EasySTONE Manual

EasySTONE
Version 4.9

DDX S.r.l.

Via G. Donizetti, 109/111

24030 Brembate di Sopra (Bergamo) - Italy

TEL+39 035 621093 - FAX +39 035 333723

E-mail: [email protected] - web: www.ddxgroup.com

Copyright 2003-2013 DDX S.r.l.

All Rights Reserved

This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any means and for any
purpose. This publication may not be distributed to third parties, nor its contents used or made
known without prior express authorization by DDX S.r.l.

Under no circumstance shall DDX S.r.l. be held liable to third parties for direct or indirect damages
arising out of the use or lack of use of this publication or product.

DDX S.r.l reserves the right to make changes or improvements to its products when deemed
appropriate. This publication describes the state of the product at the time of publication and is in no
way meant to describe any future products.

The official version of the software on which this manual is based is Ver. 4.9.

All information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2/10/2013
Table of Contents

 1 Introduction
 2 Installation
 2.1 Hardware Requirements
 2.2 Software Requirements
 2.3 Installation Procedure
 2.4 Entering the key codes
 3 Interaction with EasySTONE
 3.1 User Interface
 3.2 Dialog Boxes
 3.3 Function keys
 3.4 Cursors
 3.5 Selection Menu
 3.5.1 Repeat Last Command
 3.5.2 Attach to material
 3.5.3 Selecting Entities
 3.6 Plug-in
 4 File Menu
 4.1 New
 4.2 Open
 4.3 Save
 4.4 Save As
 4.5 Auto Run
 4.6 Print
 4.7 Print Worksheet
 4.8 Digitize
 4.9 Import
 4.10 Export
 4.11 Format Converter
 4.12 STL Decimalizer
 4.13 Properties
 4.14 Notes
 4.15 Groups
  4.16 Setup
 4.16.1 General
 4.16.2 Import/Export
 4.16.3 Machine
 4.16.3.1 Select Current
 4.16.3.2 Edit
 4.16.3.3 Table
 4.16.3.4 Transmission
 4.16.3.5 Update Machine
 4.16.3.6 Export Machine
 4.16.4 Operations
 4.16.5 Keyboard
 4.16.6 Save position
 4.16.7 Enable
 4.17 Materials
 4.18 SCL Script
 4.18.1 Run Script
 4.18.2 Edit Script
 4.19 Exit
 5 Display Menu
 5.1 Zoom All
 5.2 Zoom Window
 5.3 Zoom Out
 5.4 Zoom In
 5.5 Dynamic Zoom
 5.6 Zoom Selection
 5.7 Pan
 5.8 Mark End-points
 5.9 Display
 5.10 Top View
 5.11 Front View
 5.12 Back View
 5.13 Left View
 5.14 Right View
  5.15 Aligned View
 5.16 Iso View
 5.17 Move Camera
 5.18 Wireframe
 5.19 Hidden Lines
 5.20 Shading
 5.21 Photorealistic View
 6 Analysis Menu
 6.1 Distance
 6.2 Angle
 6.3 Tangent Test
 6.4 Analysis
 6.5 Report
 7 Database Menu
 7.1 Tools
 7.1.1 Tool Tree
 7.1.2 Tool Parameter Buttons
 7.1.3 Tool Parameters
 7.1.4 Geometrical Parameters of Tools
 7.1.5 Tool Magazine Buttons
 7.2 Kits
 7.2.1 Kit Tree
 7.2.2 Kit Parameter Buttons
 7.2.3 Tools used
 7.2.4 Tools
 7.2.5 Kit Database Buttons
 7.3 Automatic CAM configuration
 7.3.1 Configuration Buttons
 7.3.2 General Configuration Property Tree
 7.3.3 Association Buttons
 7.3.4 Association Tree
 7.3.5 Kit Tree
 7.3.6 Buttons for Automatic CAM Interaction
 7.4 Automatic DISP Configuration
  7.4.1 Configuration Buttons
 7.4.2 General Configuration Property Tree
 7.4.3 Association Buttons
 7.4.4 Association Tree
 7.4.5 Shim Tree
 7.4.6 Buttons for Automatic DISP Interaction
 8 Mode Menu
 8.1 Draw
 8.2 Machining mode
 8.3 Arrange mode
 8.4 Generate mode
 9 Design
 9.1 Parts and Layers
 9.1.1 Parts and Layers Tree
 9.1.1.1 Layer Features
 9.1.2 Parts and Layers Buttons
 9.1.3 Current Layer Selection Area
 9.2 Entity Colour
 9.3 Snap Points
 9.4 Commands
 9.4.1 Point Coordinates
 9.4.2 Angle Value
 9.4.3 Calculator
 9.5 Draw Graph
 9.5.1 Line 2 points
 9.5.2 Line Angle Length
 9.5.3 Rectangle
 9.5.4 Polygon
 9.5.5 Arc by 3 points
 9.5.6 Arc by Centre and 2 points
 9.5.7 Arc P1 d P2
 9.5.8 Arc Radius P1 P2
 9.5.9 BiArc
 9.5.10 Nurbs curve
  9.5.11 Hole
 9.5.12 Multiple Holes
 9.5.13 Circle by 3 Points
 9.5.14 Circle by Centre and Point
 9.5.15 Circle by 2 Points
 9.5.16 Text
 9.5.17 Linear Dimensions
 9.5.18 Angular Dimensions
 9.5.19 Radial Dimensions
 9.5.20 Import
 9.5.21 Components
 9.5.22 Interactive
 9.5.23 Insert Solid
 9.5.24 Ellipse
 9.6 Build Graph
 9.6.1 Frame
 9.6.2 Shower Tray
 9.6.3 Washbasin
 9.6.4 Helix
 9.6.5 Ruled
 9.6.6 Loft
 9.6.7 Net of curves
 9.6.8 Surface of Revolution
 9.6.9 Contoured plane
 9.6.10 Swept 2 Rail
 9.6.11 Fillet Surface
 9.6.12 Link Surface
 9.6.13 Trim Surfaces
 9.6.14 Untrim Surfaces
 9.6.15 Extend Surfaces
 9.6.16 Surface Properties
 9.6.17 Ribbon
 9.6.18 Projection/ Development on surface
 9.6.19 Curves from Surfaces
  9.6.20 Surface intersection
 9.6.21 Invert Normal
 9.6.22 Edit Nurbs Control Points
 9.7 Edit Graph
 9.7.1 Move
 9.7.2 Rotate
 9.7.3 Scale
 9.7.4 Mirror
 9.7.5 Offset
 9.7.6 Chamfer/Fillet
 9.7.7 Trim/Extend
 9.7.8 Stretch
 9.7.9 Join
 9.7.10 Split
 9.7.11 Explode
 9.7.12 Flip
 9.7.13 Array Copy
 9.7.14 Polar Copy
 9.7.15 Enlarge
 9.7.16 Move End-point
 9.7.17 Delete
 9.7.18 Modify Colour
 9.7.19 Change Layer
 9.7.20 Modify Entities
 9.7.21 Align
 9.7.22 Split into Sections
 9.7.23 Modify Z
 9.7.24 Interpolate
 9.8 Process Graph
 9.8.1 Move with tangent
 9.8.2 Adjust Path
 9.8.3 Make Tangent
 9.8.4 Delete Duplicate Entities
 9.8.5 Transform into Holes
  9.8.6 Edit Label
 9.8.7 Curve properties
 9.8.8 Move Part
 9.8.9 Scale Part
 9.8.10 Mirror Part
 9.8.11 Align Part
 9.8.12 Minimize Overall Part Dimensions
 9.9 Art Graph
 9.9.1 Extrusion
 9.9.2 Profile Extrusion
 9.9.3 Profile Revolution
 9.9.4 Circular Machining
 9.9.5 Self-intersections
 9.9.6 Art Union
 9.9.7 Art Trim
 9.9.8 Import Art
 9.9.9 Export Art
 10 Machining
 10.1 Machining directory
 10.1.1 Geometry
 10.1.2 Machining Option Menu
 10.1.3 Advanced Machining Properties
 10.1.3.1 Machining Variation Menu
 10.1.3.1.1 Routing Variations
 10.1.3.1.2 Cutting Variations
 10.1.3.1.3 Profiling Variations
 10.1.3.1.4 Engraving Variations
 10.1.3.1.5 Grooving Variations
 10.1.3.1.6 Finishing Variations
 10.1.3.1.7 5-axis Machining Variations
 10.1.3.2 Tool Machining Simulation
 10.1.3.2.1 Hole Management
 10.1.3.2.2 Exclude surfaces
 10.2 Kit
  10.3 Command Area
 10.3.1 Raw part
 10.3.1.1 Rectangular
 10.3.1.2 Offset
 10.3.1.3 Lathe
 10.3.1.4 From Surfaces
 10.3.1.5 Generic lathe
 10.4 Multiple Part Management
 11 Kit and Machining Properties
 11.1 Drilling
 11.2 Routing
 11.2.1 Driller prehole
 11.2.2 Probing
 11.3 Cutting
 11.3.1 Cutting Repeat Operations
 11.3.2 Probing
 11.4 Pocketing
 11.5 Profiling
 11.5.1 Probing
 11.6 Engraving
 11.6.1 Probing
 11.7 Grooving
 11.8 Bevelling
 11.8.1 Probing
 11.9 Surface Roughing
 11.9.1 Driller Roughing
 11.9.2 Router Roughing
 &11.9.2.1 Prehole
 11.9.3 Blade Roughing
 11.9.3.1 Roughing with Normal Blade, Normal, Direct Step
 11.9.3.2 Roughing with Horizontal Step Blade, Horizontal Step,
Direct Step
 11.9.3.3 Roughing with Horizontal Internal Blade, Horizontal Internal,
Direct Step
 11.10 Surface Finishing
 11.10.1 Router Surface Finishing
 11.10.1.1 Flowline Finishing
 11.10.1.2 Pocketing Finishing
 11.10.1.3 Constant Z Finishing
 11.10.1.4 Scallop Finishing
 11.10.1.5 Projection Finishing
 11.10.2 Blade Surface Finishing
 11.10.2.1 Normal and Normal Transversal Finishing
 11.10.2.2 Horizontal Step and Horizontal Transversal Finishing
 11.10.2.3 Horizontal Spiral Finishing
 11.10.2.4 Horizontal Internal and Horizontal Transversal Internal
Finishing
 11.11 5-axis Finishing
 11.11.1 5-axis Finishing with Router
 11.11.1.1 Flowline 5-axis finishing
 11.11.1.2 Pocketing 5-axis Finishing
 11.11.1.3 Scallop 5-axis Finishing
 11.11.1.4 Projection 5-axis Finishing
 11.11.1.5 Development Type 5-axis Finishing
 11.11.2 5-axis finishing with blade
 11.11.3 Probing
 11.12 Lathe Roughing
 11.13 Lathe Finishing
 11.13.1 Lathe Finishing with Router or Polishing Wheel
 11.13.1.1 One Way Step, Zigzag and Spiral Step Lathe Finishing
 11.13.1.2 Lengthwise One Way, Lengthwise Zigzag Lathe Finishing
 11.13.1.3 Projection Lathe Finishing
 11.13.1.4 Non-Interpolated Continuous Lathe Finishing
 11.13.2 Lathe Finishing with Blade
 11.13.2.1 One Way Step, Zigzag and Spiral Step Lathe Finishing
 11.13.2.2 Lengthwise One Way, Lengthwise One Way Transversal,
Lengthwise Zigzag, Lengthwise Zigzag Transversal Lathe Finishing
 11.13.2.3 Non-Interpolated Continuous Lathe Finishing
  11.14 5-axis Lathe Finishing
 11.14.1 One Way Step, Zigzag and Spiral Step 5-axis Lathe Finishing
 11.14.2 Lengthwise One Way, Lengthwise Zigzag Lathe Finishing
 11.14.3 Projection Lathe Finishing
 11.14.4 Non-Interpolated Continuous Lathe Finishing
 11.15 Waterjet Cutting
 11.16 5-axis Waterjet Cutting
 11.17 Commands
 11.18 Laser Projection
 12 Arrangement
 12.1 Shim
 12.2 Optimization
 12.3 Table Status
 12.4 Move Parts
 12.4.1 Fixed Point Configuration
 12.5 Add Part
 12.6 Delete Part
 12.7 Copy part, Machining, Arrangement
 12.8 Move Vacuums and Stops
 12.9 Automatic Positioning
 12.10 Reset Arrangement
 12.11 Delete Missing Vacuums
 12.12 Check Arrangement
 12.13 Tool Setup
 12.14 Use Lathe
 12.15 Phase Management
 12.16 Save Initial Arrangement
 12.17 Import Initial Arrangement
 12.18 Export Initial Arrangement
 12.19 Delete Initial Arrangement
 12.20 Automatic DISP
 12.21 Arrangement Option Menu
 13 Generation
 13.1 NC Generation
  13.2 Simulation
 13.3 Times, Lengths and Costs Estimate
 13.4 Transmission
 13.5 Edit NC
 13.6 Edit TLC
 14 Help
 14.1 Help
 14.2 Tutorial
 14.3 About the program
 1 Introduction

EasySTONE is a CAD/CAM software specifically designed for marble work. Developed in close
cooperation with manufacturers and operators of the marble industry, it is extremely practical and
intuitive to use.

Easy and versatile, EasySTONE can be used immediately to design and follow a project through
each and every stage: from design, to work, to machine setup, to the production of the final part.

This manual describes and explains the configuration parameters, the options, the functions and the
commands provided by the program.

EasySTONE is available in different versions, each with different capabilities. For this reason, it is
possible that some of the features described in this manual may not be available in the specific
version you purchased.
 2 Installation

EasySTONE is available on DVD, or it may be downloaded from your personal customer area on
the www.ddxgroup.it web site.
Before starting the installation of EasySTONE, please check that your computer meets the
minimum requirements necessary for the proper operation of the program. In order to increase the
speed and productivity of EasySTONE, DDX suggests that you use a computer that meets the
recommended requirements.

2.1 Hardware Requirements

The minimum hardware requirements needed to run EasySTONE correctly are as follows:

 Processor: INTEL PENTIUM IV

 RAM: 512 MB
 Graphics: OpenGL compatible 32 Mb
 Free HD space: 1 Gb
 Mouse: (required)
 Monitor: 15" monitor with 1024x768 resolution
 Hardware: DVD-ROM reader

To make the best use of the speed and productivity of EasySTONE, DDX recommends a system
having at least the following specifications:

 Processor: INTEL Core i7 or equivalent

  RAM: 4 GB
 Graphics: nVidia GeForce GT 330M or higher
 Free HD space: 10 GB
 Mouse: required, with scroll wheel
 Monitor: 17" with 1280x1024 resolution
 Hardware: DVD-ROM reader

2.2 Software Requirements

EasySTONE is compatible with the following operating systems:

 Microsoft Windows XP 32 bit with Service Pack 3 or higher or 64 bit with Service Pack 2 or
higher.
 Microsoft Windows VISTA 32 and 64 bit with Service Pack 2.
 Microsoft Windows 7 32 and 64 bit.
 Microsoft Windows 8 32 and 64 bit.

2.3 Installation Procedure

To install EasySTONE, run the Setup.exe program, available on the DVD you have received or in
the files you have downloaded from the DDX Web site, and carefully follow the instructions
displayed on screen.
The main installation steps are:

 Enter the EasySTONE installation password provided by DDX with the program.
 Select the language that you would like to use during the installation.
 Agree to the EasySTONE user license.
 Select the folder in which you want to install EasySTONE.
 Select the EasySTONE path.
 Select the machines to be installed from the machines available.
 Start the installation. Towards the end of the installation procedure, a dialog box for the
installation of the Smart Key drivers will be displayed.
  Install the Smart Key drivers to enable your product license dongle.

2.4 Entering the key codes

When you purchase EasySTONE, DDX will provide you with a product license dongle that must be
connected to the computer in order to use the program, the key codes required to activate it and a
license file (*.dlic).
When you first start EasySTONE, the program displays the Enter Key Code (Dongle Number)
dialog box, in which you enter the first three segments of the key code. If you have purchased a
network key to use multiple licenses, select the Network Key checkbox and enter the fourth part of
the key code.
Instead of manually entering the key code, you may also click the Browse button to open the
Windows Browse dialog box where you can select and open the appropriate license file (*.dlic).
This operation will fill the key code fields automatically.

Figure 2.1: Entering the key code

 3 Interaction with
EasySTONE

The graphic interface, the mouse and the keyboard of the computer provide full control of all the
user functions of the EasySTONE software.

3.1 Graphic Interface

EasySTONE's user interface (see Figure 3.1) is very easy to understand. It includes the following
elements:

1. Drop-down Menu Bar (yellow box): The menu bar contains all the commands required to
operate the program, organized by function. Commands and menu items displayed in black
letters are available for use. Commands and menu items that are greyed out are currently
inactive and are not available for use. When you move the cursor over the menu commands
and menu items, the status bar on the left displays helpful explanatory notes to clarify the
function of the item on which the cursor is currently located. The drop-down menu can be
accessed also using the keyboard. To open a drop-down menu, press the key combination Alt
+ underlined letter (the letter that is underlined in the menu name that you want to open
when you press Alt).
2. Toolbars (red box): This section contains several icons grouped in multiple toolbars. You
can use these icons to quickly access the most common functions in the File, View, and
Analysis drop-down menus. Toolbars may be docked to the top or left corners of the screen
 to form a single bar, or they may be undocked and float anywhere on the program screen.
When you move the mouse cursor to an icon, a pop-up message displays the name of the
corresponding function while the Status Bar on the left displays an explanatory note about
the purpose of the item.
3. Mode bar (blue box): The icons in this section of the screen allow you to switch quickly
from one operating mode to another. Four different operating modes are available. The same
commands may also be found in the Mode menu.
4. Control panel (orange box): The Control panel includes all the commands, items,
parameters, and options specific to the currently active mode, some of which are also
included in the Machine drop-down menu.
5. Status Bar (purple box): This section of the screen shows information about the status of
your application and general settings. From left to right, the Status Bar shows: the status of
the program, the coordinates of the cursor (local coordinates and global coordinates), the
unit of measurement (mm or inches), the current plane, the display mode of parts and layers,
the current snap point and the machine used. Click the icon with the mouse to toggle the
status.
6. Graphics Area: This area allows you to interact with a three-dimensional space in which
you can design parts, select the parts to be machined and place them on the worktable, based
on the current operating mode of the program.
7. Plug-in Area (pink box): If available, you can find the Beam and Nest functions in this
section of the screen (see section 3.6).
8. Current Layer selection area (green box): The controls contained in this area allow you to
quickly select a layer and make it the current active layer. This area displays all the planes of
the project, except for generic planes. (See section 9.1.3).
 Figure 3.1: EasySTONE main window

3.2 Dialog Boxes

Dialog boxes have multiple functions. They may contain commands or parameters, report errors or
allow you to confirm an operation.
The program uses several types of dialog boxes, including:

 Error Windows: this type of window informs the user that an error has occurred. Usually,
 this type of window also contains a brief description of the error, so that the user can correct
it. To close the window, choose OK.
 Confirmation Dialog Windows: this type of window is displayed automatically by the
program when you are performing operation that may require the deletion of some data. The
program requests a confirmation before performing the requested operation to prevent
accidental errors. In general, these windows contain three options: Yes, No and Cancel to
confirm the execution of the operation, not execute the operation or cancel the operation
respectively.
 Data Entry Windows: this type of window allows you to enter data. They also generally
contain two buttons: OK and Cancel. Choose "OK" to close the window and save the
changes. Choose "Cancel" to close the window without saving the changes, i.e. reverting all
parameters to their previous values before you opened the window.

3.3 Function Keys

The Function Keys present on all standard keyboards allow you to quickly access the most common
functions in the File, View, and Analysis menus.

The keyboard Function Keys perform the following operations:

 F1 = Open the program manual

 F2 = Zoom All
 F3 = Zoom Window
 F4 = Zoom Out
 F5 = Zoom In
 F6 = Pan
 F7 = Mark End-Points
 F8 = Top View
 F9 = Aligned View
 F10 = Iso View
 F11 = Distance
 F12 = Analysis

3.4 Cursors
Moving the mouse cursor over each icon displays the name of the corresponding function.
The mouse cursor may take different shapes, depending on the area in which it is located and the
status of the program.

3.5 Selection Menu

Using this menu (see Figure ), you can repeat the last command, assign materials to surfaces and
select different entities.
You can select entities without using this menu commands simply by selecting the desired entity in
the graphics window using the left mouse button.
This menu is displayed by right-clicking anywhere in the graphics window in Machine mode and in
Draw mode, if no other command is active.

3.5.1 Repeat Last Command

This menu item is available only when you open the menu in Draw mode, and repeats the last
command executed.
You can also use this command by pressing the Space bar.

3.5.2 Attach to material

This menu item is available only when you open the menu in Draw mode and the View is set to
Photorealistic. It allows you to draw a texture (image of a material) to surfaces and solids in the
project.
When you select this command, the program displays the Materials Configuration dialog box
where you can select the material to be used for viewing the surfaces from a list.

3.5.3 Selecting Entities

This group of commands allows you to select one or more entities from those present in the project.
 Figure 3.2: Selections Menu

This set of commands includes:

 Select All: selects all the entities present in the current project.

 Deselect All: deselects all the entities present in the current project.

 Select Result: selects entities created or modified by the latest operation.

 Select Window: selects all the entities present in a specified area. After choosing this
command, single-click with the left mouse button two opposite corners of the desired
selection area to select all the entities that are fully or partially inside the selection rectangle.

 Select part: selects all the entities belonging to a same part by simply selecting one of its
entities. This command selects the entities of the part that are not selected and deselects the
entities that are already selected. You can also use this command by pressing the Tab key
while selecting an entity.

 Select Layer: selects all the entities belonging to a same layer by simply selecting one of its
entities. This command selects the entities of the layer that are not selected and deselects the
entities that are already selected. You can also use this command by pressing the Shift key
while selecting an entity.

 Select Continuous: this command selects all the entities that are located between two
 selected entities and that form a continuous geometric path. The starting entity must be
selected before you execute the command. The direction of the selection is shown by the
arrow displayed on the first selected entity. To toggle the direction, select the end-points of
the entity with the mouse.

 Select Profile: this command selects all the entities that form a continuous path with the
selected entity. This command selects the entities of the profile that are not selected and
deselects the entities that are already selected. You can also use this command by pressing
the Shift key while selecting an entity.

 Select Colour: this command selects all the entities with the same colour.

 Select Type: This command selects all the entities of the same type of the selected entity.

 Multiple selection: You can select multiple entities at the same time. Select the dialog box
for choosing the entity when selecting any entity, even a single entity. After you have started
the command and have selected a geometrical point, the program displays a window listing
all the entities present at that point. The entities with a green dot are selected and the entities
with the red dot are not selected. To toggle the selection status, select the name of the entity.
You can also use this command by pressing the Alt key while selecting a point in the
geometry.

 Invert Selection: This command allows you to toggle all selected and unselected entities of
the project, i.e., it deselects selected entities and selects unselected entities.

Figure: Multiple selection window

3.6 Plug-in

Plug-ins are additional applications that add some functions to the program.
The only plug-in currently available for EasyStone is DDXNest.
By Nesting the efficient and waste-limiting operation of arranging irregular plane figures inside
delimited areas without overlapping is meant.
The DDXNest application provides a number of useful nesting functions, including interactive
graphic nesting, nesting in cut-offs, specifying at the design stage which are the areas with defects
and therefore cannot be used in the arrangements, nesting into irregularly shaped panels, nesting in
multiple panels, automatic nesting of regular and irregular shapes.
For details of all the functions and parameters available, please see the DDXNest User Manual.
 4 File Menu

This drop-down menu includes all the commands for working on the files of the project.

4.1 New

This command creates a new project.

If a project is already running and you decide to start a new project, the program displays a dialogue
box (see Figure ) asking whether to save the changes to the current project or cancel the operation.

The New command is not available (greyed-out) during Machining edit mode

This command is available in the File menu, by pressing the Ctrl + N key combination or by

clicking the icon on the Toolbar.

4.2 Open
 Figure 4.1: Open

This command opens an existing project.

When you select this command, the program displays the usual Open File dialog box from
Windows (see Figure ) where you can specify path, name and extension of the desired project file.
If the case, you can use the Preview option to display a preview of the selected project.

If a project is already running and you decide to open another project, the program displays a
dialogue box (see Figure ) asking whether to save the changes to the current project or cancel the
operation (see Figure )..

The Open command is not available (greyed-out) during Machining edit mode.

This command is available in the File menu, by pressing the Ctrl + O key combination, by

dragging into the window of the program the project file you want to open, or by clicking the
icon on the Toolbar.

4.3 Save
 Figure 4.2: Save

This command saves the current project and updates its corresponding file.

If the current project has never been saved before, the program displays the usual Save File dialog
box (see Figure 4.2), where you specify path, name and extension of the project file to be saved.

The Save command is not available (greyed-out) during Machining edit mode.

This command is available in the File menu, by pressing the Ctrl + S key combination or by

clicking the icon on the Toolbar.

4.4 Save As
 Figure 4.3: Save as

This command saves the current project with another name.

When you select this command, the program displays the usual Save File dialog box from Windows
(see Figure 4.3), where you can specify path, name and extension of the project file to be saved.

The Save As command is not available (greyed-out) during Machining edit mode.

This command is available in the File menu, and by pressing the Ctrl + A key combination.

4.5 Auto Run

This command generates and transmits to the machine the part programs for multiple projects.
When you select this command, the program displays the Auto Run dialog box (see Figure ) that
includes the following sections:

1. List of files to generate or transmit to the machine.

2. Machine to use.
3. Buttons for working on the file list.
4. Generation and transmission buttons.
 Figure 4.4: Auto Run

List of files to generate

This list allows you select or deselect the files to generate or transmit.
The following four options are available for each file.

 CAM: if you select this option, the program will automatically estimate the specific
machining operations to be applied to the project using the Automatic CAM function
(Reference ).
 DISP: if you select this option, the program will automatically estimate the arrangement of
the parts to be applied to the project using the Automatic DISP function (Reference ).
 Generate: if you select this option, the program will automatically generate the part program
for project file (Reference ).
 Save: If you select this option, the program will save the part program for project file.

If the file is deselected, i.e. if the checkbox next to the name of the file is not "ticked", no operation
will be performed on that file and the file will be skipped.
If you select the name of the four options available for the files in the list, you can deselect them for
all the files with a single click and select them with a double-click (see Figure ).
If errors occur during generation, these are listed with a brief description immediately next to the
file that generated them.
By right-clicking any point inside the list, you can display a popup menu containing the following
items:

 Select All: selects all the files in the list.

 Deselect All: deselects all the files in the list.
 Machine: displays the Configure Machine dialog box where you can select the machine on
which the geometry of the currently selected project file will be worked.
 Automatic CAM: displays the Open File dialog box from Windows where you can select
the Automatic CAM configuration file (*.acd) to apply to the currently selected project file.
 Automatic DISP: displays the Open File dialog box from Windows where you can select
the Automatic DISP configuration file (*.add) to apply to the currently selected project file.

Machine to use
Use this command to specify the machine you want to use to generate the machining operation. The
following options are available:

 Use current machine: all the files are generated using the machine that is currently active.
 Use original machine for each project: each file is generated using the machine specified in
the project itself.

If you have specified a machine for one or more files using the Machine option of the popup menu
displayed by right-clicking anywhere inside the list of files to generate, the program will ignore the
Machine to use parameter for such file(s).
Buttons for working on the file list
Add folder: this command adds all the projects contained in a folder to the list of files to generate.
When you select this command, the program displays the Browse folder dialog box, where you can
specify the folder containing the project file to be added to the list.
Add files: this command adds one or more projects to the list of files to generate. When you select
this command, the program displays the Open File dialog box from Windows where you can select
the project files to add to the list. To select more than one file, click on them while keeping pressed
the Ctrl key.
Delete: this command deletes the currently selected file from the list of files to generate.
Generation and transmission buttons
Generate: this command executes all the operations selected for each file and generates their part
programs.
Generate + Send: this command executes all the operations selected for each file, generates their
part programs and sends them to the machine.

4.6 Print

This command prints the current project.

When you select this command, the program displays the Print dialog box (see Figure ) that
includes the following sections:

 Printer.
 Print range.
 Preview controls.
 Print options.
 Print Preview.
 Figure 4.5: Print

Printer

In this section you can display and edit all the parameters and the properties of the printer you want
to use.

Name: here you can choose the name of the printer you want to use from the available printers.

Properties: specifies the printer properties. Click this button to display the Properties dialog box
for the selected printer where you can specify its options. The available properties vary depending
on brand and model of the printer.

Vector printing: select this option to enable vector printing on a plotter.

Line thickness: this option is enabled only if the Vector printing option has been selected. You can
use it to specify the thickness of the lines used to represent the geometry of the project in vector
mode.

Quality: specifies the print quality. The following options are available:
  High (32 bit).
 Normal (16 bit).
 Low (8 bit).

Print range and preview controls

In this area, you can check and edit the scaling factor settings.

The following scaling options are available:

 Fit to a page: the image is scaled automatically according to the size of the page.
 Current view: prints the current view of the Graphics Area in a single page. To change the
scaling factor, enter the desired value in the box next to Scale 1: and click Apply. The
number of pages printed will vary depending on the scaling factor used.
 Scale drawing: the image is printed with the scaling factor specified with the Scale 1:
option. The number of pages printed will vary depending on the scaling factor used.

Scale 1: this option is available only if the Current view option or the Scale drawing option has
been selected. You can use it to define the scaling factor for printing the geometry of the project.
Apply: click this button to apply the settings specified for the scaling factor.
From... To: these two boxes are available only if the Scale drawing option is selected. You can use
it to specify the first and the last page to print.
Preview buttons
Use these buttons to navigate the pages displayed in the Print Preview panel.
The four arrows allow you to navigate through the pages displayed in the Print Preview panel. You
can also select the page displayed. The four arrows are active only if the Scale drawing option is
selected.

Print options

This section allows you add additional information about the project on the printed pages.

Number of pages: select this option to add a page number to the printed pages.

Pages framing: select this option to add a frame to the printed pages.

Info box: select this option to add an information box on the bottom right of the printed pages,
including the description of the project and, if selected, a barcode with the description.

Project page: select this checkbox to enable the Customer Data text boxes (see Figure ) and print a
cover sheet including project description, designer and customer information.

Print Preview
This section of the page shows a preview of how the printed page will look using the current print
settings.

This command is available in the File menu, by pressing the Ctrl + P key combination or by

clicking the icon on the Toolbar.

4.7 Print Worksheet

This command prints the worksheet of the current project.

When you select this command, the program generates the worksheet and displays it in a DDX
Printer Server window. To print it, select the option Print in the File Menu.

The worksheet includes: Title, Date and Time, Estimated time, Image of table with part, Tooling
(position, name, compensation), Machining operations (operation, tool), Project data (title, object,
author, machine, NC file, CNC), Part data (name, width, length, thickness, shim).

The Print worksheet option will be available only after opening the Arrange mode or Generate
mode for the current project.
 Figure 4.6: Print worksheet

4.8 Digitize

This command opens the DDXDigi Digitizer.

DDXDigi is a software application that connects a compatible external scanner or digitizer to

EasySTONE in order to sample and digitize into the design environment contours or shapes from an
existing physical object, a drawing, etc.

For more information on using the DDXDigi software, please refer to its manual, which you can
display by choosing Help from DDXDigi.

4.9 Import

With this command you can open an existing project by importing it from an external format.

When you select this command, the program displays the usual Import File dialog box from
Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify path, name and extension of the project file to be
imported. In this window you can display a preview of the project you want to open by selecting the
Preview checkbox, and add the imported geometry to the current project by selecting the Add to
current project option. If you select the Show import log checkbox, the program will display the
Import Log window after importing the project (see Figure ), showing detailed information on the
imported geometry.

The program can import files with the following extensions: DXF Files, IGES Files, RHINO Files
(*.3dm), STL Files, STEP Files, CAL Files, CSF Files (*.ent; *.hed; *.ens), HPGL Files, ISO
Files (*.cnc), PNT Files (*.txt), LASER Files(*.mf), SMO Files (*.smo; *.egl; *.ewd; *.est; *.esc),
IMAGE File (*.bmp; *.dib; *.jpg; *.pcx; *.tga).

