PUNCH

TUTORIAL

www.teksoft.com
License Agreement
In receiving a software product described herein, you are granted a nonexclusive license to
use that software on one computer. TekSoft, Inc. retains full title to and ownership of the
product. Use of the product constitutes acceptance of this agreement.
TekSoft, Inc. reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise the
specifications and information contained herein without prior notice.
Due to continuing product development, specifications and capabilities described in this
manual are subject to change without notice.
Warranty
TekSoft, Inc. will replace defective software for a period of 90 days from date of delivery, at
no charge. TekSoft, Inc. makes no other warranty, either express or implied, including, but
not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
regarding any product described herein. In no event shall TekSoft, Inc. be liable to anyone
for special, collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out
of the purchase or use of these products. The sole and exclusive liability of TekSoft, Inc.,
regardless of form of action, shall not exceed the purchase price of the software described
herein.
Trademarks
The following and other product names and corporate references herein are registered or
proprietary trademarks of their respective owners.
TekSoft™ is a trademark of TekSoft, Inc.
Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Any and all other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their
respective owners.

Copyright ©2002 TekSoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PC19c March, 2002

TekSoft, Inc
An Company
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED 1-1
How to Use This Manual ........................................................................................... 1-2
Installing Learning Files ...................................................................................... 1-2
Steps to Generate an NC Program ............................................................................. 1-3
Step 1: Draw the CAD Part or Open Part File .................................................... 1-3
Step 2: Start Punch.............................................................................................. 1-3
Understanding the Punch Screen ................................................................... 1-5
Step 3: Set the Setup Information ..................................................................... 1-10
Setup Information Dialog Box ..................................................................... 1-10
Changing Setup Information ........................................................................ 1-11
Step 4: Define the Tools ................................................................................... 1-12
Step 5: Generate Tool Paths and Hits ................................................................ 1-16
Step 6: Post Process the Part............................................................................. 1-17
CHAPTER 2 TOOLS 2-1
Working with Tools in the Turret .............................................................................. 2-2
Tool Files ................................................................................................................... 2-3
Saving and Opening a Tool File .......................................................................... 2-3
Using a Tool Library.................................................................................................. 2-5
Defining Punches ................................................................................................. 2-5
Defining Dies ..................................................................................................... 2-10
Defining Dies Manually............................................................................... 2-10
Defining Dies Using Auto Create ................................................................ 2-12
Specifying Station Key Angles .......................................................................... 2-13
Transferring Tools from the Library to the Turret ............................................. 2-14
Manual Tool Selection................................................................................. 2-14
Automatic Tool Selection ............................................................................ 2-16
Searching the Punch Library.............................................................................. 2-16
Using Die Clearance and Tolerance for Punch Searches................................... 2-17
Searching the Die Library .................................................................................. 2-18
CHAPTER 3 INSERTING TOOL PATHS AUTOMATICALLY 3-1
Toolfitting .................................................................................................................. 3-2
Toolfitting Automatically .................................................................................... 3-2
Punching Notches ................................................................................................ 3-3
Working with the Toolfitting Parameters on the InfoBar .................................... 3-5
Changing the Optimum Flat and Maximum Overpunch Parameters............. 3-5
Using the X Scrap and Y Scrap Parameters................................................... 3-6
Toolfitting with Tolerances............................................................................ 3-9
Selecting Tools during Toolfitting..................................................................... 3-10
For More Practice..................................................................................................... 3-12
Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH1 ....................................................................... 3-12
Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH2 ....................................................................... 3-15
Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH3 and PUNCH4 ................................................ 3-16

i
Table of Contents

CHAPTER 4 INSERTING TOOL PATHS SEMI-AUTOMATICALLY 4-1

Single Hits.................................................................................................................. 4-2
Linear Tool Paths ....................................................................................................... 4-3
Inserting a Linear Tool Path with End Compensation ......................................... 4-3
Using Reference Compensation........................................................................... 4-4
Inserting a Circular Tool Path.................................................................................... 4-6
Inserting a Window Tool Path ................................................................................... 4-8
CHAPTER 5 SHAPES AND PATTERNS 5-1
Shapes ........................................................................................................................ 5-2
Identifying and Creating Shape Entities Automatically....................................... 5-2
Manually Inserting Standard Shapes.................................................................... 5-4
Special Shapes and Tools........................................................................................... 5-6
Creating a Special Shape/Tool............................................................................. 5-6
Using a Special Shape/Tool ................................................................................. 5-7
Saving Shapes Files ............................................................................................. 5-9
Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths ............................................................................... 5-11
Inserting a Linear Pattern ................................................................................... 5-11
Inserting a Linear Pattern Tool Path .................................................................. 5-13
Inserting and Toolfitting a Grid Pattern ............................................................. 5-15
Inserting a Grid Pattern Tool Path ..................................................................... 5-17
Inserting a Bolt Hole Pattern Tool Path ............................................................. 5-18
Inserting an Arc Pattern Tool Path..................................................................... 5-20
CHAPTER 6 MICRO JOINTS AND TABS 6-1
Creating Micro Joints................................................................................................. 6-2
Using the Shape Function to Insert a Micro Joint................................................ 6-3
CHAPTER 7 MACROS/SUBROUTINES 7-1
Defining and Inserting Macros................................................................................... 7-2
Defining and Calling a Macro.............................................................................. 7-2
Using a Grid Macro Call...................................................................................... 7-4
Defining Multiple Macros to Punch a Part .......................................................... 7-8
Setting the Macro Display.................................................................................. 7-10
Modifying Macros.................................................................................................... 7-13
Undefining a Macro ........................................................................................... 7-13
Editing a Macro.................................................................................................. 7-14
CHAPTER 8 REPOSITIONING 8-1
Repositioning ............................................................................................................. 8-2
Using Manual Repositioning ............................................................................... 8-2
Arc Tool Paths ............................................................................................... 8-2
Linear Tool Paths ........................................................................................... 8-4
Circular Tool Paths ........................................................................................ 8-5
Grid Pattern Tool Paths.................................................................................. 8-5
Checking Clamp Deadzones .......................................................................... 8-6
Macro Calls.................................................................................................... 8-7
Macro Grid..................................................................................................... 8-8
Using Automatic Repositioning........................................................................... 8-9

ii
 Table of Contents

CHAPTER 9 WORKING WITH TOOL PATHS 9-1

Utility Toolbar Commands ........................................................................................ 9-2
Automated Part Grid Layout...................................................................................... 9-4
Creating a Part Grid Layout ................................................................................. 9-4
Order Utility............................................................................................................... 9-6
Simulating Material Removal .............................................................................. 9-6
Reordering Hits and CAM Cycles ....................................................................... 9-7
Reordering Hits .............................................................................................. 9-7
Reordering Cycles.......................................................................................... 9-8
Optimizing Tool Paths ............................................................................................. 9-10
Using Single Window Optimization and Tool Sorting...................................... 9-10
Optimizing Large Sheets of Parts with Grid Optimization................................ 9-13
Changing Rapid Moves to Go Around Clamps ................................................. 9-16
Working with the Optimization Manager .......................................................... 9-17
Using Levels to Define the Optimization Order .......................................... 9-17
Using Order Groups to Define the Optimization Order............................... 9-19
Using Parting Hits and Optimization Groups .............................................. 9-22
For More Practice..................................................................................................... 9-25
Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH5 ....................................................................... 9-25
Hints and Tips .............................................................................................. 9-25
CHAPTER 10 ADDITIONAL PUNCH COMMANDS 10-1
Attributes.................................................................................................................. 10-2
Attaching Attributes to CAM Entities ............................................................... 10-2
Checking Entities for Attributes ........................................................................ 10-4
Removing Attributes.......................................................................................... 10-5
Using the Edit Utility with the Attribute Modifier ...................................... 10-5
Using the Erase Utility with the Attribute Modifier .................................... 10-6
Boundaries ............................................................................................................... 10-7
Manually Inserting a Boundary.......................................................................... 10-7
Automatically Inserting an Open Boundary....................................................... 10-9
Automatically Inserting a Closed Boundary .................................................... 10-11
Correcting Overlapping Entities ...................................................................... 10-12
Correcting Breaks in the Path .......................................................................... 10-14
Profile Tool Path .................................................................................................... 10-16
Inserting a Profile Tool Path ............................................................................ 10-16
INDEX

iii
Table of Contents

iv
Chapter 1 Getting Started

This manual is designed to introduce you to the features of the ProCAM Punch system. The
information and exercises in this chapter help you understand the process to generate
toolpaths and NC code.

Getting Started 1-1

How to Use This Manual

How to Use This Manual

This manual is a tutorial. It is designed to guide you through the steps to generate an NC
program and introduce you to the features of the ProCAM Punch system.
• The information and exercises in Chapter 1 help you understand the process of creating
an NC program.
• The exercises Chapters 2 through 10 provide an opportunity to learn how to use the
features and functions of the Punch system.
Did You Know ...
If you want more information about a particular feature or function, see the applicable
topics in the online Help system. To open the Punch Help, select Help on the ProCAM
menu bar, then select Punch Topics

Installing Learning Files

Sample parts are provided for the exercises in this manual. A generic post processor,
FANTUTP, is also included. This post processor is to be used for learning purposes only.
The NC code it generates is not intended to actually run in your machine.
When you ran the Setup program to install ProCAM, the Setup program automatically
created a \procad\parts\learn folder containing the learning part files and copied the post
processor files to the \procad\ctl folder.

1-2 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Steps to Generate an NC Program

The following steps are used to generate NC programs:

1. Draw the part in the 2D CAD system.

2. Start Punch.
3. Specify the Setup Information.
4. Define the tools.
5. Generate tool paths and hits.
6. Post process the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to automatically toolfit a
simple part (EXPUN1.PRT). In order to understand how the system works, you are asked to
accept a number of defaults when you are defining the tool paths. This is done to show you
the basics of generating a tool path without getting into details at this time.
The exercises in this manual are intended to help you learn Punch system operation and may
not correspond to actual machining practices.

Step 1: Draw the CAD Part or Open Part File

In addition to drawing parts in ProCAM, you can also import parts that are in AutoCAD
Drawing Exchange (DXF), AutoCAD Drawing File (DWG), Initial Graphics Exchange
(IGES) and CADKey Exchange (CDL) format.
EXERCISE 1. Start ProCAM 2D.
2. Choose Open on the File menu.
The Open File dialog box displays.
3. Change the folder to \procad\parts\learn.
4. Select EXPUN1.PRT in the file list, then press ENTER or click Open.
This part was drawn in the ProCAM 2D CAD.

Step 2: Start Punch

The CAM button on the CAD toolbar starts a CAM system, in this case Punch.

Did You Know ...

Click the CAD button to return from Punch to CAD.

Getting Started 1-3

Steps to Generate an NC Program

EXERCISE 1. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar.

− The Controller Type dialog box displays a list of machine tool
controllers or post processors. The list that displays for your
system depends on the number of controllers or post processors
you have installed. If only one controller or processor is
installed, ProCAM automatically exits to that particular
controller.
− When you select a combination machine (punch/plasma or
punch laser), an additional dialog box displays the applicable
choices for the machine.
2. Select FANTUTP and click OK.
In the exercises in this manual, when you are asked to start Punch,
select the FANTUTP controller. When you use ProCAM for your
own parts, select your own machine
tool controller or post processor.
After you select the post processor,
the Set Library Name dialog box
displays. This dialog box displays
each time you exit to a post
processor unless you create an
optional tool library file.
3. Click Open to accept FANTUTP.

1-4 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Understanding the Punch Screen

When you start the Punch system, the Utility and Snap toolbars remain the same as in the
CAD system. The Punch toolbar replaces the CAD toolbar. The menu bar remains the same;
however, menu commands are enabled that were not applicable in the CAD system. The
system bar changes to display Punch items. The ProCAM window may look different on your
system, depending on the layout and colors you have selected in the Screen Display dialog
box.

Work Area
When you start Punch, the work area displays two large rectangles:
• The solid rectangle represents the sheet. The default sheet size for FANTUTP is
50.00"x39.37". You can change the sheet size in the Setup Information dialog box.
• The dashed line rectangle represents the over travel zone. The over travel zone for
FANTUTP is 50.00"x39.37".

Getting Started 1-5

Steps to Generate an NC Program

System Bar

System bar

The Punch system bar contains some items that are the same as the CAD system and the
additional items explained below.
Item Description
Tool button The Tool button on the system bar is used to define or select tools. Next to
and the Tool button is the Tool selection box. This box indicates the current tool
selection box
position and allows you to change a tool position quickly. The shape of the
current tool is shown to the right of the box.
Tool Index Ang (Angle), InitAng (Initial Angle) and AutoFix are designed for
options indexable tool stations, although they may appear as display-only features
on all non-indexable stations. These options control the tool index angle.
For more information, see Chapter 2.
Tool Two options on the right side of the system bar control tool compensation
Compensation for arc, linear and circular tool paths. Initially, these options are set to Rgt
options
(right) and EndCmp (end compensation).

Punch Toolbar

The Punch toolbar Point Tool Path Linear Tool Path

displays the Punch
command buttons. Arc Tool Path Circular Tool Path

Rapid Pattern Tool Path

Window Tool Path Toolfit

Boundary Profile Tool Path

Bend Optimize

Reposition Macro

Post Process Attribute

Exit to CAD

1-6 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Modifier Toolbars
There are three types of modifiers:
• Single-choice modifiers: These modifiers are selected by clicking the button once.
ProCAM highlights the button to indicate it is selected.
• Multiple-choice modifiers: These modifier buttons are toggles. Click the button a number
of times to toggle though the selections until the modifier you are looking for is shown on
the button.
• Additional choice: These modifier buttons display additional modifiers when selected.
ToolTips
A ToolTip is a label that identifies the function of a toolbar button. To display the
ToolTip, position the mouse pointer on a button and let the pointer rest there. A ToolTip
ending in two greater than symbols (>>) indicates the button is a toggle that has
additional options. Click the button to view the next modifier. When you click a toggle
modifier button, move the pointer off the button, then back on to display the ToolTip.
Fabrication Display Dialog Box
EXERCISE 1. Select Setup on the menu bar, then choose Fabrication Display.
The Fabrication Display
dialog box displays.
You can also display this
dialog box when you click
the Fabrication Display
Dialog Box button on the
Order Utility Simulation
toolbar.
This dialog box contains
options for controlling the
display of the part in the
work area and during
simulation (using the Order
Utility).

Note that the display of rapids, arrows, and stock can also be turned on and off in the CAM
Display dialog box.

Getting Started 1-7

Steps to Generate an NC Program

Parameter Description
Tool Display You can choose to display all tools during simulation or only the current
tool selected from the drop down list.
Rapid Display When this option is selected, ProCAM displays gray, dashed lines
On representing rapid moves between CAM entities. You may want to turn
off this display to make it easier to view the part.
Arrow Display When this option is selected, arrows display on boundaries (CAM
On entities) indicating the direction of machining. You may want to turn off
this display to make it easier to view the part.
Stock Display When this option is selected, ProCAM displays a solid rectangle
On representing the defined stock material (sheet) size. You can change the
size of the rectangle in the Setup Information dialog box.
Over Travel When this option is selected, ProCAM displays a dashed-line rectangle
Display On representing the over travel zone. Each side represents a machine over
travel limit.
Clamps Display Select this option to display work clamps in the work area at the current
On locations. You can specify the location of the clamps either in the Setup
Information dialog box or using the Set Clamps command on the CAM
menu. If the locations are set to 0,0, the clamps do not display even when
this option is selected.
The work clamps display in the work area in relation to the stock and over
travel zone. The clamps that ProCAM displays are actually the dead zones
around the clamps. The display of these dead zones changes in size
depending on the tool station you are using.
Entity Color This section controls the color of the entities during simulation. You can
set the color for the following: Stock, Clamps, Over Travel Limits, Tool,
and Unpickable.
Simulation Type This section controls the display of punch hits during simulation. You can
choose to highlight the hits, display wire frame hits or simulate the stock
as a solid.
Hit Display You can choose to display either the first and last hit or every hit on the
tool path.
Note that on slower computers, turning off the Rapid, Arrow and Hit Display options may
improve repaint speed.
4. Click the check box next to the Rapid Display On option to remove the check mark.
5. Click OK to exit the Fabrication Display dialog box.

1-8 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

CAM Menu Commands

EXERCISE 1. Select CAM on the menu bar.

The CAM menu commands that are used in Punch are explained
briefly below.
Command Description
Select Displays the Controller Type dialog box (shown on
Controller page 1-3). This command allows you to change the
controller for post processing a part.
You can create a part and define the tool paths for
one controller, then post process the part for another
controller that is physically compatible.
If you want to post process a part on a machine that
is not physically compatible, use the Save As
command on the File menu.
Select the CAD Only option in the Save As dialog box and save the part with a
different name. The CAD Only option removes all controller information and
tool paths from the part so that you can select a new controller and reinsert the
tool paths.
Display Displays the Controller Display dialog box, which contains information about
Controller the controller.
Setup Displays the Setup Information dialog box, which contains information
Information pertaining to setup conditions for a particular part. The Setup Information
dialog box is explained on page 1-10.
Set Clamps Allows you to graphically position the clamps on the sheet or input the
locations in the InfoBar using the Keyboard command on the Snap toolbar.
You can use either this command or the Setup Information dialog box to set the
position of the clamps.
The work clamps display in the work area in relation to the stock and over
travel zone. The clamps that ProCAM displays are actually the dead zones
around the clamps. The display of these dead zones changes in size depending
on the tool station you are using.
Set Punch Displays the Punch Parameters dialog box, which allows you to define the
Parameters default pitch values that are used to automatically calculate the pitch. Pitch is
the distance between hits measured from tool center to tool. This dialog box
also includes miscellaneous parameters for optimization, toolfitting and tool
loading.

