2 : Fit To Selection. Optional Step 3 : Mark the base of the blank. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪59 Blank (Electrode) : Options and Results Note: Only one Blank feature per electrode can be created. If the Blank function is invoked after a Blank has been created, the function will be invoked in edit mode. Required Step 1 Set the appropriate parameters: 1. Define the shape, size and position of the blank. The shape of the blank can be Rectangular or Cylindrical. The size and position of the blank can be set either dynamically, by entering numeric values or by using a reference line. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪60 2. Use the toggle button Free Blank Size / Use Blank Library to define how to set the size of the blank. Free Blank Size Define the size of the blank by entering the X and Y Size. Use Blank Library The size of the blank is defined from the Blank Library and the X and Y Size parameters are grayed out. The Blank Library is stored under the following folder: Cimatron\CimatronE\Data\templates. To select another set of parameters from the Blank Library: a. Press Edit Parameters to open the Library. Example: b. Select a differentsize and press OK. Example: A new catalog size is selected. The X and Y Size of the blank are updated. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪61 The library table can be edited to change the values in the table. 3. Set the height parameters for the blank. Base: Select the type of Base for the Blank. The Base is the part of the blank that is not milled. The following Base types are available: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪62 Wireframe / No Blank: Toggle button to create the blank with or without a wireframe body ( example). Rectangular Base Circular Base Wireframe No Blank Wireframe No Blank Notes: • When a Blank is created with a wireframe body, the wireframe body can be created as a single body or as three separate bodies. This is defined in the Tools > Preferences > Electrode > Colors ( example). Single wireframe body - the blank is created as a single body and has one color. Separate wireframe bodies - the blank is created as three separate bodies and has a color defined for each body. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪63 • • Irrespective of whether the blank is created with or without a wireframe body, the information is saved as a parameter of the blank into templates and is considered in the execution of the templates. • Points are created on the bottom face of the blank and also on the top and bottom face of the blank base ( example). These points indicate the center of the blank and enable you to pick an origin point for the Burn UCS. The points are created irrespective of whether the blank is created with or without a wireframe body or whether the base is Rectangular or Cylindrical. Blank Height: The height of the entire blank. Base Height: The height of the base. The default of the base height is set in the Electrode Preferences. Clearance: The clearance is the distance between the highest point under the blank and the bottom plane of the Base. The default of the clearance is set in the Electrode Preferences. Allowance: The allowance is the distance between the lowest point under the blank and the bottom plane of the blank. The default of the allowance is set in the Electrode Preferences. Free Value: The free value is the value that is dependent and changes when other values are modified. One of the following values must always be free: Base Height, Clearance, Allowance or Blank Height. The free value will be grayed out and cannot be changed manually. The default for the free value is set in the Electrode Preferences. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪64 Optional Step 1 Center the blank over the burn face. The size of the blank remains the same. Note: The electrode blank can also be Re-Centered, at a later time, to all the electrode faces (burn faces, extension and manually created faces). Before: After: Optional Step 2 Fit the blank over the burn face with a predefined offset. The size of the offset around the attached face is defined in the Electrode Preferences. Note: The electrode blank can also be Re-Fit, at a later time, to all the electrode faces (burn faces, extension and manually created faces). Before: After: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪65 Optional Step 3 Mark the Base. The base is often marked by a chamfer or a round on one of its edges. The mark helps the machine operator to position the electrode correctly on the EDM machine. The mark options depend on the shape of the blank. Rectangular blanks The mark options are Round, Chamfer or None. For Round or Chamfer, define the size of the mark. The mark can be applied to the corner of the base which is closest to the reference UCS, or it can be applied to a predefined corner. The rule for the marking is set in the Electrode Preferences. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪66 Circular blanks The mark options are Mark Base or None. For Mark Base, the marking options are: Height - The height of the mark. Depth - the distance from the exterior wall of the base to the wall of the mark. Angle - Angle of the plane of the mark from the active UCS (the default is 0). Press exit(middle mouse button) when finished. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function. When completed, the Blank will appear in the Feature Tree as follows: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪67 Blank (Electrode) Base Types Select the type of Base for the Blank. The Base is the part of the blank that is not milled. The following Base types are available: Base Stepped Base Shaped Base None Base Select a regular Base for the Blank. Define the Blank parameters. Example. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪68 Stepped Base Select a Stepped Base for the Blank. This is a Base with a small step which makes the measurement of the electrode NC offset easier. As this step can be easily measured, it can be use as a verification tool to ensure that the correct offset was used. Two additional Blank parameters are displayed - Step Height and Step Offset. Step Height: Set the height of the step ( example). Step Offset: Set the size of the offset (step) ( example). Note: The default values for the parameters mentioned above are defined in the preferences under Electrode Preferences > Base > Stepped Base CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪69 Shaped Base Select a Shaped Base for the Blank. This is a Base that follows the geometry adjacent to the electrode burning area. For example, thin and long electrodes, which lie on a face with a steep slope are fragile and hard to machine. The solution for this problem is to create a base that will follow the geometry adjacent to the electrode burning area. This way the electrode "leg" would be as short as possible and would also create a more robust electrode which would be safer to machine. An additional Blank parameter is displayed - Z Shift. Z Shift: Set the size of the Base - offset from geometry adjacent to the electrode burning area ( example). Note: The default values for the parameter mentioned above is defined in the preferences under Electrode Preferences > Base > Shaped Base CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪70 None Create a Blank without a Base. Define the Blank parameters. Example. Re-Center / Re-Fit Blank (Electrode) Re-Center or Re-Fit electrode Blanks to all the electrode faces (burn faces, extensions and manually created faces). The Re-Center and Re-Fit operations can be run at anytime, irrespective of the creation sequence of electrode features. Often, the Blank feature is created immediately after the burn faces are extracted. This means that the Blank is Centered or Fit just to the burn faces. Extensions and other faces are created later and are not taken into consideration. The Re-Center and Re-Fit operations update the Blank feature, considering any new geometry created. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪71 The Re-Center and Re-Fit operations can be run at any time. In the picture on the left, an extension has already been created. The two operations will update the Blank taking into account all the electrode faces. Notes: • In a Re-Center operation, the X,Y locations of the Blank are the only parameters that may be changed. • In a Re-Fit operation, the length, width and X.Y locations of the Blank may all be changed. • In both the Re-Center and Re-Fit operations, the following parameters will not change: - Angle (for rotated Blanks) - Step parameters (for Stepped Blanks) - Marking parameters (for Marked Blanks) - Z Shift parameters (for Shaped Blanks). • After a Re-Center or a Re-Fit operation, the Burn UCS (if present) will change its X,Y location accordingly. However, the Rotation angle (if defined) will not change. CimatronE 10.0 ElectrodesUser Guide ⎪72 Re-Center Re-Center the Blank taking into account all electrodes faces (burn faces, extensions and manually created faces). The Blank is centered without changing its X,Y dimensions, in an operation that is similar to the Center to Selection option within the Blank function (in the Center option, however, the Blank is centered only to the burn faces). Before: After: The Blank, after the Re-Center operation, is now centered in relation to the electrode faces. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪73 Re-Fit Re-Fit the Blank, with a predefined offset, taking into account all electrodes faces (burn faces, extensions and manually created faces). The size of the offset around all the electrode faces is defined in the Electrode Preferences. This means that the Blank is centered while changing its X,Y dimensions, in an operation that is similar to the Fit to Selection option within the Blank function (in the Fit option, however, the Blank is centered only to the burn faces). Before: After: The Blank, after the Re-Fit operation. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪74 Blank (Electrode) : Editing Editing the Blank by the Feature Guide Select Blank from the Electrode Guide or right-click on the Blank in the Feature Tree. In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to Required Step 1. You now return to the same situation in which you created the blank. Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the button for other steps you want to modify. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function. See also: Re-Center Re-Fit Editing a Feature Deleting a Feature CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪75 Electrode Drawing Create an electrode drawing as defined in the Electrode Preferences. This function is available only when the assembly is active. An electrode drawing is created for each selected location under the UCS in the Electrode Tree. Note: It is also possible to create an electrode drawing via the NC Report. This creates a Standard NC Report which displays four views of the electrode, including dimensions. An example of an electrode drawing: To create electrode drawings: 1. Activate the electrode assembly. 2. Select the appropriate position in the Electrode Tree - see below. 3. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic) the Create Electrode Drawing function. Depending on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree, one or more electrode drawings are created - see below. Selection Point in the Electrode Tree The drawings created by running this function depend on the number of electrode locations and your selection point in the Electrode Tree: 1. If you select the UCS in the Electrode Tree and then run the function, an electrode drawing is created for each electrode location under the UCS. For example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪76 Note: The prefix of the electrode drawing file name(s) consists of the name of the electrode(s). 