Figure 4.7: Import

The Import command is only active in Draw mode.

This command is available in the File menu, but you can also import an external project by
dragging its project file into the window of the program.

4.10 Export

You can use this function to export the geometries of the current project to a format compatible
with other applications.

When you select this command, the program displays the usual Export File dialog box from
Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify path, name and extension of the project file to be
exported. This window contains several options: You can display a preview of the project you want
to export by selecting the Preview checkbox. By selecting the Selection option you can choose to
export only the part of the project that you have selected before choosing Export. You can also
select the unit of measurement used in the exported file. Finally, if you click on Favourite Folders,
the program displays a drop-down menu with the list of your favourite folders, where you can set or
remove the folders you use most often. If you click on Add, the program will display the Favourite
folders dialog box where you can specify the name and the location of the folder you want to add. If
you click on Delete, the program will display the Favourite folders dialog box where you can select
the folder to remove.

The program can export files with the following extensions: DXF Files, IGES Files, CAL Files,
ENT Files, ENS Files, HED Files, HPGL Files, BMP Files, SMO Files.

Figure 4.8: Export

The Export command is only active in Draw mode.

4.11 Format Converter

This command opens the file converter application for converting the format of some types of files.
The converter allows you to convert files with the following extensions: *.dxf, *.iges, *.stl, *.cal,
*.csf, *.iso, *.hpgl, *.pnt, *.smo, *.egl, * ewd e *.est to files with the following extensions: *.dxf,
*.iges, *.egl, * ewd, *.est, *.ent, *.smo, *.cal or *.hpgl.

When you select this command, the program displays the Converter Ver. (version number) dialog
box (see Figure 4.9) that includes the following sections:

 List of files to convert: a list of the files to convert

 Conversion parameters: this section contains two options:
 Destination Directory: enter here the path name of the target folder location of the

converted file. You can specify the path name also by pressing . When you select
this command, the program displays the usual Open File dialog box from Windows
(see Figure ), where you can specify the destination folder path name for the
exported file.
 Destination Format: choose the desired conversion format from those available in
 the list.
 List of converted files: this list displays the converted files. The Results column will show a
green dot if the conversion was successful or a red dot if the conversion failed.

After selecting all the desired options, start the conversion by clicking on Convert ( ).

Figure: Convert format

The List of files to be converted contains also the following four commands:

 : use this command to add a file to the list of files to be converted. When you select this
command, the program displays the usual Open File dialog box from Windows (see Figure
), where you can specify path, name and extension of the project file to open.
 : use this command to remove a file from the list of files to be converted.

 : use this command to move up the selected file by one row, thus increasing its
priority.

 : use this command to move down the selected file by one row, thus decreasing its
priority.

4.12 STL Decimalizer

This function allows you to reduce the size of a file by approximating its surfaces and make it easier
to work on a project.
 Figure: Decimalizer

When you select this command, the program displays the Decimalizer Ver. (version number) dialog
box (see Figure ) that includes the following sections:

 list of files to decimalize: this list contains the files to reduce in size.
 conversion parameters: this section contains two options:
 Destination Directory: enter here the path name of the target folder location of the

decimalized file. You can specify the path name also by pressing [Edit Image]
[Rename]. When you select this command, the program displays the usual Open File
dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify the destination folder
path name for the decimalized file.
 Tolerance: enter here the level of approximation, i.e. the maximum error in mm
allowable in the approximation of the geometry of the project. The lower the
tolerance value, the higher is the quality of the part.
 List of decimalised files: this list displays the decimalised files. The Results column will
show a green dot if the operation was successful or a red dot if the operation failed.

After selecting all the desired options, start the conversion by clicking Convert ( ).
The List of files to be converted contains also the following four commands:

 : use this command to add a file to the list of files to be converted. When you select this
command, the program displays the usual Open File dialog box from Windows (see Figure
), where you can specify path, name and extension of the project file to open.
 : use this command to remove a file from the list of files to be converted.

 : use this command to move up the selected file by one row, thus increasing its
priority.

 : use this command to move down the selected file by one row, thus decreasing its
 priority.

4.13 Properties

Use this command to add additional information or a background to the current project.

When you select this command, the program displays the Properties dialog box that includes the
following sections:

 Title: use this box to enter the project title.

 Subject: use this box to enter the subject of the project.
 Author: use this box to enter the author of the project.
 Description: use this box to add a brief description to the project.
 Background: when this checkbox is selected, you can specify a background for the project.
The following options are available:
 Location of the background image: use this box to specify the path of the image
file that is to be used as background.
You can specify the path name also by pressing the "..." button. Use this command to
display the usual Open File dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where you can
specify path, name and extension of the image file you want to use as background.
Image files with the following extensions may be used: JPeg Files (*.jpeg), Bitmap
Files (*.bmp), DIB Files (*.dib), PCX Files (*.pcx), Targa Files (*.tga).
 X dimension: this value specifies the horizontal size of the background (X axis).
 Y dimension: this value specifies the vertical size of the background (Y axis).
 Position X: this value specifies the coordinate on the X axis of the lower left corner
of the background with respect to the origin of the axes.
 Position Y: this value specifies the coordinate on the Y axis of the lower left corner
of the background with respect to the origin of the axes.
 Keep ratio: select this option to preserve the aspect ratio of the image. When this
option is selected, the program estimates the size of the background based on the
value entered in Size X, disregarding the value of Size Y.
 Show as table background: select this option to use the image as the background of
the table.
 Keep dimensions as default: select this option to keep the size of the background
you have entered, even when the image is changed.
 Figure 4.11: Properties

Select the camera icon to open the DDXPhoto application which allows you to use a
photograph as the table background. For details, please see the DDXPhoto manual.

4.14 Notes

You can enter comments about the current project.

When you select this command, the program displays the Notes (see Figure 4.12) dialog box,
containing a text editor for entering comments and notes. If you select the Show at startup
checkbox, the notes will be opened automatically every time you start the program.
 Figure 4.12: Notes

4.15 Groups

This function allows you to organise parts belonging to a same project into different groups that will
be worked separately. The program does that by creating a specific Part Program (Reference ) for
each Group.

When you select this command, the program displays the Groups configuration dialog box that
includes the following sections:

 Directory list of the groups: this list displays a tree structure of all the groups that have been
created and the parts contained by each of them.
 List of parts: a list of all the parts contained by the project.
 Buttons for working on groups: the following buttons are available:
 Arrows: use the arrows to move parts from a list to another. You can also move parts
by dragging them to the desired list.
 Add: use this command to create a new group.
 Rename: use this command to rename the currently selected group.
 Delete: use this command to delete the currently selected group.

In Draw mode, all the groups are visible. However, in Machine mode, Arrange mode and Generate
mode only one group may be active at any time. To choose a new active group, click on the toolbar
icon (see Figure ) and select the current active group. The program displays a drop-down menu
showing all the groups that have been created from which you may select the new active group.
4.16 Configuration

You can configure some of the settings of the program.

When you select this command, the program displays a submenu with the categories in which the
settings are organised, including:

 General.
 Import/Export.
 Machine.
 Machining operations.
 Keyboard.
 Save position.
 Enable.

Figure 4.13: Configure

4.16.1 General

This command allows you to change the general settings of the program.

When you select this command, the program displays the Program configuration window, which
includes the following three tabs (see Figure ):

 Appearance
 General
 OpenGL

Appearance

Select this tab (see Figure 4.14) to display the options for customising the appearance of the
program window.
 Figure: Program configuration - Appearance

Toolbar: select this checkbox to display the Toolbar.

Status Bar: select this checkbox to display the Status Bar.

Mode Bar: select the checkbox to display the Mode Bar. If the checkbox is selected you can choose
to display the Mode Bar on the left side or on the right side of the screen.

Language: you can use this list box to specify the language of the program from the available
languages. The language options are:

 Italian
 English
 French
 German
 Spanish
 Custom

The Custom option allows you to add an additional language and, if chosen, will display the
following three additional commands (see Figure ):

 M: click on this button to add a new translation of the messages of the program. When you
select this command, the program displays the usual Open File Windows dialog box (see
Figure ), where you can specify the folder and the name of the file that contains the new
 messages. The file containing the messages must be in the Messages File format (*.msg).
 H: click on this button to add a new translation of the manual of the program. When you
select this command, the program displays the usual Open File Windows dialog box (see
Figure ), where you can specify the folder and the name of the file that contains the new
manual. The file containing the manual must be in the Help File format (*.chm, *hlp).
 T: click on this button to add a new translation of the tutorials of the program. When you
select this command, the program displays the usual Open File Windows dialog box (see
Figure ), where you can specify the folder and the name of the file that contains the new
tutorials. The file containing the tutorials must be in the Help File format (*.chm, *hlp).

Single instance of EasyStone: select this option to ensure that only one single instance of the
program may be open at any one time. If this checkbox is not selected, you can open multiple
instances of the program, but all additional instances after the first will not be able to modify any of
the parameters of the Database Menu.

General

Select this tab (see Figure ) to display the options for customising the appearance of the program
window.
 Figure: Program configuration - General

This tab contains two sections:

1. Colour selection: this section contains a list for selecting the interface element whose
colour you want to change, a colour button that shows the currently selected colour and
allows you to choose a new colour, and the Default button for restoring the default colour set
to all interface elements.
2. Grid options: this section includes a list box for choosing the type of grid used by the
program. The options are: disabled, normal and dotted. The section also includes:
 Size: use this text box to specify the size of the squares of the grid, i.e. the distance
between each two lines of the grid.
 No. of divisions: this option specifies the number of squares in which an un-enlarged
grid square is divided when zooming.

The section also includes:

Reference: if this option is selected, the program will display in the Graphics Area the Cartesian
reference indicating the 0 origin of the axes (see Figure ).

Unit of measurement: use this option to specify the unit of measurement. The following units of
measurement are available:

 mm: millimetres
  Inches

LogLevel: use this option to specify the logging level, i.e. which information is to be recorded in
the program log files. The following options are available:

 0: no log.
 1 (Log): the program saves a Log file, recording all the operations performed from when the
program is started to when it is closed.
 2 (Dbg): the program saves a Debug file, recording all the information about the parameters
used for generating the part program.
 4, 10 and 100: The program saves both a Log and a Debug file.

Backup: use this option to specify how often the program should perform a backup of the current
project and save it automatically. The following options are available:

 No backup.
 1 minute.
 2 minutes.
 5 minutes.
 10 minutes.
 1 hour.
 2 hours.

The backup is used after an abnormal shutdown. When you restart the program after an abnormal
shutdown, you will be asked if you want to recover the project that was open at the time of
shutdown.
OpenGL

This tab (see Figure ) contains options for configuring the OpenGL settings of the graphics adapter.

Colours: use this list box to specify the number of colours used and therefore the bit size of each
pixel.

Z Buffer: this value specifies the depth in pixels of the Z coordinate used for three-dimensional
graphics.

Generic Driver: select this checkbox to use a generic driver instead of the specific graphic driver
installed on the computer.

To implement the changes made in this page, you need to restart the program.
 Figure: Program configuration - OpenGL

4.16.2 Import/Export

This command allows you to change settings for importing and exporting files.
When you select this command, the program displays the Import/Export Configuration dialog box
(see Figure ) that includes the following sections:

1. Extensions.
2. Iges.
3. ZMap Images.
4. 3dm.
5. Bitmap.
6. Laser.
7. Import Scripts.
 Figure: Import/Export

Extensions
The Extensions section allows you to associate one specific extension to each importable format for
which multiple extensions are possible. The importable formats having multiple extensions are
Hpgl, Iso, Pts, Laser.
Iges
Iges is a neutral data format for the exchange of data, graphics files and information between CAD
systems.
Trim type: this option specifies the type of trim performed. The following options are available:

 Default: performs trims as specified in the Iges file document, if present. Otherwise it is
equivalent to the Choose UV parameter.
 Choose UV: trims surfaces. This method is almost always faster and more accurate. If that
fails, the program falls back to trim in XYZ.
 Choose XYZ: performs trims in XYZ. This generic method is slower. If that fails, the
program performs the trim in UV.
 Force UV: trims surfaces.
 Force XYZ: performs trims in XYZ.

Art
This type of file contains a special two-dimensional black-and-white image that is transformed into
a surface during the import process. This particular image is created with specific equipment and
indicates the depth of the carving on a gray scale, from white for minimum depth to black for
maximum depth.
Filter: this option allows you to specify the filter to be used with the imported file. The higher the
value of the filter, the smoother the surface created. The following options are available:

 Custom: allows you to set a custom value.

 High: sets a high filter level (7).
 Medium: sets a medium filter level (5).
 Low: sets a low filter level (3).
 None: no filter is used.

3dm
This type of file contains a geometry as surfaces and trims.
Trim type: this option specifies the type of trim performed. The following options are available:

 Default: performs trims as shown in the Iges file document, if present. Otherwise it is
equivalent to the Choose UV parameter.
 Choose UV: trims surfaces. This method is almost always faster and more accurate. If that
fails, the program falls back to trim in XYZ.
 Choose XYZ: perform trims in XYZ. This generic method is slower. If that fails, the program
performs the trim in UV.

Step
Step is a neutral data format that allows the exchange of data, graphics files and information
between CAD systems.
Trim type: This option specifies the type of trim performed. The following options are available:

 Default: performs trims as specified in the Iges file document, if present. Otherwise it is
equivalent to the Choose UV parameter.
 Choose UV: trims surfaces. This method is almost always faster and more accurate. If that
fails, the program falls back to trim in XYZ.
 Choose XYZ: performs trims in XYZ. This generic method is slower. If that fails, the
program performs the trim in UV.

Bitmap
This type of image file contains a snapshot of the geometric area in its current state for export.
Size: Use this option to specify the size of the exported image in pixels.
Colours: Use this option to specify the number of colours for the exported image, and therefore the
bit size of each pixel.
Laser
This type of file contains the points scanned by laser on the surface of the part, which is
transformed into a surface during the import process. The part can be scanned either linearly on the
worktable of the machine, or on a lathe.
Lathe distance: this parameter is only used for lathe scanning and specifies the distance between
the laser and the centre of the lathe.
Lathe direction: this parameter is only used with lathe scanning and specifies the X or Y direction
of the axis of rotation of the lathe.
Filter: this option allows you to specify the filter to be used with the imported file. The higher the
value of the filter, the smoother the surface created. The following options are available:

 Custom: sets a custom value.

 High: sets a high filter level (7).
 Medium: sets a medium filter level (5).
 Low: sets a low filter level (3).
 None: no filter is used.

Import Scripts
Pre-Import Script: this text box allows you specify the name of an SCL script to be executed
before importing.
You can specify the file name also by pressing the "..." button. When you select this command, the
program displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and
the name of the file that contains the SCL script.

Post-Import Script: this text box allows you specify the name of an SCL script to be executed after
importing.
You can specify the file name also by pressing the "..." button. When you select this command, the
program displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and
the name of the file that contains the SCL script.

4.16.3 Machine

This command allows you to modify the configuration settings for the operating machines.

When you select this command, the program displays a submenu with the categories in which the
settings are organized, including:
  Select current.
 Edit.
 Table.
 Transmission.
 Update Machine.
 Export Machine.

Edit, Table and Transmission are password-protected, because incorrect changes made to these
options may jeopardise the correct operation of the machine. These options should be modified only
by experienced users or under direct supervision by a DDX engineer.

4.16.3.1 Select current

This command allows you to select the active configuration of the machine. When you select this
command, the program displays the Machine configuration dialog box where you can select the
machine configuration that you want to make active from a list of available configurations.

Figure 4.18: Machine configuration

4.16.3.2 Edit

This command allows you to change some parameters in the configurations of the machines. It is
password-protected.
When you select this command, the program displays the Edit machine dialog box (see Figure ) that
includes the following sections:
 Figure: Edit machine

Machine: this parameter allows you to select the machine configuration from a list. All the other
options present in the Edit machine dialog box refer to the selected machine configuration.

Name: specifies the name of the machine.

Type: this value is read-only and shows the number of work axes of the machine.

Data: specifies the name of the file containing the specifications of the machine. You can specify

the file name also by pressing the button. When you select this command, the program displays
the usual Open File dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and

the name of the PPD file (*ppd). Additionally, by clicking on you can edit the post processor
configuration parameters, which may vary from one machine to another.

Arrangement: this section allows you to specify the placement of the shims. The section contains
three fields:

 Type: this field specifies the shim arrangement type. The following options are available:
 Part program: when this option is selected, shim arrangement is performed semi-
automatically. The arrangement is generated by the part program before the start of
machining. The machine is fitted with a specific tool and moves to the positions
where the operator is to place the part holders.
 Automatic: when this option is selected, the shims are positioned automatically by
 the machine.
 Laser: when this option is selected, shims s are positioned semi-automatically. The
arrangement of the shims is indicated by laser projection of their boundaries, so that
they can be positioned manually by the operator.
 Laser + automatic: with this option, the shims are positioned automatically by the
machine and, additionally, the shim boundaries are indicated by laser.

 Laser projection (table): this option is available only when Type is set to Laser or Laser +
Automatic, and it allows you to specify which entities are to be projected to the machine
table. The following options are available:
 None: nothing is projected.
 Vacuums + references: the contours of vacuums and references are projected to their
correct position.
 Vacuums only: the contours of vacuums are projected to their correct position.
 References only: the contours of references are projected to their correct position.
 Part: enables the Laser projection function from the Machine mode kit (Ref.), to
project a selected path.
 Laser projection (vacuums): this option is available only when Type is set to Laser or
Laser + Automatic, and it allows you to project a path at the vacuums level. The following
options are available:
 None: nothing is projected.
 Part: enables the Laser projection function from the Machine mode kit (Ref.), to
project a selected path.

Probe: select this option to indicate the presence of a probe on the machine, enable the probe tool
from the tool magazine and allow its use in the machining kits.

Hourly cost: specify the depreciation cost per hour of the machine, so you can generate a more
precise estimate of the machining costs.

Hide: select this option to "hide" the machine, i.e. make it unavailable in the part work program.
Read only: select this option to use the machine but prevent changes to the tool magazine and the
kit magazine.

Move: move the position of the machine on the computer. When you select this command, the
program displays the Browse dialog box (see Figure 4.20) where you can select the destination
folder for the machine files from the directory list of all the folders on your computer.

Figure: Browse

New: this option may or may not be present depending on the software license you have purchased.
If present, it allows you to add new machine configurations. When you select this command, the
program displays the Name dialog box (see Figure 4.21) where you can enter the name of the new
configuration you are creating. You can also select the Existing machine checkbox to create the
configuration of a machine for which you already have the relevant Machine Files (*.ppd).

Figure 4.21: Name Dialog Box

4.16.3.3 Table

This command allows you to change some parameters of the worktables in the configurations of the
machines. It is password-protected.
When you select this command, the program displays the Table Parameter Configuration window
(see Figure 4.22), which includes the following four tabs (see Figure ):

 General
 Geometry
 Vacuums and references
 Lathes

General

Select this tab (see Figure ) to display the parameters for setting the general characteristics of the
worktable.

Figure 4.22: Table Parameter Configuration

Table file: specify here the name of the file containing all the characteristics of the table of the
active machine. You can specify the file name also by pressing the button. When you select this
command, the program displays the usual Open File Windows dialog box (see Figure ), where you
can specify the folder and the name of the desired file.

Auxiliary file: this text box allows you to specify additional geometries to be placed on the table.

You can specify the file name also by pressing the button. When you select this command, the
program displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and
the name of the EST file (*.est) containing additional geometries. If the text box contains a file

name already, click on to delete its location and enter a new one.

Drilling File: use this box to enter the file name containing the positions of the holes on the table.

You can specify the file name also by pressing . When you select this command, the program
displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and the
name of the EST file (*.est) containing the design of the holes. If the text box contains a file name

already, click on to delete its location and enter a new one.

Number of tables: sse this box to enter the number of worktables on the current machine, up to
maximum of three.

Table position: the fields in this section allow you to define the location of the table and its origin.
You can specify the following values:

 X position: this value specifies the coordinate on the X axis of the lower left corner of the
worktable with respect to the machine zero point.
 Y position: this value specifies the coordinate on the Y axis of the lower left corner of the
worktable with respect to the machine zero point.
 Z position: this value specifies the coordinate on the Z axis of the lower left corner of the
worktable with respect to the machine zero point.
 Origin: this value specifies the table origin coordinates, matching the values specified on
the machine. You need to enter the number assigned to the origin of the table and the
corresponding Cartesian coordinates values relative to the machine zero point, separated by
a comma.

Figure 4.23: Origin definition

Geometry

Select this tab (see Figure ) to display the page for setting the geometric parameters of the
worktable.

Figure 4.24: Geometry

This page contains four sections:

1. Dimensions: use this section to specify the dimensions of the worktable. It contains the
following fields:
 X size: this value specifies the size of the worktable on the X axis.
 Y size: this value specifies the size of the worktable on the Y axis.
 Z size: this value specifies the size of the worktable on the Z axis.
2. Additional table: select this checkbox to enable an additional table located above the
worktable. This section contains the following fields:
 X position: this value specifies the coordinate on the X axis of the lower left corner
of the additional table with respect to the lower left corner of the worktable.
 Y position: this value specifies the coordinate on the Y axis of the lower left corner
of the additional table with respect to the lower left corner of the worktable.
 Z Position: this value specifies the coordinate on the Z axis of the lower left corner
of the upper surface of the additional table with respect to the lower left corner of the
upper surface of the worktable. Based on the Z coordinate that is set, this value
specifies the thickness of the additional table indirectly.
 X size: this value specifies the size of the additional table on the X axis.
 Y size: this value specifies the size of the additional table on the Y axis.
 Always enabled: if this option is selected, the additional table will always remain
active, thus disabling the Enable additional table option (Ref.) in Arrange mode.
 Z position variable: if this option is selected, the Modify Z position of additional
table option (Ref.) in Arrange mode will be enabled.
 "/>

Figure 4.25: Additional Table Parameters

 No collisions: if this option is selected, any collision with the additional table will be
 ignored during the collision check.
3. Rotating table: select this option to enable a rotating table. The section contains the
following field:
 Centre of rotation: enter the Cartesian coordinates of the centre of rotation of the
rotating table with respect to the machine zero point. Separate each coordinate with a
comma.
4. Colours: use this section to specify the colours of the worktable. It contains the following
fields:
 Geometry: this option sets the colour of the geometry of the worktable.
 Background: this option sets the colour of the background of the worktable.
 Opacity: this option sets the opacity level of the background of the worktable.
 Additional table: this option is enabled only if the Additional table option has been
selected. It allows you to specify the colour of the background of the additional table
 Opacity: this option is enabled only if the Additional table option has been selected.
It allows you to specify the opacity level of the background of the additional table

Vacuums and references

Select this tab (see Figure 4.26) to display the options for specifying the number of shims available.
The page contains the following seven sections, one for each type of shim:

 References A: this section contains up to two types of references. You can specify the
number of references available for each type.
 Vices A: this section contains up to two types of vices. You can specify the number of vices
available for each type.
 Vacuums A: this section contains up to four types of vacuums. You can specify the number
of vacuums available for each type.
 Vacuums B: this section contains up to four types of vacuums. You can specify the number
of vacuums available for each type.
 Vacuums C: this section contains up to four types of vacuums. You can specify the number
of vacuums available for each type.
 Vacuums D: this section contains up to four types of vacuums. You can specify the number
of vacuums available for each type.
 Vacuums + references: this section contains up to four types of vacuums + references. You
can specify the number available for each type.
 Figure 4.26: Vacuums and references

Lathes

Select this tab (see Figure ) to display the parameters for setting the general characteristics of the
lathes present on the machine.
 Figure 4.27: Lathe

This page contains two sections:

 1st Lathe: select this checkbox to enable the first lathe. The section contains the following
parameters:
 Type: this parameter allows you to specify the desired type of lathe from the list of
available lathes. The available types of lathe change based on the machine.
 X Position: this field allows you to set the X coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
 Y Position: this field allows you to set the Y coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
 Z Position: this field allows you to set the Z coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
  Origin: this value specifies the lathe origin coordinates, matching the values
specified on the machine. You need to enter the number assigned to the origin of the
lathe and the corresponding Cartesian coordinates values relative to the lathe zero
point, separated by a comma.

 : use this option to specify the

direction of the lathe and the position of the motorized point (indicated by an arrow).
 Rotation: specifies the direction of rotation of the lathe during work.
 Part position: this field specifies the distance between the lathe zero point and the
closest point of the axis of rotation of the part.
 2nd Lathe: select this checkbox to enable the first lathe. The section contains the following
parameters:
 Type: this parameter allows you to specify the desired type of lathe from the list of
lathes available. The available types of lathe change based on the machine.
 X Position: this field allows you to set the X coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
 Y Position: this field allows you to set the Y coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
 Z Position: this field allows you to set the Z coordinate of the lathe zero point with
respect to the machine zero point.
 Origin: this value specifies the lathe origin coordinates, matching the values
specified on the machine. You need to enter the number assigned to the origin of the
lathe and the corresponding Cartesian coordinates values relative to the lathe zero
point, separated by a comma.

 : use this option to specify the

direction of the lathe and the position of the motorized bit (indicated by an arrow).
 Rotation: specifies the direction of rotation of the lathe during work.
  Part position: this field specifies the distance between the lathe zero point and the
closest point of the axis of rotation of the part.

4.16.3.4 Transmission

This command allows you to change some part program transmission parameters in the
configurations of the machines. It is password-protected.

Figure: Transmission configuration

When you select this command, the program displays the Transmission configuration dialog box
(see Figure ) that includes the following sections:

Machine: this list box allows you to select the machine configuration from a list. All the other
options present in the Transmission configuration dialog box refer to the selected machine
configuration.

Iso extension: this text box allows you to specify the extension of the generated file that contains
the part program.

Generation: enter in this field the location on the computer where the part program is saved. You

can specify the path name also by pressing . When you select this command, the program
displays the Browse folder dialog box (see Figure ) where you can select the destination folder for
the generated file from the directory list of all folders on your computer.

Media: use this section to specify the transmission media for the file containing the part program.
The following options are available:
  Network: the file is transmitted via a cabled or wireless network.
 Disk: the file is transferred via a mass storage device.
 Program: the file is transmitted by means of a special program.

Disk: this section is available only if the part program transmission Media selected is Disk. It
allows you to specify the destination drive for saving the file.

Destination: enter here the destination path for the file containing the part program. You can

specify the path name also by pressing . When you select this command, the program displays
the Browse folder dialog box (see Figure ) where you can select the destination folder for the file
from the directory list of all folders on your computer.

Format: this field is used to specify the format of the name and the extension of the file sent. By
default, the format of the name and the extension of the generated file containing the part program
is "name.extension". You can however convert the name to uppercase by entering the letter U
instead of the name, or to lowercase by entering L. If you do not enter anything, the name remains
unchanged. To change the extension, enter the desired compatible extension after the dot. If you do
not enter anything, the extension remains unchanged.

On some machines, the file name must contain a maximum of eight characters, while the extension
must contain a maximum of three characters. If the name is longer than eight characters, it will be
truncated, leaving the first six and the last two characters only.

Application Path: this field is used to specify the path of the application that will be used to

transmit the file. You can specify the path name also by pressing the button. When you select
this command, the program displays the File Open dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where
you can specify path, name and extension of the executable file.

One of the following parameters may be appended to the path name of application:

 % file: indicates the name of the file in the command line.

 % destfile: indicates the destination file path at the end of the transmission.
 %origfile: indicates the source file path at the end of the command line.

4.16.3.5 Update Machine

This command allows you to update the configuration of the active machine.

When you select this command, the program displays the Update file type dialog box (see Figure )
where you can select the type of update required. The following options are available:

 Update from directory.

 Update from compressed file (zpak).

A different dialog box will be displayed based on the type of update selected. Specifically, when
updating from a directory, the program will display the Browse Folder dialog box (see Figure )
where you can select the folder containing the configuration of the machine from the directory list
of all folders on your computer. When updating from a compressed zpak file, the program displays
the usual Open File dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify the location and
the name of the desired Pack file (*.zpak).

After selecting the directory or the zpak file containing the machine update, the program displays
the Machine Update dialog box (see Figure ), where you can select the configuration files to update
from all those contained in the update package.
 Figure 4.29: Update Machine

In the Machine Update dialog box, the configuration files are displayed with different colours based
on their status. The possible statuses are:

 Black: the updated file is identical to the one found in the current machine configuration.
 Blue: the updated file is not present in the current machine configuration.
 Red: the updated file is older than the one found in the current machine configuration.
 Green: the updated file is newer than the one found in the current machine configuration.

4.16.3.6 Export Machine

This command allows you to export the configuration of the active machine

When you select this command, the program displays the Export type dialog box (see Figure )
where you can select the type of export required. The following options are available:

 Export as directory.
 Export as compressed file (zpak)

A different dialog box will be displayed based on the type of export selected. Specifically, when
updating from a directory, the program will display the Browse Folder dialog box (see Figure )
where you can select the destination folder for the configuration of the machine from the directory
list of all folders on your computer. When exporting as a compressed zpak file, the program
displays the usual Save File dialog box from Windows (see Figure ), where you can specify the
location and the name of the desired Pack file (*.zpak).

4.16.4 Machining

This command allows you to define default values for some machining parameters.

When you select this command, the program displays the Machining configuration dialog box (see
Figure 4.30) containing the following sections:

 Tree structure of machining operations.

 Machining colour.
 Default kit values.
 General parameters.
 Generic parameters.
 Figure: Machining configuration

Next to each field, the window also shows the icon. Click on this icon to display a dialog box
explaining the meaning of the parameter.
 Figure: Approach distance

Tree structure of machining operations

This tree structure contains all the types of machining operations available for the current machine.
You can use it to specify the type of operation configured by the options available in the Machining
colour, Default kit values and General parameters sections.

Machining colour

This area contains a single option, named according to the type of machining operation currently
selected in the tree structure. It is used to specify the colour of the machining path that is displayed
in Machine mode.

Default kit values

This area contains the machining kit parameters for which you can set a default value that is used
when you create a new kit.

For detailed information on the meaning and function of each of these parameters, please refer to
Chapter 11.

General parameters

This area contains the general machining parameters.

The actual parameters shown vary depending on the type of operation currently selected in the tree
structure, and include:

Safety distance: this value specifies the distance from the part on the Z axis that the tool must reach
before entering rapid movement mode.

Approach distance: this value specifies the distance from the part on the Z axis that the tool must
reach in rapid movement mode before starting work.

Horizontal safety distance: this value specifies the distance from the part on the X and Y axes that
the tool must reach before entering rapid movement mode.
This parameter is not shown if the operation selected in the tree structure is a grooving operation, a
lathe roughing operation, a lathe finishing operation, or a lathe 5-axis finishing operation.
Default length of escape cuts: this parameter is shown only if a routing operation is selected in the
tree structure and it allows you to specify the default length of the escape cuts.

Non-interpolable radius: this parameter is shown only if a cutting operation is selected in the tree
structure and it allows you to specify the minimum cutting radius of the blade.

Multiple drilling: this parameter is shown only if a cutting operation is selected in the tree structure
and it allows you to perform multiple drillings in a Cut Repeat operation.

Raw part offset: this parameter is shown only if a cutting operation is selected in the tree structure.

Z lead in pocketing: this parameter is shown only if a pocketing operation is selected in the tree
structure. It is used to specify the tool entry position on the Z axis during the contouring stage.

Z lead out pocketing: this parameter is shown only if a pocketing operation is selected in the tree
structure. It is used to specify the tool exit position on the Z axis during the contouring stage.

V groove start in Z: This parameter is shown only if a pocketing operation is selected in the tree
structure. It is used to specify the distance in Z of the tool from the work surface where the V
groove is to start.

Generic parameters

The field in this area is used for the configuration of generic machine parameters.

When you select this option, the program displays the Generic parameters configuration dialog box
(see Figure 4.32) containing the following parameters:
 Figure: Generic Parameters Configuration

Safety Z above vices: this value specifies the minimum distance in Z that the tool must always
keep when vices are present.

Verify raw part dimension: this option enables checking the uncut size of the part.

Raw part thickness: this value specifies the default thickness of the uncut part.