Getting Started 1-9

Steps to Generate an NC Program

Trap Door This command is a graphical tool that shows where the trap door will be when
Display it is activated. This helps you find the location that the punch head needs to be
in for the part to be over the trap door. The trap door can be displayed at each
entity. When you select this command, ProCAM displays the trap door. You
can use a Snap command to snap a location to center the part over the trap
door. Click BUTTON 2 to cancel the trap door display.
Holddown This command is a graphical tool that allows you to see the locations of the
Display reposition hold-down pads. When you select this command, the prompt line
reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for holder display. Use a Snap command to snap
the location for the center of the punch head. The hold-down pads display
showing their location in relation to the punch head. Click BUTTON 2 to cancel
the holder display.
Tool Files This command allows you to save tool definitions in a separate file that can be
opened and used with any part. This eliminates having to redefine tools.

Step 3: Set the Setup Information

EXERCISE 1. Select Setup Info on the CAM menu.
The Setup Information command on the CAM menu is used for the following:
− to provide information required to generate the NC program. The parameters in this
dialog box are machine-dependent and different parameters may display for your
controller or post processor. The value for a parameter is output in the NC code if the
machine requires it.
− to provide information for the Setup Sheet, a file that is created when the NC program
file is generated. All of the parameters in this dialog box are included in the Setup
Sheet. For more information on this file, see page 1-20.
− to display the sheet size and the locations of the clamps.
Setup Information Dialog Box
The Setup Information dialog box displays
when you select Setup Information on the
CAM menu.
The parameters shown in the figure are
required for most NC programs. Additional
parameters, such as Part Name and Part
Number, may display if they are required
by the controller.

1-10 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Screen Required by Output to

Parameter Description Display NC Code Setup Sheet
Program This parameter is the program number that is used No Machine- Yes
Number by the machine controller to register the program dependent
into memory. In a Fanuc controller this is a four-
digit number. You do not need to enter the leading
zeroes. For example, for program number 10, you
would type 10 not 0010.
If your machine needs a character string in front of
the number, this is typically done automatically by
the post processor. For the Fanuc post that is being
used here, a letter O will be output in front of the
program number by the post processor, so it does
not need to be entered in the Setup Information.
X Sheet Width These parameters specify the size of the material Yes Machine- Yes
Y Sheet Height you will be using. Input the actual sheet size, so dependent
you can see graphically in the work area how it
will look. These parameters MUST be set correctly
for automatic repositioning.
Parts Per Blank This information is output in the Setup Sheet as an No No Yes
operator message.
Material Some machines use this information to determine No Machine- Yes
how the machine will operate (for example, to dependent
determine tonnage).
Thickness Some machines do not use this parameter. No Machine- Yes
dependent
Clamp 1 X These parameters specify the location of the Yes Machine- Yes
Clamp 2 X clamps on the machine. This information is critical dependent
to the operation of the machine. For machines with
clamp protection programs, this is where the
information comes from. For machines that do not
have clamp protection programs, this information
is output in the Setup Sheet. The operator then
knows where to position the clamps.

Changing Setup Information

EXERCISE Change the parameters in the Setup Information dialog box:
1. Type 100 for the Program Number and press TAB.
2. Type 40.000 for X Sheet Width and press TAB
3. Type 36.00 for Y Sheet Height and press TAB.

Getting Started 1-11

Steps to Generate an NC Program

4. Press TAB to accept the default 1 for Parts Per Blank.

5. Type 6061-T6 Aluminum for the Material and press TAB.
The FANTUTP post does not use this parameter.
6. Type .078 for the Thickness and press TAB.
The FANTUTP post does not use this parameter.
7. Type 6.000 for Clamp 1 and press TAB.
8. Type 36.00 for Clamp 2 and click OK.
The work clamps (i.e., the deadzones around the clamps) display in the work area in
relation to the stock and over travel zone.

Step 4: Define the Tools

In order to punch a part, a tool has to be in the turret. Tools are put in the turret in the
following ways:
• You can define the tools directly in the turret for each part.
• You can define a standard tool load in the turret for a specific machine, then save these
tools in a tool file. You can open the tool file and use the tools on any subsequent job
without having to redefine them.
• Optionally, you can define your inventory of punches and dies in a tool library file. When
you define tools in the library, you can move them to the turret manually or you can have
ProCAM automatically search the library and move the required tools from the library to
the turret.
In the following exercise, you define tools directly in the turret. Creating tool files and using
the optional tool library are explained in Chapter 2.

EXERCISE 1. Click the Tool button on the system bar.

The Punch Tools dialog box displays.

1-12 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

This dialog box represents

the machine configuration
and is referred to as the
turret in this manual. The
information that displays
for each tool is explained
below.

Parameter Description
Station Identifies which station in the machine will be used. The tool stations are
defined by the turret configuration for the controller. The generic post
processor FANTUTP has 40 stations that are numbered sequentially. For
other machines, this dialog box displays the actual station numbers. The
following symbols may display next to the number: an asterisk (*) indicates
the tool is used in the part; the letter a indicates an autoindex station.
Type This column displays an abbreviated form of the tool type in the station:
RO Round TR Triangle SQ Square
RE Rectangle CR Corner Radius DD Double D
RC Rectangle with radius OB Obround SD Single D
SP Special
Key Indicates whether the station is keyed (i.e., has keyways). Stations that are
not keyed are for round tools only.
Size Determines the maximum size tool that can be put into the station. If you try
to put in a tool that is too large, the system beeps and an error message
displays.
Xsize Indicates the actual size of the tool to be input. The X size column also
Ysize shows the diameter of a round tool. See the figure on page 1-15.
Radius Indicates the corner radius of rectangle with radius and corner radius tools.
This column also lists the names of special tools.
Angle Indicates the angle of the tool as it is loaded into the station. See the figure
on page 1-15.
Die These parameters are used with the optional tool library for automatic and
Clearance manual tool selection and for library searches. For more information, see
Die Chapter 2.
Tolerance

Getting Started 1-13

Steps to Generate an NC Program

2. Click anywhere on the information line for Station 5 to highlight it, then click the Edit
button.
The Set Tool dialog box
displays. The parameters that are
enabled depend on the Tool
Type you select. All of the
parameters are described on the
following pages.

Parameter Description
Tool Type The tool types ProCAM supports are shown below. In addition, you can
define a special tool.

1-14 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

Parameter Description
Sub Tool This parameter defines the bottom of the tool. The choices vary depending
Type on the tool type you select. Appropriate NC code is generated if the sub
type is supported by the controller. Refer to your controller documentation
for more information.
X Size These parameters are used when defining tools other than round. These are
Y Size the sizes of the tool in relation to the X and Y axis. In the figure below, the
horizontal lines were punched with a tool defined as X.20" and then with
X2.00".

Tool set up as X=.20", Y=2.00", Angle=0

Tool set up as X=2.00", Y=2.00", Angle=0

X/Y Size and Angle Parameters

Radius Specifies the corner radius on rectangle with radius and corner radius
tools.
Diameter Defines the diameter of round tools.
Tool Serial # Serial numbers are optional parameters that can be used for reference. The
Die Serial # number can be a maximum of 10 characters and can consist of numbers
and letters.
Note: Windows allows you to type in more than 10 characters; however,
ProCAM truncates the number after the first 10 characters.
Angle Indicates the angle of the tool as it is loaded into the station. How you
define the angle is a function of how you define the X Size and Y Size of
the tool (see the figure above).
File Name This parameter is enabled when you select Special as the Tool Type. When
you define a special tool in the turret, use this parameter to specify the file
name you gave the special tool when you created and saved it.
Comment You can enter a maximum of 25 characters (text and numbers) to identify
the tool. Tool comments are included with the tool information in the Setup
Sheet, which is output at the end of the NC program.

Getting Started 1-15

Steps to Generate an NC Program

3. Use the information in the Punch Inventory table below to input the punch tool.
Station Tool Type Sub Type X Size Y Size Diameter Angle Comments
5 Rectangle FB 1.500 .250 0
6 Rectangle FB 1.500 .250 90
23 Round FB .250 Test Comment
24 Round FB .375
26 Round FB .500

4. When you finish entering the information, click OK.

The Punch Tools dialog box displays the punch information on the Station 5 line.
5. Use the information the table above to input the other four punches in the specified
stations.
When you finish, the Punch Tools dialog box should list the five tools in the appropriate
stations.
6. Click OK to exit the Punch Tools dialog box.

Step 5: Generate Tool Paths and Hits

The Toolfit command is the one you will use most often to punch parts. In most cases, by
specifying different modifiers and cut parameters, you can window pick the part and
ProCAM is able to automatically insert tools on the part. Toolfitting is explained in Chapter
3.
EXERCISE 1. Zoom up on EXPUN1.PRT currently in the work area, so you can see it clearly.

2. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

3. Make sure only the following modifiers are highlighted:

− Search Turret

− Toolfit Outside (This modifier tells ProCAM that the outside entities selected
should be punched outside and the entities within should be punched inside.)
− The prompt line reads: SELECT entity to toolfit.
4. Window pick the entire part, then click BUTTON 2.

1-16 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

ProCAM toolfits the part

using the tools from the
turret.
Notice the five holes along
the top of the part. These
are .373" diameter holes.
Since ProCAM could not
find a .373" diameter
punch, it used the .250"
diameter and removed all
the material.

Did You Know ...

If ProCAM is unable to punch entities, the entities are highlighted and the
following message displays in the prompt line: WARNING: Highlighted entities could
not be toolfit. This means ProCAM could not punch all the entities based on the
tools, modifiers and cut parameters you selected.
5. Choose Save As on the File menu.
The Save As dialog box displays.
6. Type Example1 in the File Name text box, then click Save.
You do not have to type the .prt extension. ProCAM adds the extension automatically.

Step 6: Post Process the Part

The Post Process command on the Punch toolbar translates generalized tool path
information into NC code for a specific machine tool controller or post processor. ProCAM
creates NC code for each tool path in the sequence the tool path appears in the part.
Post processing is the final step in generating the NC program file. This step takes all the
information you have input and creates the NC program file for your machine.

EXERCISE 1. Click the Post Process button

on the Punch toolbar.
The Save Post File dialog box
displays.
By default, the NC program and
Setup Sheet files are saved in the
\procad\txt folder. If you want these
files in another location, you can
change this folder.

Getting Started 1-17

Steps to Generate an NC Program

2. If Example1.txt is not in the File Name text box, type Example1.

You do not have to type the extension if you are using the default .txt. If you want to use a
different extension, type the extension after the file name.
Did You Know ...
Naming the Post file the same as the Part file is a common way of saving parts and
NC programs. Both files can have the same name because they have different
extensions. Part files have a .prt extension. Post files have a default .txt extension
or the extension you specify.
3. Click Save.
− The Post dialog box and modifier toolbar display.

− Make sure the Highlight Cut button is highlighted. ProCAM will highlight the
cut as the applicable code is generated.

− Make sure the View Code button is highlighted. During post processing,
ProCAM displays the NC code in the Post dialog box.
4. Move the Post dialog box so you can see the part.

5. Click the Run button.

− ProCAM generates the NC program and displays the program in the Post dialog box.
You can stop post processing at any time by pressing any key. This puts ProCAM in
Step mode. In Step mode, you can press BUTTON 2 to continue one step at a time. You
can change modifiers, zoom in on an area of the part, then resume post processing by
clicking the Run button.
− ProCAM generates two files: EXAMPLE1.TXT (the NC program) and
EXAMPLE1.SET (the Setup Sheet). The files should look similar to the listing on the
next page.
− The .TXT file is the NC program file that contains the CNC commands for the
machine control unit to activate the tool functions and cutting tool movements for the
part. This program contains the commands necessary to make the machine do the
required operations. The .TXT files are saved in the \procad\txt folder. You can edit
the file, if necessary, using a DNC editor, the control unit edit mode, or any word
processor.
− The .SET file is not used to control the machine tool. It is a text file that contains
information the operator can use to set up the machine tool. The information includes:
the machine, the controller, the part material, and the tool type and size. This file is
located in the same folder as the NC program file. The Setup Sheet is an ASCII text
file that can be read or printed using any word processor or text editor.

1-18 Getting Started

 Steps to Generate an NC Program

NC Program
EXAMPLE1.TXT
O0100
N1 G20
N2 G92 X50000 Y39370
N3 G90
N4X5173 Y4284 T23
N5X3144
N6X4817 Y5135
N7X3779 Y5476
N8X5777 Y5321
N9X2122 Y5739
N10X5235 Y6235
N11X6799 Y6204
N12X4383 Y6328
N13X3500 Y6823
N14X4584 Y7257
N15X2788 Y7133
N16X5560 Y7288
N17X1580 Y7598
N18 G72X4105 Y7699
N19 G68 I61 J0 K36000 P0 Q61
N20 G72X4855
N21 G68 I61 J0 K36000 P0 Q61
N22 G72X5605
.
.
.
N34X4987 Y6777
N35X2192 Y7262
N36X5576 Y4686 T26
N37X6520 Y4655
N38X2168 Y4748

N39X2773 Y4872
N40X2742 Y5553
N41X6040 Y6607
N42X4002 Y6833
N43X1611 Y6684
N44X6443 Y7536
N45 G72X950 Y4000
N46 G66 I7600 J0 P-1500 Q-250 T5
N47X8625 Y4700 T6
N48 Y5800
N49X8050 Y6625 T5
N50X7750
N51X7125 Y7450 T6
N52 G72X7050 Y8000
N53 G66 I6100 J18000 P-1500 Q-250 T5
N54X875 Y7300 T6
N55 Y6000

Getting Started 1-19

Steps to Generate an NC Program

N56 Y4700
N57 G50

Setup Sheet
EXAMPLE1.SET
( PART NAME=EXAMPLE1 )
( PROGRAM NUMBER=0100 )
( MACHINE= PUNCH TUTORIAL)
( X SHEET WIDTH=40. )
( Y SHEET HEIGHT=36. )
( PARTS PER BLANK=1 )
( MATERIAL=6061-T6 Aluminum )
( THICKNESS=.078 )
( CLAMP 1 X=6. )
( CLAMP 2 X=36. )

( Tool Die )
(Name Serial# Serial# Type Key Size Xsize Ysize Radius Angle Clear)
(----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------)
(005 RE/FB K C 1.500 0.250 0.000 000.00)
(006 RE/FB K C 1.500 0.250 0.000 90.00)
(023 RO/FB A 0.250 0.000 0.000 0.00)
( Description : Test Comment)
(024 RO/FB A 0.375 0.000 0.000 0.00)
(026 RO/FB A 0.500 0.000 0.000 0.00)

1-20 Getting Started

Chapter 2 Tools

This chapter shows you how to work with tools in the turret, create and use optional tool files
and use the optional tool library.

Tools 2-1
Working with Tools in the Turret

Working with Tools in the Turret

Tools are put in the turret in the following ways:
• You can define the tools directly in the turret for each part.
In Chapter 1, you defined the tools to punch EXPUN1.PRT directly in the Punch Tools
dialog box.
• You can define a standard tool load in the turret, then save these tools in a tool file. You
can open the tool file and use the tools on any subsequent job without having to redefine
them.
• You can define your inventory of punches and dies in an optional tool library file. You
can move tools from the library to the turret manually or you can have ProCAM
automatically search the library and move the required tools to the turret.

2-2 Tools
 Tool Files

Tool Files
The tools used to punch a part are saved in the part file when you save the part. In Chapter 1,
the tools used to punch the part were saved in EXAMPLE1.PRT when you saved the part. In
that exercise, the five tools you defined were saved since they were all used to punch the part.
If you had defined other tools in the turret that were not used on the part, they would not have
been saved with the part.
Did You Know ...
Tools in the turret that are not used to punch a part are not saved in the part file.
When you defined the tools in the turret in Chapter 1, you defined them for use on the current
part only. If you wanted to use these same tools on another part, you would have to redefine
them.
You can eliminate having to continually redefine tools by using tool files. The Tool Files
command on the CAM menu allows you to save the tools in the turret in a separate file that
can be opened and used with any part.
Typically, a punch press is set up with certain tools. This set of tools is commonly referred to
as a standard tool load. To save this standard tool load, you can define the tools in the
appropriate stations, then save this configuration in a tool file.

Saving and Opening a Tool File

EXERCISE 1. Click New on the File menu.

2. Exit to the Punch system:

− Click the CAM button to exit to the Punch system.
− Click FANTUTP in the Controller Type dialog box.
− Click Open in the Set Library Name dialog box.
3. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
4. Notice there are no tools in the turret, then click OK to exit the dialog box.
5. Open the part file EXAMPLE1.PRT.
− You saved this part in the exercises in Chapter 1.
− The Set Library Name dialog box displays. The part was saved with CAM data for the
FANTUTP post processor.
6. Click Open.

7. Click the CAM button to exit to the Punch system.

8. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
The tools that were defined in the turret to punch this part are listed in the Punch Tools
dialog box.

Tools 2-3
Tool Files

9. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

10. Choose Tool Files on the CAM menu, then click Save on the cascading menu.
11. In the Save Tool File dialog box,
type PUNCH1 for the Tool File
Name.
You can save a tool file with a
unique name and you can have as
many different tool files as you
need.
If you name the tool file the same
name as the post processor (for
example, FANTUTP), ProCAM
automatically opens the file when
you exit from CAD to that post
processor.
12. Click Save.
13. Choose New on the File menu.
Do not save the changes to the part.

14. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

15. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
Notice that there are no tools in the turret.
16. Click OK.
17. Choose Tool File on the CAM menu.
18. Click Open on the cascading menu.
19. In the Open Tool File dialog box,
select Punch1.ptf in the file list,
then click Open.
20. Click the Tool button on the system
bar.
The tools you saved in the tool file
are listed in the Punch Tools dialog
box.
21. Click OK.
Did You Know ...
If you named the tool file FANTUTP, the tool file would be opened automatically when
you select the FANTUTP post processor in the Controller Type dialog box.

2-4 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

Using a Tool Library

In addition to defining tools in the turret and using tool files, ProCAM provides an optional
tool library.

Defining Punches
The New button in the Punch Library section of the Tool Library dialog box is used to define
punches in the tool library as explained in this exercise.
EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu.
2. Exit to the Punch system:

− Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar.

− Select FANTUTP in the Controller Type dialog box, then click OK.
− Click Open to accept FANTUTP in the Set Library Name dialog box. This is the name
of the library file you are creating in this exercise. If a different name is in the File
Name text box, type FANTUTP, then click Open.
3. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
4. Click the Library button in the Punch Tools dialog box.

Click to define new punch

5. In the Tool Library dialog box, click the New button in the Punch Library section.
The New Library Tool dialog box displays. The parameters that are enabled depend on
the tool type you select.

Tools 2-5
Using a Tool Library

Parameter Description
Tool Type The tool types ProCAM supports are shown in Chapter 1. Special tools are
discussed in Chapter 5.
Sub Type This parameter defines the bottom of the tool. The choices vary depending on
the tool type you select. Appropriate NC code is generated if the sub type is
supported by the controller. Refer to your controller documentation for more
information.
X Size These parameters are used when
Y Size defining tools other than round to
specify the size of the tool in relation to
the X and Y axis. During automatic
toolfitting, ProCAM uses these values
to determine the tool rotation angle. In
the figure on the right, the horizontal
lines were punched with a tool defined
as X.200 and then with the X as 2.000.

X/Y Size Parameters

Radius Specifies the corner radius on rectangle with radius and corner radius tools.
Diameter Defines the diameter of round tools.

2-6 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

Parameter Description
Tool ProCAM uses serial numbers to identify all the punches you input into the
Serial # library. Each punch must have a different serial number. The serial number can
be a maximum of 10 characters and can consist of numbers and letters.
ProCAM automatically numbers the tools sequentially. However, if you
already have a numbering system for your tool identification and it fits the 10-
place maximum, you can type these numbers into this text box.
File Name This parameter is enabled when you select Special as the Tool Type. Specify
the file name you gave the special tool when you created and saved it. Special
tools are explained in Chapter 5.
Station Optionally, you can designate up to three default stations that are used by
ProCAM to determine which stations in the turret the tool will be placed during
automatic toolfitting. If all the default stations are already in use, ProCAM
finds the next available station of the appropriate size that the tool will fit into.
If you do not want ProCAM to load the tool in another station, select the Tool
loading: default stations only option in the Punch Parameters dialog box. When
this option is selected, ProCAM will not load the tool if the three default
stations have tools in them.
If you do not know which stations the tool will fit into, click the Station button.
The Select Default Station dialog box displays a list of appropriate stations.
Angle 1-6 You can specify up to six angles to define the positions of the keyways cut into
the punch. The actual allowable angle that the tool can be loaded into the
station is determined by these angles and the keyways of the station it will be
loaded into (see the figure on page 2-8). Defining station key angles is
explained on page 2-13.
During automatic toolfitting, ProCAM uses the tool key angles and the station
keyway angles that you have defined to determine if a tool can be used in a
non-autoindexing station to punch entities at the required angle. Even when a
tool physically matches the part geometry and cutting parameters, if the angle
does not match, ProCAM will search for another tool. If the top tool in the
figure on page 2-6 had an keyway angle of 90 degrees and the tool was loaded
into a station whose keyway angle was defined at 0 degrees, the tool would
punch horizontally.
The 999.9999 values are place-holders. Up to six different angles can be
specified; however, not every punch has six keyways. For each angle, replace
the value only if you are defining a unique angle.
Note that if you have the number of decimal places set to less than 4 in the
Units dialog box, the place-holder value is 1000 followed by the number of
decimal places (for example, the place-holder is 1000.000 if your system is set
to 3 decimal places).

Tools 2-7
Using a Tool Library

Parameter Description

Station and Tool Keyways

Comments You can enter a maximum of 25 characters (text and numbers) to identify the
tool. Tool comments are included with the tool information in the Setup
Sheet, which is output at the end of the NC program.

2-8 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

Tool Type Round Round Round Rectangle Rectangle

Sub Type FB FB FB FB FB
X Size 1.500 1.500
Y Size .250 .250
Diameter .250 .375 .500
Serial # SN00001 SN00002 SN00003 SN00004 SN00005
Station 1 23 24 26 5 6
Station 2 24 26 27 6 7
Station 3 26 27 29 7 8
Angle 1 0 0
Angle 2 45 45
Angle 3 90 90
Angle 4 135 135

Use the information in the Punch Inventory table above to input the first tool: a .250 round.
6. For the Tool Type, use the default Round.
7. Type .250 for the Diameter.
8. Use the default Serial #.
9. Click the Station 1 button.
10. In the Select Default Station dialog box, highlight 23 and click OK.
11. Click the Station 2 button, select 24 and click OK.
12. Click the Station 3 button, select 26 and click OK.
13. When you finish entering the information, click OK. The punch is
listed in the Punch Library list box.
When you define punches, only the current punch displays in the
Punch Library list box.
14. Input the other four punches in the Punch Inventory table above.
− Notice that the rectangles are the same. If you have more than one of the same tool,
you must enter the same definition for each physical occurrence of the tool.
− When you enter the key angles for the rectangles, leave the 999.9999 place-holder for
Angle 5 and Angle 6. These punches have only 4 keyways.
15. When you have finished defining the five tools, click the Save button in the Tool Library
dialog box, then click OK to save the library.
ProCAM saves the library as fantutp.inv in the \procad\tool folder and the Punch Tools
dialog box displays. Now that you have created a tool library file with the same name as
the controller, ProCAM will open this file automatically when you exit to FANTUTP and
the Set Library dialog box will no longer display.
16. Click Close to exit the Tool Library dialog box.

Tools 2-9
Using a Tool Library

Defining Dies
Along with defining all your punches in the library, you must also input all your dies with
their various clearances. In order to load punches from the library into the turret, you must
have die information. You can create dies manually or automatically as shown in the
following exercises.
Defining Dies Manually
In this exercise, you define dies with a .008 clearance for each of the five punches you
defined in the previous exercise.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Library button in the Punch Tools dialog box.
The five punches should be listed in the Punch Library list box.

2. Click the New button in the Die Library section of the Tool Library dialog box.
The New Die dialog
box displays. This is
similar to the New
Tool dialog box
with an additional
parameter for
Clearance.

3. Input the information for the first die in the table below.

2-10 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

Notice that you are entering the same information that you entered for the corresponding
punch except for the station defaults. In addition, you are specifying the die clearance.
The die serial numbers begin with SN00001. Dies have their own series of serial numbers
that are independent of the punch serial numbers.
Tool Type Round Round Round Rectangle Rectangle
Sub Type FB FB FB FB FB
X Size 1.500 1.500
Y Size .250 .250
Diameter .250 .375 .500
Serial # SN00001 SN00002 SN00003 SN00004 SN00005
Clearance .008 .008 .008 .008 .008
Angle 1 0 0
Angle 2 45 45
Angle 3 90 90
Angle 4 135 135

4. Click OK.
The die is listed in the Die Library list box. When you define dies, only the current die
displays in the Die Library list box.
5. Input the other four dies listed in the table.
6. Click the Save button to save the dies in the tool library.
7. Click OK to confirm you want to save the library.
8. Click the Close button to exit
the Tool Library dialog box.
9. Click the Library button in
the Punch Tools dialog box.
The five dies you created
should be listed in the Die
Library.
10. Click one of the
rectangular
punches in the
Punch Library
list.
The dies you
created that can
be used with that punch are listed in the box to the right of the Punch Library. Remember,
the dies that are listed depend on the Die Clearance and Die Tolerance in the Punch Tools
dialog box.

Tools 2-11
Using a Tool Library

Defining Dies Using Auto Create

The automatic method for defining dies is explained below. ProCAM uses the information
you entered for the punch to create a corresponding die and you are required to enter only the
clearance. You can use Auto Create to create dies for a group of punches or for a single
punch.
Did You Know ...
Be careful when you use Auto Create. This function creates dies for all punches listed
in the Punch Library list box. For example, if you had 200 punches listed, ProCAM
would define 200 dies with the specified clearance.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Auto Create button in the Die Library section.
2. In the Die Clearance dialog box, change the clearance to 0.006,
then click OK.
ProCAM automatically creates five dies, one for each of the
punches defined. The Die Library list box contains the new dies
beginning with Serial Number
SN00006.
The tool library now contains
5 punches and 10 dies.
3. Click the Save button.
4. Click OK to confirm you want
to save the library.
5. Click Close to exit the Tool Library dialog box.
6. Click the Library button.
Only the dies with the .008 clearance are listed. This is because the Die Clearance
parameter in the Punch Tools dialog box is set for .008.
7. Click the Close button.
8. Change the Die Clearance parameter to .006, then click the Library button.
The Die Library now lists dies that have a clearance of .006 to .010 (die clearance + die
tolerance).
9. Click the first round tool in the Punch Library list.
Two dies display in the box to the right of the Punch Library. These dies have a clearance
of .006 and .008. Remember, the dies that are listed depend on the Die Clearance and Die
Tolerance in the Punch Tools dialog box.
10. Click Close.
11. Click OK.

2-12 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

Specifying Station Key Angles

The Key button in the Punch Tools dialog box allows you to define the keyway angles for a
station. The actual allowable angle that a tool can be loaded into a station is determined by
these angles and the keyways of the tool (see the figure on page 2-8). Defining tool keyway
angles is explained on page 2-7.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
In the Punch Tools dialog
box, highlight Station 5 and
click the Key button.
The Key Angle dialog box
displays. Up to six keyway
angles can be set for each
station.
The value 999.9999 is a
place-holder. For each
actual keyway angle for the
station, replace the value of
999.9999.

Note that if you have the number of decimal places set to

less than 4 in the Units dialog box, the place-holder value
is 1000 followed by the number of decimal places (for
example, the place-holder is 1000.000 if your system is set
to 3 decimal places).
2. Input these angles:
− Angle 1 = 0
− Angle 2 = 45
− Angle 3 = 90
− Angle 4 = 135
− Leave the 999.9999 place-holder for Angle 5 and
Angle 6
3. Use the default No for the Adjustable option.
If you use a manually adjustable tool holder, you would define the angles, then select Yes
for this option.
4. Click OK.
The information you enter in this dialog box is saved automatically in a file that is named
the same as the post processor with a .key extension.

Tools 2-13
Using a Tool Library

5. Click OK to exit the Punch Tools dialog box.

A message box displays the message: ERROR: TOOL STATION IS EMPTY.
6. Click OK to close the message box.
Transferring Tools from the Library to the Turret
Once in the library, the tools can be loaded in the turret (the Punch Tools dialog box) either
manually by copying them or automatically by ProCAM during automatic toolfitting.
Manual Tool Selection
The Library Copy function is used to manually transfer a punch and die from the library to
the turret. In order to use this function, you must have both a punch and a die.
When you load a tool manually from the library to the turret, you must know the finished
load angle. ProCAM assumes you know the die and clearance is appropriate and checks only
to see if the tool will fit in the station.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN1.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This is the same part you toolfit in Chapter 1.

2. Start Punch.
Notice that when you exit this time, the Set Library Name dialog box does not display.
This is because in previous exercises in this chapter, you created a tool library file with
the same name as the post processor.
3. Zoom up on the part so you can see it clearly.
4. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
The Punch Tools dialog
box displays.
5. Make sure the value for Die
Clearance is 0.008.
6. Make sure the value for Die
Tolerance is 0.004.
7. Click the Library button.
8. Click the 1.500 x .250
rectangle with serial
#SN00004 in the Punch
Library list box.
When you highlight the
tool, the available dies are
listed on the right.
Remember, the available dies depend on the current setting for Die Clearance and Die
Tolerance in the Punch Tools dialog box.

2-14 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

9. Notice the angles next to the serial numbers. These are the load angles you input when
you defined the tool.
10. Click the die with serial #SN00004 and 0 degree angle.
11. Click the Copy button.
The Load Angle dialog box displays with the default load
angle of the die you picked. This is the angle of the tool
ProCAM will use when the part is punched.
When you use the Copy function to put a tool in the turret,
you need to know the correct load angle.
12. Click OK to accept the angle.
The Library Copy dialog box displays.
The number in the text box is the first default station
you specified when you defined the tool. ProCAM
always defaults to the first position. If you want the tool in a different station, you can
type the station number or you can click the Select button to display a list of stations the
tool will fit in.
13. Click the Select button.
The Select Copy Station
dialog box displays the
stations that the tool will fit
into.
14. You are using Station 5 in
this exercise, so click
Cancel to return to the
Library Copy dialog box.
15. Click OK to accept Station
5.
ProCAM copies the tool
into Station 5 in the turret
(Punch Tools dialog box).
16. Click Close to exit the Tool
Library dialog box.
The tool should be listed in
Station 5 in the Punch
Tools dialog box.
17. Click OK to exit the Punch
Tools dialog box.

Tools 2-15
Using a Tool Library

Automatic Tool Selection

When you use the Search Library modifier for automatic toolfitting, ProCAM searches the
library and selects punches and dies based on their type, size, angle, etc. as shown in the
following exercise:

EXERCISE 1. With EXPUN1.PRT still in the work area, click the Toolfit button on the Punch
toolbar.
2. Make sure only the following modifiers are highlighted.

Search Library Search Turret Toolfit Outside

The prompt line reads: SELECT entity to tool fit.
3. Window pick the entire part, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM toolfits the complete part using the tools from the library.
4. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
5. In the Punch Tools dialog box, notice that ProCAM automatically copied the tools that
were used for this part from the library to the turret, then click OK to exit the dialog box.

Searching the Punch Library

The Library Search function allows you to search through the library for specific types and
sizes of punches and matching dies.
EXERCISE 1. With EXPUN1.PRT still in the work area, click the Tool button on the system bar.
2. In the Punch Tools dialog box, click
the Library button.
3. In the Tool Library dialog box, click
the Search button in the Punch
Library section.
The Punch Library Search dialog
box displays. The Clearance
parameters are dimmed because they
are not used for Punch Library
searches.
ProCAM allows the following types of searches:
− Exact Size Match - If you input the exact size of the tool you are searching for,
ProCAM searches and lists only the tools of that type and size.
− Range of Sizes – If you input a range of sizes, ProCAM searches and displays all the
tools that fall within the range.
− All - You can search all types and depending on the tool type, all X and Y sizes, all
radii and all angles.

2-16 Tools
 Using a Tool Library

To search for all .250 diameter rounds:

4. Clear the All Types
and All X Sizes check
boxes on the right.
5. Type .250 in the From
X Size and To X Size
text boxes, then click
OK.
ProCAM searches for
an exact match. Since
there is only one .250
diameter punch in the
library, ProCAM lists only that tool in the Punch Library.
6. Click the Search button again.
7. Change the To X Size value to .375, then click OK. ProCAM searches for rounds that fall
within that range and lists the two tools in the Punch Library.
8. Click the Search button again, select the All X Sizes check box on the right, then click
OK. ProCAM searches for all round tools and lists them in the Punch Library.
9. Click the Search button again.
10. Select the All Types check box, then click OK. ProCAM searches for all punches and
lists them in the library.
Using Die Clearance and Tolerance for Punch Searches
When you use the Search function in the Punch Library, ProCAM also searches the Die
Library for any dies that match the punches you are searching for. The automatic search is
done using the values set for the Die Clearance and Die Tolerance parameters in the Punch
Tools dialog box.
EXERCISE 1. If the Tool Library dialog box is open, click Close.
2. In the Punch Tools dialog box, make sure the Die Clearance is .008 and the Die Tolerance
is .004.
ProCAM uses these values to determine which dies can be selected during a search. The
Tolerance is a positive amount. With a .008 clearance and .004 tolerance, ProCAM would
pick only those dies with a clearance between .008 and .012.
3. Click the Library button.
4. Click the Search button in the Punch Library section.
5. Select all the check boxes, then click OK. All the tools currently defined are listed.
6. Click the .250 diameter punch. ProCAM lists the die that falls within the Die Clearance
and Die Tolerance specified in the Punch Tools dialog box.
7. Click Close.

Tools 2-17
Using a Tool Library

8. Type .004 for the Die Clearance, .006 for the Die Tolerance, then click the Library
button.
9. Click the .250 diameter punch. ProCAM lists the two dies that fall within the .004 - .010
die size.
Did You Know ...
If you do not know which serial number has which die clearance, you can search the
Die Library as explained in the following exercise. The Die Library Search function
shows you all the information about the die.

Searching the Die Library

The Die Library Search function allows you to search through the Die Library for specific
types and sizes of dies. Searching for dies works the same way as searching for punches. In
addition, you can search for dies with a specific clearance or a range of clearances.
EXERCISE 1. Click the Search button in the Die Library section of the Tool Library dialog box.
The Die Library
Search dialog box
displays. This is the
same dialog box as
the Punch Library
Search dialog box
with the Clearance
search parameters
enabled.
2. Remove the check
mark from the All
Types and All X Sizes check boxes.
3. Enter the following values:

− From X Size = .250

− To X Size = .250 (diameter of the round)
4. Make sure the All Clearances check box is selected.
5. Click OK.
Two dies should be listed in the Die Library: one with a .006 clearance and one with a
.008 clearance.
6. Click Close to exit the Tool Library dialog box.
7. Click OK to exit the Punch Tools dialog box.