2. If you select an Electrode or Electrode Location in the Electrode Tree and then run the function, a single electrode drawing is created for that electrode location . For example: Note: If an electrode drawing file with the same name already exists. the drawing name is appended with the suffix #<n> (where <n> is the number of the files with the same name). 3. You can also select multiple Electrodes or Electrode Locations in the Electrode Tree and then run the function. In this case an electrode drawing is created for each item selected. For example: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪77 Extensions Extensions Create a set of extension faces between the burning surfaces and the electrode base. Note: This function is only available when an electrode file is active. Tip: When one extension is completed, it creates the contour for the next extension. It is, therefore, recommended to use Apply rather than OK when moving from one extension to the next, until the last extension has been created. General Interaction The following is the Feature Guide for Extensions. Remember: You can open the Feature Guide at any time on the graphic display area by right- clicking. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪78 Required Step 1 : Select a single 2D or 3D contour. The contour should lie on the edges of the faces which should be extended. Required Step 2 : Select extension options and set parameters. Extension options include Tangent, Direction and 2 Directions. Optional Step 1 : Create steps in the extension. Optional Step 2 : Create a draft angle in the extension. Optional Step 3 : Create a filler face. Creating an Electrode Extension - Detailed Interaction of All Options Tangent: Create faces that are tangent to the faces of the electrode. Direction: Create faces that are extended in a specified direction. 2 Directions: Create a tangent extension in two directions. Tangent Extension Required Step 2 Create faces that are tangent to the faces of the electrode. In general, the first extension in any set of extensions should be a tangent extension. The faces are extended tangentially by a certain value or to a plane. Toggle the Offset/Shift button for the best geometrical extension method for the specific face. A direction is always set for these extensions. This direction should point to the general direction of the extension (usually the + Z direction). The direction is represented by an arrow. The length options are: • Length • Minimum Distance • To Plane • To Point • To Blank CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪79 Length Create a tangential extension to a specified length. Specify the length. Minimum Distance Create a tangential extension to a minimum distance, in the extension direction, from the furthest point on the contour. Specify the minimum distance. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪80 To Plane Create a tangential extension to a specified plane. Indicate the plane to which the faces must extend. To Point Create a tangential extension to a specified point. Indicate the point to which the faces must extend. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪81 To Blank Create a tangential extension up to the faces of the blank. Note: If the extension faces exceed the boundaries of the blank, they will be trimmed. Optional Step 3 If you wish to add a filler face, proceed to Optional Step 3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. When completed, the Extension will appear in the Feature Tree as follows: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪82 Direction Extension Required Step 2 Create faces that are extended in a specified direction. A direction is always set for these extensions. This direction should point to the direction of the extension (usually the + Z direction). The direction is represented by an arrow. The length options are: • Length • Minimum Direction • To Plane • To Point • To Blank Length Create a directional extension to a specified length. Specify the length. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪83 Minimum Distance Create a directional extension to a minimum distance, in the extension direction, from the furthest point on the contour. Specify the minimum distance. To Plane Create a directional extension to a specified plane. Indicate the plane to which the faces must extend. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪84 To Point Create a directional extension to a specified point. Indicate the point to which the faces must extend. To Blank Create a directional extension up tothe faces of the blank. Note: If the extension faces exceed the boundaries of the blank, they will be trimmed. Optional Step 1 If you wish to add a step, proceed to Optional Step 1. Optional Step 2 If you wish to add a draft angle to the extension, proceed to Optional Step 2. Optional Step 3 If you wish to add a filler face, proceed to Optional Step 3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪85 When completed, the Extension will appear in the Feature Tree as follows: 2 Directions Extension Required Step 2 Create a tangent extension out of a complex 3D contour that cannot be extended in one direction only. The faces will be tangentially extended and trimmed by 2 planes (normal to 2 defined directions respectively). These directions should point in the directions of the extensions. The directions are represented by arrows. Create a tangential extension to a specified length. Specify the minimum distance in both the directions. Toggle the Offset/Shift button for the best geometrical extension method for the specific face. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪86 Optional Step 3 If you wish to add a filler face, proceed to Optional Step 3. Note: The filler face will be applied only to the second direction. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. When completed, the Extension will appear in the Feature Tree as follows: Extensions: Step Optional Step 1 Create steps before a direction extension. If all the curves in the contour lie on the same plane, a step may be created. This is a surface between the defined contour and an offset of it. The available options are Simple Step, Step and None. Define the offset (step) value. Note: If the contour is open, the direction of the offset may be determined using the Flip button. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪87 Simple Step Create a Simple Step. If the Blank is rectangular, the Simple Step is a surface between a bounding box formed around the defined contour and an offset of it. If the Blank is cylindrical, the Simple Step is a surface between a bounding circle formed around the defined contour and an offset of it. Wireframe example CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪88 Step Create a Step. This is a surface between the defined contour and an offset of it. Wireframe example CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪89 None Do not create a Step. Continue the previous Extension. Wireframe example CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪90 Extensions: Draft Angle Optional Step 2 Apply a draft angle to the extension faces, when creating a Direction extension. The draft angle tilts the faces from the extension direction. The available options are Draft Angle and None. Define the draft angle. Note: If the contour is open, the direction of the draft may be determined using the Flip button. Extensions: Filler Face Optional Step 3 Create a filler face. This creates a face which bounds the open edges of the extension faces. The available options are Filler Face and None. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪91 Extensions : Editing Editing the Extension by the Feature Guide Right-click on the Extension in the Feature Tree. In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to Required Step 2. You now return to the same situation in which you defined the extension. Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the button for other steps you want to modify. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function. See also: Editing a Feature Deleting a Feature Extract Electrode Extract Electrode Create a new electrode. This involves defining an electrode area which will be the basis for the blank. Note: This function is only available when the assembly is active. General Interaction The following is the Feature Guide for Extract Electrode. Remember: You can open the Feature Guide at any time on the graphic display area by right-clicking. Required Step 1 : Pick a UCS. Required Step 2 : Define an Electrode Area. Optional Step 1 : Center To Selection. Optional Step 2 : Fit To Selection. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪92 Extract Electrode : Options and Results Required Step 1 Select a reference UCS. This UCS is very important as it is the reference point on the component for the dimensions, locations and reports for all the electrodes. It is also used to set the component orientation for the EDM process. The Z direction of the reference UCS sets the plane that will be used for the electrode area. The reference UCS is automatically picked by the system. To change the UCS, return to this stage and pick a different UCS. Note: If a UCS is picked on the electrode tree when the Extract Electrode function is invoked, that UCS will be used as the reference UCS. Required Step 2 Define an electrode area: 1. Create either a rectangular or cylindrical electrode area. Rectangular electrode area Cylindrical electrode area 2. Edit the electrode area (either dynamically, by entering numeric values or by using a reference line) to position it approximately where you wish to create the electrode. Any face that is completely included within the electrode, will be colored yellow. Such a face is considered a candidate for attachment to the electrode. 3. Attach the yellow face to the electrode area. Creating the Electrode Area When you are creating the electrode area, the part is displayed in mixed mode. The Electrode Area parameters are displayed. 1. Pick a place where you wish to create the electrode and define the parameters. CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪93 Note: Edit the electrode area (either dynamically or by entering numeric values) to position it approximately where you wish to create the electrode. Rectangular: Define the shape of the blank; Rectangular or Cylindrical. Clearance: Define the Clearance height. The clearance is the distance between the highest point under the blank and the bottom plane of the Base. The default of the clearance is set in the Electrode Preferences. Trim On / Off: Use Trim On when creating the electrode area to specify which faces are to be attached to the extracted electrode. Apply Template: Apply a predefined electrode template to the electrode while it is being created or select No Template. Change Template: Select a different electrode template. 2. The electrode area is created. To change the shape of the electrode area, toggle the Rectangular parameter to Cylindrical CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪94 Using Trim On / Offset = 0 when creating the electrode area Use Trim On when creating the electrode area to specify which faces are to be attached to the extracted electrode. When Trim On is selected, an additional option Blank Offset (with a default value of 0) is displayed. For example: 1. Pick the three faces (see below) you wish to be part of the electrode and attach them. 2. Those parts of the faces which intersect the blank preview are then trimmed and attached to the extracted electrode. The finished electrode will look like this: CimatronE 10.0 Electrodes User Guide ⎪95 Using Trim On / Offset > 0 when creating the electrode area Use Trim On with a defined Blank Offset when creating the electrode area to create a blank with a slight offset from the original definition of the Burning Area. This allows you to define the Burning Area according to the trim size, without a direct impact on the size of the blank. It also creates a blank which is bigger in all directions in the offset value. Blank Offset defined
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