Minimum raw part thickness: this value specifies the minimum thickness allowable for the uncut
part.

Default raw part offset: this value specifies the default raw part offset used by the program to
calculate external cuts on the raw part border.

Recalculate after raw part modification select this checkbox to recalculate the operations
automatically after changes to the uncut part.

Sink centre layer name: use this field to specify the default name of the layer whose centre is used
as the starting point of a pocketing operation. This parameter is used for machining sinks and
washbasins.

Length of router unit vector: use this field to specify the length of the unit vectors displayed in
Machine mode indicating the direction of the tool.

Length of correction unit vector: use this field to specify the length of the unit vectors displayed
in Machine mode indicating the direction of correction of the tool.

Geometric tolerance: use this field to specify the tolerance used in the calculation of surfaces.

Optimization tolerance: use this field to specify the tolerance used in cut optimization
calculations.

Lead-in adding radius (mm or %): use this field to enter a value to be added to the lead-in of
tools. The program interprets this value as a distance in millimetres if it is greater than one,
otherwise it will be considered as a percentage.

XY origin type: this field specifies the position of the origin of the part on the XY plane.

Generic XY origin: this field is only active when the XY origin type is set to Generic (table
reference) and is used to specify the X and Y coordinates of the origin.

Z origin type: this field specifies the position of the origin of the part on the Z axis.

Generic Z origin: this field is only active when the Z origin type is set to Generic (table reference)
and is used to specify the Z coordinate of the origin.

4.16.5 Keyboard

Using this command, you can define a number of keyboard shortcuts to call the commands that you
use most often.
When you select this command, the program displays the Keyboard shortcuts dialog box where you
can define and edit the associations between the key combinations and the selected commands.
 Figure: Configure keyboard

The Keyboard shortcuts dialog box includes a list of the commands that you can associate to a
shortcut and the controls for creating the association between commands and keyboard shortcuts.
The dialog box shows a list of the commands that you can associate to a key combination shortcut.
To add a command to the list, select it while the dialog box is open. To add a command for the four
operation modes, you must select it in the drop-down menu.
To associate a shortcut to a command, select the command in the list, select the desired shortcut key
in the drop-down menu and click the Assign button. To add Ctrl or Shift key combinations, select
the corresponding checkbox beforehand.
To delete an association, select it in the function list and click the Delete button.

4.16.6 Save position

The command allows you to save the size and position of the main window of the program.
When the program is restarted, the main window is opened in the same location and of the same
size that was saved.

4.16.7 Enable

This command lets you enable additional functions in the program. When you purchase a package
that provides additional functions, you are given a new key code. To enable the additional
functions, enter the new key code in the Enter key code dialog box that appears when you select the
Enable command.

The Enable command is only active in Draw mode.

Figure 4.34: Entering the key code

4.17 Materials

This command lets you assign a texture reproducing a material to a solid.

When you select this command, the program displays the Materials configuration dialog box (see
Figure ) containing the following elements:
 Material list buttons.
 Directory list of available materials.
 Parameters specific to the selected material.

Material list buttons

New: use this button to create a new material.
Delete: use this button to delete the currently selected material.
Directory list of available materials
This directory list contains all the materials available.
Parameters specific to the selected material
All the parameters in this section refer to material that is currently selected in the list.
Name: specifies the name of the material.
Image: specifies the path of the file containing the image of the material.
Colour: allows you to define a colour filter to add to the material.
Colour reflection: specifies the colour of the reflection.
Transparency: allows you to specify the degree of transparency of the material as a value between
0 and 1.
Type: this option sets the type of repetition of the material when it is smaller than the surface on
which it is applied.
Scale X: this value specifies the size of the image on the X axis.
Scale Y: this value specifies the size of the image on the Y axis.
4.18 SCL Script

Use this command to create and run SCL scripts.

When you select this command, the program displays a submenu that contains the following
commands:

 Run Script
 Edit Script

Run Script

Use this command to run an SCL script.

When you select this command, the program displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ),
where you can specify the folder and the name of the file that contains the SCL script.

4.18.2 Edit Script

Use this command to create an SCL script.

When you select this command, the program displays the SCL Script dialog box (see Figure ) that
includes the following elements:

 List of commands.
 Editor.
 Buttons.

List of commands
This list contains all the commands that you can include in an SCL script.
Editor
This section contains a text editor for displaying and editing the SCL script code.
Double-click on a command to add it. After you have added a command, you need to replace the
parameters in parentheses with the appropriate values.
Buttons
This section of the screen contains buttons for working with SCL scripts.
Run all: click this button to run all the commands of the script.
Run command: click this button to run all the commands contained in the currently selected line
only.
Reset: click this button to clear the SCL script from in the editor pane.
Open: click this button to open an existing SCL script. When you select this command, the program
displays the usual Open File dialog box (see Figure ), where you can specify the folder and the
name of the file that contains the SCL script to open.
Save: Use this command to save the SCL script you have created. When you select this command,
the program displays the usual Save File dialog box (see Figure 1.1), where you can specify the
folder and the name of the file that contains the SCL script to save.

4.19 Exit

Use this command to exit the program.

If an unsaved project is currently open, the program will display a dialog box (see Figure ) asking
whether to save the changes to the current project or cancel the operation.
 5 View Menu

5.1 Zoom all

This command lets you resize the display of the current project to fit it entirely in the graphics
window.

This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the F2 function key, by pressing the T
key when the Display menu is open, or by clicking the ... Toolbar button.

5.2 5.2 Zoom Window

This command lets you enlarge the selected portion of the graphics window.
This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the F3 function key, by pressing the F
Display menu is open, or by selecting the area you want to enlarge with the left button of the mouse.

5.3 5.3 Zoom Out

This command lets you shrink the display of the current project.
Every time you select the command, the display is made one step smaller.

This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the Shift + Down key combination, by
pressing the F4 function key, or by pressing the M key when the View menu is open.

5.4 5.4 Zoom In

This command lets you enlarge the display of the project.

Every time you select the command, the display is made one step larger.

This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the Shift + Up key combination, by
pressing the F5 function key, or by pressing the P key when the View menu is open.

5.5 Dynamic Zoom

This command lets you zoom in or zoom out the display area.

To operate this command, press the left mouse button and move the mouse. The area around the
position where you clicked will be enlarged.

You can also obtain the same result by turning the mouse wheel.

5.6 5.6 Zoom Selection

This command allows you to zoom in on the area that contains the selected entities.

5.7 Pan

Use this command to pan the view of the project.

To use the command, move the mouse while holding down the left mouse button.
This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the Up, Down, Right, or Left Arrow keys,
by clicking the ... Toolbar icon, by pressing the F6 function key, by pressing the N key while the
View menu is open, or by pressing the mouse wheel during the movement.

5.8 Mark End-points

Use this command to highlight the end-points of all entities.

Select it once to highlight the points and select it again to cancel the highlighting.

You can also call this command by pressing the F7 function key, by pressing the E key when the
View menu is open, or by clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.9 Show

Select this command to open the Show Parts and Layers window. The main part tree may be broken
down into individual layers.

Figure 5.1: Show Parts and Layers

You can choose which layers or parts to display by clicking on them. Selecting or deselecting a part
affects all child layers. The window allows you also to display the raw part and the operations that
have been set.

Right-click anywhere inside the window to display a drop-down list with the following items:

 Show all: selects all parts and layers in the project.

  Show current layer: selects only the current layer.

The currently selected layer is identified by a "lit" light bulb icon next to its name. If the layer is not
selected, the light bulb icon remains grey.

Confirm the operation by clicking OK, cancel all changes by clicking Cancel.

You can call this command also by pressing the V key when the View menu is open.

5.10 Top View

This command displays a top view of the project.

You can call this command also by pressing the F8 function key or clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.11 Front View

This command displays a front view of the project.

You can call this command also by clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.12 Back View

This command displays a back view of the project.

You can call this command also by clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.13 Left View

This command displays a left view of the project.

You can call this command also by clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.14 Right View

This command displays a right view of the project.

You can call this command also by clicking the ... Toolbar icon.
5.15 Aligned View

Aligned view shows the work plane aligned with the Z coordinate of the current construction plane.

You can call this command also by pressing the F9 function key or clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.16 Isometric View

This command shows the project with a 30° perspective in relation to the X, Y and Z axes of the
plane.

You can call this command also by pressing the F10 function key or clicking the ... Toolbar icon.

5.17 Move Camera

This command lets you rotate the viewpoint of the project freely within the graphics area.

To use the command, move the mouse while holding down the left mouse button.

This command is available in the View Menu, by pressing the Ctrl+Up Arrow, Ctrl+Down Arrow,
Ctrl+Right Arrow, or Ctrl+Left Arrow key combinations, or by pressing the Shift key or the Ctrl key
while pressing the mouse wheel during the movement. Press Shift to move in relation to the selected
point, press Ctrl to move in relation to the centre of the current view.

5.18 Wireframe

This command shows all the contours and corners of all the parts that make up the project, even
those that are hidden in the current view.

5.19 Hidden Lines

This command shows only the contour lines of the project that are visible in the current view (front,
side, etc.).

5.20 Shading
This command displays all parts of the project with solid colours to better show surfaces and
depths.

5.21 Photorealistic View

This command displays the project using the photorealistic colours that had been previously set.
 6 Analysis menu

6.1 Distance

This command allows calculating the distance between two selected points.

The calculated distance is displayed in the status bar on the left in the following form: distance,
breakdown of the distance in the three coordinates (dx, dy, dz), angle of inclination in relation to the
x-axis (C).

The command can also be activated by pressing the F11 function key or the D key within the
Analysis menu, or by selecting the command ... from the toolbar.

6.2 Angle

This command allows calculating the angle between two selected objects.

The calculated angle is displayed in the status bar on the left and in a small protractor in the
graphics area bottom left, with parameters A1 and A2 that indicate the complementary angles.

The command can also be activated by pressing the F11 function key or the D key within the
Analysis menu, or by selecting the command ... from the toolbar.
 Figure 6.1: Angle

6.3 Tangency test

This command allows analyzing the selected path.

The Tangency test can only be performed if at least one geometric object has been selected.

The test results are displayed both graphically and in the status bar.

Graphically indicating:

 the points of tangency (green square).

 the tangency losses (red cross).
 the discontinuity points (blue square).

The status bar on the left in the following form: tangents, loss of tangency and loss of continuity.

The command can also be activated by pressing the F11 function key or the D key within the
Analysis menu, or by selecting the command ... from the toolbar.

Figure: Tangency test

6.4 Analysis

This command allows displaying some characteristic data of the selected object.

Once an object has been selected, the program displays a dialog box that shows the main
characteristics. These may vary according to the type of object selected.

The command can also be activated by pressing the F12 function key or the A key within the
Analysis menu, or by selecting the command ... from the toolbar.

Figure 6.3: Analysis

6.5 Report

This command displays a dialog box (see Figure 6.4) with a list of characteristics of the object
belonging to the project.
 Figure 6.4: Report

Selecting an object in the graphics area automatically displays the data related to the said object;
likewise, by selecting an object within the dialog box, the said object is highlighted in the project.

The command can also be activated by pressing the F11 function key or the D key within the
Analysis menu, or by selecting the command ... from the toolbar.
 7 Database Menu

This drop-down menu contains the commands to access the tool database, the kit database, the
configurations database for the automatic CAM and the configurations database for the automatic
DISP.

Figure 7.1: Database menu

7.1 Tools

This command allows to open the tool database, in which are present all tools defined by the user
with related characteristics.

Once this command has been activated, the program displays the Tool management dialogue box
(see Figure 7.2), which comprises the following areas:

1. Directory list of available tools divided by type.

2. Buttons for interaction with the tool parameters.
3. List of parameters that characterize the selected tool.
4. Generic representation of the tool and definition of the geometries.
5. Buttons for interaction with the tool database.
 Figure 7.2: Tool management

The command can be activated by selecting it in the Database menu and by pressing the U key
within the same menu.

7.1.1 Tool tree

This directory list contains all tools within the program, divided into the following types:

 driller.
 router.
 profiling tool.
 blade.
 engraving.
 bevelling.
 polishing wheel.
 probe.
 waterjet.

7.1.2 Tool parameter buttons

This command allows creating new tools.
Two different procedures can be followed to create a new tool:

 To create a tool identical to an existing one:

 Select an existing tool.
 Enable the New command. The program creates a new tool by copying all the
characteristics of the selected tool. The new tool has the same name as that selected,
accompanied by a number since each tool must have a unique name.

 To create a new tool without any parameter:

 Select the type of tool you wish to create.
 Activate the New command. The program creates a new tool belonging to the
selected category devoid of any value. The new tool is named New accompanied by a
number since each tool must have a unique name.

This command allows deleting a tool in the database.

The procedure is as follows:
 Select the tool to be deleted.
 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the tool in the confirmation window that appears automatically

This command allows confirming the changes made to the currently selected tool.

7.1.3 Tool parameters

This area allows viewing and editing all parameters of each tool.
To modify a tool, the procedure is as follows:
 Select the tool.
 Modify the desired parameters.
 Confirm your changes made to the tool by selecting the Confirm command.
If, after modifying the current tool, another tool is selected or the Tool management dialogue box is
closed before the changes made to the current tool are confirmed, the program will display a
dialogue box (see Figure ) which asks whether to save the changes or not.
Below is a diagram with the specific parameters of each type of machining operation and a
description of each parameter.

Diam Polis Bla Diam Polis Diam Polis Wate

Drill Rout ond h de ond h ond h Polis rjet Prob
ing ing profil profil cutt groov groo bevell bevel hing cutti ing
ing ing ing ing ving ing ling ng

General
Paramet x X x x x x x x x x x x
ers

Water x x x x x x x x x x - -

Absorpti
- - - - x - - - - - - -
on

Compen
x x x x x x x x x x - x
sation

Tool cost x x x x x x x x x x - -

Feed x x x - x x x x x x x -

Lead-in
- x x x x x x x x x x -
Feed

Corners
- - - - - - - - - - x -
Feed
Head
- x - - x - - - - - - -
Feed

Lead-out
x x x x - x x x x x x -
Feed

Max
x x - - x x - x - - - -
material

Feasible
x x x x x x x x x x - -
metres

Assembl
- - - - x - - x - - - -
y

Name x x x x x x x x x x x x

Number
of - - x x - - - - - - - -
profiles

Preload - - - - - - - - - x - -

Pre-
x x x x x x x x x x - -
setting

Rotation x x x x x x x x x x - -

Longitud
- x x - - - - - - - - -
inal S.

Directio
x x x x x x x x x x - -
n
Section - - x x - - - - - - - -

Overmat
- x x - x x - x - - x -
erial

Section
- - x x - - - - - - - -
thickness

Cutter
- x - - - - - - - - - -
type

Wear - - - x - - x - x x - -

Wear L - - - x - - - - - x - -

The tool parameters area (see Figure 7.3) comprises in turn the following areas:

1. General parameters.
2. Specific parameters.

Figure 7.3: Parameters in the Tool management window

General parameters

The general parameters are uniformly present for all tool types.

Position: This parameter allows positioning the tool in a tool holder of the machine and is used for
the automatic tooling calculation. However, the user is free to choose the actual position of the tools
in Arrange mode.

Maximum rotation: This parameter defines the maximum rotation speed that the tool can reach
measured in rpm.

Draw: This parameter is only enabled for profiled tools and allows entering the path of the file
containing the profile of the tool by typing it in the appropriate box or by selecting the command
that displays the Windows Open File dialog box (see Figure ), in which to define the position, name
and extension of the file containing the profile to enter.

The element constructed from the profile entered will then be displayed in simulation. The imported
drawing shows only half of the tool profile entered and the point 0.0 indicates the end-point of the
rotation axis of the component (the drawing of the profiled tool section must be made in the fourth
quadrant, i.e. in the lower right in relation to 0 of the reference plane).
 Figure 7.4: Profiling tool drawing

Conic saw blade: This option is enabled for blade-type tools only and allows creating conical
blades instead of flat.

Assembly: This parameter defines the type of tool assembly on the machine.

The types of assembly available vary depending on the tool that is being changed and the machine
being used. The table below shows the possible types of assembly and a brief description:

Group Name Description

Vertical heads

Vertical The tool is assembled vertically on the first normal head.

 Vertical 2 The tool is assembled vertically on the second normal head.

Horizontal
rotating
transmission

The tool is fitted on the first output of an angular transmission

Horizontal rot 1
with two outputs;

The tool is fitted on the second output of an angular

Horizontal rot 2
transmission with two outputs;

Special
transmission

The tool is fitted on an angular transmission with an output

Fixed angle 30°
tilted at 30°

The tool is fitted on an angular transmission with an output

Fixed angle 45°
tilted at 45°

The tool is fitted on an angular transmission with an output

Fixed angle 5°
tilted at 5°

The tool is fitted on an angular transmission with an output

Fixed angle 15°
tilted at 15°

5 axes

5-axis head The tool is fitted on a 5-axis head

4-axes tilting The tool is fitted on a 4-axes transmission with turntable (tot.
transmission 5 axes).

4-axes tilting The tool is fitted on a 4-axes transmission with turntable (tot.
head 5 axes).

Transmission on The tool is fitted on an angular transmission with a single

5-axis head output which in turn is tooled on a 5-axis head

The tool is fitted on the first output of the angular

Transmission (1)
transmission with four output which in turn is tooled on a 5-
on 5-axis head
axis head
 Transmission (2) The tool is fitted on the second output of the angular
on 5-axis head transmission which in turn is tooled on a 5-axis head

Transmission (3) The tool is fitted on the third output of the angular
on 5-axis head transmission which in turn is tooled on a 5-axis head

Transmission (4) The tool is fitted on the fourth output of the angular
on 5-axis head transmission which in turn is tooled on a 5-axis head

Bottom heads

The tool is fitted on the first head that allows to perform

Bottom head
machining below the part

The tool is fitted on the first head that allows to perform

Bottom head 2
machining below the part

Changing this parameter will also change the geometric representation and the parameters that are
part of it.

Specific parameters

The specific parameters vary depending on the type of tool.

Parameters shared by all tool types

Name: This parameter defines the name by which the current tool is identified in the program. The
program prevents two tools being created with the same name by displaying a hazard window (see
Figure ) inasmuch there can be no uncertainty.

Type of machining operation: This parameter allows defining the type of tool selected.

Compensation: This parameter defines the compensation to be used during the machining
operations of the current tool. Once the command has been activated, the program displays the
Compensation selected dialog box that contains the compensation values (radius, length, ..) set in
the numerical control table, which are used during the execution of the NC program. Only one
compensation can be associated to each tool and can be chosen by selecting the desired parameter
(see Figure ). If the compensation is set to 0, the correction is made by the software and not by the
NC.
(green= compensation free, red= compensation in use, yellow = current compensation).

Water: This parameter defines the type of water supply during the machining operation. The water
supply modes are:

 yes/both: both the internal and external water supply are enabled;
 internal: only the internal water is enabled;
 external: only the external water is enabled;
 intermittent: the water is activated at intervals defined by the machine logic;
 no: the water is not used.

Parameter present in all machining operations except for probing and waterjet.

Tool cost: This parameter defines the cost of the tool and is used to estimate the machining costs of
the current project and the cost/metre of the tool.

Parameter present in all machining operations except for probing and waterjet.

Feasible metres: This parameter defines the average value of feasible cutting metres of the tool and
is used to estimate the machining costs of the current project and the cost/metre of the tool.

Parameter present in all machining operations except for probing and waterjet.

Rotation: this parameter defines the standard rotation speed measured in revolutions per minute
that the tool assumes during machining.

Parameter present in all machining operations except for probing and waterjet.
Direction: this parameter is only available for some types of machines and allows defining the tool
rotation direction.

Parameter present in all machining operations except for probing and waterjet.

Specific parameters of each type of tool

Drillers

Figure 7.5: Tool Management - Drillers

Max material: this parameter defines the maximum amount of material that the tool can remove
during machining. If this parameter is set to 0 no checks are performed on it.

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Lead-Out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Router
 Figure 7.6: Tool Management - Router

Router type: this parameter defines the shape of the tool and is important in the calculation of the
machining operation because the software takes the shape of the selected tool into account.

Max material: this parameter defines the maximum amount of material that the tool can remove
during machining. If this parameter is set to 0 no checks are performed on it.

Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Longitudinal overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in,
voluntarily left in excess on the part in a longitudinal direction relative to the tool (on the length of
the tool).

Head Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during head machining, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.
Lead-Out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Profiling tool

The profiling tools are divided into diamond profiling tool and polishing profiling tool.

Figure 7.7: Diamond profiling tool

 Figure 7.8: Polishing profiling tool

They share the following parameters:

Number of profiles: this parameter defines the number of profiles that make up the tool. All other
specific parameters refer to the individual profile currently selected, which can be changed by
selecting the tabs of the different profiles in the lower left (see Figure 7.10).

Figure 7.9: Profile number selection parameter

Figure 7.10: Icons to switch from the parameters of one profile to another.

Section: this parameter defines the shape of the tool section, i.e. the cutting section, choosing the
standard ones from the appropriate drop-down menu or by selecting the command that displays
the Section Manager dialog box (see Figure ), in which new sections can be defined, or existing
ones deleted.
 Figure 7.11: Section

Section thickness: this parameter defines the thickness of the section on the profile of the tool. This
value is a form of security to prevent them from being mistakenly matched during the definition of
the profiling kit.

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Lead-out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Diamond profiling tool

Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Longitudinal overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in,
voluntarily left in excess on the part in a longitudinal direction relative to the tool (on the length of
the tool).

Polishing profiling tool

Wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of radial wear and thereby allows the machine to
compensate, with compensation, the radial wear of the tool during machining.
Longitudinal wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of longitudinal wear and thereby
allows the machine to compensate, with compensation, the longitudinal wear of the tool during
machining.

Blades

Max material: this parameter defines the maximum amount of material that the tool can remove
during machining. If this parameter is set to 0 no checks are performed on it.

Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Absorption: this parameter defines the maximum effort sustained by the spindle during machining.
This parameter must be enabled for some machines from the machine.ppd file.

Head Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during head machining, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.
Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min

Engraving

The engraving tools are subdivided into diamond grooving and polish grooving.

Figure 7.12: diamond grooving

 Figure 7.13: polish grooving

They share the following parameters:

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min

Lead-out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Diamond grooving

Max material: this parameter defines the maximum amount of material that the tool can remove
during machining. If this parameter is set to 0 no checks are performed on it.

Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Polish grooving

Wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of radial wear and thereby allows the machine to
compensate, with compensation, the radial wear of the tool during machining

Bevelling

The bevelling tools are subdivided in diamond bevelling and polish bevelling.

Figure 7.14: Diamond bevelling

 Figure 7.15: Polish bevelling

They share the following parameters:

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min

Lead-out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Diamond bevelling

Max material: this parameter defines the maximum amount of material that the tool can remove
during machining. If this parameter is set to 0 no checks are performed on it.
Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Polish bevelling

Wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of radial wear and thereby allows the machine to
compensate, with compensation, the radial wear of the tool during machining

Polishing

Pre-load: this parameter for spring tools defines the additional depth the tool must make, after
having performed the depth that positions the tool flush with the part, in order to load the spring that
will compensate for the wear.

Lead-in Feed: this parameter defines the entry speed of the tool into the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min
Lead-out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

Wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of radial wear and thereby allows the machine to
compensate, with compensation, the radial wear of the tool during machining

Longitudinal wear: this parameter defines the tool coefficient of longitudinal wear and thereby
allows the machine to compensate, with compensation, the longitudinal wear of the tool during
machining.

Probing

Probe type: this parameter defines the type of probe.

Waterjet
Overmaterial: this parameter defines the amount of material, expressed in mm or in, voluntarily
left in excess on the part in a radial direction relative to the tool (the length of the tool radius).

Corners Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool in the vicinity of edges along the
machining path, expressed in mm/min or in/min.

Feed: this parameter defines the speed of the tool during the machining of the part, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

Lead-out Feed: this parameter defines the exit speed of the tool from the part, expressed in mm/min
or in/min.

7.1.4 Tool geometry parameters

This area allows viewing and editing all the geometrical parameters for each tool. This contains a
generic graphic representation of the type of tool selected, the characteristics of which are described
by parameters. The parameters vary depending on the type of tool selected.
For the blade only, the working radius that is handled by the software must be considered positive if
the tip of the blade is to the right of the spindle’s centre of rotation, negative if to the left.
The Details command is also present for the blades. Once this command has been activated, the
program displays a dialog box showing an enlargement of the blade profile to add additional
geometrical data on the size of the cut profile.

7.1.5 Tool database buttons

This command prints a sheet containing all the characteristics of a tool or a list of the tools in the
database.

The procedure to print the tool data sheets is as follows:

 Enable the Print command.

 Select the tools of which you wish to print the data sheet. The data sheet of all tools can be
printed by selecting the All command.
 Select OK.
The software automatically opens the DDX Printer Server with the tool data sheets to print.

The tool data sheet contains:

 Tool name.
 Detail of the tool general parameters.
 Detail of the tool specific parameters.
 Detail of the tool geometric parameters.
 Figure 7.16: Tool data sheet

The procedure to print the list of tools is as follows:

 Enable the Print command.

 Select the tools to be included in the list of tools to be printed. All tools can be entered in the
list by selecting the All command.
 Select the Print tools list option.
 Select the OK command
The software automatically opens the DDX Printer Server with the list of tools to print entered.
The tools list contains:

 Type and name of the tool.

 Subtype of each tool.

  Position of each tool.
 Compensation of each tool.
 Length of each tool.
 Diameter of each tool.
 Max material of each tool.

Figure 7.17: Tool list

This command allows exiting the Tool management window confirming all changes made to the
database.

This command allows exiting the Tool management window without saving the changes made to
the database even if already confirmed with the appropriate command.

This command in the lower right of the Tool management window displays the Import and Export
commands. If the Import and Export commands are already visible in the lower right, they can be
hidden with .
This command allows importing one or more tools from a file. Once the command has been
activated, the program displays the Windows import file dialog box (see Figure ), which defines the
location, the name and extension of the file to be imported. Once the file has been selected and
opened, the program displays the Tool import dialog box (see Figure ) that contains a list of all the
tools in the file from which to select those to be imported. More than one tool can be imported by
pressing the Ctrl key while selecting them, or by using the All command to import all the tools in
the file.

This command allows exporting one or more tools in a file. Once the command has been activated,
the program displays the Tool export dialog box (see Figure ) that contains a list of all the tools in
the Tool database from which to select those to be exported. More than one tool can be exported by
pressing the Ctrl key while selecting them, or by using the All command to export all the tools in
the database. Once the selection of the tools has been confirmed, the program displays the Windows
export file dialog box (see Figure 7.19), which defines the location, the name and extension of the
file to be exported.
 Figure 7.18: Tool export

Figure 7.19: Saving exported tools

7.2 Kits
This command opens the kit database, which contains all the user-defined kits with related
characteristics.

The term kit means the set of tools and parameters used for a specific machining operation.

One or more tools may be associated depending on the machining type of the kit.

In particular, only one tool is allowed for the drilling, surface roughing, surface finishing, lathe
roughing, lathe finishing, and waterjet kits.

On the contrary, a list of one or more tools can be entered in the routing, cutting, profiling,
pocketing, engraving, grooving, bevelling, 5-axis finishing kits.

Once this command has been activated, the program displays the Machining library management
dialog box (see Figure 7.20), which comprises the following areas:

1. Directory list of the kits grouped by machining type.

2. Buttons to interact with the parameters of the kit.
3. Tools and machining properties belonging to the currently selected kit.
4. Directory list of the tools grouped by type, compatible with the selected kit.
5. Buttons to interact with the kit database.

Figure 7.20: Machining library management

The command can be activated both from the Database menu and by pressing the K button within
the Database menu.
7.2.1 Kit tree

This directory list contains all kits in the program, divided into the types of machining available for
the machine, including the following:

 drilling.
 routing.
 cutting.
 pocketing.
 profiling.
 engraving.
 grooving.
 bevelling.
 surface roughing.
 surface finishing.
 5-axis finishing.
 lathe roughing.
 lathe finishing.
 5-axis lathe finishing.
 waterjet.
 5-axis waterjet.
 commands.

By selecting the right button corresponding to the name of a kit, the program displays a drop-down
menu that contains two commands that allow the user to rename and delete the selected kit.

7.2.2 Kit parameter buttons

This button allows creating new kits.

Two different procedures can be followed to create a new kit:
  To create a kit identical to an existing one:
 Select an already existing kit.
 Enable the New command. The software creates a new kit by copying all the
characteristics of the selected tool. The new kit has the same name as the selected
one accompanied by a number because each kit must have a unique name.

 To create a new kit without any parameters:

 Select the type of kit machining you want to create.
 Enable the New command. The software creates a new kit belonging to the selected
category devoid of any value. The new kit has a New name accompanied by a
number because each tool must have a unique name.

This command allows deleting kits in the database.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the kit to delete.

 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the kit in the confirmation window that appears automatically.

This command allows renaming the kits in the database.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the kit to rename.

 Enable the Rename command.
 Enter the new name of the kit and press Enter.

7.2.3 Used tools

This area allows viewing and editing all parameters of each kit.

The parameters of a kit are:

 Name of the kit.

 Properties of the kit, divided into General and Advanced.
  Tools that make up the kit.

The tools in the kit can be disabled by clearing the check mark next to the name of the tool, which
changes the icon of the tool with an overlaid red X.
The meaning and function of each parameter in the General and advanced properties and in the
Tools are explained in detail in Chapter 11.
Proceed as follows to edit a kit:
 Select the kit.
 Modify the desired parameters.
 Confirm the changes made to the kit by pressing the Enter key.

Figure 7.21: General and advanced properties of the kits

By selecting the name of a tool with the right mouse button, the program displays a menu with
Properties as the sole command. Once the command has been activated, the program displays the
Properties dialog box, which contains all the characteristics of the selected tool.
7.2.4 Tools

This area allows viewing all tools divided by type that can be entered into the currently selected kit.

Below is a list showing which tools can be used for each type of machining operation:

 Drilling consists of driller type tools.

 Routing consists of driller and router type tools.
 Cutting operations consists of blade, drill, router and waterjet type tools.
 Pocketing comprises router type tools and polishing and profiling tools.
 Profiling comprises probe type tools and profiling tools.
 Engraving comprises router, probe and profiling type tools.
 Grooving comprises grooving type tools.
 Bevelling comprises bevelling tools.
 Surface roughing comprises driller, router and blade type tools.
 Surface finishing comprises router, blade, polishing and profiling type tools.
 5-axis finishing comprises router, blade, probe, polishing and profiling type tools.
 Lathe Roughing comprises blade type tools.
 Lathe Finishing comprises router and blade type tools.

Two different procedures can be followed to add / remove a tool:

 Using drag'n'drop:
 Select a tool from the tools list and drag it to the used tools list or vice versa.
 Using the arrow commands:
 Select the tool to be moved.
  Enable the command or to add or remove the tool from the kit.

By selecting the name of a tool with the right mouse button, the program displays a menu with
Properties as the sole command. Once the command has been activated, the program displays the
Properties dialog box, which contains all the characteristics of the selected tool.

7.2.5 Kit database buttons

This command allows printing a sheet containing all of the characteristics and the list of tools
belonging to a kit.

The procedure to print the kit data sheets is as follows:

 Enable the Print command.

 Select the kit of which you want to print the data sheet. The data sheet of all kits can be
printed by selecting the All command.
 Select Ok.

The software automatically opens the DDX Printer Server with the kit data sheets to print.

The kit data sheet contains:

 Name of the kit.

 Details of the kit properties.
 Details of the kit advanced properties.
 Details of the tools used and their condition (enabled, disabled, deleted).

This command allows exiting the Machining library management window confirming all changes
made to the database.

This command allows you to exit from the Machining library management without saving the
changes made to the database.
This command in the lower right of the Machining library management window displays the Import
and Export commands. However, if the Import and Export commands are already visible, they can
be hidden with the command in the lower right.

This command allows importing one or more kits from a file. Once the command has been
activated, the program displays the Windows Import file dialog box (see Figure 7.22), which
defines the location, the name and extension of the file to be imported. Once the file has been
selected and opened, the program displays the Kit import dialog box (see Figure 7.23) that contains
a list of all the kits in the file from which to select those to be imported. More than one kit can be
imported by pressing the Ctrl key while selecting them, or by using the All command to import all
the kits in the file.