2-18 Tools
Chapter 3 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

The Toolfit is the command you will use the most often to punch parts. In the exercise in
Chapter 1, you automatically toolfit a simple part. When you work with complex parts, you
need to have the ability to use different modifiers and cut parameters. Typically, ProCAM is
able to insert tools on the part automatically based on the modifiers and cut parameters that
you specify.
This chapter shows you how to use the Toolfit command.
IMPORTANT! Some of the exercises in this chapter use tools in the Tool Library that were
defined in exercises in Chapter 2. Before starting this chapter, make sure you have gone
through the section titled "Using a Tool Library" in Chapter 2.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-1

Toolfitting

Toolfitting
The Toolfit command on the Punch toolbar is used to automatically insert CAM entities to
punch a part. You can toolfit a group of parts, a single part, or portions of a part.
Optionally, ProCAM also allows you to destruct internal areas. Destruct means removing
all the material within an internal cutout.
By setting the various modifiers and punch parameters, you are able to control the sizes and
types of punches used and the methods ProCAM uses to punch the part.

Toolfitting Automatically
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN2.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Choose Setup Information on
the CAM menu.
4. Specify the following values,
then click OK:
Program Number = 1002
X Sheet Width = 48.000
Y Sheet Height = 48.000
Parts Per Blank = 1
Material = 6061-T6
Thickness = .063
Clamp 1 X = 14.000
Clamp 2 X = 40.000
5. Select Fabrication Display on
the Setup menu.
6. In the Fabrication Display
dialog box, remove the check
marks from the following options to make the part easier to work with:
− Stock Display On
− Over Travel Display On
− Clamps Display On
7. In the Hit Display section, select Display End Hits Only, then click OK.
8. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

9. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

3-2 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 Toolfitting

10. Select (highlight) only the following modifiers:

Search Library
This exercise uses tools in the Tool Library
that were defined in exercises in Chapter
2. Make sure you have gone through the
section titled "Using a Tool Library" in
Chapter 2.

Toolfit Outside
When you select Toolfit Outside, ProCAM
considers outermost loops as outside edges
of parts and punches to the outside of these
closed loops. Closed loops inside these
outer loops are treated as internal edges
and punching is performed to the inside of
these loops.
11. Window pick the entire part, then click BUTTON 2. The part should look like the figure.
Punching Notches
In the previous exercise, ProCAM used the .50" diameter round punch for both arcs. By
changing the cut parameters and modifiers, you can change the way ProCAM punches the
entities.

EXERCISE 1. Click Oops to remove the punches.

2. Click the Redraw button to refresh the display.

Add two tools to the library (a 2.00" round punch and die and a 2.00"x.20" rectangle at 0
degrees):
3. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
4. Click the Library button in the Punch Tools dialog box.
5. In the Tool Library dialog box, click the New button in the Punch Library section.
6. Set the following parameters in the New Library Tool dialog box, then click OK:
− Type = Round
− Sub Tool Type = Flat Bottom
− Diameter = 2.000
− Tool Serial # = use the default
− Station 1 = 3
− Station 2 = 4
− Station 3 = leave blank

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-3

Toolfitting

7. Click the New button in the Die Library section of the Tool Library dialog box.
8. Set the following parameters in the New Die dialog box, then click OK:
− Type = Round
− Sub Type = Flat Bottom
− Diameter = 2.000
− Die Serial # = use the default
− Clearance = .008
9. Click the New button in the Punch Library section.
10. Set the following parameters in the New Library Tool dialog box to define the 2.000 x
.200 rectangle:
− Type = Rectangle
− X Size = 2.000
− Y Size = .200
− Tool Serial # = use the default
− Station 1 = 1
− Station 2 = leave blank
− Station 3 = leave blank
− Angle 1 = 0
− Angles 2 - 6 = leave 999.9999 place-holders
11. Use Auto Create to define a die for the punch.
12. Click OK.
13. Click the Save button to Save the library.
14. Click Close to exit the Tool Library dialog box.
15. Click OK to exit the Punch Tools dialog box.
Toolfit the part:

16. Click the Toolfit button.

The prompt line reads: SELECT entity to tool fit.
17. Make sure the following modifiers are selected.

Search Turret Search Library

Toolfit Outside Single Hit Inside Corner

3-4 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 Toolfitting

The Single Hit Inside Corner modifier is

used to punch notches. If the entities of
the notch and adjacent entities are
selected for toolfitting, the notch is
punched with a single hit. If only the two
entities defining the notch are selected for
toolfitting, ProCAM punches the notch
with a single hit or multiple hits
depending on the available tools.
18. Window pick the part, then click BUTTON
2.
In the previous exercise, ProCAM nibbled
the 1.000 radius inside corner. In this
exercise, ProCAM used the 2.000 round
to single hit the inside radius.

Working with the Toolfitting Parameters on the InfoBar

The InfoBar displays parameters for defining the allowable minimum and maximum size
tools to use, as well as what you consider the optimum (or best) tool width. The Optimum
tool size, along with Minimum and Maximum overpunch parameters define an envelope
around the part in which punching is allowed.
Changing the Optimum Flat and Maximum Overpunch Parameters

EXERCISE 1. Click Oops to remove the punches.

2. Click the Redraw button to refresh the screen display.

3. In the InfoBar, double click the Opt flat text box and type .200.
The Opt flat parameter defines the optimum width of a tool. This parameter helps
ProCAM select an appropriate tool for an entity when multiple selections are available.
The distance is measured perpendicular to the entity. If a tool cannot be found that fits the
optimum tool parameters, ProCAM selects a tool within the range defined by the Max
over and Smallest tool parameters.
The Opt flat amount tells ProCAM that it should look for a flat tool with this width first.
Typically, ProCAM uses this parameter when toolfitting lines. If you set this parameter to
zero, ProCAM finds a tool that gives you the least number of hits.
4. Double-click the Max over text box and type .250.
This parameter determines the maximum amount ProCAM can punch past the start or end
of an entity. This parameter allows larger tools to be used on smaller entities and sets the
high range (maximum tool width) for automatic tool selection.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-5

Toolfitting

5. Click BUTTON 2 twice.

6. Make sure the Search Turret

modifier is not selected.
7. Window pick the entire part, then click
BUTTON 2.
ProCAM toolfits the part using the
2.00 x .2 rectangle to punch the
horizontal lines.
The way ProCAM punches the short
vertical line depends on the setting of
the Tool fitting: Allow scallop on straight
edge option in the Punch Parameters
dialog box. The line either was not
punched at all (as shown in this figure)
because the tool would have exceeded
the Max over parameter or it was
punched with a round tool.

8. Oops off the hits.

9. Choose the Set Punch Parameters command on the CAM menu.
10. In the Punch Parameters dialog box, change the setting for the Tool fitting: Allow scallop on
straight edge option.
11. Toolfit the part and notice that the vertical line is punched differently.
Using the X Scrap and Y Scrap Parameters
The X scrap and Y scrap parameters control how ProCAM removes material from an inside
shape. If you have a large cutout in your part and you want to save the material rather than
punch it all out, you can set these parameters to an amount smaller than the cutout. ProCAM
will punch around the inside profile instead of removing all the material.
In the following exercise, the part is punched with different values for X scrap and Y scrap to
see the effect of these parameters.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN31.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3-6 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 Toolfitting

3. Click the Tool

button on the
system bar.
4. Click the Edit
button in the Punch
Tools dialog box
and set up a 3.000
square tool in
station #1 in the
turret (you do not
need to add this
tool to the library).
5. Choose Fabrication
Display on the
Setup menu.
6. In the Fabrication
Display dialog box,
make sure the Display All Hits option is selected, then click OK.
When Display All Hits is selected, you see all the hits of each cycle. When Display End
Hits Only is selected, only the first and last hits of each cycle are displayed.

7. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

8. Click the Toolfit Inside modifier to highlight it.

When this modifier is selected, ProCAM looks at the outermost closed loops and punches
to the inside of these entities. Typically, this modifier is used when the entities selected
for toolfitting define only internal edges.

9. Turn off the Search Library modifier. ProCAM will use only the 3.000 square tool.
10. In the InfoBar, double-click the X scrap text box, type 40.000 and press ENTER.
11. Type 40.000 for the Y scrap and press ENTER.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-7

Toolfitting

12. Click BUTTON 2 twice.

13. Window pick the inside
cutout.
ProCAM removes all the
material within the
boundary of the inside
shape.

14. Click Oops.

15. Click Redraw.

16. For the Toolfit parameters
in the InfoBar:
Double-click the Max over
text box and type 3.00.
Double-click the X scrap
text box, type 10.00 and press ENTER.
Type 10.000 for Y scrap.
This time you are using a value that is smaller than the cutout. The value itself is not
important, only that it is smaller than the area you want saved. Remember, it is a
MINIMUM amount.
17. Click BUTTON 2.
18. Window pick the inside
cutout again.
This time ProCAM only
punches around the inside of
the profile.
19. Change the Hit Display
option in the Fabrication
Display dialog box back to
Display End Hits Only.

3-8 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 Toolfitting

The X scrap and Y scrap

parameters can also be used
with a circle as shown in the
figure on the right. The values
would have to be less than the
square that would fit into the
circle.

Toolfitting with Tolerances

When you punched
EXPUN1.PRT in Chapter 1,
the five .373 diameter holes
were destructed with the .250
diameter tool.
Assuming there is a plus or
minus .005 tolerance on the
part, the .375 diameter tool
could be used to single hit the
hole instead of nibbling it to
size. This is explained in the
following exercise.
.250 Diameter Tool Used to Destruct .373 Diameter Holes

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN1.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Highlight only the following modifier buttons:

Search Turret Search Library Toolfit Inside

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-9

Toolfitting

5. In the InfoBar, double-click the + Tol text box.

When you enter a value for + Tol, ProCAM can use a tool that is bigger than the shape
size. In this exercise, to punch the .373 and .375 diameter holes with a .375 tool, you need
a PLUS tolerance of at least .002.
6. Type .005 and press ENTER.
This means that any hole can be punched with a .375 diameter tool if the size is between
.370 and .375.
7. Window pick the part. Do not pick any of the outside entities.
Did You Know ...
You can use the Pick Mask function and turning on only CAD circles.
This time the .373
diameter holes are
punched using the .375
diameter tool in one hit
instead of nibbling.

.375 Diameter Tool Used to Destruct .373 Diameter Holes

Selecting Tools during Toolfitting

The Step Tools modifier allows you to single step through a toolfit and select different tools.
Using the modifiers, you can pick any tool that meets the requirements of the Toolfit
parameters.
EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Draw a 5.000" square anywhere in the work area.

3. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

4. Set up the following tools in the turret.
You do not need to add them to the library. If the stations already have tools in them,
change them.
− Station 1: Rectangle X1.000, Y.250, Angle 0 degrees
− Station 2: Rectangle X1.000, Y.375, Angle 0 degrees

3-10 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 Toolfitting

− Station 3: Rectangle X1.000, Y.500, Angle 0 degrees

− Station 4: Rectangle X1.000, Y.250, Angle 90 degrees

5. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

6. Make sure the Search Library modifier is not highlighted.

7. Highlight the Step Tools modifier.

8. Highlight the Toolfit Outside modifier.

9. In the InfoBar, set Opt flat to .250.
The settings for the other parameters do not matter for this exercise.
10. Zoom up on the part so you can see it clearly.
11. Window pick the entire part for toolfitting.
− ProCAM displays the first entity with Tool 1 on it. The tool number is shown next to
the Tool button on the system bar.
− In the InfoBar, ProCAM displays the default Pitch. If you wanted a different pitch, you
could change it before accepting any tool.

12. Click the Next modifier button.

The next tool that meets the toolfit parameters is shown. The Tool number is shown on
the system bar.

13. Click the Next button again.

The third tool that meets the toolfit parameters displays.
You can also use the First, Previous and Last modifiers to step through the tools.

14. To accept a tool for an entity, click the OK modifier button.

To skip an entity, click the Skip button. No tool path is inserted.

15. To exit Step mode, click the Run modifier button.

16. Choose New on the File menu. Do not save this part.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-11

For More Practice

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH1

• In the CAD system, draw the part as shown above.

• Start Punch (FANTUTP).
• Use the Move command on the Utility toolbar to move the part.
Since this part was drawn at a zero position at the top left corner, it does not sit on the
stock correctly. Move the part from X0,Y0 to X1.000,Y8.000. This moves the part onto
the stock and above the clamps.
• Set the Setup Information:
− Program Number = 1003
− X Sheet width = 48.000
− Y Sheet height = 36.000
− Parts Per blank = 1
− Material = CRS
− Thickness = .078
− Clamp 1 X = 6.000
− Clamp 2 X = 40.000
• Zoom up on the part so you can see it clearly.

3-12 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 For More Practice

• Add the following punches and dies to the library:

− 1.5 x .312 obround keyed at 0 and 90
− .5 square in station 13 keyed at 0
Note: Station 13 in this machine is an autoindex station. If your machine does not have an
autoindex station, set up a square tool at 45 degrees in a different station.
• Copy the following tools from the library to the turret:
− Station 2: 1.50 x .312 obround, Angle 90 degrees
− Station 5: 1.5 x .25 rectangle, Angle 0 degrees
− Station 6: 1.5 x .25 rectangle, Angle 90 degrees
− Station 13: .5 square, Angle 0 degrees
• Make sure the Search Library and Search Turret modifiers are selected.
• Set up the Toolfit parameters in the InfoBar:
− Opt flat = .250
− Opt rnd = .500
− Max over = .500
− Min over = .050
− Use the default values for the
other parameters
The part will look like the figure on
the right if the Hit Display option in
the Fabrication Display dialog box is
set to Display End Hits Only.
With this option selected, ProCAM
displays only the start and end
position of the lines and arcs that are
punched. Using this option reduces
the time it takes to display tool paths.
You can change the display to see
every hit the punch will make.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-13

For More Practice

• Choose Fabrication Display on the

Setup menu.
In the Fabrication Display dialog box,
change the Hit Display option to
Display All Hits, then click OK.
Click the Redraw button on the Utility
toolbar.
The part should look similar to the
figure on the right.
• Save the part as PUNCH1.PRT and
post process it.
• Choose Fabrication Display on the
Setup menu and change the hit
display back to Display End Hits
Only.

PUNCH1.PRT with Display All Hits Selected

3-14 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH2

Do the following part completely from drawing through post processing. Hints and tips are
provided. The tool order used to punch this part is not important in this exercise. In Chapter
9, you will learn how to use the Optimize function to minimize movement between cycles
and reduce the time required to punch a part.

Hints and Tips

• If you currently have a part in the work area, start this part by choosing New on the File
menu.
• If you want to use your own post processor for this part, you can select your post
processor when you click the CAM button instead of FANTUTP. Then, set up your own
library.
• If you have autoindexing and want to use the FANTUTP post processor, the autoindexing
stations are 13 and 20.

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-15

For More Practice

• You can find out which stations are autoindexing by choosing the Display Controller
command on the CAM menu.
• When you start Punch (FANTUTP) and set the Setup Information, the part is not
positioned correctly on the sheet. Use the Move Utility and move the part to a different
location on the sheet (note: 4.000" in the Y axis clears the clamp dead zone).
• The following tool list is only a recommendation. You can try different tools to see how
the part would be punched.
When you add the tools to the library, use Auto Create to create the die for each punch.
Remember, the Auto Create function creates a die for the current tool shown in the Punch
Library dialog box. If you create a die each time you input a punch, you will not have to
go back and do them manually.
− RE 2.00 x .20 x 0 degrees
− RE 2.00 x . 20 x 90 degrees
− SQ .500 (this tool may already be in the library)
− RO 1.00
− RO .562
− OB 1.00 x .375 x 0 degrees
− RO .375 (this tool may already be in the library)
• Set the Toolfit parameters in the InfoBar before you select the entities.
• Set the + and - tolerances so you can punch the .559 diameter holes with a .562 diameter
punch.
• Toolfit this part in two steps. In the first step, toolfit only the entities of the cutout in the
upper right using the Interference Checking, Single Hit Inside Corner and Inside Toolfit
modifiers. In the second step, toolfit all other entities without Interference Checking.

Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH3 and PUNCH4

The following two examples, PUNCH3.PRT and PUNCH4.PRT can be combined into one
part rather than wasting the material in the center of PUNCH3.PRT. Before doing these parts,
read the Hints and Tips for some shortcuts.

3-16 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

 For More Practice

PUNCH3.PRT

PUNCH4.PRT

Inserting Tool Paths Automatically 3-17

For More Practice

Hints and Tips

• Draw the parts one at a time. Draw
PUNCH4 first and save it. Then,
when you are finished with
PUNCH3, you will be ready to
insert PUNCH4 into it.
• Insert PUNCH4 somewhere in the
center of the large cutout in
PUNCH3.
• Use Move, Rotate, and Mirror to
position the parts as shown in the
figure on the right.
• Add any tools to the library that are
needed for this job.

• The order that ProCAM punches

the entities is not important for this PUNCH4 Inserted Into PUNCH3
exercise. Optimization will be
covered later.
• Try Toolfit Inside and Outside to
see how these modifiers affect the
part.
• Make sure you use Interference
Checking so the punches do not
overlap onto the other parts.
• When you are finished, the parts
should look similar to the figure.

Parts After Toolfitting

3-18 Inserting Tool Paths Automatically

Chapter 4 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

The Punch system allows you to manually insert single hit, linear, arc, circular, and window
tool paths. These would typically be used when ProCAM could not automatically toolfit an
area or when the Toolfit function would not produce the desired results.
Manually inserting tool paths is almost identical to drawing CAD entities except that the tool
is attached to the entity. For linear, circular and arc tool paths, you have the ability to
determine how the tool will be compensated.

Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically 4-1

Single Hits

Single Hits
The Insert Point Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar allows you to insert a single hit.
This is identical to Insert Point in the CAD system.
EXERCISE 1. Choose New in the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Start Punch.
3. Pick a Round tool. The size does not matter.

4. Click the Insert Point Tool Path button.

5. Digitize several locations on the sheet.

ProCAM puts a single hit at whatever location you pick. Any tool can be used to insert
single hits.
Did You Know ...
All the Snap commands work with the Insert Point Tool Path command. You can
give the point X and Y coordinates or use any of the other Snap commands for
location.

4-2 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

 Linear Tool Paths

Linear Tool Paths

The Linear Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar is the same as the Insert Line
command for drawing lines in the CAD system except that a tool path is inserted instead of
a CAD entity. The modifiers are the same as the Line command.

Inserting a Linear Tool Path with End Compensation

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN35.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Zoom up on the part.
4. Set up a .500" square tool in the turret or if you have one in the library, copy it to the
turret.

5. Click the Linear Tool Path button on the Punch toolbar.

6. On the system bar, make sure the Offset
option is set to Rgt and Compensation is
set to EndCmp.

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

8. For the start point, type 5.00 for X start and 4.00 for Y start.
9. For the end point, type 10.00 for X end and 4.000 for Y end.
ProCAM inserts a horizontal
tool path as shown in the figure. X 5.00 X 10.00
The tool is offset to the right of Y 4.00 Y 4.00
the line and the ends of the tool
are at the endpoints you
specified. This is End
Linear Tool Path with End Compensation
Compensation.

10. Click Oops.

X 5.00 X 10.00
11. Change the Compensation Y 4.00 Y 4.00
parameter on the system bar
to NoCmp.
12. For the start point, type 5.000
for X and 4.000 for Y. Linear Tool Path with No Compensation

13. For the end point, type 10.000 for X and 4.000 for Y. This time ProCAM puts the center
of the tool at the points you defined.

Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically 4-3

Linear Tool Paths

Using Reference Compensation

Reference compensation (RefCmp) is used whenever there would be interference from
another entity.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN36.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.
3. Click the Tool button on the system bar and pick Tool #13. This is an autoindex station.

4. Click the Linear Tool Path button on the Punch toolbar.

5. On the system bar, make sure the Compensation option is set to EndCmp and the Offset is
Rgt.

6. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap

Endpoint for
toolbar. Line Start
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line
start.
7. Pick the upper endpoint of the right angular
line.
Endpoint for
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line Line End
end.
8. Pick the lower end of the right angular line.
With EndCmp, the linear tool path punches the
line to the left as shown in this figure. You can
use Reference Compensation, which allows you
to identify entities to avoid.

9. Click Oops to remove the linear tool path.

10. On the system bar, change the Compensation
option to RefCmp.
11. Pick the upper endpoint of the right angular line With EndCmp tool
path punches line
again.
The prompt line reads: PICK compensation
reference entity for tool path start.
ProCAM wants to know what entity to check
for interference at the start of the line.
12. Pick the top horizontal line.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line end.

4-4 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

 Linear Tool Paths

13. Pick the lower end of the right angular line.

The prompt line reads: PICK compensation
reference entity for tool path end.
14. Pick the left angular line.
ProCAM inserts the linear tool path ending it
where the corner of the tool touches the left
angular line.
With RefCmp tool
path avoids line

Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically 4-5

Inserting a Circular Tool Path

Inserting a Circular Tool Path

The Circular Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar is the same as the Circle command
for drawing geometric circles except that instead of inserting a CAD entity, a tool path is
inserted where all the material in the circle will be removed. The modifiers are the same as
the Circle command.
The Offset options on the system bar affect the way ProCAM inserts a circular tool path.
EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Circle button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Draw three 3" diameter circles anywhere in the work area.

4. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

5. Click Setup on the menu bar and select the Fabrication Display command.
6. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, click the Stock Display and Over Travel Display
check boxes to remove the check mark.
7. Make sure Display All Hits is checked, then click OK.
8. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the window.
9. Set the Offset option on the system bar to Left.
10. Set up a .5" diameter round tool in the turret.

11. Click the Circular Tool Path button on the Punch toolbar.

12. Click the Diameter modifier button.

13. Type 3.00 for the Diameter and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for circle tool path center.

14. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line changes to: PICK entity origin for circle tool path center.
15. Pick anywhere on one of the circles.
16. On the system bar, change the Offset option to Center and pick a second circle.
17. Change the Offset option to Right and pick the third circle.
ProCAM automatically generates hits to remove all the material in the circles.
The finished hole diameter will be different depending on the setting for the Offset
parameter on the system bar (left, center or right). When generating a circle, the cut
direction is counterclockwise.

4-6 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

 Inserting a Circular Tool Path

Therefore, if the Offset is set to Left, the finished hole diameter will be the same as the
specified hole diameter. If set to Center, the center of the tool is positioned directly on the
part path. If set to Right, the finished hole diameter will be larger by two times the tool
diameter.

Left Offset Center Right Offset

The display of hits in the work area depends on the setting for the Hit Display option in the
Fabrication Display dialog box. If Display All Hits is selected, every hit displays as shown in
the above figure. If Display End Hits Only is selected, only the first and last hits display.
18. Select the Fabrication Display command on the Setup menu.
19. Change the Hit Display option to Display End Hits Only and click OK.

20. Click the Redraw button and compare the difference in the tool path display.
Did You Know ...
If you wanted to profile the circle instead of removing all the material, you would
use the Insert Arc Tool Path command.

Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically 4-7

Inserting a Window Tool Path

Inserting a Window Tool Path

The Window Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar is used to punch out a square or
rectangle internal cutout (window). Options allow you to completely remove material within
the window or profile around the window leaving a slug.
The modifiers allow you to define the window a number of different ways with control over
the direction of the first move. The window can be input at any angle. The pitch is
automatically calculated for both X and Y axes using the Default Pitch parameters in the
Punch Parameters dialog box.
EXERCISE 1. Click New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Insert a 4"x3" rectangle at X0,Y0.

3. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

4. Zoom up on the part, if necessary.
5. Set up a 1" square tool in the turret.

6. Click the Window Tool Path button on the Punch toolbar.

7. Click the Two Opposite Corners modifier.

This modifier allows you to define the window by picking two opposite corners.

8. Click the Frame Pattern modifier.

When you select this modifier, the tool punches only the periphery of the window.
Whatever slug is left will fall out.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for window origin.

9. Click the Endpoint button on the

Snap toolbar.
10. Pick the lower left corner of the part.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for
1st window corner.
11. Pick the top right corner.
The prompt line reads: ENTER window
angle.
12. Press ENTER to accept the default 0. The
tool punches around the window leaving a
slug. Frame Pattern Window Tool Path

4-8 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

 Inserting a Window Tool Path

13. Click the Oops button.

14. Click the Redraw button.

15. Click the Knockout modifier button.

This modifier allows you to punch a
window with the tool path moving in a
zigzag motion removing all the material.

16. Leave the Horizontal modifier

button highlighted.
This modifier determines the direction of
the first cut in the Knockout Pattern
window. When selected the first cut is
horizontal.
17. Pick the same two corners and press
ENTER to accept the Angle.
The tool starts in a horizontal direction Knockout Pattern with Horizontal Modifier

and removes all the material.

18. Click the Oops button.

19. Click the Redraw button.

20. Click the Horizontal button to

remove the highlighting.
21. Insert the Window tool path again.
Notice that the first cut is in a vertical
direction.

Knockout Pattern without Horizontal Modifier

Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically 4-9

Inserting a Window Tool Path

4-10 Inserting Tool Paths Semi-automatically

Chapter 5 Shapes and Patterns

This chapter explains how to uses shapes in the Punch system for standard hole
configurations and for special hole configurations. The Pattern and Pattern Tool Path
commands are also explained.

Shapes and Patterns 5-1

Shapes

Shapes
Shapes are CAD entities that are used to represent standard and user-defined hole shape
configurations. Like other CAD entities, shapes can also be toolfit. Because a shape
represents a hole, the Toolfit function always punches on the inside of the shape, never to the
outside.
ProCAM supports the following shapes:
• nine standard shapes: Round, Rectangle, Triangle, Corner Radius, Obround, Square,
Rectangle with Radius Corners, Double D, and Single D
• user-defined shapes
• two shape types for creating micro-joints or tabs on tool paths. Micro joints are explained
in Chapter 6.
In fabrication, it is common for a part to contain standard hole configurations. In general, it is
faster to define and position a shape than it is to create the individual lines and arcs that
define a hole.
Once a hole is defined as a shape, making changes to the hole size or type is very easy. The
file size of a part is also smaller if holes are defined using shapes, rather than lines, arcs and
circles.
Even though a shape is displayed using a combination of lines, arcs, and circles, it is actually
defined only by its type, size, angle, and an XY location. ProCAM provides two methods for
defining a shape:
• Automatic shape recognition using the Shape command on CAD tool bar.
This command automatically recognizes standard shapes from line, arc and circle CAD
entities, creates a corresponding shape and inserts the shape on the CAD entities.
• Manually describe the shape type, size, and original angular orientation.
This is done by selecting the New button in the Shapes dialogue box and entering the
information in the Set Shape dialogue box.

Identifying and Creating Shape Entities Automatically

The Shape command is used to create CAD shape entities automatically from lines, arcs and
circles. The hole shapes recognized by ProCAM are defined by the active modifier(s).
When CAD shape entities are created, the original geometry remains in the part file. When
you use this command, ProCAM does not convert or delete the original geometry.
The Shape command identifies and lists all the recognizable shapes created on a part. This
function can be helpful if you receive a CAD drawing containing holes of unknown sizes.
Note that ProCAM performs this function internally during toolfitting without actually
creating the shapes.

5-2 Shapes and Patterns

 Shapes

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN1.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Shape button on the CAD toolbar.

− Leave all the modifier buttons highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: SELECT entities for shape recognition.
3. Window pick the entire part.
ProCAM highlights all the entities.
4. Click BUTTON 2.
The entities that match the
selected modifiers have a
center mark on them to
indicate a shape has been
created.
If you picked any of the
entities that make up the
outside of the part, these
entities remain highlighted
and the prompt line reads:
NOTE: Highlighted entities
are not recognizable. These
entities do not match the modifiers. Click BUTTON 1 or 2 to clear the message.
5. To see what shapes were recognized (created), click
the Shape button on the system bar.
The Shapes dialog box displays.

You can use the shapes listed

in the dialog box to determine
what tools would be required
to punch this part.

Shapes and Patterns 5-3

Shapes

Manually Inserting Standard Shapes

Another use for the Shape function is for inserting standard shapes into a part instead of
drawing all the entities. To draw slots on a part like the one in this exercise, you can define
an obround shape and insert it instead of drawing the slots.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN32.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
To save you the time of
entering the X and Y
coordinates, the points on the
part are at the center locations
of the slot.
2. Click the Shape button on the
system bar.
The Shapes dialog box
displays.
3. Click the New button.
The Set Shape dialog box
displays.
4. Input the following
information, then click OK:
− Shape Type = Obround
− Shape Name = example
− X Size = 1.500
− Y Size = .375
− Angle = 90 degrees
5. Click OK to exit the Shapes dialog box.
6. Make sure exam (example) displays in the Shape text box and the Shape switch is set to
On.

5-4 Shapes and Patterns

 Shapes

7. Click the Point button on

the CAD toolbar.

8. Click the Endpoint button

on the Snap toolbar.
9. Insert the obround shape at each
point on the bottom row.

10. Double click the Ang (Angle)

text box on the system bar.
This text box currently shows an
angle of 90.0000.
11. Type 45 and press ENTER.
12. Insert the Obround shape at
each point on the top row.
If you toolfit this part now,
ProCAM would toolfit the
obround shapes the same way
it would have if you drew
them individually. If an exact
tool match could not be
found, ProCAM would punch
the shape with any other tool
that works.

Shapes and Patterns 5-5

Special Shapes and Tools

Special Shapes and Tools

If you have a special hole configuration and punch that you use on a variety of parts, you may
find it useful to define and create a special shape/punch. Any shape can be defined because
you draw it in the CAD system. When a special shape is created, it can be used as both a
CAD shape and a Punch tool.

Creating a Special Shape/Tool

EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu.
2. In the CAD system, draw the tool
shown in the figure on the right.
When defining the geometry for a
special shape/tool, keep in mind the
following rules:
The origin of a special shape/tool is at
X0,Y0. Normally, you will draw the
special shape/tool with its center point
at 0,0.
It is IMPORTANT to remember where
you define the tool origin. ProCAM uses this point to insert the tool. You can see on the
print for the tool in this figure that it is drawn around the center. Only lines, arcs, and
circles can be used to define a special shape/tool. Text and splines cannot be used.
A maximum of 24 entities is allowed in the definition of a special shape/tool.
Color cannot be saved with a special shape/tool. The shape displays in the current system
color when the special shape/tool is inserted on the part.
Save the tool as a special shape/tool:
3. Choose Save on the File menu.
The Save File As dialog box displays.
4. In the Save as Type list box, select spt.
This extension must be selected for all special tools.
5. Change the folder to \procad\special.
Special tools must be saved in this folder.
6. Type TEE in the File Name text box, then click Save.

5-6 Shapes and Patterns

 Special Shapes and Tools

The Set Special Tool dialog box displays.

This dialog box allows you to specify the
following:
Tool Type = Choices are round, general,
rectangular and corner radius.
X Size / Y Size = ProCAM provides
defaults based on the extents of the
drawing. There may be times you want to
adjust these values to enlarge or decrease
the size of the envelope used in Reference
Compensation.
Round Equiv. = The round equivalent
default defines the tool stations to which
the tool can be assigned. For example,
1.875 needs to be in a 2" radius tool station or larger.
Cutting Edge Color = The color you have used to draw the tool displays. If you have
drawn in more than one color, the down arrow button allows you to pick the color of the
cutting edge you want to use.
Symmetry = If the tool is symmetrical, you can define the axis of symmetry. This aids in
mirroring and eliminates excessive indexing in autoindex by telling ProCAM which sides
it can cut with.
7. Change the Tool Type to Rectangular, then click OK.
The geometry is now saved as a special shape/tool. It is not necessary to save this
geometry as a .prt file. If you need to edit the geometry of a special shape/tool, open the
.spt file (for example, tee.spt). After you edit the shape/tool, save it again as a special with
the .spt extension.

Using a Special Shape/Tool

EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu.
2. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
3. Click the New button in the Shapes dialog box.
4. Input the following information in the Set Shape dialog box, then click OK:
− Shape Type = Special
− Shape Name = TEE
− X Size = 2.000, Y Size = 1.000 (This is the same information you would input if this
was a rectangle.)
− Angle = 0.0000 (This is the angle in relation to the orientation that the special shape
was drawn in.)
− File Name = TEE (This is the name of the special tool you defined.)

Shapes and Patterns 5-7

Special Shapes and Tools

5. In the Shapes dialog box, click the TEE information line to select it, then click OK.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you insert the shape, then toolfit it to see how a special shape/tool would be
used in Toolfitting.
1. Draw a rectangle in the work area starting at X0,Y0 and ending at X10.000,Y5.000.
2. If necessary, click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

3. Click the Point button on the CAD toolbar.

4. On the system
bar, make sure
TEE is the
active shape
and the Shape
switch is On. If the Shape switch is set to Off, ProCAM inserts a point. When set to On,
the active shape is inserted.

Click the
Keyboard button on the
Snap toolbar.
5. Insert the shape at the
following X,Y
coordinates.
− X2.000, Y1.500
− X2.000, Y4.000
− X5.000, Y4.000
− X8.000, Y4.000
− X8.000, Y1.500
The part should look like the figure.

6. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

7. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, make sure the Stock Display On, Over Travel
Display On, and Clamp Display On check boxes are not selected.
8. Click the Tool button on the system bar.
9. Click the Library button in the Punch Tools dialog box.
10. Click the New button in the Punch Library section of the Tool Library dialog box.
11. In the Tool Type dialog box, select Special.
12. Type 2.00 for the X Size and 1.00 for the Y Size.
13. Type TEE for the File Name.

5-8 Shapes and Patterns

 Special Shapes and Tools

14. Click the Station

buttons and select a
tool station that the
tool can fit into.
15. Type 0, 45, and 90
for the angles, then
click OK.
16. Use Auto Create to
create a die. The
clearance is not
important for this
exercise.
You do not need to
copy this tool to the
turret. Just make
sure the Search Library modifier is selected when you toolfit the part.
17. Change the color so you can see which entities get toolfit.

18. Toolfit the part.

Window pick only the
shapes. You do not
need to toolfit the
outside.
Your part should look
this figure with the
rapid lines going to
each shape.

Saving Shapes Files

You can save shapes that you have defined in a file that can be opened and used repeatedly
on other parts. You can define commonly used shapes and save them in a file. Then, when
you need to use the shapes, all you have to do is open the file and select the shape in the
Shapes dialog box that you want to use.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Exit to CAD.
3. Click the Shape button on the system bar at the top of the window.
The Shapes dialog box displays. TEE is listed as the special shape that has been defined.

Shapes and Patterns 5-9

Special Shapes and Tools

4. Click the Save button in the Shapes

dialog box.
The Save Shape File dialog box
displays.
5. Type TEE, then click OK.
ProCAM saves the shape file
TEE.SHP in the Shape folder.

You can now open this shape file and use these shapes on any part:
6. Choose New on the File menu.
7. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
8. Click the Open button in the Shapes dialog box.
The Open Shape File dialog box displays.
9. Click tee.shp in the file list, then click OK.
10. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
The Shapes dialog box should display TEE in the list of shapes.

