Session 102M
Build the machine kinematics
The Machine file contains the information required by VERICUT to simulate G-Code
NC program files. Machine files contain such information as: machine axes, connect
order, kinematics, 3D models, etc.
This session will show you how to describe the machine kinematics of a mill in order to
have VERICUT process the NC Programs. The Control and Job setup are complete; you
need only describe the machine kinematics.
The Welcome Screen has opened file
mill_session_102m_build_machine_kinematics.vcproject
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 1
Building the Machine Kinematics
The following steps define the components from "Base" to "Tool". The components on
the tool side of the machine are: X > Z > Spindle > Tool
1. Build the machine kinematics
• In the Project Tree, select Show Machine Components
Note: When the Show Machine Components is toggled “on”, VERICUT enables
you to view the "tree" of components that make up the machine and see how they are
connected.
• In the Graphic Area; Right-click > Display Axis > Machine Origin
Note: the Machine Origin (XcYcZc) axes represents the coordinate system in which
an NC machine is defined.
• In the Graphic Area; Right-click > Display Axis > Component
• In the Project Tree, select Base
Notice that the Component Axis displayes the location of the Component
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 2
Note: the Component axes (XcYcZc) represents the coordinate system of an
individual component. Each component has its own coordinate system. Components
are defined and connected to other components via the features on the Project Tree
• With Base selected
• Right-click > Append > X Linear
• With X selected
• Right-click > Append > Z Linear
Since the Z axis Zero position is 600mm from the machine origin, a 600mm offset
needs to be added to the Z axis component.
• In Configure Component: Z
• Translate tab
• Position = 0 0 600
• Press Enter on your keyboard
• With Z selected
• Right-click > Append > Spindle
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 3
• With Spindle selected
• Right-click > Append > Tool
The following steps will define the components from "Base" to "Stock"
The components to be defined on the stock side of the machine are:
Base > Y > A > C > Attach > Fixture > Stock > Design
• With Base selected
• Right-click > Append > Y Linear
• In Configure Component: Y
• Translate tab
• Position = 0 -250 0
• Press Enter on your keyboard
• With Y selected
• Right-click > Append > A Rotary
• With A selected
• Right-click > Append > C Rotary
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 4
• In the Project Tree, select Attach, right mouse click Cut
• In the Project Tree, select C, right mouse click Paste
Note: The same thing could be achieved by clicking on the Attach component,
then dragging and dropping it over the C component
2. Save the machine file
• Ribbon Bar > Machine/Control tab > Machine group > Save Machine and
use the pull down to select Save As …
• Shortcut= Working Directory
• File Name = mill_session_102m_build_machine_kinematics.mch
• Save
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 5
3. Run the simulation
• Reset Model
• Play
Notice simulation behaves as expected
4. Save project settings
• Ribbon Bar > File tab > Project File group > Save As…
• Shortcut= Working Directory
• File Name = mill_session_102m_build_machine_kinematics.vcproject
• Save
Conclusion
This session has shown you how to describe the machine kinematics of a 5-axis vertical
mill in order to have VERICUT process NC Programs. The Control and Job setup were
complete, you needed only describe the machine kinematics.
VERICUT V9.3 Session 102M 6