Figure 7.22: Import

 Figure 7.23: Selection of kit to import

This command allows exporting one or more kits from a file. Once the command has been
activated, the program displays the Kit export dialog box (see Figure 7.24), that contains a list of all
the kits in the Kit database from which to select those to be exported. More than one kit can be
exported by pressing the Ctrl key while selecting them, or by using the All command to export all
the kits in the database. Once the selection of the kits has been confirmed, the program displays the
Windows File export dialog box (7.25), in which to define the location, the name and extension of
the file to be exported.
 Figure 7.24: Selection of kit to export

Figure 7.25: Save as

7.3 Automatic CAM configuration

This command displays the dialog box that contains the configurations database for the user-defined
automatic CAM, each with its own parameters. A configuration for the automatic CAM is a set of
associations that connect the machining kits to layers or labels. These associations are used by the
program to automatically define the machining of the parts and thus speed up the production
process. In particular, the automatic CAM is used on parts with a predetermined structure imported
from other programs, or on parts created with the use of Components commands (Ref. ).

Figure 7.26: Automatic CAM Configuration

The Automatic CAM Configuration dialog box (see Figure 7.26) comprises the following areas:

1. Interaction buttons with the configurations.

2. Directory list of the general properties of the current configuration.
3. Interaction buttons with the associations.
4. Directory list of the associations.
5. Directory list of the kits.
6. Interaction buttons with the Automatic CAM Configuration dialog box.
7.3.1 Configuration buttons

Drop-down menu to choose the configuration: This drop-down menu allows selecting the
configuration amongst the existing ones to be made current.
new: This command creates new configurations.
The procedure is as follows:

 Enable the New command.

 Enter the name of the new configuration.
 Confirm the creation of the new configuration with Ok.

delete: This command deletes the configurations present.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the one to be deleted from the list of configurations in the drop-down menu.
 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the configuration with Yes.

copy: This command creates a new configuration with the same parameters as an existing
configuration.
The procedure is as follows:

 Select the one to be copied from the list of configurations in the drop-down menu.
  Enable the Copy command.
 Enter the name of the copy, which must be different from that of the original.
 Confirm the creation of the new configuration, which has the parameters identical to those
of the initial configuration, by selecting the OK command.

7.3.2 General configuration property tree

This directory list contains the general machining parameters of the current configuration.

Figure 7.27: General tree

Groups
This parameter allows applying the configuration to all parts in the project or just a part of them.
The possible groups are:

 All parts: the configuration is applied to all parts of the current project.
 Parts of the current group: the configuration is applied to the current group only.

Start

This parameter allows entering an SCL script at the start of the configuration, which is executed
before the machining operations are created.

Part

This group of parameters defines the operations to be performed before or after the machining of
each part. The Part group of parameters is divided into:

 start: this parameter defines which operations to perform on the part before the machining
calculation. The possible operations are:
 no operation: no operation is performed.
 reset: all machining operations applied to the part are cancelled.
 recalculate existing machining: all machining operations already present are
recalculated.
 end: this parameter defines which operations to perform on the part after machining
calculation. The possible operations are:
 no operation: no operation is performed.
 reset: all machining operations applied to the part are cancelled.
 script SCL start: this parameter allows entering a SCL script prior to the machining of the
part.
 script SCL end: this parameter allows entering a SCL script after the machining of the part.

Origin

This group of parameters defines the position of the origin, which is necessary for the machining
calculation. The Origin group of parameters is divided into:

 Origin XY: this parameter defines the position of the origin on the X and Y plane. The
possible positions are:
 bottom-left.
 top-left.
 bottom-right.
 top-right.
 centre.
 generic.
 centre-left.
 centre-right.
 bottom-centre.
 top-centre.
 defined in project.
 Generic point: this parameter is only present if the XY Origin was set to generic and allows
numerically defining the XY coordinates in which the origin is located.
  Origin Z: this parameter defines where the origin of the Z-axis is located. The possible
positions are:
 above part
 centre of part
 above shim
 table
 generic (part ref.)
 generic (table ref.)
 defined in project.
 Z Generic: this parameter is only present if Origin Z was set to generic (ref.part) or generic
(ref.table) and allows numerically defining coordinate Z where the origin is located in
relation to the part or table.

Raw part

This group of parameter allows defining the type of raw part to be associated with each part. The
Raw part group of parameters is divided into:

 Type: this parameter allows defining the type of raw part to associate to the part. The types
of raw part are:
 Rectangular
 Offset
 External Offset
 Lathe.
 Minimum rectangular.
 Minimum lathe.
 From surfaces
 Generic from file
 Generic lathe
 From sheet.
 Defined in project.

The following parameters will vary depending on the type of raw part and are:

Rectangular

This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of the rectangular raw part.

 Position: this parameter allows defining the position of the geometry drawn with respect to
 the rectangular raw part. The possible positions are:
 centre.
 top-left.
 top-right.
 bottom-left.
 bottom-right.
 top-centre.
 bottom-centre.
 centre-left.
 centre-right.
 X dimension: this parameter allows defining the length of the rectangular raw part on the X
axis.
 Y dimension: this parameter allows defining the length of the rectangular raw part on the Y
axis.
 X offset: this parameter allows defining the length of the movement of the rectangular raw
part on the X axis in relation to the Position.
 Y offset: this parameter allows defining the length of the movement of the rectangular raw
part on the Y axis in relation to the Position.
 Thickness: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the rectangular raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Additional thickness: this parameter allows defining an additional thickness. Parameter

which is used especially when the thickness parameter is set to automatic to define an
additional thickness.

 Z position: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the Z
axis with respect to the upper surface of the geometry drawn. If the value is positive, the raw
part is raised and lowered if negative.

Offset
This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of the raw part from a layer.

 Layer offset: this parameter allows defining the name of the layer that contains the profile
of the raw part.
 Overmaterial: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the material to be added to
the raw part in relation to the profile of the part.
  Thickness: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the rectangular raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Additional thickness: this parameter allows defining an additional thickness. Parameter

which is used especially when the thickness parameter is set to automatic to define an
additional thickness

 Z position: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the Z
axis with respect to the upper surface of the geometry drawn. If the value is positive, the raw
part is raised, and lowered if negative

External Offset

Similar to the offset but instead of specifying a layer, it uses the outermost contour of the raw part
as the profile of the raw part.

 Overmaterial: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the material to be added to
the raw part in relation to the profile of the part.

 Thickness: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the rectangular raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Additional thickness: this parameter allows defining an additional thickness. Parameter

which is used especially when the thickness parameter is set to automatic to define an
additional thickness

 Z position: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the Z
axis with respect to the upper surface of the geometry drawn. If the value is positive, the raw
part is raised, and lowered if negative

Lathe

This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of the raw part on the lathe.

 Position: this parameter allows defining the position of the geometry drawn with respect to
the raw part. The possible positions are:
 centre.
 left.
 right.
  Generic point: this parameter allows defining the lengths of the movements of the raw part
centre from the geometry drawn on axes X, Y and Z.
 Length: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part.
 Side number: this parameter allows defining the number of sides of the raw part.
 Offset: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the X axis
compared to the geometry drawn.
 Diameter: this parameter allows defining the diameter of the raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Rotation: this parameter allows defining the rotation angle of the raw part.
 Direction: this parameter allows defining the direction of the raw part in relation to the
geometry drawn. The possible directions are:
 parallel to X: the raw part is positioned parallel to the X axis of the geometry drawn.
 parallel to Y: the raw part is positioned parallel to the Y axis of the geometry drawn.
 Section: this parameter allows defining the name of the layer that contains the profile of the
raw part. Leave this parameter empty in order to use a profile defined by the previous
parameters.

Minimum rectangular

This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of the minimum rectangular raw
part.

 Thickness: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the rectangular raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Additional thickness: this parameter allows defining an additional thickness. Parameter

which is used especially when the thickness parameter is set to automatic to define an
additional thickness.

 Z position: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the Z
axis with respect to the upper surface of the geometry drawn. If the value is positive, the raw
part is raised, and lowered if negative.

 Overmaterial: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the material to be added to
the raw part in relation to the profile of the part.

Minimum lathe
This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of minimum lathe raw part.

 Side number: this parameter allows defining the number of sides of the raw part.
 Rotation: this parameter allows defining the rotation angle of the raw part.
 Direction: this parameter allows defining the direction of the raw part in relation to the
geometry drawn. The possible directions are:
 parallel to X: the raw part is positioned parallel to the X axis of the geometry drawn.
 parallel to Y: the raw part is positioned parallel to the Y axis of the geometry drawn.
From surfaces

This parameter allows defining the raw part from one or more surfaces.

 Layer surfaces: this parameter allows defining the name of the layer that contains the
surface that defines the raw part.

Generic, from file

This parameter allows defining the raw part from a file.

 File: this parameter allows defining the name of the .vm file that contains the surface that
defines the raw part.

Generic lathe

This parameter allows defining the raw part as a generic lathe.

 Layer surfaces: this parameter allows defining the name of the layer that contains the
surface that defines the raw part.
 Generic point: this parameter allows defining the lengths of the movements of the raw part
centre from the geometry drawn on axes X, Y and Z.
 Direction: this parameter allows defining the direction of the raw part in relation to the
geometry drawn. The possible directions are:
 parallel to X: the raw part is positioned parallel to the X axis of the geometry drawn.
 parallel to Y: the raw part is positioned parallel to the Y axis of the geometry drawn.
From sheet

This group of parameters allows defining all the characteristics of the raw part from:

 Overmaterial: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the material to be added to
the raw part compared to the profile of the part.

 Thickness: this parameter allows defining the thickness of the rectangular raw part.

The automatic value can also be assigned to this parameter that allows the software to
 automatically set it based on the data of the part.

 Additional thickness: this parameter allows defining an additional thickness. Parameter

which is used especially when the thickness parameter is set to automatic to define an
additional thickness.

 Z position: this parameter allows defining the length of the raw part movement on the Z
axis with respect to the upper surface of the geometry drawn. If the value is positive, the raw
part is raised and lowered if negative

Defined in project.

This parameter allows keeping the raw part defined in the project without making any changes.

End

This parameter allows entering a SCL script at the end of configuration, which is executed after the
creation of the machining operation.

7.3.3 Buttons for associations

association type: this command allows defining the type of association to use.
The types of associations are:
 Layer: the machining operations are associated with a layer based on the name.
 Label: the machining operations are associated with a label based on the name.

new: This command allows creating new associations or commands.

The procedure in order to create an association is as follows:

 Enable the New command.

 Enter the name of the new association or select it among those that are displayed by
selecting the dots.
 Confirm the creation of the new association by selecting the OK command.
 Assign a machining kit, from those in the kits directory list (Reference 7.3.5), to the
association created through the drag'n'drop operation.
The procedure to create a command is as follows:

 Enable the New command.

 Select the Command option.
  Confirm the creation of the new association by selecting the OK command.
 Assign a machining kit, from those in the kit directory list (Reference 7.3.5), to the
association created through the drag'n'drop operation.

Modify: This command allows changing the associations present.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the association to be modified.

 Enable the Modify command.
 Change the name and write it in the space provided or choosing it from those present in the
dots.
 Confirm the changes to the association by selecting the OK command
Delete: this command allows deleting the associations present.
The procedure is as follows:

 Select the association to delete from the directory list of associations.

 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the association by selecting the Yes command.

7.3.4 Association directory list

Figure 7.28: Associations section

This directory list allows viewing and editing the parameters of each layer or label association and
the machining kits of the current configuration.

The parameters of an association are:

 Name of the layer or label.

 Tool that is part of the association.
 Properties of the association divided in General and Advanced.

Figure 7.29: Association type

Figure 7.30: Name of new application

To create associations with several layers or several labels, one or more asterisks can be used in the
name to replace any character. For example, the following uses are possible, assuming that there are
layers or labels called one, two, three, four:

 u*: only the name one is associated.

 *u*: names two and four are associated.
 *u*o: only the name four is associated.

General properties

The values of the general properties may derive from the values set in the associated machining kit.

Order: this parameter allows defining the type of machining order. The possible types are:

 automatic: the order is automatically defined by the software.

 locked: the machining order is respected.

Single machining: this parameter allows defining whether to perform a single machining operation
for multiple layers or make one for each.

Closed path chaining: specifies the type of chaining to use in closed paths. The type of path can be
defined by the kit, or follow a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

 Derived from kit.

  Counter-clockwise direction.
 Clockwise direction.

Open path chaining: with the following parameter, the operator is able to define the machining
start point and the direction to follow, i.e. the chaining to use is defined.

Path type:

 Derived from kit.

 Centre of raw part to the left.
 Centre of raw part to the right.
 Counter-clockwise, closing with line.
 Clockwise, closing with line.
 Closer to the centre of the raw part.
 Further from the centre of the raw part.
 Closer to the exterior of the raw part.
 Further from the exterior of the raw part.
 Long side.
 Short side.
 Angle from outside.
 Angle from inside.
 Order in the database.
 Order in the database, inverted.
 Order by Minimum X local, increasing Y.
 Order by Minimum X local, decreasing Y.
 Order by Minimum Y local, increasing X.
 Order by Minimum Y local, decreasing X.
 Order by Maximum X local, increasing Y.
 Order by Maximum X local, decreasing Y.
 Order by Maximum Y local, increasing X.
 Order by Maximum Y local, decreasing X.
 Order by Minimum X global, increasing Y.
 Order by Minimum X global, decreasing Y.
 Order by Minimum Y global, increasing Y.
 Order by Minimum Y global, decreasing Y.
 Order by Maximum X global, increasing Y.
  Order by Maximum X global, decreasing Y.
 Order by Maximum Y global, increasing X.
 Order by Maximum Y global, decreasing X.

Start closed paths: determines the machining starting point for closed paths.

Type of path start:

 Derived from kit.

 Selection.
 Midpoint long side.
 Midpoint short side.
 Midpoint upper side.
 Midpoint lower side.
 Midpoint left side.
 Midpoint right side.
 Corner long side.
 Corner short side.
 Corner X min local.
 Corner X max local.
 Corner Y min local.
 Corner Y max local.
 Corner Z min local.
 Corner Z max local.
 Corner X min global.
 Corner X max global.
 Corner Y min global.
 Corner Y max global.
 Corner Z min global.
 Corner Z max global.
 Closer to the raw part centre.
 Further from the raw part centre.
 Closer to raw part exterior.
 Further from raw part exterior.

Path order: if a machining operation involves multiple paths, this parameter allows choosing
which path to start from. The order of the paths is activated by selecting more items to work with
the same kit.

At this point, in order to speed up the process, the paths can be ordered by following very precise
rules so that, given an initial path, another closer path is subsequently machined rather than
machining a path further away and then moving closer again and so on. This parameter is very
important in order to optimize the machining speed.

Type of order:

 Derived from kit.

 Selection.
 Inside to outside.
 Outside to inside.
 Horizontal, vertical, increasing Y.
 Horizontal, vertical, decreasing Y.
 Vertical, horizontal, increasing X.
 Vertical, horizontal, decreasing X.
 Minimum X, increasing Y.
 Minimum X, decreasing Y.
 Minimum X, optimize.
 Maximum X, increasing Y.
 Maximum X, decreasing Y.
 Maximum X, optimize.
 Minimum Y, increasing X.
 Minimum Y, decreasing X.
 Minimum Y, optimize.
 Maximum Y, increasing X.
 Maximum Y, decreasing X.
 Maximum Y, optimize.
 Minimum Z, optimize.
 Maximum Z, optimize.

Advanced properties

Condition: this parameter allows defining the conditions that must occur in order to ensure the
association of the machining operation to the part (see Figure 7.31).
 Figure 7.31: Conditions

To enter up to three conditions, the procedure is as follows:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialog box automatically opens.
 Select the drop-down menu to set one or more conditions.
 Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.
To add more conditions, the procedure is as follows:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialog box automatically opens.
 Select the Advanced option.
 Write the conditions in the text line using the parameter codes (see Figure (table)).
 Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command

The codes that can be used with the Advanced option active are shown in the following table.

PARAMETER ADVANCED CODE

Current group CURRGROUP

Current part CURRPIECE

Raw part type TYPE

Thickness THICK
Raw part position POS

Pos Z POSZ

Dim X DIMX

Dim Y DIMY

Ofs X OFFSETX

Ofs Y OFFSETY

Overmaterial OVERMAT

Origin XYTYPE

Origin Z ZTYPE

X min raw part BOXXMIN

X max raw part BOXXMAX

Y min raw part BOXYMIN

Y max raw part BOXYMAX

Z min raw part BOXZMIN

Z max raw part BOXZMAX

The operands that can be used with the Advanced option active are shown in the following table.

ADVANCED
OPERANDS
OPERANDS
 Equal ==

Higher >

Lower <

Different !=

Higher Equal >=

Lower Equal <=

And AND

Or OR

Filter: This parameter allows defining filters, i.e. allows defining the types of articles to which to
apply the association (see Figure 7.32).

Figure 7.32: Filter

The procedure to create a filter is as follows:

 Enable the Filter command. The Filter dialogue box opens automatically.
 Select the drop-down menu to set up the filter.
 Select the drop-down menu to set up any conditions related to the filter.
 Confirm the filter and the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.

The available filters are:

 Lines only.
  Arcs only.
 Lines and Arcs only.
 Circles only.
 Holes only.
 Text only.
 Nurbs curves only.
 Nurbs surfaces and polymesh only.
 Nurbs surfaces only.
 Polymesh only.
 All types.

Variation: this parameter allows making changes to the machining operations. To apply the desired
change, a label must initially be associated to the article to be machined, subsequently selecting
variations within the automatic CAM dialogue box.

Figure 7.33: Automatic CAM machining changes

The Variation dialogue box (see Figure 7.33) is subdivided into:

 Label: this parameter allows selecting the name of the label to which to apply the machining
changes.

 Variation type: this parameter allows defining the type of change to be applied to the
machining operation, i.e. the machining parameters of which the value must be changed.

The possible variations are:

 none: no variation is applied.

 feed: changes the feed in the machining section associated with the label in question;
 initial extension: elongates the tool lead-in.
  final extension: elongates the tool lead-out.
 stop: enters a machine stop at the end of the selected entity.

 command: enters a direct command after the machining of the selected entity.
 initial sinking: defines how much the tool must sink into raw part in the initial part of the
entity associated with the label in question.
 final sinking: defines how much the tool must sink into raw part in the final part of the entity
associated with the label in question.
 initial width: defines how wide the machining should be in the initial part of the entity
associated with the label in question.
 final width: defines how wide the machining should be in the final part of the entity
associated with the label in question.
 Value: this parameter defines the value of the machining parameter to change.

SCL Script start: this parameter allows entering a SCL script prior to the application of the
machining operation to the part. (see Figure 7:34)
 Figure 7.34: SCL Script

SCL Script end: this parameter allows entering a SCL script after the application of the machining
operation to the part.

7.3.5 Kit tree

This directory list contains all kits in the program, divided into the following machining types
available for the machine:

 drilling.
 routing.
 cutting.
 pocketing.
 profiling.
 engraving.
 grooving.
 bevelling.
 surface roughing.
 surface finishing.
  5-axis finishing.
 lathe roughing.
 lathe finishing.
 5-axis lathe finishing.
 waterjet.
 5-axis waterjet.
 commands.

7.3.6 Automatic CAM interaction Buttons

Verification: This command is available only if the Automatic CAM Configuration window is
opened from the machining mode, and allows starting the automatic CAM calculation.
Ok: This command allows quitting the Automatic CAM Configuration window confirming all
changes made to the configurations.
Cancel: This command allows quitting from the Automatic CAM Configuration window without
saving the changes to the configurations-
Import: This command allows importing a configuration from a file for the automatic CAM. Once
the command has been enabled, the program displays the Windows file import dialog box (see
Figure ), which defines the location, the name and extension of the file to be imported. Once the file
has been selected and opened, the program displays the Name dialog box (see Figure ) in which to
rename the configuration to import.
Esporta: This command allows exporting a configuration for the automatic CAM from a file. Once
the command has been enabled, the program displays the Windows file export dialog box (see
Figure ), which defines the location, the name and extension of the file to be exported.

7.4 Automatic DISP configuration

This command displays the dialog box that contains the database of configurations for the user-
defined automatic DISP, each with its own parameters. An automatic DISP configuration is a set of
associations that link the shims to the parts. These associations are used by the program to
automatically define the arrangement of the parts and thus to speed up the production process. In
particular, the automatic DISP is used on parts with a predetermined structure and imported from
other programs, or parts created using the Components command (Ref. ).
 Figure 7.35: Automatic DISP configuration

The Automatic DISP configuration dialogue box (see Figure ) comprises the following areas:

1. Configuration interaction buttons.

2. Directory list of the current configuration general properties.
3. Association interaction buttons.
4. Association directory list.
5. Shim directory list.
6. Automatic DISP configuration dialogue box interaction buttons.

7.4.1 Configuration buttons

configuration selection drop-down menu: This drop-down menu allows selecting the
configuration amongst the existing ones to make current.
new: New configurations can be created with this command.
The procedure is as follows:
 Enable the New command.
 Enter the name of the new configuration. The name must be different from that of any other
configuration, since each tool must have a unique name.
 Confirm the new configuration by selecting the Ok command.
delete: This command allows deleting the configurations present.
The procedure is as follows:
  Select the configuration to be deleted from the list in the drop down menu.
 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the configuration by selecting the Yes command.

copy: This command allows to create a new configuration with the same parameters of an existing
configuration.
The procedure is as follows:
 Select the configuration to be copied from the list in the drop down menu.
 Enable the Copy command.
 Enter the name of the copy, which must be different from that of the original, since each tool
must have a unique name.
 Confirm the new configuration, which has all the parameters identical to those of the initial
configuration, by selecting the Ok command.

7.4.2 Configuration general property tree

This directory list contains the current configuration general parameters.

Groups
This parameter allows applying the configuration to all the parts in the project or just a part of them.
The possible groups are:

 all parts: the configuration is applied to all parts of the current project.
 parts of the current group: the configuration is applied to the current grouping only.

Start

This group of parameters allows defining the operations to be performed at the start of
configuration. The group of Start parameters is subdivided in:

 operation: this parameter allows defining which operations to perform on the part prior to
the arrangement calculation. The possible operations are:
 no operation: no operation is performed.
 reset: the current arrangement is deleted.
 initial arrangement: this parameter allows to set an initial arrangement already defined in a
file (of type Initial Arr File (*.disp)). Once the parameter has been selected, the program
displays the of Windows open file dialog box (see Figure ), which defines the location, the
name and extension of the file that defines the original arrangement. To delete the set initial
arrangement file, select it with the right button of the mouse and select Delete.
  SCL script: this parameter allows entering a SCL script at the start of configuration, which
is executed before the arrangement.
Parameters
This group of parameters allows defining:

 optimization: this parameter is only used if there are several parts in the project and defines
the type of optimization to be applied to the machining operation. Possible optimizations
are:
 part: the machine performs all the machining operations with all the necessary tools
on a part before moving to the next part.
 project: the machine performs all the machining operations with the same tool on all
parts before passing the next tool, thus saving tool change time.
 active table: this parameter is used only if it allows defining which the currently active table
is.

Interference check

This parameter allows defining the type of interference check the program must perform. The
Interference Check group of parameters is subdivided into:

 Perform check: this parameter allows enabling or disabling the interference check.
 Minimum distance: this parameter defines the minimum distance below which the program
must give the danger of collision warning.
 Controls: this parameter allows defining the parts (part, shim, vacuums, references, vices,
etc.) between which to perform the interference check. The possible controls are:
 vacuums only: a control is made that there are no interferences between the vacuums
used in the current project.
 shim: a control is made that there are no interferences between the shims used in the
current project.
 shims and table: a control is made that there are no interferences between the shims
and the worktable used in the current project.
 shims, table and other parts: a control is made that there are no interferences
between the shims, worktable and the parts used in the current project.
 shims and other parts: a control is made that there are no interferences between the
shims and parts used in the current project.
 vacuums and table only: a control is made that there are no interferences between the
vacuums and the worktable used in the current project.
  vacuums, table and other parts only: a control is made that there are no interferences
between the vacuums, the worktable and the parts used in the current project.
 vacuums and other parts only: a control is made that there are no interferences
between the vacuums and the parts used in the current project.

Setup

This parameter allows defining the parameters of the setup to be used during machining. The group
of Setup parameters is subdivided into:

 Type: this parameter allows defining the type of setup. The types of setup are:

 automatic: the program places each tool in the tool holder defined in the tool magazine.
 from file: this parameter allows setting a setup already defined in a file (type Set Up File
(*.stf)).
 predefined: the setup defined in Arrange mode is saved without any changes made.

 File: this parameter is active only if the type of setup is set as from file and allows defining
the setup file name.

End

This group of parameters allows defining the operations to be performed at the end of configuration.
The End group of parameters is subdivided into:

 operation: this parameter allows defining which operations to perform on the part after the
arrangement calculation. The possible operations are:
 no operation: no operation is performed.
 reset: the current arrangement is deleted.
 delete unused vacuums: deletes all unused vacuums.
 SCL script: this parameter allows entering a SCL script at the end of configuration, which
is executed after the arrangement.

7.4.3 Association buttons

new shim: This command allows creating new associations with shims.
The procedure to create an association is as follows:
 Enable the New shim command.
 Assign a shim, from those in the directory list of shims (See 7.4.5), to the association created
through the drag'n'drop operation.
new part: This command allows creating new associations with the parts.
The procedure to create an association is as follows:
 Enable the New part command.
 Assign a part to the association created by setting its parameters (See 7.4.4).

delete: This command allows deleting the associations present.

The procedure is as follows:
 Select the one to delete from the directory list of associations.
 Enable the Delete command.
 Confirm the deletion of the association by selecting the Yes command.

7.4.4 Association tree

This directory list contains the associations between shims and the parts that allow the program to
automatically calculate the arrangement.

Each shim association contains a particular shim and the parameters that define its position, and
each part contains parameters that allow identifying the part and defining the position.

Shim

Class: this parameter allows defining the identification number/name of the shim entered in the
association.

Position: this parameter allows defining the coordinates of the shim compared to the reference
position.

Reference position: this group of parameters defines the reference position of the shim coordinates.
The choices are:

 table, bottom left corner.

 table, bottom right corner.
 table, top left corner.
 table, top right corner.
 table, centre.
 part, bottom left corner.
 part, bottom right corner.
 part, top left corner.
 part, top right corner.
 part, centre.

The group of parameters is subdivided into:

 Part type: this parameter is used only if the Part reference parameter is set to one of the
options that use the part as a reference, and allows choosing how to identify the part to be
used as a reference. The choices are:
 By name.
 By ID.
 By order in the Database.
 Part identification: this parameter is used only if the Part type parameter is set by name, or
by ID, and allows entering the identification name or number of the part to be used as a
reference.

Angle: this parameter allows defining the angle of rotation with which to position the shim on the
worktable.

Advanced: this group of parameters contains additional parameters to define the shim.

 Condition: this parameter allows defining the conditions that must occur in order to perform
the association of the machining operation to the part (see Figure 7.31).
 Figure 7.31: Conditions

The procedure is as follows to enter up to three conditions:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialogue box automatically opens.
 Select the drop-down menu to set up one or more conditions.
 Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.
The procedure is as follows to add more conditions:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialogue box automatically opens.
 Select the Advanced option.
 Write the conditions in the text line using the parameter codes (see Figure (table)).
 Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.

The codes that can be used with the Advanced option active are indicated in the following
table.

ADVANCED
PARAMETER
CODE

Current Group CURRGROUP

Number of Parts NUMPIECES

The operands that can be used with the Advanced option are indicated in the following table.
 ADVANCED
OPERANDS
OPERANDS

Equal ==

Higher >

Lower <

Different !=

Higher Equal >=

Lower Equal <=

And AND

Or OR
  SCL Script start: this parameter allows entering a SCL script before the machine has
positioned the shim on the worktable.
 SCL Script end: this parameter allows entering a SCL script after the machine has
positioned the shim on the worktable.

Part

Part type: this parameter allows choosing how to identify the part entered in the association. The
choices are:

 By name.
 By ID.
 By order in the Database.

Part identification: this parameter is used only if the Part type parameter is set by name, or by ID,
and allows entering the identification name or number of the part to be used as a reference.

Positioning type: this group of parameters allows defining the type of part positioning. The
possible choices are:

 dimensions.
 bottom left alignment.
 top left alignment.
 bottom right alignment.
 top right alignment.
 fixed points.
The group of parameters is subdivided into:

 Position: this parameter is used only if the Positioning type parameter is set to positions,
and allows defining the barycentre of the part by entering the coordinates.
 Referenced to the origin: this option, if enabled, allows positioning the origin of the part in
the point defined by the Position parameter, otherwise it positions in the bottom left corner
of the part.
 Angle: this parameter allows defining the angle of rotation with which to position the part
on the worktable.
 Fixed point: this parameter is used only if the Positioning type parameter is set to fixed
points, and allows determining the fixed point in which to position the part.

Shim: this parameter allows determining the thickness of the shim.

Advanced: the conditions are defined within the advanced parameter to perform the automatic
arrangement, the SCL script start and SCL script end.

 Condition: This parameter allows defining the conditions that must occur in order to make
the association of the machining operation to the part (see Figure 7.31).

Figure 7.31: Conditions

The procedure is as follows to enter up to three conditions:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialogue box automatically opens.
 Select the drop-down menu to set up one or more conditions.
  Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.
The procedure is as follows to add more conditions:

 Enable the Condition command. The Condition dialogue box automatically opens.
 Select the Advanced option.
 Write the conditions in the text line using the parameter codes (see Figure (table)).
 Confirm the conditions set by selecting the Ok command.

The codes that can be used with the Advanced option active are indicated in the following
table.

ADVANCED
PARAMETER
CODE

Current Group CURRGROUP

Number of Parts NUMPIECES

The operands that can be used with the Advanced option are indicated in the following table.

ADVANCED
OPERANDS
OPERANDS

Equal ==

Higher >

lower <

Different !=

Higher Equal >=

Lower Equal <=

And AND
 Or OR

 SCL Script start: this parameter allows entering a SCL script before the machine has
positioned the shim on the worktable.
 SCL Script end: this parameter allows entering a SCL script after the machine has
positioned the shim on the worktable.
7.4.5 Shim tree

This directory list contains all the shims present in the program, divided into the types of shims
available for the machine, amongst the following:

 references.
 vacuums.
 vices.
 vacuums with references.

7.4.6 Automatic DISP interaction buttons

Verification: This command is available only if the Automatic DISP Configuration window is
opened from the machine mode, and allows starting the calculation of the automatic DISP.
Ok: This command allows quitting the Automatic DISP Configuration window confirming all
changes made to the configurations.
Cancel: This command allows quitting the Automatic DISP Configuration window without saving
the changes made to the configurations.
Import: This command allows importing a configuration from a file for the automatic DISP. Once
the command has been activated the program displays the Windows import file dialogue box (see
Figure ), which define the location, the name and extension of the file to be imported. Once the file
has been selected and opened, the program displays the Name dialog box (see Figure ) in which to
rename the configuration to import.
Export: This command allows exporting a configuration in a file for the automatic DISP. Once the
command has been activated the program displays the Windows export file dialog box (see Figure ),
which defines the location, the name and extension of the file to be exported.
 8 Mode menu

8.1 Draw mode

Figure 8.1: Draw mode

The Draw mode groups the commands for geometry definition relating to the product to
manufacture.

The commands are available both from the Draw, Build, Edit and Process drop-down
menus and from the control panel located beside the interface (see Figure 8.1).

The Draw mode will be elaborated in chapter no. 9 Design.

8.2 Machine mode

Figure 8.2: Machine mode

The machine mode comprises the commands for the definition of raw parts, paths and tools
relating to the machining of the drawn geometry.

The commands are available both from the Work drop-down menu and from the control
panel located beside the interface (see Figure 8.2).

The Machine mode will be elaborated in chapter no. 10 Machining.

8.3 Arrange mode

 Figure 8.3: Machine mode

The Arrange mode groups the commands for defining the arrangement of the raw part and
related shims on the worktable.

The commands are available both from the Arrange drop-down menu and from the control
panel located beside the interface (see Figure 8.3).