5-10 Shapes and Patterns

 Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

In the CAD system, the Pattern command on the CAD toolbar can be used to insert a
pattern of points or shapes that can be toolfit in the Punch system:
• If the CAD pattern contains points, the Toolfit command positions the current punch
tool at each of the pattern locations.
• If the pattern contains shapes, the Toolfit function looks for a punch tool of the same
size and type as the shape and makes a single hit at each location on the pattern. If an
exact tool size is not found, ProCAM will not destruct the shapes in a pattern with
smaller tools. If you find it necessary to destruct the shapes, use the Break Utility with
the Explode modifier to break the pattern into individual shapes that can be destructed.
In the Punch system, the Pattern Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar is used to insert
linear, arc, bolt hole, and grid pattern tool paths. The Pattern Tool Path command inserts the
current punch at each location in the pattern. When punches are included in a pattern, the
NC code generated outputs a canned cycle for that pattern, provided that the machine
control supports a canned cycle for this type of pattern.
Did You Know ...
A pattern is treated as one entity. Therefore, the individual points in the pattern cannot
be picked. If you want individual points, use the Break Utility with the Explode
modifier.

Inserting a Linear Pattern

In the CAD system, the Pattern command with the Linear Pattern modifier allows you to
define a group of points on a line at any angle. This pattern can be toolfit in the Punch
system.
The linear pattern in this exercise has a known angle, length and number of points.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN12.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
2. Click the Shape button
on the system bar.
The Shapes dialog box
displays.
3. Click the New button.
.250 diameter
4. The Set Shape dialog 8 holes equally spaced
box displays.

Shapes and Patterns 5-11

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

5. Input the following information to set up the shape, then click OK:
− Shape Type = Round
− Shape Name = any name you want to give the shape to make it easier to remember
− X Size = .250
6. In the Shapes dialog box, click on the highlighted information line for the shape to select
it, then click OK.
7. On the system bar, make sure the shape name displays next to the Shape button and the
Shape switch is set to On.

8. Click the Pattern button.

9. Click the Linear Pattern modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER line pattern number of points.
10. Type 8 and press ENTER.

11. Click the Angle modifier button.

12. Type 0 and press ENTER.

13. Click the Length modifier button.

14. Type 7 and press ENTER.

15. Click the Keyboard

button on the Snap toolbar.
16. Type .5 for X and -3.75 for
Y.
17. Press ENTER.
The linear pattern displays.
You could toolfit this
pattern using the Toolfit
command in the Punch
system.

5-12 Shapes and Patterns

 Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

Inserting a Linear Pattern Tool Path

In this exercise, you use the Pattern Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar with the Linear
Pattern Tool Path modifier to create linear patterns of punched hits.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN13.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This linear pattern has a known angle, distance between points and number of points.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Zoom up on the part.
4. Set up a .500 diameter round tool.

5. Click the Pattern Tool Path

button.

6. Click the Linear Pattern Tool

Path modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER line
pattern tool path number of points.
7. Type 3 and press ENTER.

8. Click the Angle modifier button.

9. Type -90 and press ENTER.
The angle is -90 because the pattern starts at the top and goes down.

10. Click the Distance Between Points modifier button.

11. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y/N for line pattern tool path 1st hit. The InfoBar parameter
1st hit is used to define whether ProCAM begins punching with the first hit at the pattern
origin (Y) or at the second point in the pattern (N).
12. Press ENTER to accept the Y and make a hit at the origin.

13. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

14. Type .952 for X start and -.923 for Y start.
15. Press ENTER twice to accept the values for Distance and 1st hit. The linear pattern tool
path displays on the left.
16. Type 3.048 for X start and -.923 for Y start.
17. Press ENTER three times to accept the values for Angle, Distance and 1st hit. The linear
pattern tool path displays on the right.

Shapes and Patterns 5-13

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN14.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch
(FANTUTP).
3. Zoom up on the
part.
4. Set up a .250
diameter round
punch.

5. Click the
Pattern Tool Path
button. .250 Diameter
4 Holes Equally Spaced
Typical 2 Places
6. Click the
Linear Pattern Tool Path modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER line pattern tool path number of points.
7. Type 4 and press ENTER.

8. Click the Angle modifier button.

9. Type 30 and press ENTER.

10. Click the Distance Between Points modifier button.

11. Type .75 and press ENTER.
12. Press ENTER to accept Y for 1st hit.

13. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

14. Type .651 for X start and press ENTER.
15. Type -1.403 for Y start and press ENTER.
The linear pattern tool path displays on the top left of the part.

16. Click the Mirror button on the Utility toolbar.

17. Pick the pattern, then click BUTTON 2.

18. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

19. Pick the top line of the part and then the bottom line.
This mirrors the pattern around the middle of the part and the linear pattern tool path
displays on the top right.

5-14 Shapes and Patterns

 Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

Inserting and Toolfitting a Grid Pattern

In this exercise, a
grid of shapes is
created in the CAD
system, then toolfit
in Punch. The grid
pattern has a known
number of points in
X and Y, distance
between points and
start location.

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN15.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Set up a .250 diameter round shape.

3. Click the Pattern button.

4. Click the Grid Pattern modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X number of grid points.
5. Type 3 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y number of grid points.
6. Type 7 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X distance between grid points.
7. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y distance between grid points.
8. Type .375 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER grid angle.
9. Type 0 and press ENTER.

Shapes and Patterns 5-15

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

10. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

11. Type 1.25 for X start and press ENTER.
12. Type 1.25 for Y start and press ENTER.
The grid pattern should display.

EXERCISE The second Grid Pattern is the same as the first except it is rotated 90 degrees.

1. Click the Pattern button again.

2. Click the Grid Pattern modifier button.

3. Click the Horizontal First Move modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X number of grid points.
4. Type 7 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y number of grid points.
5. Type 3 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X distance between grid points.
6. Type -.375 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y distance between grid points.
7. Type -1.0 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER grid angle.
Did You Know ...
These are negative values because the start hole of the grid is on the top row and you
need to punch in the negative direction in both axes.
8. Type 0 and press ENTER.

9. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

10. Type 7.875 for X start and press ENTER.
11. Type 5.625 for Y start and press ENTER.
The second grid pattern displays.

12. Exit to the Punch system.

13. Zoom up on the part.
14. Set up a .25 round punch.
15. Change the color.

5-16 Shapes and Patterns

 Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

16. Click the Toolfit button on the Punch toolbar.

17. Select only the grid patterns for toolfitting.
Notice how a .25 round punch was made at each grid location.

Inserting a Grid Pattern Tool Path

In this exercise, the Pattern Tool Path command with the Grid Pattern Tool Path modifier is
used and the pattern is rotated 15 degrees.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN16.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Exit to the Punch system.

3. Zoom up on the
part.
4. Set up a .250
diameter round
punch.

5. Click the
Pattern Tool Path
button.

6. Click the Grid

Pattern Tool Path
modifier button.
7. The prompt line
reads: ENTER X
number of grid tool
path points.
8. Type 3 and press
ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y number of grid tool path points.
9. Type 7 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X distance between grid tool path points.
10. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y distance between grid tool path points.
11. Type .375 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER grid tool path angle.
12. Type -15 and press ENTER.

Shapes and Patterns 5-17

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

13. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

14. Type 1.250 for X start and press ENTER.
15. Type 1.250 for Y start and press ENTER.
The grid pattern should display.
16. Create the second grid pattern tool path using the dimensions in the figure at the top of
the page.
Inserting a Bolt Hole Pattern Tool Path
The Pattern Tool Path command with the Bolt Hole Pattern Tool Path modifier allows you to
define a group of punched hits equally spaced on a circle. In the exercise below, the bolt hole
pattern has a known number of points, diameter and center location.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN17.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.
3. Zoom up on the part.
4. Set up a .625 diameter round punch.

5. Click the Pattern Tool Path button on

the Punch toolbar.

6. Click the Bolt Hole Pattern Tool Path

modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER bolt hole path
number of points.
7. Type 16 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER start angle of
bolt hole path.
8. Type 0 and press ENTER.

9. Click the Diameter modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER bolt hole path diameter.
10. Type 18 and press ENTER.

11. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

12. Type 0 for X center and 0 for Y center.
The Bolt Hole Pattern tool path displays.

5-18 Shapes and Patterns

 Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

In this exercise, the starting hole of the bolt circle is given as 45 degrees.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN18.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.
3. Zoom up on the part.
4. Set up a .500 diameter round punch.
45 degrees

5. Click the Pattern Tool Path

button on the Punch toolbar.

6. Click the Bolt Hole Pattern Tool

Path modifier button.
The prompt line reads: ENTER bolt
hole path number of points.
.500 diameter
7. Type 4 and press ENTER. 4 holes equally
spaced on a 6.00"
The prompt line reads: ENTER start diameter bolt hole
angle of bolt hole path.
8. Type 45 and press ENTER.

9. Click the Diameter modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER bolt hole path diameter.
10. Type 6 and press ENTER.

11. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar and pick the large circle.

Shapes and Patterns 5-19

Patterns and Pattern Tool Paths

Inserting an Arc Pattern Tool Path

The Arc Pattern Tool Path modifier allows you to define a group of punched hits on an arc.
The punched hits do not have to go completely around the diameter or radius as they do if
you use the Bolt Hole Pattern Tool Path modifier.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN19.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
The arc pattern in this part has a known
number of points, radius, start angle,
angle between points, and a location of
X0, Y0.

2. Start Punch.
3. Zoom up on the part.
4. Set up a .375 diameter round tool.

5. Click the Pattern Tool Path

button on the Punch toolbar.

6. Click the Arc Pattern Tool Path

modifier button.
7. Click the following modifier buttons:

Angle modifier

Incremental Angle modifier

Radius modifier
8. Type 2.5 for the arc radius and press ENTER.
9. Type 6 for the arc pattern number of points and press ENTER.

10. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

11. Type 0 for X center and Y center.
The prompt line reads: ENTER arc start angle.
12. Type -30 and press ENTER.
13. Type 12 for the incremental angle and press ENTER.
14. Press ENTER to accept the radius.
15. To insert the other three arc pattern tool paths on the part, you can either change the start
angle or use the Rotate and Copy Utility.

5-20 Shapes and Patterns

Chapter 6 Micro Joints and Tabs

Shaker tabs are created by leaving narrow strips of material between a part and the sheet of
material. These narrow strips of material are commonly referred to as tabs, wire joints or
micro joints. The Punch system provides several methods for creating micro joints as
explained in this chapter.

Micro Joints and Tabs 6-1

Creating Micro Joints

Creating Micro Joints

The Punch system provides several methods for creating a micro joint.
• Manual Method
The manual method places a micro joint on lines, arcs, circles, and splines. The process
involves altering the entity so that it is shorter than it is actually supposed to be. How
much shorter is determined by the width of the micro joint. One common method to
achieve this is to use the Break Utility to break an entity back from its end point by the
width of the desired micro joint.
• Semi-automatic Method
The two methods described below apply only if placing micro joints at the end of a line.
The first method involves using the Linear Tool Path command on the Punch toolbar.
When you use this command, you are prompted to provide values for the Micro S and
Micro E parameters in the InfoBar. These two parameters represent the micro joint start
and end amounts. When the value is negative, the resulting tool path will be shorter than
the selected end points used to define the linear tool path. When the value is positive, the
resulting tool path will be longer than the selected end points used to define the linear tool
path.
The second method creates or modifies a micro joint by editing the linear tool path using
the Edit command on the Utility toolbar. When a linear tool path is selected, the InfoBar
displays parameters that can be altered, including Micro S and Micro E. Any linear tool
path can be edited in this way.
• Automatic Method
The automatic method allows two different types of micro joints to be placed on lines
using the Toolfit command on the Punch toolbar. The type and size of the micro joint is
defined with the Shape function in CAD.
After you define the micro joint type and size in the Shapes dialog box, you use the Point
command to position the micro joint at the end point of any line where you want a micro
joint. When the part is punched with the Toolfit command, ProCAM recognizes the micro
joints and alters the tool path accordingly.

6-2 Micro Joints and Tabs

 Creating Micro Joints

Using the Shape Function to Insert a Micro Joint

When you use the Shape function to create a micro joint:
• Micro joints are inserted with the Point command.
• Micro joint shapes can be positioned only at the endpoints of lines.
• Micro joints positioned on an inside corner will be ignored.
• The size of a micro joint can be edited in the Shapes dialog box. However, changing the
micro joint size does not automatically alter the punch tool paths. The tool paths must be
deleted and the entities re-punched.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN38.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
2. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
3. Click the New button in the Shapes dialog box.
4. Use the following information in the Set Shape dialog box:
Shape Type = Micro Joint
Shape Name = 020C
− The name should identify what you are defining, so you can recognize it in the Shape
list. In this exercise, 020C means it is a .020" Corner Micro Joint.
− Do not use a decimal point in the name. A decimal point can be used only to separate
a file name from the extension.
X Size = .020
Micro Joint = Corner Joint
− A Corner Micro Joint defines that both sides of the attach point have micro joints.
When a Corner Micro Joint is used, the tool will be backed off from each corner by
one half the micro joint size. In other words, if you actually want the tool to back off
by .010", you define a Corner Micro Joint with a size of .020". This backs off the tool
.010" from each corner.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the New button again.
7. Define a .020" Single Micro Joint with a Shape Name of 20S.
A Single Micro Joint defines that only one side (the side that the micro joint is attached
to) has a micro joint. Single Micro Joints would be used along an entity. The tool would
be backed off by the full value of the micro joint.
8. Click OK to exit the Shapes dialog box.

Micro Joints and Tabs 6-3

Creating Micro Joints

9. Break the top horizontal line at the midpoint (labeled E).

Since micro joints can be inserted only at the endpoints, you must break the entity where
you want the micro joint attached. Then, you insert it at the endpoint where you broke the
entity.

10. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar.

11. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
12. In the Shapes dialog box, select the .020 Single Micro Joint, then click OK.

13. Click the Point button on the CAD toolbar.

14. Make sure the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted.
15. Place the .020 Single Micro Joint at the points labeled C, D and E.
16. Click the Shape button on the system bar.
17. In the Shapes dialog box, select the .020 Corner Micro Joint, then click OK.
18. Place the Corner Micro Joint at the locations labeled A and B.

19. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

20. Change the color.

21. Toolfit the part.

Use the default modifiers and InfoBar parameters.

6-4 Micro Joints and Tabs

 Creating Micro Joints

When you are toolfitting a part that has Single Micro Joints on it, make sure the Minimum
Overpunch parameter is set to less than the micro joint size. Remember, the micro joint is
attached to only one entity, so the adjoining entity can be overpunched.
22. Zoom in on the part where the micro joints were placed.
Notice how the
punching cycles have
been generated to
create a micro joint.

Micro Joints and Tabs 6-5

Creating Micro Joints

6-6 Micro Joints and Tabs

Chapter 7 Macros/Subroutines

The Macro command on the Punch toolbar is used to define tool paths that can be called up
in a subprogram. This chapter includes exercises that show you how to define and call
macros.

Macros/Subroutines 7-1
Defining and Inserting Macros

Defining and Inserting Macros

The Macro function is used to define tool paths that can be called up in a subprogram. This
function can be very useful for parts that would otherwise create long programs that might
not fit in your machine's memory.
If the controller supports macros, ProCAM outputs code during post processing using the
controller macro calls, multiples, etc. This can greatly reduce the code size. In order to use
macros effectively, your machine must support subprograms and your post processor must be
configured to output subprograms. If either your machine or post processor does not support
subprograms, macros are output as long code instead of subprograms. If this were the case,
you would be just as well off using the Move Utility with the Move/Copy modifier.
Defining and Calling a Macro
Macro Call is used to call a macro at a specific location when there is no Grid pattern.
In the following
exercise, the same shape
is in different locations
on the part. For this type
of part, you can use
Toolfit on all the
cutouts. However, if
program length is a
problem, you can use a
macro and call it up at
each location.
In order to use a macro
call, the entities that
will make up the macro
SHOULD be defined around X0, Y0. To do this, you can move one of the shapes from its
current location to X0, Y0. If you were going to draw this part yourself, you would not have
to draw the shapes at each location. You would draw only one at X0, Y0.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN23.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This part already has one of the shapes toolfit and moved to X0, Y0.

2. Start Punch.
3. Zoom up on the part.

4. Click the Macro button on the Punch toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).

7-2 Macros/Subroutines
 Defining and Inserting Macros

5. Window pick the tool path that is at X0, Y0, then

click BUTTON 2.
The Macro Define dialog box displays.
6. Type CALL in the Macro Name text box, then click
OK.
The tool path disappears from the work area. This is
how you determine if you selected the correct entities
for the macro.

7. Click the Macro Call modifier button.

The Macro Call dialog box displays.
8. Click CALL in the Macros Defined list box, then
click OK.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for macro
call.
For this example, there are several ways to insert the
macro at the correct locations. If you did not have
the CAD drawing, you could use the Keyboard Snap
and type in the locations of the center of the arc.
Since you already have the CAD drawing, you can use the Entity Origin Snap command
to put the macro at the center of each arc.

9. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for macro call.
10. Pick each large arc.
− The order the macros are inserted is the order they are called up in the NC program
unless you Optimize before post processing the part.
− As you insert the macro in different locations, MC displays at the origin of the macro.
The macro origin is positioned relative to the current system origin. Since the entities
in a macro do not exist in the work area, you must know the where the origin is if you
want to modify the macro.

Macros/Subroutines 7-3
Defining and Inserting Macros

When you are

finished, the part
should look
similar to the
figure.
11. Save the part as
MACRO
CALL.PRT.

