SETUP THE MATERIAL BLOCK
6:57 AM Posted by email : dioadi07@gmail.com
The next step after we determine datum shift in Delcam PowerMill is setup the material block.This Block is the real size of the material we want to cut.
Click Block in the main toolbar, it will display a pop-up window block.
Click Calculate and software will automatically calculate the outer size of the model.
If our real material is greater than the block, then we can enter the actual size manually.
Determine Datum Workplane
6:37 AM Posted by email : dioadi07@gmail.com
Once we get the model the next step of making toolpath with Delcam PowerMill is to determine the Datum Workplane.
Datum Workplane is the reference of workpiece setting. It is very important point to make the same reference between computer and machine.
Right click on Workplane, then Create Workplane, click accept on the pop up window Workplane
Double-click on the new Workplane, then it becomes active workplane and we can see in the graphic window, the red workplane.
Import Model
7:42 AM Posted by email : dioadi07@gmail.com
After we learned about tolerance in last post, now we will learn how to import a model into Delcam PowerMill.
As we know, Delcam PowerMill is a CAM software, so it can not be used to design. We need another CAD software to design.
First we open PowerMill. Click on File, Import Model, and choose the model you want to import.
After finishing import, we can set the view to isometric view.
Then it will looks like this.
TOLERANCE
8:14 AM Posted by email : dioadi07@gmail.com
TOLERANCE is the first thing that needs to be understood before we make a CAM program with Delcam PowerMill.
Tolerance will greatly affect to the surface quality of a workpiece.
Tolerance is the limit of allowed deviation of toolpath compare to model.
Basically, all toolpath are straight-line motion. When we make a circular toolpath, the actual move is small straight -line motion, then it should be limited by tolerance.
Greater tolerance produce rough surface quality, smaller tolerance produce smooth surface quality.
That is why we need a tolerance, because not all workpiece need smooth surface quality.
CAD CAM for U
8:44 AM Posted by email : dioadi07@gmail.com
I created this blog to document my experiences while using Delcam PowerMill and PowerShape software in my daily works to create parts in CNC machine.
I have been 5 years in CAM programming, 3 Axis and 5 Axis CNC Mill. I want to share it here and I hope what I write will be useful for others CAM programmer.