The Arrange mode will be elaborated in chapter no. 12 Arrangement.

8.4 Generate mode

 Figure 8.4: Generate mode

The Generate mode comprises the commands for the generation of the part machining
program and for the related file transfer to the machine, the running and view of simulation,
the calculation of duration and length of machining operations.

The commands are available both from the Generate drop-down menu and from the control
panel located beside the interface (see Figure 8.4).

The Generate mode will be elaborated in chapter no. 13 Generation.

 9 Design

The draw mode deals with the realization and editing of the geometry of the parts to
machine.

The draw mode control panel is subdivided into five overlapping pages which contain all
draw commands, i.e.:

 Draw.
 Build.
 Edit.
 Process.
 Art.

The commands can be activated from the control panel and from the Draw, Build, Edit,
 Process, Art menus available in the drop-down menu bar.

9.1 Parts and Layers

This command allows selecting the currently active part and layer.
Each project is made up of one or more parts, and each part is made up of one or more
layers.
Each layer has its own features, for instance its own Cartesian system and origin point; it is
made up of entities (lines, arcs, surfaces, etc.) which take on its reference plane.
By selecting the command (downward arrow icon), the program displays the Part and
Layer Management Dialog (see Figure ), which is made up of the following areas:

1. Directory list of parts and layers present in the current project.

2. Buttons for part and layer management.

9.1.1 Directory list of parts and layers

This directory list contains the parts involved in the current project along with their layers
and related features for each of them.
To view the layers of one part and related features select icon . To hide them select icon

instead (see Figure ). The properties of the layer can be modified by selecting them with
a double click.
It is possible to hide a part or a layer except for the current one by selecting the yellow bulb
alongside, which turns grey. To reactivate it just reselect the grey bulb, which turns yellow
again.
By right-clicking on a part or a layer the program will show a menu which enables cutting,
copying or pasting it.

9.1.1.1 Layer features

Reference plane

This parameter allows defining the reference plane of the layer among those available, i.e.:

 Top.
 Bottom.
 Front.
 Back.
 Left.
 Right.
 Vertical.
 Generic.
 Recess right.
 Recess left.
 Recess front.
 Recess back.
 By three-points.
 From current view.

It is also possible to select a surface or the side of a solid as a reference plane in the
graphics area; then the program sets the plane type and related parameters automatically.

Origin

This parameter allows defining the position of the origin point of the reference plane with
respect to the project origin.

It is possible to edit this parameter both by entering the values of the origin point
coordinates and by selecting it from the graphics area.

X angle

This parameter is available only for the down front, down back or generic reference planes,
and allows defining the width of the angle by which the plane rotates with respect to the X
axis of the global reference.

Y angle

This parameter is available only for the recess right, recess left or generic reference planes,
and allows defining the width of the angle by which the plane rotates with respect to the Y
axis of the global reference.

Z angle

This parameter is available only for the vertical or generic reference planes, and allows
defining the width of the angle by which the plane rotates with respect to the Z axis of the
global reference.
3-point-plane

This parameter allows defining the reference plane by giving three points.

The first point defines the reference plane origin, the second point defines the X axis and
the third point defines the Y axis.

9.1.2 Part and layer buttons

new P: this command allows adding a new part to the current project.
new L: this command allows adding a new part layer to the currently selected part.
erase: this command allows erasing the part or the currently selected layer.
edit: this command allows editing the name and the features of the parts and the layers.

9.1.3 Current layer selection area

In this area the commands are available for making the layers current in the graphics area
directly.
The commands allow activating the layers that are defined by reference planes such as top,
front, back, right, left and vertical.
In case more layers have the same reference plane it is possible to view the list by right-
clicking on the reference plane and then selecting the one to activate.

9.2 Entity colour

This command allows selecting the colour of the newly-created entities.

After selecting the command, the program displays the window for colour selection, where
it is possible to select the desired colour or select the Other command, which allows
displaying the Windows dialog box for choosing the colour (see Figure ), in order to have a
wider choice.
 Figure 9.1: Selection colours

9.3 Snap points

In this menu all commands that allow using the snap points are provided.

Snap ponts are points belonging to geometric entities or to the plane; they allow the user to
choose the selectable point, thus making drawing easier and accuracy higher.

It is possible to view the menu Snap points in two ways:

 by right-clicking on any point of the graphics area in draw mode, if no other command
is active.

 by left-clicking on the currently active snap point on the status bar.

Figure 9.2: Snap point menu

 The snap points are as follows:

End-point: acquires the end-point nearest to the selection point of the selected entity.

Midpoint: acquires the midpoint of the selected entity.

Centre: exactly identifies the central point of the selected circle or arc. In case of lines the
midpoint is identified.

Near point: acquires the entity point that is nearest to the selection point.

Quadrant: allows acquiring the circumference points along the axes which define the
quadrants (the point nearest to the selection point is selected.

Figure: Circle quadrants

Sketch: selects the plane point perfectly coinciding with the cursor position.

Grid: acquires the plane point coinciding with the grid point nearest to the selection.

Intersection: acquires the intersection point between two entities. To select it:

1. press the mouse left button when the cursor is on the first entity;

2. release the mouse left button when the cursor is on the second entity (while moving the
mouse the left button must be held down).

Layer Centre: acquires the barycentre of the layer the selected entity belongs to.

Tangent: acquires the point tangent to the selected entity.

Perpendicular: acquires the point perpendicular to the selected entity.

Automatic: allows acquiring the point in automatic mode according to the previously set up
configuration.

Automatic configuration: adds or deletes one snap point from the list of active snap points
during the Automatic point selection mode. To set up the automatic operation two different
procedures may be followed:

 select Automatic configuration and the desired snap point among those present in the
Configuration menu beside the Snap point menu.
 select Configure: a dialog box will open (see Figure 9.4) inside which it is possible to
select the snap points of interest. To add the type of snap point activate the flag beside the
desired snap point and confirm by pressing Ok.

Figure: Configure

The choice can also be carried out by selecting the letter corresponding to the desired snap
point.
It is possible to establish on which plane to create the drawing by selecting Draw in XY or
Draw in XYZ; this latter operation allows entering also the Z coordinate.
 Figure: Snap point menu

9.4 Commands

The parameters required by the system may be entered via keyboard or acquired from the
graphics area with the mouse.

The parameters that are supplied manually must be confirmed by selecting or

by pressing the key Enter of the keyboard, while the parameters supplied with the mouse
are confirmed automatically. To avoid this automatic confirmation hold down key Ctrl of
the keyboard during mouse acquisition. The confirmation of the last parameter runs the
command.

To cancel a command press button or key Esc of the keyboard. When the snap
points are active the command Cancel is also available from the menu which appears when
the mouse right key is pressed in the graphics area.

9.4.1 Point coordinates

During the drawing phase it is possible to provide, in addition to X and Y coordinates, also
the Z coordinate of points by right-clicking in the graphics area and selecting Draw in XYZ
 or Draw in XY.

The points may be provided both in Cartesian coordinates and in polar coordinates:

 Cartesian coordinates: enter values X, Y and Z separated by a comma. It is possible to

omit one of the coordinates by keeping the separating comma (e.g.:,,100); in that case the
value of the omitted component is equivalent to the value of the latest entered point.

 Polar coordinates: enter module (Length) and argument (Angle) separated by symbol
"<" (e.g. 100<45) in order. In Draw in XYZ mode the user may add the Z value preceded by
a comma (e.g. 100<45,50).

Both representations may be expressed absolutely or relatively: in the latter case the
coordinates must be preceded by symbol "@".

The Cartesian coordinates of points may be acquired as snap points by left-clicking in the
graphics area.

The points can always be entered through the calculator, which appears when the command
(see Figure ) next to the text box is clicked on.

9.4.2 Angle value

The value of an angle can be entered manually via keyboard or calculator.

Besides, the program allows entering the value of an angle by obtaining it from another
entity: in this case select the entity where data are to be obtained from by simultaneously
holding down the Shift key.

Alternatively it is possible to press button which is located next to the command

Calculator and choose one of the eight preset angles (see Figure 9.6).

Figure 9.6: Preset angles

9.4.3 Calculator
Some data required by the drawing functions, for instance the line by two points, can be
entered via the calculator. The calculator is activated by the key next to the data input box
(see Figure 9.7) and appears only when the function is enabled.

The Visual function shows the result of the operation carried out without closing the
calculator.

When the definition of the coordinates of one point is required, the X, Y and Z commands of
the calculator provide the result of the operation in the x, y or z field respectively. The
values attributed to the X,Y and Z can be called up by selecting MX, MY, MZ and used for
addition, multiplication, etc. operations. The Z and MZ functions are available only in
Draw in XYZ mode.

When the definition of a single datum is required, the X, Y, Z, MX, MY and MZ commands
are replaced by the Enter, M and < commands, which have the function of entering the
result of the latest operation, calling up the value present in the data box and erasing them
respectively.

Figure: Point input calculator

9.5 Draw Graph

9.5.1 2-point line

This command allows creating segments that are defined by the start point and the final
point.
 After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the start point.

 Select the final point.

The software allows creating another segment having as a start point the end-point of the
previous segment automatically.
To create a new segment:

 Select the new final point.

To interrupt the creation of segments:

 Select cancel or press the Esc. key.

Figure: Start point

Figure: End-point

9.5.2 Length angle line

This command allows creating a segment defined by the start point, the inclination angle
and the length.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the start point.

 Enter the value of the inclination angle with respect to the X axis.
 Enter the value of the segment length.

The length and the angle can be acquired from another geometric entity present in the
graphics area by selecting it with the mouse and holding down the Shift key simultaneously.
 Figure: Line with angle and length

9.5.3 Rectangle

This command allows creating a rectangle defined by the start point, the opposite vertex or
the dimensions of the rectangle and the base rotation angle.

There are two different procedures for drawing a rectangle.

After activating the command, the first procedure to observe is the following:

 Select the start point, i.e. the point on which the left lower corner of the rectangle is to
be positioned.
 Select the final point, i.e. the point on which the right upper corner of the rectangle is to
be positioned.
 Enter the value of the angle by which the rectangle is to be rotated.

By selecting the Fillet option it is possible to create a rectangle with filleted angles. In this
case, at the end of procedure it is necessary to enter the value of the fillet radius.
After activating the command, the second procedure to observe is as follows:

 Select the start point, i.e. the point on which the left lower corner of the rectangle is to
be positioned.
 Enter the value of the rectangle length.
 Enter the value of the rectangle height.
 Enter the value of the angle by which the rectangle is to be rotated.

By selecting the Fillet option it is possible to create a rectangle with filleted angles. In this
case, at the end of procedure it is necessary to enter the value of the fillet radius.
 Figure: Rectangle

Figure: Angle fillet

9.5.4 Polygon

This command allows creating a regular polygon defined by the number of sides.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the number of sides.

 Select one type of parameter.
 Enter the value of the selected parameter.
 Select the central point of the polygon.
 Enter the value of the rotation angle of the polygon.

The parameter types are as follows:

 Circumscribed radius: the parameter value is the polygon-circumscribed radius.

 Figure: Circumscribed radius

 Inscribed radius: the parameter value is the polygon-inscribed radius.

Figure: Inscribed radius

 Side: the parameter value is the polygon side.

Figure: Side

9.5.5 Arc by 3 points

This command allows defining an arc connecting three points.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:
 Select the start point.
 Select the second point.

When the second point is activated this becomes the midpoint of the arc.

 Select the final point.

When the Second point is not activated this becomes the final point of the arc.

 Select the midpoint of the arc.

The software allows creating an arc having as a start point the final point of the previous
arc automatically.
To create a new arc:

 Select the midpoint and the final point of the arc, or vice versa, according to whether the
Second point option is active or not.

To interrupt the creation of arcs:

 Select cancel or press the Esc. key.

9.5.6 Arc by Centre and 2 points

This command allows creating an arc defined by its centre, the start point and the final
point.
After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the centre of the arc.

 Select the start point.
 Select the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
 Select the final point.
 9.5.7 P1 d P2 arc

This command allows creating an arc defined by its start point, the angle indicating the start
direction of the arc and the final point.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the value of angle opening that indicates the direction.

 Select the start point.
 Select the final point.

The software allows creating another arc having as a start point the final point of the
previous segment and the same angle automatically.
To create a new arc:

 Select the new final point.

To interrupt the creation of arcs:

 Select cancel or press the Esc. key.

9.5.8 P1 P2 radius arc

This command allows creating an arc defined by its start point, the radius and the final
point.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the value of the radius length.

 Select the start point.
 Select the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
 Select the final point.

The software allows creating another arc having as a start point the final point of the
previous segment and the same radius automatically.
To create a new arc:
 Select the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
 Select the new final point.

To interrupt the creation of arcs:

 Select cancel or press the Esc. key.

9.5.9 BiArc

This command allows creating two tangent arcs.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the value of angle opening that indicates the start direction.
 Select the start point.
 Enter the value of angle opening that indicates the end direction.
 Select the final point.
 Enter the value of the coefficient that gives the ratio between the two radiuses.

Figure 9.16: 0.2 coefficient biarc

 Figure 9.17: 0.5 coefficient biarc

9.5.10 Nurbs curve

This command allows creating a Nurbs Curve defined by a set of points.

A Nurbs curve is a complex geometry made up of a series of points in the plane, which can
be exploded into a series of arcs and straight lines.

Once the command has been activated, the program displays a dialog in the control panel
for creating some nets of curves (see Figure ); it includes:

 List of points: this list contains all the points belonging to the nurbs curve. It is possible
to modify the position of a point included in the list by selecting it with a double click and
entering the new coordinates, or to modify the order of the points by dragging them into the
list. To add a new point just select it in the graphics area, or select the New point option at
the end of the list and enter its coordinates. To eliminate one point just select it in the list
and press the Del key on the keyboard.
 Approximate: this option, if active, enables the nurbs curve not to touch any selected
points, but to follow an approximate path.
 Close in tangency: this option is active only when the nurbs curve is closed and allows
 maintaining the tangency also on the end-point connecting start and end of curve.

Figure: Nurbs curve

9.5.11 Hole

This command allows creating a hole geometry defined by hole diameter, depth and
position of the centre.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the value of the hole diameter length.

 Enter the value of the hole depth. It is possible to select the Through option, which
enables the program to calculate the hole depth according to the part thickness
automatically.
 Select the point where the hole centre is to be positioned.

9.5.12 Multiple holes

This command allows drawing a series of holes defined by diameter, depth, central point of
the first hole, final point or number of holes and distance between them.
 After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the value of the hole diameter length.

 Enter the value of the hole depth. It is possible to select the Through option, which
enables the program to calculate the hole depth according to the part thickness
automatically.
 Select the point where the centre of the first hole is to be positioned.
 Select the point where the last hole is to be positioned or enter the number of holes.

If you select the point where the last hole is to be positioned:

 Enter the value of the distance between hole centres.

If the number of holes is entered instead:

 Enter the value of the distance between hole centres.

 Enter the width of the inclination angle of the series of holes.

9.5.13 Circle by 3 points

This command allows defining a circle passing by three points.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the start point.

 Select the second point.
 Select the final point.

9.5.14 Circle by Centre and Point

This command allows creating a circle defined by its centre and radius.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the centre of the arc.

 Select any point of the circle or enter the value of the radius length.
 9.5.15 Circle by 2 points

This command allows creating a circle defined by two points whose diameter is the joining
segment.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the first point.

 Select the second point. If the first point has been selected while tangent to another
entity, it is possible to enter the value of the diameter length instead of selecting the second
point.

9.5.16 Text

This command allows creating a text geometry.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Enter the text to be realized in the form of geometry. To enter characters not present in
the ASCII code it is necessary to activate the Unicode command and enter the text in the
Unicode text box which is displayed by the program.
 Activate the Font command, which enables the program to display the Windows dialog
box for text management, where font, style, height, kerning and aspect to be used in the text
geometry creation can be selected.
 Select the point in the graphics area where the text geometry needs to be positioned and
the text geometry point to associate with, which can be:
 On the left: top left point.
 On the right: top right point.
 Centred: centre of text geometry.
 B-Left: bottom left point.
 B-Right: bottom right point.
 Enter the width of the angle by which the text geometry is to be rotated.

It is possible, by selecting the option No profile, and by selecting one of the other options
from the drop-down menu, to follow the text geometry with a profile selected in the
 graphics area. The drop-down menu contains the options enabling the definition of the text
distribution along the path, i.e.:

 Left: the text keeps the standard kerning and is aligned at the left end of the path to
follow.
 Centre: the text keeps the standard kerning and is positioned at the centre of the path to
follow.
 Right: the text keeps the standard kerning and is aligned at the right end of the path to
follow.
 Justify: the text does not keep the standard kerning and the characters are distributed
along the path to follow evenly.

By using a profile to position the text, the positioning point and the inclination angle are not
required.

9.5.17 Linear Dimensions

This command allows measuring the distance between two points and reporting it
graphically in the form of dimensioning (see Figure ).

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the first point.

 Select the second point.
 Select the point where the dimensioning is to be positioned.
 Select the type of dimensioning among:
 Horizontal: measures the distance between the selected points on the X axis.
 Vertical: measures the distance between the selected points on the Y axis.
 Aligned: measures the distance between the selected points on the conjunction
line between two points.
 Enter the text describing the dimensioning. By default the program inputs the distance
between the selected points.

It is possible to edit some dimensioning settings by selecting the command , which

enables the program to display the dialog box Dimension configuration, containing the
 following parameters:

 Drop-down menu which allows defining the type of indication of the dimensioning end-
points between Internal arrows, External arrows and Points.
 Dimension of arrows or point radius.
 Length of Extension lines.
 Text: allows defining the characteristics of the dimensioning text. To edit them it is
necessary to select the command Fonts, which enables the program to display the Windows
dialog box for text management, where font, style, height, kerning and aspect to be used in
the text geometry creation can be selected.

Figure: Dimension configuration

9.5.18 Angular Dimensions

This command allows measuring the width of the angle between two selected straight lines
and reporting it graphically in the form of dimensioning (see Figure ).

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the first segment.

 Select the second segment.
 Select the point where the dimensioning is to be positioned.
 Enter the text describing the dimensioning. By default the program inputs the value of
 the width of the angle between the two segments.

It is possible to edit some dimensioning settings by selecting the command , which

enables the program to display the dialog box Dimension configuration, containing the
following parameters:

 Drop-down menu which allows defining the type of indication of the dimensioning end-
points between Internal arrows, External arrows and Points.
 Dimension of arrows or point radius.
 Length of Extension lines.
 Text: allows defining the characteristics of the dimensioning text. To edit them it is
necessary to select the command Fonts, which enables the program to display the Windows
dialog box for text management, where font, style, height, kerning and aspect to be used in
the text geometry creation can be selected.

Figure: Dimension configuration

9.5.19 Radial Dimensions

This command allows measuring the radius or the diameter of a circumference arc and to
display them graphically in the form of dimensioning (see Figure ).

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the arc to dimension.

 Select the type of dimensioning among:
  radial: measures the radius of the circumference the arc belongs to.
 diametric: measures the diameter of the circumference the arc belongs to.
 Select the point where the dimensioning is to be positioned.
 Enter the text describing the dimensioning. By default the program enters the length of
the radius or the diameter.

It is possible to edit some dimensioning settings by selecting the command , which

enables the program to display the dialog box Dimension configuration, containing the
following parameters:

 Drop-down menu which allows defining the type of indication of the dimensioning end-
points between Internal arrows, External arrows and Points.
 Dimension of arrows or point radius.
 Length of Extension lines.
 Text: allows defining the characteristics of the dimensioning text. To edit them it is
necessary to select the command Fonts, which enables the program to display the Windows
dialog box for text management, where font, style, height, kerning and aspect to be used in
the text geometry creation can be selected.

Figure: Dimension configuration

9.5.20 Import

This command allows importing another project created with EasySTONE o parts of it (parts and
layers) into the current project (see Figure 9.20).

Figure: Import

Once the command has been activated, the program displays the Windows dialog box for importing
a file (see Figure ), where the position, the name and the extension of the file to import are to be
specified. In this dialog box it is also possible to display the preview of the project to be opened by
activating the Preview option.

Once the file has been selected and opened, the program displays the Import dialog box (see Figure
1.2) which contains a list of all parts present in the file, among which the user can select those to be
imported. It is possible to import all parts by selecting the command Import all, or to select the parts
to import, by selecting the command Import parts, or to select the layers to import, by selecting the
command Import layers. Besides, only when the command Import layers is selected the option On
current reference is available, which, when activated, allows importing the layer while maintaining
the current reference instead of the reference of the imported file. To complete the operation, once
the Import dialog box is closed it is necessary to select the point where to position the imported
geometry.
 Figure: Import

9.5.21 Components

This command allows inserting parts in the project that have already been completed, whose
measures are to be defined.
Once the command has been activated, the program displays the Components dialog box, where a
list of parts already completed is present, among which the user can choose the desired one and
assign dimensions to it.

9.5.22 Interactive

This command is used for the digitalization of a real part and enables correcting possible point
digitalization errors.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select one point.

 Activate one of the available commands, i.e.:
 Line by 2 points: this command allows creating segments that are defined by the
start point and the final point.
 Arc by 3 points: This command allows defining an arc passing by three points.
 From the second arc on, each arc is tangent to the previous one if the necessary
 approximation to make it such is lower than the maximum one, as defined within the
command Configuration by the Tolerance parameter.
 P1 d P2 arc: this command allows creating an arc defined by its start point, the angle
indicating the start direction of the arc and the final point.
 Tangency loss: this command allows creating a three-point arc that is not tangent to
the previous one even if it falls under parameter Tolerance.
 Fillet: this command allows filleting contiguous entities forming corners.
 Delete: this command allows deleting a newly entered point.
 Configuration: this command allows displaying the Interactive configuration dialog
box, containing the following parameters:
 Tolerance: this parameter allows defining the maximum approximate value to
be used by the program to create the entities following the first and
reciprocally consecutive that are tangent to the previous ones.
 Maximum angle: this parameter enables specifying the maximum angle
between two contiguous entities beyond which there is a tangency loss.
 Fillet: this parameter allows defining the fillet radius that is created by using
the Fillet command.
 Run: enables confirming the operations performed by the command Interactive.

By default, as soon as the Interactive command is activated, the Arc by 3 points command is also
activated.

Figure: Interactive configuration

9.5.23 Enter solid

This command allows creating a solid defined by a closed path and a thickness value.
 Figure 9.23: Enter solid thickness

It is possible to edit an already existing solid by selecting the path that defines its shape, by
repeating the command Enter solid and by entering a new thickness value. If the thickness value is
set to 0 the program deletes the solid.

9.5.24 Ellipse

This command allows creating an ellipse defined by its central point and a corner of the rectangle
that contains it.

There are two different procedures for drawing an ellipse.

After activating the command, the first procedure to observe is the following:

 Select the centre.

 Select the final point, i.e. the point on which the corner of the rectangle that contains it is to
be positioned.
 Enter the value of the angle by which the rectangle is to be rotated.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the centre.

 Enter the value of the ellipse length.
 Enter the value of the ellipse height.
 Enter the value of the angle by which the rectangle is to be rotated.

9.6 Build Graph

9.6.1 Frame

This command allows creating a frame starting from a section and a guide path.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path (see Figure 9.24). It is possible to activate the Guide in Z option, which
allows creating the frame as if the guide was rotated by ninety degrees with respect to the X
axis.
 Select the section (see Figure );
 Select the section point through which the guide line passes. It is possible to activate the
option Invert guide, which enables inverting the guide application point.

Example

Draw the frame guide line.

Figure: Frame - guide line

Then draw the frame section.

 Figure: Frame - frame section

After running the Frame command, define the guide line and the section, choose one point of the
section that will follow the guide line path and the frame is created.

Figure: Frame

9.6.2 Shower Tray

This command allows creating a shower tray defined by a guide, a section and a drain hole.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select the section.
 Select the section point which the guide line passes through. It is possible to activate the
option Invert guide, which enables inverting the guide application point.
 Select the shower tray centre, i.e. the Z minimum point with respect to the surface
inclination. It is possible to activate the Make tangent option, which allows creating an
optimal junction between section and inclined plane while avoiding machining problems.
 Enter the depth of the shower tray, which determines the inclination. It is possible to activate
the Drain option, which allows creating the drain hole. Once activated, select the Drain
command, which opens the dialog box Drain configuration where the drain hole dimensions
can be specified.
 Figure 9.27: Drain

9.6.3 Washbasin

This command allows creating a washbasin defined by a guide, a section and a drain hole.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select the section. When more than one section is present, after selecting them on the control
panel a dialog box opens up, which allows associating each section to a segment of the guide
path.
 Select the washbasin centre, i.e. the Z minimum point with respect to the surface inclination.
 Enter the depth of the washbasin, which determines the inclination. It is possible to activate
the Drain option, which allows creating the drain hole. Once activated, select the Drain
command, which opens the Drain configuration dialog box where the drain hole dimensions
can be specified.
Figure: Washbasin

Figure: Washbasin
 Figure 9.30: Drain configuration

Figure: Washbasin

9.6.4 Helix

This command allows creating a helix defined by a section or by a section and a profile.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the path of the section.

 Specify the rotation centre (point of section where the column rotation axis needs to pass)
and the height. The rotation centre may also be specified outside the section.
 Enter the height of the column.
 Enter the rotation angle by specifying the axis orientation (Axis in X, Axis in Y or Axis in Z).
 Figure: Helix section

Figure: Helix

Figure: Helix with angle other than zero.

Figure: Helix with angle equal to zero

If the Angle parameter is assigned 0 value, the software simply generates the extrusion of the
section along the selected axis.

It is possible to activate the Modifiers option, which enables realizing one column by using a path to
define a special progress of rotation or the scaling of the section while developing along the rotation
axis. After activating the option, this is the procedure to follow:

 Select the rotation path. In the graphics area it is displayed inside a chart where the X axis
indicates the height of the column on percentage, while the Y axis shows the rotation
degrees.
 Enter the value of the scale factor of the rotation path, in terms of degrees per millimetre
(°/mm). The scaling of the Y axis varies based on this parameter.
 Select the scaling path. In the graphics area it is represented inside a chart where the X axis
indicates the height of the column on percentage, while the Y axis shows the dimension of
the section on percentage with respect to the original section.
 Enter the value of the scale factor of the scaling path, in terms of percentage per millimetre
(%/mm). The scaling of the Y axis varies depending on this parameter.

Figure: Rotation path Figure: Scaling path

 Figure: Rotation path

Figure: Scaling path

9.6.5 Ruled

This command allows creating a surface connecting two paths.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the first path.

 Select the second path.
 Select the type of Synchronism of the construction lines.

The Synchronism of the construction lines can be of three types:

 Length: the isoparametric lines are parallel to the surface created.

  End-points: the lines follow their progress using as a reference the end-points of the two
entities.
 Personalized: the user defines the construction lines.

Figure: Example of ruled surface

Figure: Example of ruled surface

9.6.6 Loft

This command allows creating a surface which combines all paths selected inside the project.
 Figure: Loft

Once the command has been activated, the program displays a dialog in the control panel for
creating some lofts (see Figure ); it contains:

 List of paths: this list contains all the points belonging to the lofts. For each path it is
possible to select the Invert option, which allows defining such a path as inverted with
respect to unselected ones.
 Loft/ruled menu: this drop-down menu allows selecting one option between:
 Loft: creates a loft surface passing along all paths present in the list.
 Ruled: creates a series of consecutive ruled lines from a profile to the next one.
 Preview: this option, when activated, allows displaying the preview of the newly-created
surface with the currently selected paths.
 Interpolate: this option, when activated, allows approximating the paths in the creation of
the loft surface.
 Closed: this option, when activated, allows closing the newly-created surface by connecting
the last path of the list to the first one.
 Manual: this command allows activating the manual mode. Once activated, the command
 transforms into Automatic, which allows going back to the automatic mode; the Add
command is also displayed. The Add command allows selecting one or more entities and
adding them to the path list as a single path.

The paths are classified and sorted out by the program automatically, but the user can change their
order by simply moving the paths within the list. By pressing the downward arrow it is possible to
choose whether to input a Ruled surface in place of a Loft.

By ticking off the Preview flag it is possible to preview the newly-created surface graphically.

The following commands can then be activated:

 Interpolate: the selected paths are made curvilinear;
 Closed: a closed surface is generated;
 Invert: the path will change direction.

The following figures display three sections which will be subsequently combined by a loft surface.

Figure: Example of a Loft

Surface obtained from the three sections (see Figure 9.44).

Figure: Example of a Loft surface

The command enables the operator to define the path entity by selecting the path
lines and clicking on the Add button. If two entities are continuous they are automatically
considered as one single path by the program.

To go back to the automatic calculation of paths it is necessary to select the Automatic command.

Once a curve surface is defined as Loft it will be no more possible to modify the path order.

9.6.7 Network of curves

This command allows creating a surface starting from several reciprocally intersecting sections.

To create a Network of curves it is necessary to specify three paths at least, with coincident end-
points, in order to outline the contour, and a path inside the contour, with end-points coincident with
some points of the contour. If more paths are present inside the contour and they are reciprocally
orthogonal, they must intersect necessarily.

Once the command has been activated, the program displays a dialog in the control panel for
creating some networks of curves (see Figure ); it contains:

 List of paths: this list contains all the paths belonging to the network of curves. For each
path it is possible to select the Longitudinal option, which allows defining that path as
orthogonal with respect to those not selected as longitudinal.
 Preview: this option, when activated, allows displaying the preview of the newly-created
surface with the currently selected paths.
 Manual: this command allows activating the manual mode. Once activated, the command
transforms into Automatic, which allows going back to the automatic mode; the Add
command is also displayed. The Add command allows selecting one or more entities and
adding them to the path list as a single path.

To create a network of curves, the longitudinal option of at least one of the component paths must
be active.
Figure: Network of curves

Figure: Network of curves

 Figure: Network of curves

9.6.8 Surface of Revolution

This command allows creating a surface of revolution defined by a guide path and a rotation centre.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select one point belonging to the rotation axis.
 Enter the angle width by which the profile is to be rotated and select the axis along which
the revolution of the guide path is to be carried out.

Figure: Guide path

 Figure: Surface of rotation:

9.6.9 Contoured plane

This command allows creating the surface inscribed into one or more closed paths.

In case some closed paths are selected inside a larger closed path, the program considers them as
hollow areas.

9.6.10 Swept 2 rail

This command allows creating a surface specified by two guide paths and united by one section.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the first guide path.

 Select the second guide path.
 Select the section. It is possible to activate the Invert section option, which enables inverting
the section application points.
 Select the type of synchronism of the construction lines.

The Synchronism of the construction lines can be of three types:

 Lengths: the program specifies the synchronisms with respect to the lengths of the
geometries.
 End-points: this type of synchronism is active only if both guides have the same number of
entities; it enables the program to define the synchronisms with respect to the end-points of
the geometries.
 Personalized: the user chooses the synchronism points by manually drawing the points and
lines joining the guide paths. The software will obtain the geometry by aligning the
isoparametric lines.

Figure: Swept 2 rail

Figure: Swept 2 Rail

Figure: Swept 2 rail

 Figure: Synchronism

Figure: Example of synchronism

Figure: Example of synchronism

9.6.11 Fillet surface

This command allows creating a fillet surface between two contiguous surfaces or on corners inside
a multisurface.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select two contiguous surfaces or a multisurface.

 Activate the Fillet surface command.
 Enter the value of the fillet radius. Only in case of a multisurface select the corner to fillet.

Figure: Fillet surface

9.6.12 Link surface

This command allows creating a surface connecting two other non-intersecting surfaces.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select two surfaces.

 Activate the Link surface command.

The software will automatically number the sides of the first surface to ease selection.

 Enter the number assigned to the connecting side of the first surface.

The software will automatically number the sides of the second surface to ease selection.

 Enter the number assigned to the connecting side of the second surface.
 Figure: Link surface

9.6.13 Trim surfaces

This command allows trimming intersecting entities: two surfaces, one surface and a multisurface,
two multisurfaces or one surface and one straight line or arc.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the surface to trim.

 Activate the Trim Surfaces command.
 Select the surface to trim it by.
 Select the trimming mode.

Trimming modes are two:

 Intersection: eliminates the part of surface beyond the intersection line.

 Union: eliminates the part of surface before the intersection line.

During selection of the trimming mode the part remains highlighted in blue.
 Figure: Trim surfaces

Figure: Trim surfaces

Figure: Final result of trim surfaces

9.6.14 Untrim surfaces

This command allows cancelling the previous Trim surfaces command and resetting the deleted
surface section.

9.6.15 Extend surfaces

This command allows varying the length of the selected surface.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the surface.

 Activate the Extend Surfaces command.
 Enter the value of the length variation.

If the input value is negative, the surface is shortened instead of extended.

 Select one of the four commands which enable specifying the side to extend.

Figure: Extend Surfaces

9.6.16 Surface properties

This command allows viewing the properties of surfaces.

After activating the command, the program opens the Surface properties dialog box, inside which it
is possible to edit the following parameters:

 Quality: this parameter allows specifying the accuracy degree with which the surfaces are
displayed.
  Reflection: this parameter allows specifying the type of reflection of the surfaces among
those available, i.e.:
 None.
 Longitudinal.
 Transversal.
 Longitudinal inverse.
 Transversal inverse.
 Transparency: this parameter allows specifying the transparency degree of the surfaces
 Isoparametric number: this parameter allows specifying the number of isoparametric lines
in the selected surfaces, subdivided into:
 Longitudinal.
 Transversal.
 Show control points: when activated, this option allows viewing the control points of the
surfaces in the graphics area.
 Show trimesh: when activated, this option allows viewing the triangles forming the surfaces
in the graphics area.

These properties do not affect the calculation of machining operations but only the view of the
surfaces.

Figure: Surface properties

9.6.17 Ribbon

This command allows creating a surface passing by a guide path which is orthogonal to other
surfaces.
After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select the surfaces which the ribbon must be orthogonal to.
 Enter the value of the ribbon width.

9.6.18 Projection/ Development on Surface

This command allows projecting or developing one path over a surface.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the path to project.

 Select the type of projection.

There are two types of projections:

 Projection: the drawing is maintained at the expense of dimensions

 Development: the path dimensions are maintained at the expense of drawing accuracy

As regards the type of Projection:

 Select the surface to project on.

As regards the type of Development:

 Select the surface to project on.

 Select the path point to position on the surface.
 Select the surface point where the previously path selected point is to be positioned.

It is possible to activate the Nurbs Curve option, which allows projecting the selected path as a
Nurbs curve.
9.6.19 Curves from surfaces

This command allows creating longitudinal, transversal and contouring curves belonging to a
surface.

After activating the command, the program displays a directory list of all selected surfaces in the
control panel. Three activable options are available for each surface, i.e.:

 Contour: creates a curve defining the surface contour.

 Longitudinal curve: creates a longitudinal curve positioned on the surface. The parameter
value allows specifying the longitudinal curve position as a percentage with respect to the
length.
 Transversal curve: creates a transversal curve positioned on the surface. This parameter
value allows specifying the transversal curve position as a percentage with respect to the
length.

To create the longitudinal and transversal curves it is possible, instead of inputting the value of the
length percentage, to select the point where to create it in the graphics area directly.

In case more surfaces are selected, the option Union of Nurbs surfaces is also added to the list,
which allows creating the contour of the surface uniting the selected ones.
 Figure: Surface curves

9.6.20 Surface intersection

This command allows creating the curve defining the intersection between two surfaces.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the first surface.

 Activate the Surface intersection command.
 Select the intersecting surface.
 Figure: Curves from surface intersection

9.6.21 Invert Normal

This command inverts the normal side of selected surfaces.

By normal side the surface side to be machined is meant. The software always indicates the side to
be machined by giving it a lighter colour, whilst the opposite side is dark. As each surface always
has a lighter side and a darker one, the quickest way to realize the accomplished inversion is
looking at the colour: the lighter colour side is the machinable one.

9.6.22 Edit Nurbs Control Points

This command allows modifying the position of the control points of a curve or a nurbs surfaces,
and therefore editing its form.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select one curve or a nurbs surface.

 Activate the command Edit nurbs control points.
 Select the control point to move in the graphics area. The selected point is highlighted by a
green point.
 Enter the new coordinates of the selected control point.
 Figure: Edit control points

9.5 Edit Graph

9.7.1 Move

This command allows shifting the selected entities from one start position to a final position.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to shift.

 Activate the Move command.
 Select the start point.
 Select the final point.

By activating the Draw in XYZ option with the mouse right button the shift can have a component
also in Z.
By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the shifted entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the shifted entity is maintained.

Figure: Move

9.7.2 Rotate

This command allows rotating the selected entities, given a rotation centre.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entity to rotate.

 Activate the Rotate command.
 Select the central point and the rotation axis.

The rotation axes are:

 X axis.
 Y axis.
 Z axis.
 Generic axis.

For the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis:

 Select the rotation angle.

For the generic axis:

 Select another axis point.

 Select the rotation angle.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the rotated entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the rotated entity is maintained.
 Figure: Rotate

9.7.3 Scale

This command allows varying the dimensions of the selected entities by using a given point as the
centre.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities whose dimensions are to be varied.

 Activate the Scale command.
 Select the scale mode.

There are two scale modes:

 Asymmetric, which scales the various axes by various factors.

 Isometric, which scales all the axes by the same factor.

For the Asymmetric mode

 Enter the central point.

 Enter the value of scale coefficients per each axis.

For the Isometric mode:

 Enter the central point.

 Enter the value of the scale coefficient.

A scale factor greater than 1 implies an enlargement. Values included between 0 and 1 excluded
imply a reduction. No negative factors are accepted.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the scaled entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the scaled entity is maintained.
9.7.4 Mirror

This command allows creating entities mirroring the selected ones.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to mirror.

 Activate the Mirror command.
 Select one point and the type of reflection axis.

The reflection planes are:

 X plane.
 Y plane.
 Oblique plane.
 Z plane.

For the oblique plane:

 Select a second point of the reflection axis.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the mirrored entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the mirrored entity is maintained.

Figure: Mirror

9.7.5 Offset

This command allows creating a path where all points are equidistant from those of the selected
path.

The procedure is as follows:

  Select a closed path, free from self-intersections.
 Activate the Offset command.
 Enter the value of the offset distance from the original path.
 Select the type of creation of the external angles.
 Select the side which to create the offset from.

The sides are two, right and left, and are considered with respect to the arrow which is drawn by the
software on the original profile automatically.
There are three types of external angles:

 Sharp cornered ;

 Filleted ;

 Chamfered .

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the offset are maintained; otherwise,
only the offset is maintained.

9.7.6 Chamfer/Fillet

This command allows chamfering or filleting contiguous entities forming corners.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to chamfer or fillet.

 Activate the Chamfer/Fillet command.
 Select the treatment mode of the desired angle.

For the fillet mode:

 enter the value of the fillet radius.

For the chamfer mode:

 enter the value of the chamfer length.

Only in case of fillet, by activating the Keep end-point option, both the start end-point and the
filleted end-point are maintained; otherwise, only the filleted end-point is maintained.
9.7.7 Trim/Extend

This command allows eliminating or adding one part of the selected entity.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entity to trim or extend from the side of the end-point to be edited.
 Activate the Trim/Extend command.
 Select the entity which to trim or extend by, or enter the name in the special form.

The choice of which end-point to extend or trim depends on the entity selection point: if this occurs
within the first half of the entity, either the start point is chosen or the final point.

The example reported in figure 9.69 represents the extension of a segment towards the arc of a
circle.

Figure 9.69: Extend

The example reported in figure 9.70 represents the trim of a segment with respect to the arc of a
circle.
 Figure 9.70: Trim

9.7.8 Stretch

This command stretches the selected entities from one start point to a final point by keeping the
end-points fixed.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entity to stretch.

 Activate the Stretch command.
 Specify the start point.
 Specify the final point.

Figure: Entity selection

 Figure: Stretch point selection

Figure: Final result

9.7.9 Join

This command allows joining the selected entities.

The selected entities must be contiguous and:

 if straight lines, they must have the same direction.

 if arcs, they must be tangent and have the same centre and the same radius.

It is also possible to join two or more Nurbs curves by creating one only.

It is possible to join surfaces in order to form multisurfaces.

9.7.10 Split

This command allows splitting the selected entity into two parts.
The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entity to split.

 Activate the Split command.
 Select the point where to split it, or specify the length of the first segment or the disjunction
point.

Figure 9.74: Split

9.7.11 Explode

This command allows disjoining one entity into simpler entities, i.e., segments and arcs.

The types of entities which it is possible to explode are arcs, Nurbs curves, texts and multisurfaces,
each having its own features.
The procedure to follow for exploding an arc into a series of segments is the following:
 Select the entity to explode.
 Activate the Explode command.
 Enter the tolerance value, i.e. the maximum approximation value permitted for transforming
the entity into segments.

The procedure to follow for exploding a Nurbs curve into a series of segments and arcs is the
following:
 Select the entity to explode.
 Activate the Explode command.
 Enter the tolerance value, i.e. the maximum approximation value permitted for transforming
the entity into segments and arcs.

The procedure to follow for exploding a text into a series of segments and arcs is the as follows:
 Select the entity to explode.
  Activate the Explode command.
 Enter the tolerance value, i.e. the maximum approximation value permitted for transforming
the entity into segments and arcs.

For some special types of fonts it is possible to activate the Holes option, which allows drilling
some holes where to fit in the letters.
The Italics text option is also available, which allows joining self-intersections, if any, into one
single path.

The procedure to follow for exploding a multisurface into a series of surfaces is as follows:
 Select the entity to explode.
 Activate the Explode command.
 Enter the tolerance value, i.e. the maximum approximation permitted for transforming the
entity into surfaces.

9.7.12 Flip

This command allows reflecting the selected arcs by using the straight line passing through the end-
points of the same arcs as an axis of symmetry.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the arcs.

 Activate the Flip command.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the reflected entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the reflected entity is maintained.

9.7.13 Array Copy

This command allows generating an array of copies of the selected entities.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to copy.

 Activate the Array Copy command.
 Enter the number of lines of the array.
 Enter the number of columns of the array.
  Enter the value of the distance between the array lines.
 Enter the value of the distance between the array columns.

9.7.14 Polar Copy

This command allows generating an array of polar copies of the selected entities, i.e., a series of
copies created around a central point.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to copy.

 Activate the Polar Copy command.
 Select the central point with respect to which the copies are created.
 Enter the value of the quantity of copies to create.
 Enter the value of the width of the angle where copies are created.

It is possible to activate the option Rotation; when activated, it allows creating the copies with a
roto-translation around the central point; when deactivated instead, it allows creating the copies
with a roto-translation around the central point without applying any rotation.

9.7.15 Extend

This command allows varying the length of the selected surface.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities whose length you need to vary from the side of the end-points to modify.
 Activate the Extend command.
 Enter the value of the length variation.

If the input value is negative, the surface is shortened instead of extended.

If the value of an arc extension is greater than the value of the corresponding circle conference, the
arc will be transformed into a circle.

The choice of which end-point to extend or cut depends on the entity selection point: if this is inside
the first half of the entity, the start point is chosen, otherwise the end-point is chosen.
9.7.16 Move End-point

This command allows moving an end-point of the selected entity.

It is possible to move the end-point by a drag'n'drop operation, or by entering the value of the new
coordinates.

The choice of the end-point to move is made according to the entity selection point:

 by selecting one point inside the first half of the entity, the start end-point will be moved.
Otherwise the final end-point will be moved.
 By selecting the midpoint of a line, the entity end-points will be maintained fixed but the
entity will be transformed into an arc.
 By selecting the midpoint of an arc, the entity end-points will be maintained fixed but the
arc will be deformed.

9.7.17 Delete

This command allows deleting the selected entities.

The same operation can be carried out by pressing the Del key on the keyboard.

9.7.18 Modify Colour

This command allows changing the colour of the selected entities by choosing among the prompted
ones.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities whose colour you need to change.

 Activate the Modify colour command.
 Select the colour among the basic ones or open the Colour dialog box by selecting the Other
button.
9.7.19 Change Layer

This command allows shifting the selected entities from the source layer to another one among the
existing layers.

Other options are also available: Create Copy, if activated, allows maintaining the selected entities
and creating a copy in the target layer, and Keep Position, which, if activated, allows keeping the
position of the entity unchanged in the global system.

9.7.20 Edit entity

This command allows editing some parameters of entities like Hole, Text, Dimensions and Curves.

According to the type of selected entity, by activating the Edit entity command the program will
display a specific dialog box.

Curve

Allows editing the machining side and the direction of the selected entity (see Figure 9.75).

Figure 9.75: Edit entity - curves

Curve parameters:

 Machining side: to edit this parameter choose from the list the solution desired (Left, Right).
Otherwise click with the mouse directly inside the graphics area on the right or left of the
selected entity.

 Invert: by activating the flag the direction of the entities will be inverted;
  Thickness: it specifies the thickness of the curve which will be used in machining as a
sinking value.

Figure 9.76: Curve thickness

To set the sinking value equal to the thickness value specify the sinking equal to the tp value inside
the Kits database. By setting the thickness equal to 10 and entering the tp value inside the
machining, you will have Sinking =10 (tp) (see Figure 9.76).

Edit dimension

It allows editing the parameters associated with the selected dimension within the project (see
Figure 9.77).

Figure 9.77: Edit entity - dimensions

Dimension parameters:

 Height: edits the height of the text entered within the dimension;
 Look: extends or shortens the dimension text (only values greater than zero are accepted);
 Text: edits words or numbers entered within the dimension;
 Extension lines: extends the lines connecting the dimensions and the selected points;
  Arrow size: edits the size of the arrow triangle.

Edit hole

Allows editing the features of the selected hole (see Figure 9.78).

Hole parameters

 Diameter
 Depth
 Through: by activating the flag the hole is defined as a through hole
 Invert: by activating the flag the entry and exit points of the hole are inverted

Figure 9.78: Edit entity - holes

Edit texts

It allows editing the parameters relating to the selected text (see Figure 9.79).
 Figure 9.79: Edit entity - text

Text parameters:

 Text: it allows editing the input word;

 Font: if selected it allows accessing the dialog box (figure: 9.80) inside which it is possible
to edit the features of the font in use;

Figure 9.80: Edit fonts

 Height: it specifies the height of the selected text;

 Look: it extends or shortens the selected word (only values greater than zero are accepted);
9.7.21 Align

This command allows aligning the selected entities with a guide line.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to align.

 Activate the Align command.
 Specify the first point belonging to the entities to use as a reference.
 Specify the second point belonging to the entities to use as a reference.
 Specify the first point belonging to the segment to align the entities with.
 Specify the second point belonging to the segment to align the entities with.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the aligned entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the aligned entity is maintained.

Example

Align the entity highlighted in the figure 9.81 with the contiguous straight line.

Highlight the entity you need to align, select the command Align and enter the reference points
belonging to the entity (P1 Align, P2 Align) and the points belonging to the entity with respect to
which the alignment is to be carried out (P3 Align, P4 Align).
 Figure 9.81: Entity to align - Aligned entity

9.7.22 Split into sections

This command allows dividing the selected paths or entities into a definite number of equally long
sections.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the paths or the entities to divide.

 Activate the Split into sections command.
 Enter the number of sections into which paths or entities are to be divided. Select the
splitting mode.

There are two scale modes:

 Entity: splits each entity into the number of sections entered.

 Path: splits each path into the number of sections entered.

Figure 9.82: Split into sections

9.7.23 Edit Z

This command allows modifying the Z position of selected entities.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities whose Z you need to change.

 Activate the Edit Z command.
 Enter the value of the new Z.
 By activating the Both end-points option the Z component of both the entity end-points is
modified, which is therefore moved into the new Z; otherwise, by not activating this option
only the Z of the end-point nearest to the selection point is modified.
 Select the end-point edit mode.

There are two Z edit modes:

 If the Both end-points option is not activated:

 Entity: it edits only the Z of the end-points nearest to the selection point of each
entity.
 Path: it edits only the Z of the end-points nearest to the selection point of each path.
 If the Both end-points option is activated:
 Entity: it edits the Z of each entity.
 Path: it edits the Z of each path.

Figure 9.83: Edit Z

For instance:

Given a rectangle initially located at Z = 0 and after selecting Edit Z command, by activating the
Both end-points entry the whole rectangle will be moved in Z (see Figure 9.84)).
 Figure 9.84: Edit Z in both end-points

If instead the Both end-points option is not selected the result will be as follows (see Figure 9.85):

Figure 9.85: Edit Z not in both end-points

The Edit Z command will be applied on the end-point nearest to the selection point.

9.7.24 Interpolate

This command allows interpolating the selected entities with arcs and straight lines, or with a nurbs
curve, according to the given approximation degree.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entities to interpolate.

 Activate the Interpolate command.
 Enter the approximation degree, i.e., the maximum distance allowed between each point of
the original geometry and each corresponding point of the new geometry.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the scaled entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the scaled entity is maintained.
By activating the Nurbs Curve option the entities are interpolated by a nurbs curve; otherwise,
failing to activate this option the entities are interpolated by arcs and straight lines.

The example of a simple geometry is illustrated hereunder; the end-points are highlighted (see
Figure 9.86) and the geometry itself is interpolated (see Figure 9.87 ):

Figure 9.86: Simple geometry with end-points highlighted on interpolated geometry

Figure 9.87: Interpolated Figure

9.8 Process graph

9.8.1 Move with Tangency

This command allows moving and making the end-points of the two coinciding entities tangent.
After selecting a path and activating the command, the graphics area displays three points on each
end-point of each entity of the selected path; when selected, the central point allows moving the
end-point, whilst the other two points are snap points specifying the direction of the contiguous
segments and enabling to change their inclination.
By selecting any point of the graphics area with the mouse right button, the program displays a
menu with two commands, i.e.:

 Add point: this command allows adding a new end-point to the midpoint of the selected
segment.
 Make tangent: this commands allows making two contiguous segments tangent by
selecting the snap point of the segment whose inclination is to be varied in order to make it
tangent.

Figure 9.88: Move with tangency

To move an end-point or vary its inclination, drag'n'drop it or enter the new coordinates or the value
of the angle width.

9.8.2 Adjust path

This command allows moving the end-points of the selected path automatically in order to eliminate
slight discontinuities.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the path to adjust.

  Activate the Adjust path command.
 Enter the approximation degree value, i.e., the maximum allowed extension of entities to
close the path.

Figure 9.89: Adjust Path

9.8.3 Make tangent

This command allows making two consecutive entities tangent, if necessary, by eliminating the
corners.

Example

The initial perimeter is red highlighted whilst the final result of the operation is black-coloured (see
Figure 9.90).

Figure 9.90: Make tangent

Unlike the Interpolate command (see Edit mode, chapter 9.7.24), where it is possible to set a
maximum tolerance value, the path created with Make tangent is less accurate but more agreeable
from an aesthetic point of view.

9.8.4 Delete duplicate entities

This command allows eliminating the coinciding entities inside the project.

9.8.5 Transform into holes

This command allows transforming a circle into a hole.

The resulting hole will have the same centre and the same diameter of the original circle but it will
be necessary to specify the depth.

9.8.6 Edit label

This command allows associating a label to one or more entities. (Reference)

After activating the command, just specify the name of the label and select one among the
following options:

 Layer: it allows associating the label to all entities belonging to the layer which the selected
entities belong to.
 Entity: it allows associating the label to all selected entities.

Figure: Edit Label

9.8.7 Curve properties

This command is available for nurbs curves only; it allows viewing their properties.

After activating the command, the program displays the Curve properties dialog box, which
contains the following parameters:

 Quality: this parameter allows modifying the quality of the geometry and the accuracy
degree of the curvature.
 View control points this option allows viewing the control points of the nurbs curve in the
graphics area.

Figure: Curve properties

9.8.8 Move Part

This command allows shifting the selected parts from an initial position to a final position.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the part to shift.

 Activate the Move Part command.
 Select the start point.
 Select the final point.

By activating the Draw in XYZ option with the mouse right button the shift can have a component
also in Z.

The program shifts also non-selected entities, if they belong to the same part of the selected entity.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the shifted entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the shifted entity is maintained.

9.8.9 Scale Part

This command allows varying the dimensions of the selected parts by using a given point as the
centre.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the parts whose dimensions are to be edited.

 Activate the Scale Part command.
 Enter the central point.
 Enter the scale coefficient value.

A scale factor greater than 1 carries an enlargement. Values included between 0 and 1 excluded
cause a reduction. No negative factors are accepted.

The program scales also non-selected entities, if they belong to the same part of the selected entity.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the scaled entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the scaled entity is maintained.

9.8.10 Mirror Part

This command allows creating entities mirroring the selected ones.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the parts to mirror.

 Activate the Mirror Part command.
 Select one point and the type of reflection plane.

These are the reflection planes:

 X plane.
 Y plane.
 Oblique plane.
 Z plane.
As regards the oblique plane:

 Select one second point belonging to the reflection axis.

The program mirrors also non-selected entities, if they belong to the same part of the selected entity.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the mirrored entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the mirrored entity is maintained.

vertical;

horizontal;

oblique.

9.8.11 Align Part

This command allows aligning the selected parts with a guide line.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the parts to align.

 Activate the Align part command.
 Specify the first point belonging to the parts to use as a reference.
 Specify the second point belonging to the parts to use as a reference.
 Specify the first point belonging to the segment to align the parts with.
 Specify the second point belonging to the segment to align the parts with.

The program aligns also non-selected entities, if they belong to the same part of the selected entity.

By activating the Create Copy option, both the start entity and the aligned entity are maintained;
otherwise, only the aligned entity is maintained.
 Figure 9.81: Entity to align - Aligned entity

9.8.12 Minimize Overall Part Dimensions

This command allows shifting the part so as to take as little space as possible and to use a smaller
raw part for machining purposes.

9.9 Art Graph

9.9.1 Extrusion

This command allows creating a bas-relief defined by a contour.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select a closed path.

 Select the type of profile.
 Enter the height of the base.

There are four types of profile:

 Flat profile: creates a solid with a flat profile.

 Angular profile: creates a solid with a flat profile first, then inclined.
 Rounded profile: creates a solid with a flat profile first, then rounded.
 User profile: creates a solid with a profile defined by the user in the graphics area.

As regards the flat Profile type:

  Enter the value of the base length.

As regards the angular Profile type:

 Enter the value of the base height.

 Enter the inclination angle that is necessary to realize the extrusion over the base.
 Enter the maximum height of the solid. If this parameter is set to zero the solid does not
have a maximum height.

As regards the rounded Profile type:

 Enter the value of the base height.

 Enter the sinking of the rounded extrusion over the base.
 Enter the minimum rounding radius over the base, or select the Auto Radius, which enables
the program to calculate the radius according to the set sinking and the profile dimensions.

As regards the user Profile type:

 Select the profile section in the graphics area.

9.9.2 Profile Extrusion

This command allows creating a profile defined by a guide path and one or two profiles.
After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select the profile.
 Select the section point through which the guide line passes.

It is possible to activate the No. 2 profiles option, which allows creating a path starting with a
profile and ending with another one. In this case the program selects the first profile and then
requests the second one.

9.9.3 Profile revolution

This command allows creating a surface by rotating a profile.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the path to rotate.

 Enter the value of the scaling coefficient of the surface obtained by the rotation.
9.9.4 Circular machining

This command allows creating a circular surface defined by a profile.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the profile.

It is also possible to activate the Machining in Z option, which allows applying a profile to the
circular surface profile (see Figure ).

9.9.5 Self-intersections

This command allows creating a profile that manages the self-intersections.

The self-intersections can be managed in two different ways, i.e., by creating a path which already
allows for them, or by entering some variations.
After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the guide path.

 Select the section.
 Select the intersection type.

There are two types of intersection:

 Personalized Inc/Dec: the program calculates how to manage the self-intersection

automatically.
 From path: the profile follows the guide path accurately and accepts also the Z variations.

As regards the personalized Inc/Dec type:

 Enter the length of the area to increase or decrease.

 Enter the value of the height increase of one part of contour.
 Enter the value of the height decrease of the other part of contour.

9.9.6 Art union

This command allows uniting overlapping surfaces.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

  Select the first surface.
 Select the second surface.
 Select the type of union.

There are four types of union:

 Sum: the heights of the first and second surface are summed.
 Subtraction: the heights of the first and second surface are subtracted.
 High values: in each point the height of the surface with higher Z value is used.
 Low value: in each point the height of the surface with lower Z value is used.

9.9.7 Art cutting

This command allows creating an art on a surface.

After activating the command, the procedure is as follows:

 Select the surface to cut.

 Select the art contour to carry out.
 Select the part of surface to keep by the Internal and External options.

9.9.8 Art Import

This command allows opening an already existing image-type file by importing it from an external
format.

Once the command has been activated, the program displays the Windows dialog box for importing
a file (see Figure ), where the position, the name and the extension of the file to import are to be
specified. In this dialog box it is also possible to display the preview of the project to be opened by
activating the Preview option.

9.9.9 Art Export

This command allows exporting the geometries selected in an image-type file.Once the command
has been activated, the program displays the Windows dialog box for exporting a file (see Figure ),
where the position, the name and the extension of the file to export are to be specified.
 10 Machining

The machine mode deals with raw part definition and application of machining operations to the
drawn geometry.

Figure 10.1: Machine mode

The control panel of the arrange mode is subdivided into the following areas (see Figure 10.2):

1. Machining directory list: this area contains all kits used for part machining.
2. Kit directory list: this area contains all kits available for the currently selected machine.
3. Command area: this area contains the machine mode commands.

Figure 10.2: Machining command area

The commands can be activated from the control panel and from the Machine menu available in the
drop-down menu bar.

10.1 Machining tree

This directory list contains the machining operations that have been selected to machine the current
part.
Apart from the identification name, each machining has three sub-parameters, i.e.:

 Machining Properties.
 Tools making up the machining kit.
 Machining Geometry.

The Properties and Tools parameters correspond to those present in the machining-related kit. The
modifications brought to them during machining only refer to the current machining and do not
affect the related kit parameters present in the Kit Database.
The meaning and functions of each parameter present in the Properties and in the Tools are
explained in chapter 11 in detail.
The machining operations also have other parameters, in addition to those visible inside the
machining tree, that are the Advanced Machining Properties. These are displayed under the
machining tree, when a machining operation is selected by double clicking with the mouse left key.
To add a machining operation to the list it is necessary to select from the graphics area the
geometric entity to apply the machining to, select from the kit list the kit to use to realize it and then
select the Add command.
To eliminate a machining operation from the list, just select it and then press the Del key.

10.1.1 Geometry

The Geometry parameter contains the list of the machining paths.

The machining paths are calculated by the program automatically according to the machining type
and the geometric entity that is selected the moment of machining creation, but it is possible to
modify them manually.

To add entities to the paths or remove them from the paths it is necessary to select an already
existing path with a double click. The program displays the path management window (see Figure )
which reports the number of entities belonging to the path. Now just select in the graphics area the
entities to add or remove from the path, then select the Ok command. If one or more selected
entities cannot be added to the selected path because they are not contiguous, the program creates a
new path automatically.
 Figure 10.3: Edit paths

To delete one of the machining paths just select it and press the Del key. It is not possible to delete a
machining path if it is the only path present.

In case more paths are present for one single machining operation, they are machined according to
the order of the list.

To edit the order of the paths just select and drag'n'drop them.

10.1.2 Machining option menu

This drop-down menu displays some commands for modifying the part machining process.

To display the Machining option menu (see Figure 10.4), select with the mouse right button one
point of the machining list. According to the selected point some menu parameters are activated
among the others.
 Figure 10.4: General machining operation menu

Copy: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by right-clicking one
machining option; it allows copying such an option complete with all related parameters.

Paste: this command is active only if the Copy command has been used; it allows creating a new
machining option by using the previously copied data.

Enable all machining options: this command allows activating all the machining options available
in the machining directory.

Disable all machining options: this command allows deactivating all machining options available
in the machining directory.

Automatic order: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by right-
clicking one machining option; it enables the program to copy such an option automatically.

Blocked order: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by right-
clicking one machining option; it allows blocking the automatic order of the selected option, which
remains fixed in its position within the machining order.

Tool properties: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by right-
clicking one tool; it allows viewing the properties of the selected tool. After activating the
command, the program opens the Properties dialog box, which displays the list of all tool
parameters:

Import: this command allows importing machining configurations belonging to other projects
inside the current project. Once the command has been activated, the program displays the
Windows dialog box for importing a file (see Figure ), where the position and the name of the file to
import is to be specified. In this window it is also possible to preview the project to open by
activating the Preview option. After defining the file to import, the program displays the Import
dialog box, which is made up of the following areas:

 Machining directory list: this area displays the list of machining options availabe in the
machining directory, where it is possible to select the machining operations to import.
 Import parameters:
 Application point: this parameter allows specifying the point where the origin of the
imported machining is positioned.
 Rotation angle: this parameter allows defining the rotation angle and axis by which
the imported geometry is rotated.
 Original geometry import: when activated, this option allows importing the
machining and also the original geometry in a new layer.
 Figure 10.5: Import

The application point specifies the coordinates of the synchronism points between the project to
import and the current project. In case the coordinates are equal to 0, 0, 0 the synchronism point
corresponds to the original position of the project.

Get geometry: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by selecting
one machining option with the mouse right button; it allows creating a new layer containing the
path of the selected machining or getting the geometry of application. After activating the
command, the program displays the Get geometry dialog box (see Figure 10.6), which comprises
the following areas:

 Work geometry: this area shows the list of machining paths available in the machining
directory, in order to select those to insert in a new layer of the project. It is also possible to
activate the Delete rapid which allows omitting the machining paths carried out in rapid
mode while creating the machining geometry.
 Start geometry: this area shows the list of machining paths available in the machining
directory, in order to select those whose geometry has been machined and need to be
retrieved.
 Figure 10.6: Get Geometries

Path order: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by selecting the
Geometry parameter with the mouse right button and enables the program to order the machining
paths according to the preset order type. (see Figure 10.7).
 Figure 10.7: Path order

(10.8)

Figure 10.8: List of path order types

Recalculate machining: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened by
selecting one machining option with the mouse right button and allows recalculating such
machining with the current parameters.
Show: this command allows customizing the view of machining parameters.
After activating the command, the program displays a sub-menu containing the following
commands:

 Complete: this command activates the Complete view option which allows displaying all
machining parameters in the machining directory.
 Customized: this command activates the Customized view option which allows displaying
only the parameters that are not hidden in the machining directory.
 Hide in customized: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened
by selecting one machining parameter with the mouse right button and allows hiding this
parameter when the Customized view option is active.
 Show in customized: this command is active only if the Machining option menu is opened
by selecting one machining parameter with the mouse right button and allows viewing this
parameter when the Customized view option is active.
 Reset customized view: this command allows deleting the newly-created customized view
that hides the machining parameters; therefore all such parameters are displayed again.

This command is not available in the Machining option menu, when such a menu is opened by
selecting the name of a machining with the mouse right button and no parameter has been hidden
yet.

Create virtual routing: this command gives a three-dimensional view of the raw part, the material
removed by machining and the finished part, thus displaying a realistic image of how the part is
being machined. After activating the command, the program displays the Define virtual routing
dialog box, which is made up of the following areas:

 Tolerance selection bar: this bar (see Figure ) allows selecting the tolerance level among
five preset levels, from very fast to very accurate. The more accurate the virtual routing, the
 slower the operation, and vice versa.
 Customized tolerance: this option, when activated, allows defining an exact tolerance value
while performing the virtual routing, i.e., it specifies the maximum approximation possible
during part graphic representation.

The Create virtual routing command in the Machining option menu is replaced by other commands,
i.e.:

 Calculate removal: this command calculates the quantity of material removed from the raw
part and also takes away the material removed during machining from the raw part displayed
in the graphics area, then shows the raw part after the machining operation. After activating
the command, the program displays a sub-menu containing the following commands:
 Calculate single removal: this command calculates and displays the raw part in the
graphics area as it appears after the selected single machining operation.
 Calculate removal up to: this command calculates and displays in the graphics area
the raw part as it appears after machining from the first operation to the selected one
in order of machining.
 Calculate removal from: this command calculates and displays in the graphics area
the raw part as it appears after machining from the the selected operation to the last
one in order of machining.
 Calculate complete removal: this command calculates and displays in the graphics
area the raw part as it appears after all the machining operations.
 Save virtual routing: this command allows saving the virtual routing in a file. Once the
command has been activated, the program displays the Windows dialog box for saving the
file (see Figure ), where the position, the name and the extension of the project file are to be
specified.
 Delete virtual routing: this command deletes the view of the raw part in the graphics area.

Figure 10.9: Virtual routing properties

10.1.3 Advanced machining properties

The parameters of this area correspond to those available in the machining-related kit, under the
name of Advanced. The modifications brought to them during machining only refer to the current
machining and do not affect the related kit parameters present in the Kit Database. Besides the
parameters of this area refer to the currently selected single path, therefore they can be set
differently for each path existing in the currently selected machining.
The meaning and functions of each parameter are explained in chapter 11 in detail.

10.1.3.1 Machining variation menu

In this drop-down menu some commands enable modifying some machining parameters for a single
entity instead than for the whole machining path. In case machining is recalculated, all variations
applied to it will be deleted.
To view the Machining variation menu (see Figure ), it is necessary to be in Machining edit mode,
to select an entity of the machining path with the mouse left button and finally to select it with the
mouse right button.
The available variations in the machining variation menu will change according to the machining
type of the selected entity.
10.1.3.1.1 Routing variations

Feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.10), where the machining speed value is to be entered; with step machining it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Figure 10.10: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is to be entered; with step machining it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.
10.1.3.1.2 Cutting variations

Feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.10), where the machining speed value is to be entered; with step machining, it is also possible,
by activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Figure 10.10: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is to be entered; with step machining it is also possible, by
selecting the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Enter stop

This command allows stopping the machine by setting it into hold mode at the end of machining of
the selected entity. At this point the operator can check the result, remove the cut material, etc. To
have the machine repeat the normal work cycle, just press the start button.

Enter direct command

This command allows entering a direct command when machining of selected entity is completed.
After activating the command, the program displays the Command dialog box where a direct
command is to be entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all
runs option, to activate the command for all runs. The direct command is displayed in the graphics
area and reported inside the ISO code, after machining the selected entity.

Figure 10.11: Variation of Enter direct command

Extend lead-in
This command extends the lead-in of the blade in the part. After activating the command, the
program displays the Extend lead-in dialog box (see Figure 10.12), where the new tool lead-in
length is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all runs option,
to activate the parameter for all runs. The new lead-in path is highlighted in the graphics area by a
red dotted line.

Figure 10.12: Variation of Extend lead-in

Extend lead-out

This command extends the lead-out of the blade from the part. After activating the command, the
program displays the Extend lead-out dialog box (see Figure ), where the new tool lead-out length is
entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all runs option, to
activate the parameter for all runs. The new lead-out path is highlighted in the graphics area by a
red dotted line.

Extend lead-in to the raw part

This command extends the lead-in of the blade in the part as far as the raw part profile. The new
lead-in path is highlighted in the graphics area by a red dotted line.

Extend lead-out to the raw part

This command extends the lead-out of the blade in the part as far as the raw part profile. The new
lead-out path is highlighted in the graphics area by a red dotted line.

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.
10.1.3.1.3 Profiling tool variations

Feed variation
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.13), where the machining speed value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.
 Figure 10.13: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is entered; with step machining it is also possible, by activating
the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.
10.1.3.1.4 Engraving variations

Feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.10), where the machining speed value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is entered; with step machining it is also possible, by activating
the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.
10.1.3.1.4 Grooving variations

Feed variation
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.14), where the machining speed value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Figure 10.14: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is entered; with step machining it is also possible, by activating
the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Lead-in depth variation

This command allows defining the depth of lead-in cutting into the entity under machining. The
program applies this variation at the entity start point and increases cutting depth progressively until
reaching its programmed value and keeping it to the end. After activating the command, the
program displays the Lead-in depth variation dialog box (see Figure 10.15), where the cutting depth
value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all runs option,
to activate the parameter for all runs.

Figure 10.15: Lead-in depth variation

Lead-out depth variation

This command allows defining the cutting detph at the end of the entity under machining. The
program applies this variation at entity end, then it start machining with the unvaried depth value
and increasingly reduces it until reaching its modified value at the end. After activating the
command, the program displays the Lead-out depth variation dialog box (see Figure 10.16), where
the cutting depth value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to
all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs

Figure 10.16: Lead-out depth variation

Lead-in width variation

This command allows specifying the cutting width at the start of the entity under machining. The
program applies this variation at the entity start point and increases cutting depth progressively until
reaching its unchanged value at the end. After activating the command, the program displays the
Lead-in width variation dialog box (see Figure 10.17), where the cutting width value is entered;
with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the
parameter for all runs.
 Figure 10.17: Lead-in width variation

Lead-out width variation

This command allows specifying the cutting width at the end of the entity under machining. The
program applies this variation at the entity end; then it starts machining with the unchanged depth
value and decreases it progressively until reaching its modified value at the end. After activating the
command, the program displays the Lead-out width variation dialog box , where the cutting width
value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by activating the Apply to all runs option,
to activate the parameter for all runs.

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.

10.1.3.1.6 Finishing variations

Feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.18), where the machining speed value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.
 Figure 10.18: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is entered; with step machining it is also possible, by activating
the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Point variation
This command allows modifying the machining path by shifting one end-point of the selected
entity. After activating the command, the program displays the Point variations dialog box (see
Figure 10.19) which is made up of the following parameters:

 X: this option, when activated, allows defining the new X coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Y: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Y coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Z: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Z coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Incremental: when activated, this option enables shifting the end-point of the selected
entity by specifying the distance from its original position and the shifting direction.
Directions are:
 Along X: the end-point of the entity is moved along the X axis.
 Along Y: the end-point of the entity is moved along the Y axis.
 Along Z: the end-point of the entity is moved along the Z axis.
 Along router direction: if the machining tool is a router, the end-point of the entity is
moved along the rotary direction of the router axis; if instead the tool is a blade, the
end-point of the entity is moved along the direction of the blade rotary axis.
 Along correction direction: if the machining tool is a router, the end-point of the
entity is moved along the machining direction of the router axis; if instead the tool is
 a blade, the end-point of the entity is moved along the direction that is perpendicular
to the machining surface.
 Along path: the end-point of the entity is moved along the entity direction.
 Verify interference: this option, when activated, enables the program to verify that the
modification brought to the path does not interfere with the part. If this happens the program
does not modify the machining path.

Figure 10.19: Point variations

Delete variation
This command allows eliminating the variations previously brought to the currently selected entity.

Reset variation selections

This command allows deselecting all currently selected entities.

Enter point
This command allows entering a new machining point on the selected entity. This new point is
created halfway in the original entity.
Delete point
This command allows deleting the selected point and related entity.
10.1.3.1.7 5-axis machining variations

By clicking on the part surface with the mouse right button in machining edit mode, EasySTONE
graphic interface displays the Variation command menu, (see Figure 10.20) which changes based on
the tool in use.

Figure 10.20: Variation command menu

Feed variations
This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.
After activating the command, the program displays the Feed variations dialog box (see Figure
10.21), where the machining speed value is entered; with step machining, it is also possible, by
activating the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Figure 10.21: Feed variation

Per cent feed variations

This command allows defining the speed that the tool takes on while machining the selected entity,
expressed as a percentage of the speed it would take on normally.
After activating the command, the program displays the Per cent feed variations dialog box (see
Figure ), where the percentage value is entered; with step machining it is also possible, by activating
the Apply to all runs option, to activate the parameter for all runs.

Point variation
This command allows modifying the machining path by shifting one end-point of the selected
entity. After activating the command, the program displays the Point variations dialog box (see
Figure 10.22) which is made up of the following parameters:

 X: this option, when activated, allows defining the new X coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Y: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Y coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Z: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Z coordinate of the selected entity
end-point.
 Incremental: when activated, this option enables shifting the end-point of the selected
entity by specifying the distance from its original position and the shifting direction.
Directions are:
 Along X: the end-point of the entity is moved along the X axis.
 Along Y: the end-point of the entity is moved along the Y axis.
 Along Z: the end-point of the entity is moved along the Z axis.
 Along router direction: this direction is used for side machining only; if the
machining tool is a router, the end-point of the entity is moved along the rotary
direction of the router axis; if instead the tool is a blade, the end-point of the entity is
moved along the direction of the blade rotary axis.
 Along correction direction: this direction is used for side machining only; if the
machining tool is a router, the end-point of the entity is moved along the
perpendicular direction of the machined plane; if instead the tool is a blade, the end-
point of the entity is moved along the direction that is parallel to the machining
surface.
 Along path: the end-point of the entity is moved along the entity direction.
 Verify interference: this option, when activated, enables the program to verify that the
modification brought to the path does not interfere with the part. If this happens the program
does not modify the machining path.
 Figure 10.22: Point variations

Figure 10.23: Incremental values

Unit vector variation

This command allows modifying the direction of the tool axis while machining the selected entity.
After activating the command, the program displays the Unit vector variations dialog box (see
Figure 10.22) which is made up of the following parameters:

 X: this option, when activated, allows defining the new X coordinate of the tool rotation axis
end-point.
 Y: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Y coordinate of the tool rotation axis
end-point.
 Z: this option, when activated, allows defining the new Z coordinate of the tool rotation axis
end-point.
 Rotation: this option, when activated, enables rotating the tool by specifying the direction
of the rotation axis and the value of the rotation angle.
 Possible directions are:
 Around X: the tool rotation axis is the X axis.
 Around Y: the tool rotation axis is the Y axis.
 Around Z: the tool rotation axis is the Z axis.
 Around correction direction: this direction is used only for blade machining; it uses
the direction through centre and point as the rotation axis.
 Around path: the tool rotation axis is the entity direction.
 Along path: the tool rotation axis is perpendicular to the entity direction.
 Deploy unit vectors: this option, when activated, enables applying a gradual variation of
unit vectors over more entities.
 Verify interference: this option, when activated, enables the program to verify that the
modification brought to the path does not interfere with the part. If this happens the program
does not modify the machining path.

Figure 10.24: Uit vector variations

 Figure 10.25: Rotation values

Figure 10.26: Unit vector direction variation

Delete variation
Deletes any earlier variations applied to that machining.

Reset variation selections

Deselects the entity taken into account while keeping the previously applied variations active.

Enter point
Enables the operator to enter a new tool machining point on the surface. To create a new point
select the machining path in the exact coordinate where you need to enter the point (which will turn
dotted green) and then select the Enter point command.

Delete point
Deletes the selected points on the machining path.

10.1.3.2 Tool machining simulation

This drop-down menu shows some commands which enable displaying the tools in the graphics
area while machining the part.
To view the Tool machining simulation menu (see Figure 10.27), it is necessary to be in Machining
edit mode and select just any point of the graphics area with the mouse right button.

Figure 10.27: Tool preview command menu

Previous step

This command allows going back to the previous simulation step, i.e., it displays the tool in the
entity machining position before the current one.

Next step

This command allows going to the next simulation step, i.e., it displays the tool in the entity
machining position following the current one.

Hide preview

This command allows hiding the tool displayed during simulation.

Start simulation

This command allows starting the simulation. After command activation, the program displays a
Simulation control panel in the graphics area (see Figure 10.28) containing the commands to
manage it.
 Figure 10.28: preview control panel

End simulation

This command allows ending the simulation and closing the Simulation control panel.

Exclude surface

This command is available only with surface machining, i.e., in Surface roughing, Surface
finishing, 5-axis finishing, Lathe roughing, Lathe finishing and 5-axis lathe finishing modes; it
enables excluding a surface from the current machining calculation, meaning that the program does
not take any related interferences or collisions into account.

It is also possible to view the position of the tool in the graphics area at the end of each machining
path entity.

To view the tool at path start just press the Page down key in order to move the tool forward by one
entity along the machining path, while press the Page up key to move it backward by one entity.

Figure 10.29: Tool preview

To view the tool at the end of a machining entity just press the Ctrl key and concurrently select the
machining entity with the mouse left button.

10.1.3.2.1 Hole management

Other hole management options are available for Driller cutting and Driller roughing from the Tool
machining simulation menu, i.e.:

 Move: this command allows moving one hole. The shifting can be carried out also with a
drag'n'drop operation by selecting the hole to move and the point where to position it. When
moving inside the surface the holes change in length according to the distance from the
surface.
 Add: this command allows adding a new hole.
 Delete: this command allows deleting the selected hole.
 Undo interactive changes: this command allows cancelling all changes made to the holes.
 Undo: this command cancels the latest operation relating to the holes.

10.1.3.2.2 Exclude surface

The Exclude surface item is added to the Surface roughing, Surface finishing, 5-Axis finishing,
Lathe roughing, Lathe finishing and 5-axis lathe finishing machining modes on the Tool machining
simulation menu.
After command activation, the program displays the Surface window (see Figure ) where those
surfaces can be selected among those available in the list which are not to be taken into account
during calculation of currently selected surface machining. It is possible to select or deselect all
available surfaces by activating the related commands from the drop-down menu and selecting just
any point of the window with the mouse right button.

10.2 Kit

This directory list contains all kits available in the program for the currently active machine, divided
into machining types. After selecting a geometric entity in the graphics area, the kit list gets shorter,
showing only those kits that are suitable for the machining of the selected geometry.

10.3 Command area

This area shows the commands that enable modifying the part machining process and related
parameters.

This command allows adding a machining kit to the part machining directory.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the entity where machining is applied.

 Double-click select the machining type to carry out.
 Select the chosen kit.
 Activate the Add command or double-click select the chosen kit.

The software displays the Advanced machining properties of the added machining automatically.

This command allows displaying the Advanced machining properties of the currently selected path.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the machining which the path to modify belongs to.

 Activate the Edit command or double-click select the machining.

This command allows deleting a machining kit from the current part machining.

The procedure is as follows:

 Select the machining to delete.

 Activate the Delete command or press the Del key.

This command allows opening the selection dialog box of the current plane from the list of
available planes for the current part.

The procedure is as follows:

 Activate the Plane command.

 Select one plane among those available.

The plane can also be selected by directly clicking on one entity that is part of it in the graphics
area. This command is mainly used in situations with geometries shared by more planes.
This command allows opening the dialog box for creation and modification of the raw part relating
to the current part.

The options and commands here are explained at section 10.3.1 in detail.

This command is active only if the raw part is rectangular, offset or from surface; it enables
modifying the origin position.

By origin the 0 position of the part is meant, which the coordinates of the part-program will refer

to; it is represented inside the graphics area by the icon .

After activating the command, the program displays the dialog box for origin position definition
(see Figure 10.31) which is made up of the following parameters:

 Origin position: this parameter enables specifying the origin position (black point) inside
the part (blue rectangle) (see Figure 10.30). It is possible to move the origin in ten different
positions on the part, i.e.:
 centre.
 top left.
 top centre.
 top right.
 left centre.
 right centre.
 bottom left.
 bottom centre.
 bottom right.
  generic.

Figure 10.30: Origin with respect to X,Y

 Generic point: this parameter is active only if the Origin position
parameter is set to generic, and allows defining the coordinates on the X
and Y axes of the origin.
 Z origin: this parameter allows defining the position of the Z axis origin. The possible
choices are:
 above part.
 part centre.
 above shim.
 table.
 generic (part reference): the position of the origin is defined by the generic Z
parameter as the distance from the highest point of the part.
 generic (table reference): the origin position is defined by the generic Z parameter as
the distance from the surface of the worktable.
 Generic Z: this parameter is active only if the Z origin parameter is set to generic (part
reference) or generic (table reference); it allows defining the coordinate of the origin on the
Z axis.

Figure 10.31: Part origin

This command allows deleting all kits added to the part machining.

Before carrying on with deletion, the software requires confirmation of the reset operation.

This command allows updating the machining geometries and the tool parameter, after some
changes have been made. After command activation, the program displays the Geometry list in the
control panel (see Figure ), where all paths followed by the tools grouped by machining mode are
present, among which those to update can be selected, and the Tools list (see Figure ), where all the
tools grouped by machining mode are present, among which those to update can be selected.

After selecting the geometries and tools to update, just activate the Recalculate command for the
program to recalculate them.

When updating a tool the program updates all its parameters present in the tool database only,
therefore unchangeable during machining.

By pressing the right key inside the Geometry or Tools lists, the program displays a drop-down
menu (see Figure 10.32) containing two commands:

 select all: this command allows selecting all machining modes present in the list.
 deselect all: this command allows deselecting all machining modes present in the list.

Figure 10.32: Select / deselect all

It is not possible to update the geometry of machining applied to nurbs curves or texts; therefore
such machining modes appear as non-selectable in the Geometry list.

Enables the user to modify the default order and block one machining operation by activating the
order command.

When the order icon is pressed the dialog box 10.33 appears, which enables the user to define the
order of machining runs independently of the automatic calculation.
 Figure 10.33: Machining order

The arrangement of the machining operation list can be modified by dragging the single operations
into the desired position. To modify the order just select the name of the machining with the mouse
left button and drag it into the desired position.

If the final order is not the same as the automatic one, the program does not enable the user to add
other machining operations or to modify the existing ones. By pressing the automatic button the
default order by EasySTONE is restored, except when machining is locked (closed padlock); in that
case it will remain in the user-defined position.

The applicable procedure for machining block is carried out outside the order command and inside
the box of present machining operations (see Figure 10.34). To block or automatize machining there
are two different ways:

 click twice on the padlock beside the name (padlock open = automatic machining, padlock
closed = order blocked).
 select the machining name with the mouse right button and choose order blocked or
automatic order inside the menu that appears.
 Figure 10.34: Order blocked

A blocked machining is not set in order; if there are two blocked machining options, only the
intermediate or previous machining options are set in order.

The order of priorities assigned by default to the software is as follows:

 laser projection.
 probing.
 pocketing.
 waterjet.
 bottom bit.
 bit.
 surface roughing:
 bit.
 blade.
 router.
 blade.
 router.
  diamond profiling tool.
 surface finishing:
 standard.
 lathe.
 5-axis surface finishing:
 standard.
 lathe.
 5-axis waterjet.
 cup diamond wheel for bevel.
 cup polishing wheel for bevel.
 engraving:
 pocketing.
 pocketing repeat.
 engraving.
 diamond grooving saw blade.
 polish grooving saw blade.
 polishing profiling tool.
 polishing wheels.
 direct commands.

Enables the operator to specify which automatic CAM configuration to perform. After choosing the

desired configuration it is necessary to press the button to apply the automatic CAM,

otherwise to quit the operation without performing the configuration press .

The image figure 10.35 reports the automatic CAM result just applied.
 Figure 10.35: Automatic CAM performance

10.3.1 Raw part

This command allows creating and modifying the raw part to machine.

After activating the command, the program displays the parameters and commands in the control
panel which enable creating and modifying the raw part relating to the current part.

According to the features of the part to machine, the raw part can be of five different types, i.e.:

 rectangular: the program creates a rectangular raw part.

 offset: the program creates a raw part according to a drawing-resident geometry.
 lathe: the program creates a raw part to machine the current part on the lathe.
 from surfaces: the program creates a raw part
 generic lathe: the program creates a raw part

The parameters enabling to define the raw part vary according to the type of raw part.

10.3.1.1 Rectangular
 Figure 10.36: Definition of raw part box

This command allows defining a rectangular-shaped raw part.

After activating the command, the program displays the raw part-specific parameters, i.e.:

 Raw part position: this parameter enables specifying the part position (black frame) inside
the raw part (blue rectangle) (see Figure ). It is possible to shift the part in nine different
positions, i.e.:
 centre.
 top left.
 top centre.
 top right.
 centre left.
 centre right.
 bottom left.
 bottom centre
 bottom-right.
According to the preset position the Ofs X and Ofs Y parameters are activated/deactivated.
 X dimension: this parameter allows defining the raw part dimension on the X axis.
 Y dimension: this parameter allows defining the raw part dimension on the Y axis.
 Ofs X: this parameter is active when the Raw part position parameter is set to a position
which allows editing the position of the raw part on the X axis; it enables specifying the
distance between the raw part side and the part side.
 Ofs Y: this parameter is active when the Raw part position parameter is set to a position
which allows editing the position of the raw part on the Y axis; it enables specifying the
distance between the raw part side and the part side.
  Thickness: this parameter allows defining the raw part thickness.
 Z position: this parameter allows defining the raw part position on the Z axis, i.e., the
distance between the point with higher Z of the part and the upper surface of the raw part.

The Minimum ( ) command is also available; it allows creating a rectangular raw part
having the minimum dimensions necessary to contain the geometry of the current project, hidden
texts, dimensions and geometries excluded.
On opening the rectangular box section, the program sets the X and Y dimensions by default (see
Figure ) corresponding to the minimum raw part dimensions necessary to contain the geometry of
the current project.
10.3.1.2 Offset

Figure 10.37: Box offset

This command allows defining a raw part with a shape corresponding to the part offset.

After activating the command, the program displays the raw part-specific parameters, i.e.:

 Add or remove overmaterial: when activated after defining the raw part offset, this option
allows adding or removing the overmaterial along one side of the raw part by selecting it in
the graphics area.
 Define raw part offset: this command activates when a closed path is selected in the
graphics area; it allows creating a raw part which is an offset of the selected path.
 Overmaterial: this parameter allows defining the quantity of material that the offset needs
to exceed, with respect to the selected path.
 Thickness: this parameter allows defining the raw part thickness.
 Z position: this parameter allows defining the raw part position on the Z axis, i.e., the
distance between the point with higher Z of the part and the upper surface of the raw part.
The Minimum ( ) command is also available; it allows creating a rectangular raw part
having the minimum dimensions necessary to contain the geometry of the current project, hidden
texts, dimensions and geometries excluded.

10.3.1.3 Lathe

Figure 10.38: Lathe raw part box

This command allows defining a rectangular-shaped raw part.

After activating the command, the program displays the raw part-specific parameters, i.e.:

 Raw part position: this parameter enables specifying the part position on the raw part
rotation axis (see Figure 10.39) It is possible to shift the part in three different positions, i.e.:
 centre.
 left.
 right.

Figure 10.39: Raw part positioning

 Position offset: this parameter allows defining the distances on the X, Y

and Z axes of the part from the position determined by the Raw part
position parameter.
 Length: this parameter allows defining the raw part length.
 Number of sides: this parameter allows defining the number of the polygon sides whose
shape defines the raw part section. It is also possible to define the raw part profile starting

from a path. To do so just activate the command which enables the program to display
 the Section type parameter. Select the From path option and also select in the graphics area a
closed path which defines the raw part section. If the raw part orientation is parallel to X the
section must be reported on a right or left layer, while if the orientation is parallel to the Y
axis the section must be represented on a front or back layer.
 Offset: this parameter allows defining a shift of the raw part with respect to the part on the
lathe rotation axis direction.
 Diameter: this parameter allows defining the diameter of the circle inscribed to the polygon
which defines the raw part section.
 Rotation: this parameter allows defining an angle which the raw part needs to be rotated by
around its own axis.
 Rotary axis: this parameter allows defining the raw part rotation axis, which can be the X
axis or the Y axis.

The Minimum ( ) command is also available; it allows creating a rectangular raw part
having the minimum dimensions necessary to contain the geometry of the current project, hidden
texts, dimensions and geometries excluded.

10.3.1.4 From surfaces

This command allows defining a raw part having the shape of a surface.
After activating the command, the program displays two commands which enable defining the
surface to use as a raw part, i.e.:

 Define generic raw part: this command allows selecting a surface in the graphics area and,
after selecting it, using it to calculate the raw part.
 Load from file: this command allows creating a surface from a file. Once the command has
been activated, the program displays the Windows dialog box for importing a file (see
Figure ), where the position, the name and the extension of the file containing the surface to
use as a raw part can be specified. The file must be Virtual routing type.

10.3.1.5 Generic lathe

This command allows defining a raw part on a lathe having a surface-defined shape.
After activating the command, the program displays the raw part-specific parameters, i.e.:

 Define generic raw part: this command allows creating the raw part having the shape of a
surface. To do so just select the command first… then select the surface having the shape of
the raw part in the graphics area, finally activate the Define generic raw part command.
 Position offset: this parameter allows defining the distances on the X, Y and Z axes of the
 part from the position determined by the Raw part position parameter.
 Rotation axis: this parameter allows defining the raw part rotation axis, which can be the X
axis or the Y axis.

10.4 Multiple part management

This function allows applying the machining to each part separately, also in projects containing
several parts.

When in a project with several parts the machine mode is activated from another one, the program
displays the Select part dialog box in the mode panel (see Figure 10.40), where a list of Parts
present in the project is provided, among which it is possible to choose the one to machine. In
Machine mode, to pass from the machining of one part to another, just select the icon ... which
enables going back to the Part selection dialog box, where it is possible to choose another part to
machine.

Figure 10.40: Multiple part management

 11 Machining and kit
properties

By the term kit the set of tools and parameter used for a specific machining operations is meant.
Within such a set it is possible to specify the kit-related features. Such properties change on varying
the selected kit type and can be viewed either within the database menu or in the machine mode.

In case the properties are present in both parts, it will be possible to create some kits with generic
behaviours inside the database and then modify them during machining in order to make them
entity specific.

11.1 Drilling

Drilling machining can be applied to hole-type geometric entities only; it allows drilling one or
more holes in the raw part.
 Figure 11.1: Drilling Kit - the magazine database is shown on the left and the machining database
on the right

General properties present both in the magazine and in the machining database:

Z step: this parameter allows defining the sinking of each run to apply if the machining needs to be
performed in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0, machining is carried out in one single run. In
case of machining operations carried out by a bottom drilling tool this parameter is replaced by the
Sinking parameter.

Sinking: this parameter is present only in kits containing a bottom drilling tool; it replaces the Z
step parameter and enables specifying the Z sinking of the machining.

Z start slow-down: this parameter allows specifying the Z segment, measured from the hole start,
where the tool advances at a speed corresponding to the lead-in feed, to the segment end, where the
tool takes on a speed corresponding to the machining feed (see Figure 11.2). This way you avoid
damaging the part the moment the tool starts working. If this parameter is set to 0 the machining
feed is applied from machining start.

Z final slow-down: this parameter allows specifying the Z segment, measured from the hole
bottom, where the tool advances at a speed corresponding to the lead-out feed, to the segment end,
where the tool takes on a speed corresponding to the machining feed (see Figure 11.2). This way
you avoid damaging the part the moment the tool ends working. If this parameter is set to 0 the
machining feed is applied until the machining end.

Z bottom: this parameter is used in through holes and enables defining the Z segment, measured
starting from the hole bottom, to be further covered downwards before the tools rises again (see
Figure 11.2). If this parameter is set to 0 the hole depth is respected. This parameter is not available
in case of machining executed by a bottom drilling tool.

Figure 11.2: Drilling machining

Blowing: this parameter allows defining the blowing type, i.e. the moment it is activated to remove
the waste material from inside the tool. The blowing types are as follows:

 none: air is not emitted.

 on the bottom: air is emitted before raising the tool.
 on the top: air is emitted when the tool has risen above the raw part.
 flush with raw part: air is emitted when the tool is flush with the raw part.

This parameter is available only for some types of machines.

Tool parameters
Compensation: this parameter allows defining the type of tool dimensional compensation with
respect to the coordinates sent to the machine. The compensation types are as follows:

 PC: compensation is carried out by the program.

 NC: compensation is carried out by the numerical control of the machine, but the software
calculates any outreach too.
 TCP: compensation is carried out by the numerical control of the machine, which calculates
any outreach too.

Water type: this parameter allows defining the water delivery type during machining.

Delivery type depends on the available machining and can vary between:

 yes: water is delivered.

 no: water is not delivered.

or among:

 both: both internal and external water is delivered.

 external: only external water is delivered.
 internal: only internal water is delivered.
 no: no water is delivered.

Speed: this group of parameters allows defining all speeds relating to the machining tool; it
subdivides into:
 Rotation: this parameter allows defining the standard rotation speed expressed in rpm that
the tool takes on at the machining stage.

 Direction: this parameter is available only for some type of machines and allows specifying
the tool rotation direction.

 Lead-in feed: this parameter allows defining the speed of the tool when entering the part,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Feed: this parameter allows defining the speed of the tool during machining, expressed in
mm/min or in/min.

 Lead-in feed: this parameter allows defining the speed of the tool when exiting the part,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

Fixed axis / Solution: this group of parameters allows blocking a rotation axis on a specified angle;
then it is possible to choose the best machining solution. This group of parameters is not available
in case of machining carried out with bottom drilling tool. The Fixed axis / Solution group of
parameters subdivides into:

 Fixed axis: this parameter allows defining the axis that needs to be blocked.

 Fixed angle: this parameter allows defining the angle width, measured in degrees, the fixed
axis is to be blocked to.

 Solution: this parameter allows choosing one of the two possible tool movements for
reaching the desired position.
There are two possible movements; they can be defined like this:
 standard: chooses the solution defined as standard in the machine configuration.
 opposite: chooses the solution opposite to the one defined as standard in the machine
configuration.
 near the orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade covering nearer to the
surface perpendicular.
 far from orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade covering farther from
the surface perpendicular.
 minimum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 1 rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the 1st rotary
axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum 1 rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the 1st rotary
axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 2 rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the 2nd rotary
axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
  maximum 2 rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the 2nd rotary
axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum DIR2 x: indicates the covering solution with minimum X axis value.
 maximum DIR2 x: indicates the covering solution with maximum X axis value.
 minimum DIR2 y: indicates the covering solution with minimum Y axis value.
 maximum DIR2 y: indicates the covering solution with maximum Y axis value.
 minimum DIR2 z: indicates the covering solution with minimum Z axis value.
 maximum DIR2 z: indicates the covering solution with maximum Z axis value.
 near the orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade covering
nearer to the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.
 far from the orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade covering
farther from the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.

11.2 Routing

By selecting the routing kit the following dialog boxes appear inside the magazine and machining
database (see Figure 11.3)

Figure 11.3: Routing Kit - the magazine database is shown on the left and the machining database
on the right
General properties present both in the kit magazine and in the machining database:

Sinking: this parameter allows defining the tool sinking in Z with respect to the drawn geometry
(see Figure ). Sinking is measured by taking the tool bit into account as a reference; the side
entering the part is considered as positive. In the case of multiple-profile tools, the sinking value is
understood as referred to the profile that is meant to be used.
In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.
Rise: this parameter allows defining the distance in Z of the upper surface of the material from the
drawn geometry, i.e. the quantity of material above the geometry (see Figure ). This way the
machining lead-in is higher with respect to the geometry and therefore a higher quantity of material
will be removed.
In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Z step: this group of parameters allows using one machining for more runs and defines its features.
The Z step group of parameters subdivides into:

 Z step: this parameter allows defining the sinking value of each run to apply if the
machining needs to be performed in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0, machining is
carried out in one single run.

 Z movement closed: this parameter allows defining the type of movement to use in closed
paths by machining in more runs. The types of available movements are as follows:
 step: the tool moves at a constant Z at each run and performs the Z descent outside
the raw part. Runs are carried out either-way in order to follow the shortest
machining path.
 spiral: the tool goes down continuously and evenly along the whole path and makes
 a final run at the sinking Z value.

Figure: Z movement closed spiral

 one way: the tool moves at a constant Z on each run; after each run it goes up to the
safety Z before sinking to the Z of the next run. Runs are all carried out in the same
direction.
 Figure: Z movement closed one way

 Z movement open: this parameter allows defining the type of movement to use in open
paths by machining in more runs. The types of available movements are as follows:
 step: the tool moves at a constant Z at each run and performs the Z descent outside
the raw part. Runs are carried out either-way in order to follow the shortest
machining path.

Figure: Z movement open standard step

 spiral: the tool goes down continuously and evenly on each run and makes a final
run at the sinking Z value.
 Figure: Z movement open spiral

 one way: the tool moves at a constant Z on each run; after each run it goes up to the
safety Z before sinking to the Z of the next run. Runs are all carried out in the same
direction.

Figure: Z movement open one way


Prehole: this parameter allows defining the type of prehole to apply to machining. Prehole types
vary according to whether a drilling tool is present in the kit or not.
Prehole types in kits including the routing tool exclusively are as follows:

 preholed: prehole is already present.

 bit on router: the routing tool starts machining without drilling any prehole with different
tools.

Prehole types in kits including one drilling tool in addition to the routing tool are as follows:

 preholed: prehole is already present.

 driller: the prehole is made with the driller included in the machining kit.
 bit on router: the routing tool starts machining without drilling any prehole with different
tools.

In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Machine stop: this option when activated, allows stopping the machine by setting it into hold mode
at the end of current machining. At this point the operator can check the result, remove the cut
material, etc. To have the machine repeat the normal work cycle, just press the start button.

C rotation: this option is available with 5-axis machines only; if activated, it allows the fork
direction to be always perpendicular to the path.

Internal corner rounding: this option, when activated, allows defining a radius that is proportional
to the radius of the tool in use each time an internal corner is being machined (see Figure ). In case
one point is present where the distance between two entities of the same path is lower than the tool
diameter, the program rounds the path between the two entities leaving out the path section included
between the two entities.
Inclination: this group of parameters allows the tool to work obliquely, not vertically. The
Inclination parameter subdivides into:

 Angle: this parameter allows defining the inclination angle of the tool axis with respect to
the perpendicular position of the machining surface.

 Bending Z: this parameter allows defining the point of the router to be used as rotation
centre. It is referred to the maximum sinking point of the machining. As it is possible to see
from the image, different results are obtained according to the Z bending set value.
Figure 11.14 represents a case of Z bending that is set equal to 0; it is possible to notice that
this way the tool lower end is matched with the part lower side.
 Figure: Z bending=0

If the Z bending parameter is set to a value other than 0, e.g. "Th/2" (half thickness)
the positioning displayed in 11.15 is obtained.

Figure: Z bending=half thickness

 Finally, by setting the parameter equal to "Th" (thickness) the result depicted in figure 11.16
is obtained.

Figure: Z bending= thickness

In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically according to the part data.

Drilling:

 Hole Z step: this parameter allows specifying the sinking of each run to use if machining
needs to be performed in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0, machining is carried out in
one single run.

 Z hole start slow-down: this parameter allows defining the Z section, measured from the
hole start, where the tool moves forward at the lead-in feed speed and at the end moves at
the machining feed speed (see Figure 11.2). This way you avoid damaging the part the
moment the tool starts working. If this parameter is set to 0 the machining feed is applied
from machining start.

 Z hole final slow-down: this parameter allows defining the Z section, measured from the
hole bottom, where the tool moves forward at the lead-out feed speed and at the end moves
at the machining feed speed (see Figure ). This way you avoid damaging the part the
moment the tool stops working. If this parameter is set to 0 the machining feed is applied
 until machining end.

 Blowing: this parameter allows defining the blowing type, i.e. the moment of blowing
activation to remove the waste material from inside the tool. Blowing types are as follows:

 none: air is not emitted.

 on the bottom: air is emitted before raising the tool.
 on the top: air is emitted when the tool has completed the rising movement above the
raw part.
 flush with raw part: air is emitted when the tool is flush with the part.
This parameter is available for some machine types only.

Advanced properties available both in kit magazine and in machining edit mode

Machining side: this parameter allows specifying the drawn geometry side where machining is
carried out.

The machining choices are as follows:

 : the tool follows the machining path with its own centre.

 : the tool machines the path left side.

 : the tool machines the path right side.

The machining kit choices are as follows:

 automatic: the program defines the path machining side automatically. If machining is
applied to a single path the machining side is external, whilst if there are two paths, one
inside the other, the tool works the external path externally and the internal path internally.
 left: the tool machines the path left side.
 right: the tool machines the path right side.
 centre: the tool follows the machining path with its own centre.
 internal: the tool machines the internal path side with respect to the raw part centre.
 external: the tool machines the external path side with respect to the raw part centre.

Lead-in: this parameter allows specifying the type of tool lead-in, i.e. it adds a path to the
machining geometry in order to make tool lead-in easier and improve raw part machining. Besides
it groups the parameters which allow defining the lead-in path measures.
The lead-in types are as follows:

 none: the tool follows the lead-in along a quick path to insert the compensation; only
parameter L is active.
 If parameter Machining side is set to the centre value, no other path is generated and no
parameter is activated.
 linear: first the tool follows the lead-in along a quick path to insert the compensation, and
then along a rectilinear path; all parameters are active.
 perpendicular: first the tool follows the lead-in along a quick path to insert the
compensation, and then goes along a profile-perpendicular path; parameters P, Z and L are
active.
 tangent: first the tool follows the lead-in along a quick path to insert the compensation, and
then goes along a profile-tangent path; all parameters are active.

The Lead-in group subdivides into:

 T: this parameter specifies the distance of the lead-in point from the profile start following
the profile tangent direction.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 P: this parameter specifies the distance of the lead-in point from the profile start following
the profile perpendicular direction.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 Z: this parameter allows defining the height of the Lead-in descent in Z.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 L: this parameter allows defining the length of the lead-in path section used to insert the
compensation.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 Figure 11.4: Graph of lead-in parameters

These parameters in the Kit magazine can be assigned a numeric or automatic value, while in
machining edit mode they can be assigned one value only.

Figure 11.5: Entering the parameter values

Figure 11.6: Lead-in type definition

Lead-out: this parameter allows defining the type of tool lead-out from the raw part, that is, it
allows adding a path at the end of the machining geometry to ease the tool lead-out and improve
part machining. Besides it groups the parameters which allow defining the lead-out path measures.

The lead-out types are as follows:

 none: the tool follows the lead-out along a quick path to insert the compensation; only
parameter L is active. If parameter Machining side is set to the centre value, no other path is
generated and no parameter is activated.
  linear: first the tool follows a lead-out quick path to insert the compensation, and then along
a rectilinear path; all parameters are active.
 perpendicular: first the tool follows a lead-out quick path to insert the compensation, and
then goes along a profile-perpendicular path; parameters P, Z and L are active.
 tangent: first the tool follows a lead-out quick path to insert the compensation, and then goes
along a profile-tangent path; all parameters are active.

The Lead-out group subdivides into:

The parameters that define the lead-out are as follows:

 T: this parameter specifies the distance of the lead-in point from the profile start following
the profile tangent direction.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 P: this parameter specifies the distance of the lead-in point from the profile start following
the profile perpendicular direction.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 Z: this parameter allows defining the height of the Lead-in descent in Z.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.
 L: this parameter allows defining the length of the lead-in path section used to insert the
compensation.
In Kit Magazine it is possible to assign also the automatic value to this parameter, which
enables the software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Figure 11.7: Setting parameter values and types

According to the type of selected lead-out/lead-in, the parameters are enabled or disabled.
Overlap: this parameter is active only for closed paths with tangent lead-in and lead-out; it allows
defining the path section which will be machined both in lead-in and in lead-out mode, in order to
prevent the part from being damaged by the tool. In the kit magazine this parameter may take values
only, while in machining edit mode it can also be entered or removed.

Optimize: this parameter enables the program to optimize the machining path, thus avoiding
reduplicating machining of parts shared by several paths. After activating the command, the
program deactivates all parameters present in the advanced machining properties, except for Lead-
in, Lead-out and Invert, as it calculates the best machining path automatically. Besides, when

active, the Optimize command (see Figure ) is replaced by the Normal command, (see

Figure ) which allows cancelling all modifications.

Advanced properties available only in the kit magazine

Closed path chaining: this parameter allows defining the chaining type to use in closed paths, that
is, the running direction.

The chaining types are as follows:

 automatic: the software calculates the best machining solution automatically.

 counterclockwise direction: the machining is carried out in counterclockwise direction.
 clockwise direction: the machining is carried out in clockwise direction.

Open path chaining: this parameter allows defining the chaining type to use in open paths.

The chaining types are as follows:

 automatic: the software calculates the best machining solution automatically.

 raw part centre to the left: machining is carried out by leaving the geometric centre of the
raw part to the left of the path.
 raw part centre to the right: machining is carried out by leaving the geometric centre of the
raw part to the right of the path.

 counterclockwise, closing with a line: machining execution is forced clockwise (as per
specification) supposing to close the path with a further line (represented by a dotted line
inside the drawing to emphasize that it is not a real line).
 clockwise, closing with a line: machining execution is forced counterclockwise (as per
specification) supposing to close the path with a further line (represented by a dotted line
inside the drawing to emphasize that it is not a real line).

 closer to the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that is
closer to the raw part geometric centre (see Figure ).
 farther from the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point
that is farther from the raw part geometric centre.

 closer to the raw part outside: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that
is closer to the raw part outside.
 farther from the raw part outside: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point
 that is farther from the raw part outside.
 long side: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point of the longer side of the
machining path.

 short side: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point of the shorter side of the
machining path.

 angle from outside: machining is carried out starting from the first path angle and gets into
each following angle.
 angle from inside: machining is carried out starting from the first path angle and gets out of
each following angle.
 database order: machining is carried out starting from the first path segment to be drawn.

 inverted database order: machining is carried out starting from the last path segment to be
 drawn.

 The following types are sorted out so that the first part indicates the X or Y dimension of the
machining start point; the second part indicates the machining path order.
 order by minimum local X, increasing Y.

 order by minimum local X, decreasing Y.

 order by minimum local Y, increasing X.
 order by minimum local Y, decreasing X.
 order by maximum local X, increasing Y.

 order by maximum local X, decreasing Y.

 order by maximum local Y, increasing X.
 order by maximum local Y, decreasing X.
 order by minimum global X, increasing Y.
 order by minimum global X, decreasing Y.
 order by minimum global Y, increasing X.
  order by minimum global Y, decreasing Y.
 order by maximum global X, increasing Y.
 order by maximum local X, decreasing Y.
 order by maximum global Y, increasing X.
 order by maximum global Y, decreasing X.

Closed path start: this parameter allows defining the machining start position for closed paths. The
start types are as follows:

 selection: the software starts machining the profile from the end-point that is closer to the
selection point of the selected segment.

 long side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the longer side of
the machining path.
 short side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the shorter side
of the machining path.

 upper side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the upper side of
the machining path.
 lower side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the lower side of
the machining path.
 left side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the far left side of
the machining path.
 right side midpoint: machining is carried out starting from the midpoint of the far right side
 of the machining path.
 long side corner: machining is carried out starting from the corner of the longer side of the
machining path.

 short side corner: machining is carried out starting from the corner of the shorter side of the
machining path.

 the following types indicate the X or Y dimensions of the machining start point.
 minimum local X corner.
 maximum local X corner.

 minimum local Y corner.

 maximum local Y corner.

 minimum local Z corner.

 maximum local Z corner.
 minimum global X corner.
 maximum global X corner.
 minimum global Y corner.
 maximum global Y corner.
  minimum global Z corner.
 maximum global Z corner.

 closer to the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the end-point that is
closer to the raw part geometric centre.

 farther from the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the end-point that is
farther from the raw part geometric centre.
  closer to the raw part outside: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that
is closer to the raw part outside.

 farther from the raw part side: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that
is farther from the raw part outside.

Path order: this parameter allows defining the machining order of more paths, if any. The path
order types are as follows:

 selection.
 from inside outwards.
 from outside inwards.
 horizontal, vertical, increasing Y.
 horizontal, decreasing Y vertical.
 vertical, horizontal, increasing X.
 vertical, horizontal, decreasing X.
 minimum X, decreasing Y.
 minimum X, increasing Y.
 minimum X, optimize.
 maximum X, decreasing Y.
 maximum X, increasing Y.
 maximum X, optimize.
 minimum Y, decreasing X.
 minimum Y, increasing X.
 minimum Y, optimize.
 maximum Y, decreasing X.
 maximum Y, increasing X.
 maximum Y, optimize.
 minimum Z, optimize.
 maximum Z, optimize.

Advanced properties available only in the machining database

Escape cuts: additional cut carried out contrariwise the machining direction in the presence of
corners; it is carried out to prevent machining from spoiling the part. Through the dialog box in
figure 11.17 the user can choose the corners to machine.
 Figure 11.17: Escape cuts

After selecting the command, the user is requested to highlight the insert entity.

After inserting the cut, it will be possible to edit the various parameters by selecting the entity of
interest and entering the new parameters. To delete an escape cut just select it and click on the
delete key.

Invert: this option allows inverting the positions of the lead-in and lead-out points without varying

the compensation side.

Change start: this option is active only for closed path machining and allows shifting the
machining start point.

This option allows displaying the Start point dialog box (see Figure 11.18), where it is possible to
define the start point type, among:

 point: the start point is fixed on the selected snap point of the currently active type.
 length: the start point is shifted by the length value entered by the user and expressed in mm.
 percentage: the start point is positioned at the distance indicated by the percentage entered
by the user with respect to the path.

Start point dialog box." style="border:1px solid black; "/>

Figure 11.18: Start point dialog box.

Tool parameters

Compensation: this parameter allows defining the type of compensation of the tool dimensions
with respect to the coordinates sent to the machine. The compensation types are as follows:
  PC: compensation is carried out by the program.
 NC: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control, but the software takes
any outreach into consideration.
 TCP: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control which allows for the
outreach too.

Water type: this parameter allows defining the type of water delivery during machining.

Delivery type depends on the available machine and can vary between:

 yes: it is delivered.
 no: it is not delivered.

or among:

 both: the internal and the external water is delivered.

 external: only the external water is delivered.
 internal: only the internal water is delivered.
 no: it is not delivered.

Speed: this group of parameters allows defining all speeds relating to the machining tool and
subdivides into:

 Rotation: this parameter allows defining the standard rotation speed expressed in rpm that
the tool takes on during machining.

 Direction: this parameter is available only for some types of machines and allows defining
the tool rotation direction.

 Head feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during head
machining, expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Lead-in feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during lead-in,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during part machining,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Lead-out feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during lead-
out, expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Limitation: this parameter activates only when the tool head is working; when activated, it
forces the system to use the Head Feed as machining speed. If deactivated, the Feed Speed
is used as head machining speed.
Oscillation: when activated, this group of parameters enables the tool to carry out oscillatory
movements along the Z axis. This movement proves very useful when optimum tool consumption is
required. When activated, the Oscillation parameter subdivides into:

 Step/Frequency oscillation: this parameter varies according to the machine available and
can be defined as:
 Oscillation step: enables defining the length of a complete oscillation along the
movement direction.
 Oscillation frequency: enables specifying how many oscillations the tools performs
within a certain length.
 Oscillation amplitude: this parameter allows defining the tool Z variation during
oscillation.

Figure 11.8: Oscillation

Overmaterials: this group of parameters allows defining the quantity of material, expressed in mm
or in, intentionally left in excess on the part. In its turn the Overmaterials group of parameters
subdivides into:

 Overmaterial: radially excessive material with respect to the tool.

 Longitudinal overmaterial: longitudinally excessive material with respect to the tool.

Fixed axis / Solution: this group of parameters allows blocking one rotary axis into a certain angle
and then choosing the best machining solution. The Fixed axis/Solution group of parameters
subdivides into:

 Fixed axis: this parameter allows defining which axis to block, in case.
 Fixed angle: this parameter allows defining the angle width, measured in degrees, which the
fixed axis is to be blocked to.

 Solution: this parameter allows choosing one of the two possible tool movements to reach
the desired position.
There are two possible movements, but they can be defined as follows:
 standard: chooses the solution defined as standard in the machine configuration.
 opposite: chooses the solution that is opposite to the one defined as standard in the
machine configuration.
 close to orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard closer to the
surface perpendicular.
 far from orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard farther from the
surface perpendicular.
 minimum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 1st rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the first
rotary axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum 1st rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the first
rotary axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 2nd rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the second
rotary axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum 2nd rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the second
rotary axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum DIR2 x: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum X axis value.
  maximum DIR2 x: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum X axis value.
 minimum DIR2 y: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum Y axis value.
 maximum DIR2 y: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum Y axis value.
 minimum DIR2 z: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum Z axis value.
 maximum DIR2 z: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum Z axis value.
 close to orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard closer to
the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.
 far from orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard farther
from the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.

11.2.1 Prehole with driller

The Prehole with driller machining allows drilling a hole at the start point of routing machining.
This machining is used to enable the action of the routers (which do not perform any boring cut), or
to spend less time in part machining.
A cut repeat machining adds some parameters both to the General properties available both in the
kit magazine and in the machining database of the routing kit, and to the tool parameters of the
driller.

General properties available both in the kit magazine and in the machining database

Hole Z step: this parameter allows specifying the sinking of each run to use if machining is to be
carried out in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0, machining is carried out in one single run.

Z hole start slow-down: this parameter allows specifying the Z segment, measured from hole start,
where the tool proceeds at the lead-in feed speed, while at the hole end it proceeds at the machining
feed speed (see Figure 11.2). This way the part does not get damaged the moment the tool starts
working. If this parameter is set to 0 the machining feed is applied from machining start.

Z hole final slow-down: this parameter allows specifying the Z segment, measured from hole
bottom, where the tool proceeds at the lead-out feed speed, while at the hole end it proceeds at the
machining feed speed (see Figure ). This way the part does not get damaged the moment the tool
ends working. If this parameter is set to 0 the machining feed is applied until machining end.

Blowing: this parameter allows specifying the blowing type, that is, the moment of activation to
remove the waste material from inside the tool. The blowing types are as follows:

 none: air is not emitted.

 bottom: air is emitted before raising the tool.
 top: air is emitted when the tool has completed the rising movement above the part.
 flush with raw part: air is emitted when the tool is flush with the part.

This parameter is available only for some types of machines.

Tool parameters

Compensation: this parameter allows defining the type of compensation of the tool dimensions
with respect to the coordinates sent to the machine. The compensation types are as follows:

 PC: compensation is carried out by the program.

 NC: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control, but the software takes
any outreach into consideration.
 TCP: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control which allows for the
outreach too.

Water type: this parameter allows defining the type of water delivery during machining.

Delivery type depends on the available machine and can vary between:

 yes: it is delivered.
 no: it is not delivered.

or among:

 both: the internal and the external water is delivered.

 external: only the external water is delivered.
 internal: only the internal water is delivered.
 no: it is not delivered.

Speed: this group of parameters allows defining all speeds relating to the machining tool and
subdivides into:

 Rotation: this parameter allows defining the standard rotation speed expressed in rpm that
the tool takes on during machining.
  Direction: this parameter is available only for some types of machines and allows defining
the tool rotation direction.

 Lead-in feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during lead-in,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during part machining,
expressed in mm/min or in/min.

 Lead-out feed: this parameter allows defining the speed that the tool takes on during lead-
out, expressed in mm/min or in/min.

Fixed axis / Solution: this group of parameters allows blocking one rotary axis into a certain angle
and then choosing the best machining solution. This group of parameters is not available in case of
machining carried out by bottom drilling tool. The Fixed axis/Solution group of parameters
subdivides into:

 Fixed Axis: this parameter allows defining which axis to block, in case.

 Fixed angle: this parameter allows defining the angle width, measured in degrees, which the
fixed axis is to be blocked to.

 Solution: this parameter allows choosing one of the two possible tool movements to reach
the desired position.
There are two possible movements, but they can be defined as follows:
 standard: chooses the solution defined as standard in the machine configuration.
 opposite: chooses the solution that is opposite to the one defined as standard in the
machine configuration.
 close to orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard closer to the
surface perpendicular.
 far from orthogonal: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard farther from the
surface perpendicular.
 minimum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum X: between the two possible positions relating to the X axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
  maximum Y: between the two possible positions relating to the Y axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum Z: between the two possible positions relating to the Z axis the one having
the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 1st rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the first
rotary axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum 1st rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the first
rotary axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum 2nd rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the second
rotary axis the one having the minimum axis value will be chosen.
 maximum 2nd rotary axis: between the two possible positions relating to the second
rotary axis the one having the maximum axis value will be chosen.
 minimum DIR2 x: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum X axis value.
 maximum DIR2 x: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum X axis value.
 minimum DIR2 y: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum y axis value.
 maximum DIR2 y: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum Y axis value.
 minimum DIR2 z: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
minimum Z axis value.
 maximum DIR2 z: indicates the solution with the guard component having the
maximum Z axis value.
 close to orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard closer to
the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.
 far from orthogonal, forced: chooses the solution that brings the blade guard farther
from the surface perpendicular, forcing the choice if necessary.

11.2.2 Probing
Probing machining allows surveying the dimensions and the irregularities of the raw part surface in
order to improve machining.

The Probing group of parameters is associated to routing machining only if a probe is available
inside the routing kit; it allows defining the machining characteristics.

Figure 11.19: Cutting Kit with probing repeat - shown to the left in the magazine, to the right during
machining

General properties available both in the kit magazine and in the machining database

Probing Offset: this parameter allows defining the distance of the probing path from the blade
machining path.

Maximum probing distance: this parameter allows defining the probing distance between one
probing session and the next one.

Tool parameters

Compensation: this parameter allows defining the type of compensation of the tool dimensions
with respect to the coordinates sent to the machine. The compensation types are as follows:

 PC: compensation is carried out by the program.

 NC: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control, but the software takes
any outreach into consideration.
 TCP: compensation is carried out by the machine numerical control which allows for the
 outreach too.

11.3 Cutting

The properties of the cutting kit are available in magazine as default parameters, and during
machining as real parameters associated to the geometry.

Inside the magazine kit it is possible to insert tools like driller, router, waterjet and probe.

By selecting the cutting kit the following dialog boxes appear inside the magazine and machining
database (see Figure 11.20)

Figure 11.20: Cutting Kit - the magazine database is shown on the left and the machining database
on the right

Inside the cutting machining kit it is possible to insert additional tools, which enable carrying out
cutting repeat machining. These are the machining types: drilling, routing, probing and waterjet
cutting.

General properties present both in the kit and in the machining database:

Sinking: this parameter allows defining the tool sinking in Z with respect to the drawn geometry
(see Figure ). Sinking is measured by taking the blade centre into account as a reference; the side
entering the part is considered as positive.
In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Rise: this parameter allows defining the distance in Z of the upper surface of the material from the
drawn geometry, i.e. the quantity of material above the geometry (see Figure ). This way the
machining lead-in is higher with respect to the geometry and therefore a higher quantity of material
will be removed.
In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Figure 11.21: Sinking and rise

Z step: this group of parameters allows using one machining for more runs and defines its features.
The Z step group of parameters subdivides into:

 Z step: this parameter allows defining the sinking of each run to apply if the machining
needs to be performed in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0, machining is carried out in
one single run.

 Return Z step: this parameter allows specifying the sinking value at each run during the
blade return phase, i.e. when it moves in the opposite direction to its rotation direction. If
this parameter is set to 0 the sinking value of the runs during the blade return phase is equal
to the Z step.

 Arc Z step: this parameter allows defining the sinking at each arc machining run to apply if
the machining needs to be performed in more runs. If this parameter is set to 0 the arc
machining is carried out in one single run.

 Movement: this parameter allows defining the type of movement to use in paths with
multiple-run machining. The types of available movements are as follows:
 step: the tool moves at a constant Z at each run and performs the Z descent outside
 the raw part.
 one way: the tool moves at a constant Z on each run; after each run it goes up to the
safety Z before sinking to the Z of the next run.
 spiral: the tool goes down continuously and evenly along the whole path and makes
a final run at the sinking Z value.
If the parameter of the Angle blade (Reference) is set to a non-zero value, where the tool is
not vertical but inclined, the Movement parameter is set to step obligatorily.

Arc management: this group of parameters allows defining the arc machining properties. The Arc
management group of parameters subdivides into:

 Arc machining: this parameter is available only if the machining kit contains a routing tool
or a driller and allows specifying which arcs are to be machined with the blade. The possible
choices are:
 no: the tool does not machine any arc.
 yes: the tool machines all arcs.
 only internal arcs: the tool machines only the internal arcs.
 only external arcs: the tool machines only the external arcs.
 Arc splitting: this parameter allows specifying which arcs to machine along a path made up
of many segments approximating the arc path. The possible choices are:
 use non-interpolable radius: the arcs with a radius lower than Non-interpolable
radius are split (Reference… ).
 no: no arc is slit.
 on internal arcs: only the internal arcs are split.
 on external arcs: only the external arcs are split.
 external and internal: both the internal and the external arcs are split.
 Approximation: this parameter allows defining the maximum approximation to apply in
splitting an arc into many segments.
  Incline on arcs: this parameter allows specifying which arcs the software can incline the
blade on during machining to obtain more accurate operations. The possible choices are:
 no: the tool is never inclined during machining.
 on internal arcs: the tool is inclined while machining internal arcs.
 on external arcs: the tool is inclined while machining external arcs.
 external and internal: the tool is inclined while machining all arcs.
 Machine arcs first: this parameter is used only if the machining path is made up of both
arcs and straight lines; it allows machining some or all arcs first. The possible choices are:
 no: the machining path is not affected by this parameter.
 yes: all arcs are machined first; then the rest of the machining path is taken care of.
 only internal arcs: the internal arcs are machined first; then the rest of the machining
path is taken care of.
 only external arcs: the external arcs are machined first; then the rest of the machining
path is taken care of.

Inclination: this group of parameters allows the tool to work obliquely, not vertically. The
Inclination parameter subdivides into:

 Bending Z: this parameter allows defining the point of the router to be used as rotation
centre. It is referred to the maximum sinking point of the machining. As it is possible to see
from the image, different results are obtained according to the Z bending set value.
Figure 11.14 represents a case of Z bending that is set equal to 0; it is possible to notice that
this way the tool lower end is matched with the part lower side.
 Figure: Z bending=0

If the Z bending parameter is set to a value other than 0, e.g. "Th/2" (half thickness)
the positioning displayed in 11.15 is obtained.

Figure: Z bending=half thickness

Finally, by setting the parameter equal to "Th" (thickness) the result depicted in figure 11.16
is obtained.
 Figure: Z bending= thickness

In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows
the software to set it automatically based on the part data.

 Guard rotation: if enabled, this parameter allows the guard to rotate during machining
while keeping perpendicular to the profile in order to avoid any contacts with the part
surfaces.

Prehole: this parameter is available only if the machining kit contains a routing tool or a driller and
allows specifying the prehole type to apply to machining. Prehole types vary according to whether a
drilling tool is present in the kit or not.
Prehole types in kits including one routing tool in addition to the blade are as follows:

 already made: prehole is already present.

 bit on router: the routing tool starts machining without drilling any prehole with different
tools.

Prehole types in kits including one routing tool and a driller in addition to the blade are as follows:

 already made: prehole is already present.

 driller: the prehole is made with the driller included in the machining kit.
 bit on router: the routing tool starts machining without drilling any prehole with different
tools.

In Kit magazine it is also possible to assign this parameter the automatic value, which allows the
software to set it automatically based on the part data.

Machine stop: when activated this function enables stopping the machine and setting it in “hold”
status on completion of the current machining. At this point the operator can check the result,
remove the cut material etc. To make the machine repeat the normal work cycle, just press the start
button.
Advanced properties available both in kit magazine and in machining edit mode

Machining side: this parameter allows specifying the drawn geometry side where machining is
carried out.

The machining choices are as follows:

 : the tool follows the machining path with its own centre.

 : the tool machines the path left side.

 : the tool machines the path right side.

The machining kit choices are as follows:

 automatic: the program defines the path machining side automatically. If machining is
applied to a single path the machining side is external, whilst if there are two paths, one
inside the other, the tool works the external path externally and the internal path internally.
 left: the tool machines the path left side.
 right: the tool machines the path right side.
 centre: the tool follows the machining path with its own centre.
 internal: the tool machines the internal path side with respect to the raw part centre.
 external: the tool machines the external path side with respect to the raw part centre.

Transmission side: such a parameter indicates the position of the motor with respect to the
machining path. It can be right or left. The program positions the motor automatically to the right as
the blades often turn clockwise, so that machining is improved.

Machining type: this parameter is used only if the Start type, Centre type and End type parameters
are set to automatic mode; it allows defining the blade position with respect to the path. Possible
machining positions are as follows:

 internal: during machining the blade never exceeds the machining path. Machining type
 used to avoid spoiling the internal corners.

 external: the blade starts and ends machining outside the raw part.

 convex: the blade does not follow convex paths but replaces them with a rectilinear path.
 centred: the blade follows the machining path with its own centre.

 minimized external: the blade starts and ends machining outside the raw part and avoids
machining the path segments that correspond to the raw part edge.
Start type: such a parameter indicates the position of the blade at the path start. Possible machining
positions are as follows:

 internal: the blade starts machining without exceeding the path. Machining type used to
avoid spoiling the internal corners.

 external: the blade starts machining outside the raw part.

  centred: the blade starts machining with its centre on the initial point.

Centre type: this parameter allows defining the path type that the tool follows from machining start
to machining end. Path types are as follows:

 internal: during machining the blade never exceeds the machining path. Machining type
used to avoid spoiling the internal corners.
 external: the blade follows the machining path and can leave the raw part to cut the corners.

 centred: the blade follows the machining path with its own centre.
End type: such a parameter allows defining the position of the blade at the path end. Possible end
positions are as follows:

 internal: the blade ends machining without exceeding the path. Machining type used to
avoid spoiling the internal corners.

 external: the blade ends machining outside the raw part.

  centred: the blade ends machining with its centre on the final point.

Optimize: this command enables the program to optimize the machining path, thus avoiding
reduplicating machining of parts shared by several paths.

After activating the command, the program displays the Path order dialog box, which is made up of
the following areas:

 list of machining paths: this list contains all machining paths in the order they are
performed.
 path order parameters: three parameters are present in this area:
 Cut order: this parameter allows defining the order to be followed by the program to
order the cuts automatically and coincides with the homonymous parameter present
in kit magazine (Ref. ).
 Manual: this command allows managing the cut order manually. After activating the
command, the program allows changing, via a drag'n'drop operation, the machining
 path order of the list; the command is replaced by the End command which allows
stopping the manual order.
 Automatic: this command enables the program to order the machining paths
automatically based on the order defined by the Cut order parameter.

Besides, when active, the Optimize command ( ) is replaced by the Normal command,

( ) which allows cancelling the optimization.

Advanced properties available only in the kit magazine

Cut order: this parameter allows defining the order to be followed by the program to order the cuts
automatically and coincides with the homonymous parameter present in Optimize command in
machining mode. Cut order types are as follows:

 horizontal, vertical, oblique.

 horizontal, vertical, oblique.
 horizontal, vertical, oblique.
 horizontal, vertical, oblique.
 vertical, horizontal, oblique.
 vertical, horizontal, oblique.
 vertical, horizontal, oblique.
 vertical, horizontal, oblique.

Closed path chaining: this parameter allows defining the chaining type to use in closed paths, that
is, the running direction.

Chaining types are as follows:

 automatic: the software calculates the best machining solution automatically.

 counterclockwise direction: the machining is carried out in counterclockwise direction.
 clockwise direction: the machining is carried out in clockwise direction.

Open path chaining: this parameter allows defining the type of chaining to use in open paths.

Chaining types are as follows:

 automatic: the software calculates the best machining solution automatically.

 raw part centre to the left: machining is carried out by leaving the geometric centre of the
raw part to the left of the path.
 raw part centre to the right: machining is carried out by leaving the geometric centre of the
raw part to the right of the path.
 counterclockwise, closing with a line: machining execution is forced clockwise (as per
specification) supposing to close the path with a further line (represented by a dotted line
inside the drawing to emphasize that it is not a real line).
 clockwise, closing with a line: machining execution is forced counterclockwise (as per
specification) supposing to close the path with a further line (represented by a dotted line
inside the drawing to emphasize that it is not a real line).
 closer to the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that is
closer to the raw part geometric centre (see Figure ).

 farther from the raw part centre: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point
that is farther from the raw part geometric centre.
 closer to the raw part outside: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point that
is closer to the raw part outside.
 farther from the raw part outside: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point
that is farther from the raw part outside.
 long side: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point of the longer side of the
machining path.

 short side: machining is carried out starting from the free end-point of the shorter side of the
machining path.
 angle from outside: machining is carried out starting from the first path angle and going into
each following angle.
 angle from inside: machining is carried out starting from the first path angle and going out
of each following angle.
 database order: machining is carried out starting from the first path segment to be drawn.

 inverted database order: machining is carried out starting from the last path segment to be
drawn.

 The following types are sorted out so that the first part indicates the X or Y dimension of the
machining start point, the second part indicates the machining path order.
 order by minimum local X, increasing Y.
 order by minimum local X, decreasing Y.