12. Post
process the part
to see how the
subprograms are
called up.

Using a Grid Macro Call

If you used Move and Copy to nest this part
on a sheet, a very long program would be
generated that might not fit into your
machine's memory. Using the Macro
function, the program would be only a little
longer than the program for one part.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN22.PRT in the
\procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Macro button on the

Punch toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro.
4. Window pick all the entities in the work area, then
click BUTTON 2.
5. In the Macro Define dialog box, type ALL for the
Macro Name and click OK.
All the tool paths associated with the part disappear
from the work area. If the tool paths do not
disappear, they are not in the macro.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro
(button 2 when done). If you had more macros to
define for this part, you would continue to define
them.

7-4 Macros/Subroutines
 Defining and Inserting Macros

6. Click the Multiple Macros modifier button.

The Macro Grid dialog box displays a list of all the
macros for this part.
7. Click ALL in the Macros Defined list, then click
OK.
The Multiple Grid modifiers display.

8. Make sure the Known Distance Between Grid

Points modifier button is highlighted.
Use this modifier when you know the distance between the grid points. Use the Known
Grid Height and Width modifier when you know the height and width of the grid and you
want ProCAM to calculate the distance between grid points.

9. Make sure the Horizontal First Move button is highlighted.

− When you select this modifier, the second macro in the grid is inserted in a horizontal
direction.
− In the InfoBar, a series of parameters display for defining the grid.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for macro grid.

10. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

11. Press ENTER twice to accept the 0 default for the X and Y origin.
ProCAM needs to know where the macro grid is to start in the X and Y axis. Typically,
this is X0,Y0.
12. Type 6.000 for X increment (1.000" between the parts) and press ENTER.
13. Type 5.000 for Y increment (1.000" between the parts) and press ENTER.
The X and Y increments are the distances that separate the parts on the sheet.

Macros/Subroutines 7-5
Defining and Inserting Macros

14. Press ENTER twice to

accept the defaults for
No. X and No. Y.
These parameters specify
the number of parts in the
X and Y. The defaults are
8 parts in X and 7 parts in
Y. ProCAM calculates a
default based on the X
Increm, Y Increm and the
sheet size.
The macro grid displays.

Did You Know ...

The Macro options in the CAM Display dialog box control how much of the grid is
displayed. Instead of displaying the entire grid, you can reduce the time to display and
redraw a macro grid by showing one part, four parts or the corner parts.

15. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the window.

MG displays at the X0, Y0 location. This indicates the origin of the macro grid.
Since the entities in a macro do not exist in the work area, you must know where the
origin is if you want to modify the macro grid.
For example, you insert the macro grid in the wrong location and you want to move it.
When ProCAM prompts you to pick entities to move, the only place you can pick would
be the macro grid origin. The same would be true for erasing, rotating, etc.

16. To see how the origin works, click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.
17. Try to erase any of the tool paths in the work area.
18. Now pick the crosshair to the left of MG.
The complete macro grid is erased. Pick here

19. Click Oops to restore the macro grid.

20. Save the part as GRID MACRO.PRT.

21. Post process the part.

The code listing below shows a main program calling up subprograms.

7-6 Macros/Subroutines
 Defining and Inserting Macros

The numbers may not match your code listing; however, you can see that the subprograms
are being called up. Some of the program has been deleted for this exercise; however, you
can see from the sequence numbers how long the program is. Notice ProCAM
automatically increments the program numbers. The main program number is 0001. Each
of the subprogram numbers is incremented by one.
GRID MACRO.TXT

O0001
N1 G20
N2 G92 X50000 Y39370
N3 G90
N4 G98 X0 X0 I6000 J5000 P7 K6 [Macro origin (X,Y) Increment (6,5) #X #Y]
N5 U1 [Sub Program #1 Start]
N6X2188 Y5250 T9
N7X2813
N8X3750 Y5188
.
.
.
N16X2813 Y6500
N17X2188
N18 V1 [Sub Program #1 End]
N19 U2 [Sub Program #2 Start]
N20X2500 Y6750 T11
N21X3500 Y7125
N22X5250
N23 Y4875
N24X3500
N25X2500 Y5000
N26 V2 [Sub Program #2 End]
N27 U3 [Sub Program #3 Start]
.
.
.
N58 V5 [Sub Program #5 End]
N59 U6 [Sub Program #6 Start]
N60 G72X1000 Y8200
N61 G66 I5000 J0 P-1500 Q-200 D-5 T1
N62 G72X6000 Y3800
N63 G66 I5000 J18000 P-1500 Q-200 D-5
N64 V6 [Sub Program #6 End]
N65 G75 W1 Q1 [Macro Call]
N66 G75 W2 Q3 [Macro Call]
N67 G75 W3 Q1 [Macro Call]
N68 G75 W4 Q3 [Macro Call]
N69 G75 W5 Q1 [Macro Call]
N70 G75 W6 Q3 [Macro Call]

Macros/Subroutines 7-7
Defining and Inserting Macros

N71 G50
( PART NAME=GRID MACRO )
( PROGRAM NUMBER=0001 )
( MACHINE=TUTORIAL PUNCH )
( X SHEET WIDTH=50. )
( Y SHEET HEIGHT=39.37 )
( PARTS PER BLANK=1 )
( MATERIAL= )
( THICKNESS=.063 )
( CLAMP 1 X=6. )
( CLAMP 2 x=40. )

( Tool Die )
(Name Serial # Serial # Type Key Size Xsize Ysize Radius Angle Clear)
(---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------)
(001 RE/ K E 1.500 0.200 0.000 0.00 0.000)
(002 RE/ K E 1.500 0.200 0.000 90.00 0.000)
(003 SQ/ K D 0.750 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.000)
(009 RO/ K E 0.125 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.000)
(010 RO/ K E 0.250 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.000)
(011 RO/ K E 0.188 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.000)

Defining Multiple Macros to Punch a Part

If you want to define a grid of parts so they are separated by only the tool width, you can
define multiple macros. In the following exercise, instead of picking all the entities for one
macro, you create three macros. The entities inside the part are one macro, the tool that cuts
the left line is a second macro and the tool that cuts the bottom is a third macro. When the
macros are called up, the left and bottom macros will be done one extra time in the grid.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN22.PRT again.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.

2. Start Punch.
3. Zoom up on the part.

4. Erase the tool path that cuts the top horizontal line and the tool path that cuts the
right side line.
Did You Know ...
To erase tool paths, pick the gray line that is in the center of the tool.

5. Click the Macro button on the Punch toolbar.

6. This time instead of window picking all the entities for the macro, window pick ONLY
the entities inside the part. Make sure you do not pick the left and bottom tools.
7. Click BUTTON 2.

7-8 Macros/Subroutines
 Defining and Inserting Macros

8. In the Macro Define dialog box, type INSIDE for the Macro Name, then click OK.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).
9. Pick the left tool path, then click BUTTON 2.
10. In the Macro Define dialog box, type LEFT for the Macro Name, then click OK.
The prompt line continues to read: PICK entities to define macro (button 2 when done).
11. Pick the bottom tool path, then click BUTTON 2.
12. In the Macro Define dialog box, type BOTTOM for the Macro Name, then click OK.
EXERCISE Insert the Macro Grid:

1. Click the Macro Grid modifier button.

2. In the Macro Grid dialog box, click INSIDE in the Macros Defined list box, then click
OK.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

4. Define the grid at X0, Y0.
5. Type 5.200 for X increm, then press ENTER.
This is the 5.000 width of the part and the .200 width of the tool.
6. Type 4.200 for Y increm, then press ENTER.
7. Type 8 for No. X, then press ENTER.
8. Type 7 for No. Y, then press ENTER.
9. Click the Zoom All button in the
lower right corner of the window.
The macro grid of the inside tool
paths displays. Note that the figure
on the right has only three parts in
X and Y to make is easier to see.

10. Click the Macro button again.

You have to click the Macro button
again to display the grid modifier.

11. Click the Grid Modifier.

12. Click LEFT in the Macros Defined
list box, then click OK. Macro Grid of Inside Entities

13. Click the Keyboard button on

the Snap toolbar. Notice all the values you input previously are now the defaults in the
InfoBar.

Macros/Subroutines 7-9
Defining and Inserting Macros

14. Press ENTER twice to accept X0 and

Y0.
15. Press ENTER twice to accept the X
and Y increments.
16. Type 9 for No. X and press ENTER.
There are eight parts; however,
since you also want the macro to
punch the right side of the eighth
part, you add an additional count.
17. Type 7 for the No. Y and press
ENTER.
All the inside entities and the
vertical cuts on all the parts should
display.
18. Do the same for the bottom tool. Macro Grid of Inside Entities and Vertical Cuts
Do not forget to add an additional
hit in the Y number and go back to
8 in the X number.
Your part should look like the figure
on the right except your entire sheet
will be full.
19. Choose Save As on the File menu.
20. Type MULTIPLE MACROS.PRT
for the File Name, then click OK.

Completed Macro Grid with Bottom Tool

Setting the Macro Display

To reduce display and redraw time, you can change the number of parts displayed in the work
area.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.
2. Choose CAM Display on the Setup menu.

7-10 Macros/Subroutines
 Defining and Inserting Macros

In the CAM Display dialog box,

Show All Parts is currently
selected.
3. Click the Show 1 Part option
button, then click OK.
Show 4 Parts
4. Click the Redraw button
on the Utility toolbar.
Only the first macro in the grid
displays.
5. Choose CAM Display on the
Setup menu again.
6. Click the Show 4 Parts option,
then click OK.

7. Click the Redraw button.

Four parts display in the corner
of the sheet.
8. Choose CAM Display on the
Setup menu again.
9. Click the Show Corner Parts
option, then click OK.
10. Click the Redraw button. Show Corner Parts

The outermost parts in the

macro grid display.

Macros/Subroutines 7-11
Modifying Macros

Modifying Macros
Undefining a Macro
When you complete a macro definition, the entities that are in the macro disappear from the
work area. There may be times when you have picked entities that you do not want in the
macro or entities were not picked that should be in the macro. Undefining a macro deletes the
macro and puts the entities back into the part as normal entities. You can then define the
macro again.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN24.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
The grid shows only 4 parts
because the Macro option in the
CAM Display dialog box is set to
display only the 4 corner parts.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Macro button on

the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Undefine Macro

modifier button.
Even though a macro exists in this
part, it is not listed in the Macro
Undefine dialog box because it is
currently being used. You cannot
undefine a macro that is currently being used. The macros must be deleted first.
5. Click Cancel.

6. Erase the Macro Grid. Remember to pick it at its origin (the MG).
Pick here
7. Click the Macro button.

8. Click the Undefine Macro modifier button.

9. Click ALL in the Macros Defined list box, then click OK.
The dialog box is removed and the original entities that made up the macro are put back
in the work area. The Macro Undefine dialog box displays again so you can undefine the
next macro if there is one.

7-12 Macros/Subroutines
 Modifying Macros

10. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box. The part could now be modified. Then, you could re-
create the Macro and insert the Grid again.

Editing a Macro
The Edit Macro Utility allows you to edit entities within a macro without undefining it.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN24.PRT again.
If this part is open in the work area, do not save the changes to the part.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

4. Click the Macro modifier.

5. In the Macros Defined dialog box, select ALL, then click OK.
The Macro grid disappears and the original entities display.

6. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar.

7. Move the left row of .250 diameter holes from their current position to 1.1875.

Move from Move to

Entity Origin X1.1875, Y4.625

8. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

9. Click the Macro modifier button. The Macros Defined dialog box displays and the
macro grid displays again in the work area.
10. Click Cancel to exit the Macros Defined dialog box.

Macros/Subroutines 7-13
Modifying Macros

7-14 Macros/Subroutines
Chapter 8 Repositioning

If the tool paths in a part are not completely within the table limits, you can use the
Reposition command to manually or automatically reposition the sheet to do more punching.
This chapter includes exercises for manual and automatic repositioning.

Repositioning 8-1
Repositioning

Repositioning
The Reposition command on the Punch toolbar is used to manually or automatically
reposition the sheet to do more punching. ProCAM automatically shifts all clamping, over
travel zones and dead zones after a reposition is done.
Initially, ProCAM creates a table limit zone based on the machine X and Y size. If all the
CAM entities (tool paths) are within the table limit zone, you can post process the part
without repositioning. You need to insert reposition zones only if all the tool paths in a part
are not completely within the table limits.

Using Manual Repositioning

Arc Tool Paths
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO ARC.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Reposition

button on the Punch
toolbar.
When you reposition
manually, you can assign
tool paths to reposition
zones at any time. In this
exercise, you assign tool
paths to the table limit
zone, then create an
additional reposition zone and assign the tool paths to that zone.

4. Click the Auto Pick button on the modifier toolbar.

ProCAM selects the tool paths that are completely within the table limit zone. The tool
paths that crossed the table limits are not selected. You can either break these tool paths
so that only the portion of the tool path that lies within the table limit zone will be
punched or you can include the complete tool path in a reposition zone.

5. Click the Break Entity button on the modifier toolbar. ProCAM highlights the 2 arc
tool paths that cross the zone border.
6. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM breaks the tool paths, then selects only the portions of the tool paths that are
within the table limit zone.

8-2 Repositioning
 Repositioning

7. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

8. Move the cursor in the work area.
You can see the over travel zone with the clamps and hold downs moving with the cursor.
This allows you to position the hold downs in an area that has material before the clamps
are released and position the clamps away from any hits that will be done in this zone.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for repositioning. You can use any of the Snap
modifiers to pick a position; however, digitizing works most the time.
9. Position the reposition zone to include the remaining entities, then click button 1 (left
mouse button).
The prompt line reads: ENTER X repositioning increment amount. This is the amount the
clamp will move. The X amount parameter in the InfoBar indicates the increment based
on the X coordinate you digitized.
10. Press ENTER to accept the X amount shown in the InfoBar.
− ProCAM displays REP1 at the X and Y coordinates you digitized. The cross mark
next to REP is the location of the reposition zone entity. This is the location you
would pick to delete, move or copy a reposition zone. The over travel zone and the
clamps display at the new locations.
− The entities that can be selected display in the entity color. Entities that cannot be
selected display in the Unpickable Entity Color specified in the Fabrication Display
dialog box.

11. Click the Edit Reposition button, then pick the three tool paths that display in the
entity color.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
The End marker changes to green and is located at the end of the tool paths.

13. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and in the reposition zone (Rep1).
Review the tool path sequence:
EXERCISE 1. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, make sure the Simulation Type is set to either
Simulate Wire Frame or Simulate Solid.

2. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Reset to Start button on the Simulation toolbar.
4. Select Next OT Zone for the End, then click the Go to End button. The simulation
stops at the end of the table limit zone.
5. Click the Go to End button again to complete the sequence.

Repositioning 8-3
Repositioning

Linear Tool Paths

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO BREAK.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
The horizontal tool
paths in this part extend
past the table limits.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the
Reposition button on the
Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Auto

Pick button on the
modifier toolbar.
ProCAM selects only
the vertical tool paths. The horizontal tool paths extend past the table limit and are not
selected. In this case, you must break the horizontal tool paths.

5. Click the Break Entity button on the modifier toolbar.

ProCAM highlights the horizontal tool paths.
6. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM breaks the tool paths and selects only the portions of the tool paths that are
within the table limit zone.

7. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

8. Position the reposition zone to include the remaining entities, then click button 1 (left
mouse button).
9. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

10. Click the Auto Pick button.

11. Click BUTTON 2.

12. Click the Edit Reposition Zone button.

13. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and Rep1.

8-4 Repositioning
 Repositioning

Circular Tool Paths

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO CIRCLE.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Reposition

button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Auto Pick

button on the modifier
toolbar.
ProCAM selects only the
circular tool paths that are
within the table limit.
You can break the tool paths that cross the zone and include a portion of the tool path in
the table limit zone and a portion in a reposition zone. Alternatively, you can leave the
tool paths unbroken and include the complete tool paths in a reposition zone.
5. Click BUTTON 2 to leave the tool paths unbroken.

6. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

7. Position the reposition zone to include the remaining entities, then click button 1 (left
mouse button).
8. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

9. Click the Auto Pick button, then click BUTTON 2.

Grid Pattern Tool Paths
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO GRID.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Measure button

on the Utility toolbar, then
click the first or last hit on the
tool path.
The prompt line identifies the
tool path as a Grid Pattern.

4. Click the Reposition

button on the Punch toolbar.

Repositioning 8-5
Repositioning

5. Click the Auto Pick button on the modifier toolbar.

ProCAM is unable to select any entities because the grid pattern tool path extends past the
table limits. In this case, you must break the grid pattern.

6. Click the Break Entity button on the modifier toolbar, then click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM breaks the grid pattern into individual tool paths, then selects only the portions
of the tool paths that are within the table limit zone.

7. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

8. Position the reposition zone to include the remaining entities, then click button 1.
9. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

10. Click the Auto Pick button, then click BUTTON 2.

11. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and Rep1.
Checking Clamp Deadzones
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO CLAMP DEADZONES.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn
folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Reposition

button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Auto Pick

button.
Notice that ProCAM has
selected one tool path that
interferes with the clamp
deadzone area.

5. Click the Check Clamp Deadzone button on the modifier toolbar.

ProCAM unselects the tool path. You can include this tool path in a reposition zone.

6. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

7. Position the reposition zone so that the tool path will not interfere in the clamp deadzone
and the last two tool paths are included, then click BUTTON 1 (left button).
8. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

8-6 Repositioning
 Repositioning

9. Click the Auto Pick button, then click BUTTON 2.

ProCAM selects all the remaining tool paths including the one that interfered with the
clamps in the table travel zone. The End marker changes from red to green.

10. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and Rep1.
Macro Calls
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO MACRO.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the
Reposition button on
the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Auto

Pick button.
ProCAM selects only
the macro calls that
are completely within
the table limit zone.

5. Click the Break Entity button on the modifier toolbar.

The two macro calls that extend past the table limit are highlighted.
6. Click BUTTON 2. ProCAM beaks the macro calls into tool paths.

7. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

8. Position the reposition zone to include the portions of the tool paths from the broken
macro calls and all the remaining macro calls, then click BUTTON 1.
9. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

10. Click the Auto Pick button, then click BUTTON 2.

ProCAM selects all the remaining tool paths including the portions of the broken macro
calls. The End marker changes from red to green.

11. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and Rep1.

Repositioning 8-7
Repositioning

Macro Grid
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH REPO MACRO GRID.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the
Reposition button
on the Punch
toolbar.

4. Click the
Auto Pick button.
The macro grid
changes to the
Unpickable Entity
Color specified in
the Fabrication Display dialog box. Since this macro grid extends past the table travel
limits, you need to break the grid before you can select entities or insert a reposition zone.

5. Click the Break Entity button on the modifier toolbar. The macro grid is
highlighted.
6. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM beaks the macro grid into macro calls. You can continue with repositioning (as
in this exercise) or you can break the macro calls into tool paths (as in the previous
exercise) and then reposition.

7. Click the Auto Pick button. ProCAM selects the macro calls that are completely
within the table limits.
8. Click BUTTON 2.

9. Click the Manual Reposition button on the modifier toolbar.

10. Position the reposition zone to include the highlighted macro calls, then click button 1.
11. Press ENTER to accept the X amount in the InfoBar.

12. Click the Auto Pick button, then click BUTTON 2.

ProCAM selects the remaining macro calls. The End marker changes from red to green.

13. Click the Previous and Next buttons to view the entities in the table limit zone
and Rep1.

8-8 Repositioning
 Repositioning

Using Automatic Repositioning

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN28.PRT.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Select Setup Information on the CAM menu.
4. In the Setup Information dialog box, use the following values:
− X Sheet Width = 108.00 Y Sheet Height = 24.00
− Clamp 1 = 6.00 Clamp 2 = 44.00
Did You Know ...
It is VERY IMPORTANT to set the clamp locations correctly in the Setup
Information dialog box. ProCAM uses this information to reposition the clamps. If
this information is not set, ProCAM gives you an error that the clamps are not set.
5. Make sure you have these two tools in the turret in the designated station positions:
− 2.000" Square in station 1
− 2.000" Round in station 2

6. Toolfit all the inside entities.

− Make sure the Toolfit Inside modifier is selected.

− Do not select the Search Library modifier.
− Do not pick any of the outside lines of the part.
− Your part should look like the figure below. The rapid lines are turned off in this
figure to make the part easier to see.

7. Click the Reposition button.

8. Click the Automatic Reposition modifier button.

Repositioning 8-9
Repositioning

− Three reposition zones display. These are identified by REP1, REP2, and REP3.
− Repositioning is an actual CAM entity that can be deleted, moved and
copied just like any other entity. The cross mark next to REP is the
location of the reposition zone entity. Pick this location to delete, move or
copy a Reposition zone.
9. Move your cursor back into the work area.
− You see the hold downs moving with the cursor. This allows you to position the Y
location of the hold downs in an area that has material before the clamps are released.
− ProCAM determines the X hold-down location and positions the default Y hold-down
location at the top of the sheet. You cannot change the X location. However, you can
change the Y hold-down location by digitizing or using any other Snap command. If
you wanted to accept the default Y location, you would click BUTTON 2.

10. Position the hold down in the work area where there is material, then click BUTTON 1 to
digitize this position.
11. Digitize coordinates for the next two reposition zones.
− The End marker changes to green to indicate all that all tool paths have been assigned
to reposition zones.
− Automatic repositioning sequences each reposition after the last CAM cycle in the
previous work limits. Even though ProCAM inserts reposition entities in the correct
sequence (CAM cycles, reposition, CAM cycles, etc.), the CAM cycles within each
reposition zone have not been optimized for the shortest path.
− If you were to save the part now and post process it, ProCAM would generate NC
code for the CAM cycles within each reposition zone in the order they were inserted.
To eliminate this, you can Optimize the part.

8-10 Repositioning
 Repositioning

12. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

13. Click the Single Part modifier button.

14. Click the Rapid Around Clamps modifier button.

15. At the prompt to pick entities to optimize, window pick all the entities, then click BUTTON
2.
Make sure your window is big enough to get all the repositioning zones in the window
(i.e., each of the reposition zones is highlighted).

16. Click the Size button in the Optimize Sort dialog box, then click OK.
The prompt line reads: SELECT CAM entity that order change will be after.
17. Click BUTTON 2.
An order change is not needed.
18. At the prompt to digitize coordinate for optimization start, pick any place on the part.

19. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar and run the simulation to see how
ProCAM optimized the part.

Note: The next chapter includes exercises that explain the Optimize command and modifiers.

Repositioning 8-11
Repositioning

8-12 Repositioning
Chapter 9 Working with Tool Paths

After you have inserted tool paths on a part, you can use commands on the Punch and Utility
toolbars to manipulate tool paths. This chapter explains the functions you can use to reduce
the time required to punch a part and get the most out of your machine.
This chapter includes exercises for creating a part grid layout, reviewing the order of tool
paths, reordering CAM cycles and optimizing tool paths.

Working with Tool Paths 9-1

Utility Toolbar Commands

Utility Toolbar Commands

The commands on the Utility toolbar can be used to manipulate tool paths (CAM entities)
with the following exceptions and restrictions:
Break Toolpaths can be broken into two or more cycles from one cycle. The
Break utility with the Explode modifier can be used to reduce a linear,
arc, circular or pattern tool path into individual single hits.
Mirror If a tool is in a fixed station, the angle of the tool remains the same after it
has been mirrored. If the tool is in an indexable station, the angle of the
tool will reflect the mirror. The Mirror command should be used with
caution on a special tool in an indexable station because the tool angle
may not be correct.
Rotate If the tool is in a fixed station, the angle of the tool remains the same after
it has been rotated. If the tool is in an indexable station, the angle of the
tool rotates by the amount of the rotation angle.
Scale The tool path locations are scaled; however, the tool size is not scaled.

Trim Linear and arc tool paths can be trimmed. When trimming tool paths, the
total number of hits in the tool path remains the same. The distance
between hits increases or decrease depending on whether the cycle is
lengthened or shortened.
Edit The Edit Utility modifiers can be used on tool paths as explained below:

Geometric Properties: Depending on the type of tool path selected, the

following properties can be changed: Start and End Location, Angle,
Pitch, Micro S, Micro E, Length, Radius/Diameter, and Start and End
Angle.
Color: The Color modifier changes the color of the tool path to the
current drawing color. Colors can help you distinguish tool paths
Layer: The Layer modifier changes the layer of the tool path to the
current drawing layer. Layers can be used to suppress the display of
certain entities to improve repaint speeds and make it easier to select
specific entities.
Since the Punch system relies heavily on selecting objects to perform
specific tasks (for example, picking CAD entities for punching and
toolfitting, picking CAM entities for optimizing and sequencing), it is
very beneficial to make use of layer and color assignments for both CAD
and CAM entities.

9-2 Working with Tool Paths

 Utility Toolbar Commands

When setting up the CAM system, establish a convention for color and
layer usage. If conventions are followed, it makes it easier for users to
work with files created by other users. A basic convention may be to
distinguish (by color and layer) the CAD entities that represent inside
edges from outside edges. You may also want to distinguish inside edge
and outside edge tool paths by color and layer.
Tool: The Tool modifier changes the tool of the tool path to the current
tool. Changing the tool does not alter or recalculate the tool path itself.
Typically, this function is used on single hits, not cycles.
Direction: The Direction modifier changes the direction of a linear,
circular or arc tool path.

Working with Tool Paths 9-3

Automated Part Grid Layout

Automated Part Grid Layout

The Move utility Part Grid Layout modifier allows you to copy/move parts in X and Y.
This modifier functions with CAD only entities and with CAM entities. The entities that are
copied do not have to form a closed boundary. This function automatically calculates the
maximum number of parts in X and Y that will fit within a specified sheet size given the
part spacing, sheet borders and the part extents.

Creating a Part Grid Layout

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN11.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

4. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar.

5. Click the Part Grid Layout button on the modifier toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to move (button 2 when done).
6. Window pick the part, then click BUTTON 2.
The Part Layout dialog box displays.
7. In the Area section, click the Use CAM Entities option.
You want ProCAM to use CAM entities to calculate the maximum number of parts in X
and Y that will fit within the specified sheet size.
8. Click the Preview button.
A graphical representation displays in the work area. The 4x4 part grid that displays is
calculated using the part spacing, sheet borders, part extents and the sheet size (50"x50")
in the Part Grid Layout dialog box. The solid rectangle in the work area shows the current
sheet size for this part (50.00"x39.37"), which is set in the Setup Information dialog box.
You can adjust the number of parts to fit the grid on the sheet.

9-4 Working with Tool Paths

 Automated Part Grid Layout

9. Press and hold down button 1

(the left mouse button), then
move the cursor around the
layout.
As you move the mouse, the
layout changes.
10. Change the layout to a 4x3 grid
(decrease the number of parts in
Y to 3), then click BUTTON 2 to
exit Preview mode.
11. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

12. Click the Redraw button.

The part grid displays.

Working with Tool Paths 9-5

Order Utility

Order Utility
The Order command on the Utility toolbar allows you to review the order of tool path
cutting by running through the part or by stepping through the part one cutting movement at
a time. The Order utility also has options that allow you to reorder the hits in a part or move
a group of cycles from one location in the sequence to another location.

Simulating Material Removal

The Order utility provides a solids-like tool path simulation for the verification of machining
operations. Running this simulation helps confirm the tool paths and can reduce the need for
dry runs on the machine tool.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN11.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Order button on the

Utility toolbar.
The part displays on a solid sheet.

The modifier toolbar and the Simulation toolbar display. The Simulation toolbar consists
of buttons and options to control the simulation.

3. Click the Fabrication Display dialog box button.

This dialog box contains options to customize the simulation. You can set the tool path
display to wire frame or solid and you can highlight one hit at a time or simulate all the
cutting movements. The default setting for the Simulation Type is Highlight Wire Frame.

9-6 Working with Tool Paths

 Order Utility

4. Make sure Highlight Wire Frame is selected for the Simulation Type, then click OK.
5. Click the Forward 1 Cut button on the simulation toolbar several times. As you step
through the part, the current tool path is highlighted.
6. Click the Fabrication Display dialog box button, change the Simulation Type to Simulate
Wire Frame, then click OK.
7. Click the Reset to Start button.
8. Click the Go to End button.
ProCAM simulates the material removal process from the sheet by displaying wire frame
punch hits. You can control the speed using the slide bar on the Simulation toolbar.
9. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, change the Simulation Type to Simulate Solid and
run the simulation again.
ProCAM simulates the material removal process by displaying solid punch hits.
10. Change the End condition to Next tool and run the simulation.

Reordering Hits and CAM Cycles

The Order utility provides two methods for manually changing the punching order. These
methods can be used when you have added hits to a part or when automatic reordering with
the Optimize command does not produce the machining order you want.
Reordering Hits
The Reorder modifier allows you to reorganize hits. ProCAM post processes hits in the order
they were inserted. If you add a hit, you may want to change the order. Notice that the rapid
lines on the .5" holes do not go from one hole to the next. In this exercise, you use the
Reorder modifier to change the order of the small holes.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN11.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
If this part is open in the work area, do not save the changes.

2. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

The part displays on a solid sheet. If the hits display as solids, click the Fabrication
Display Dialog Box button and set the Simulation Type to either Highlight Wire Frame or
Simulate Wire Frame.

3. Click the Reorder button.

The Step modifier changes to the After modifier. Leave this button highlighted.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st CAM entity to reorder.

Working with Tool Paths 9-7

Order Utility

4. Pick the hole indicated by the arrow.

The prompt line reads: PICK next CAM
entity to reorder.
5. Moving in a counterclockwise direction,
pick the next hole.
6. Continue picking all the small holes, then
click BUTTON 2.

7. Click the Redraw button.

The rapid lines change to show the new
order.

Reordering Cycles
The Order utility Move modifier allows you
to move cycles from one location in the tool path order to another. You choose the first and
last cycles to be moved and where to move them. Only the order of the cycles is changed, not
the physical location.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part file EXPUN11.PRT in the work area.
The current order punches the rectangular cycles in the center first, then the .5" holes and
finally the .75" holes. You can change the order so that the large holes are punched after
the rectangular tool path.

2. Make sure the Order button on the Utility toolbar is selected.

3. Click the Move modifier button.

4. Leave the After modifier button highlighted.

9-8 Working with Tool Paths

 Order Utility

The prompt line reads: SELECT 1st entity for 2

CAM order change.
1
5. Pick the hole labeled 1.
The prompt line reads: SELECT last entity for
CAM order change.
6. Pick the hole labeled 2.
All of the .75" holes are highlighted.
The prompt line reads: SELECT CAM entity
that order change will be after.
7. Pick the rectangular tool path in the center.

8. Click the Redraw button.

9. Run the tool path simulation to see the
revised punching order.

Working with Tool Paths 9-9

Optimizing Tool Paths

Optimizing Tool Paths

The Optimize command on the Punch toolbar changes the order of existing CAM cycles to
minimize movement between cycles and reduce the time required to punch the part. You
can use this command to optimize hits to the shortest distance from one hit to the next.
There are two types of Optimization: Single Window and Grid.
Optimization and tool sorting can be critical to getting the most out of a machine.
Automatic optimization and tool sorting allow the programmer to create punch cycles on a
part without taking into full consideration the most efficient way to punch the part. Once
the tool paths are inserted, optimization and tool sorting can be run to best utilize the
machine run time.
Did You Know ...
If you use macros, we recommend you optimize before creating the macro. If you want
to optimize after tool paths are part of a macro, you have to use the Edit Macro Utility
before optimizing.

Using Single Window Optimization and Tool Sorting

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN9.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.
3. Specify the following Setup Information:
− Program Number = 4536
− Sheet Size = X48.00, Y36.00
− Parts per blank = 9
− Clamp 1X = 6.00
− Clamp 2X = 40.00

4. Move the part from X0,Y0

to X1,Y4 to clear the clamp dead
zones,

9-10 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

5. Zoom up on the part.

The rapid lines run back and
forth across the part. This is the
actual tool path movement you
would get if you did not
Optimize.

6. Click the Optimize button

on the Punch toolbar.

7. Click the Single Window

modifier button.
This modifier optimizes the tool paths within an area defined by a single window and is
typically used when there are relatively few CAM cycles on a sheet.

Leave the Next Closest Hit/Pairing modifier highlighted. When this button is
highlighted, ProCAM uses the fastest method, which is always the next closest hit. This
method starts at one entity and moves to the next closest entity, then to the next closest,
etc., until all entities have been cut.

Leave the Tool Sorting modifier highlighted. The Tool Sorting modifier can be used
with or without the Optimize modifier. When the Tool Sorting modifier is selected
without the Optimize modifier, ProCAM finds all CAM cycles of the same tool and
sequences the hits in the order the CAM cycles were inserted. When you select this
modifier and the Optimize modifier, ProCAM finds the shortest path between those CAM
cycles.

Leave the Double Check modifier selected. When you select this modifier, ProCAM
checks the optimized path for common optimization errors and determines if the moves
can be reordered into a better path. Both Next Closest Cut and Pairing may produce
moves within an operation that can be modified to produce better results.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to optimize (button 2 when done).
8. Window pick the complete part, then click BUTTON 2.

Working with Tool Paths 9-11

Optimizing Tool Paths

The Tool Sort dialog

box displays a list of
the tools currently
being used for this part
in the order they are
being used.
9. To practice moving a
tool: pick the .375
diameter tool, click the
Move Before button,
then pick the tool at the
top of the list. The .375
diameter tool should
now be at the top of the list. Click the Original button to return the tools to the original
order.
10. Click OK to exit.
The prompt line reads: SELECT CAM entity that order change will be after. This prompt is
used when you are optimizing only a portion of the hits and you want them to be done
after other hits on the part.
11. Click BUTTON 2.
In this exercise, all the hits will be optimized, so you can click BUTTON 2 to continue. The
prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for optimization start. This allows you to determine
where the first hit will be. In this part, the small holes are going to be punched first.
12. Position your cursor in the upper left corner of the part and click BUTTON 1.
The small hole in this corner
will be punched first.

13. Click the Redraw button.

14. Click the Oops button to

undo the optimization.

15. Click the Redraw button.

16. Click the Next Closest

Hit/Pairing modifier to
remove the highlighting.
When this modifier is not selected, ProCAM uses a longer method that is considered a
pairing method. This method can produce better results than the next closest hit method;
however, it can be very time-consuming.

9-12 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

The pairing optimization algorithm pairs the closest entities, then pairs the pairs, etc.,
until all entities are optimized.
17. Click BUTTON 2.
18. Click OK to accept the tool order in the Tool Sort dialog box.
19. Click BUTTON 2, then pick
the upper left corner of the
part.
20. Pick the same location for
the optimization end.

21. Click Redraw and

compare the results of this
optimization method with
Next Closest Hit.

22. Click the Oops button.

23. Try other combinations of modifiers and optimize to see the difference:
− Optimize without tool sorting and vice versa.
− Change the order of tool sorting.
− Optimize without the Double Check modifier selected.
Optimizing Large Sheets of Parts with Grid Optimization
The Grid Optimization modifier optimizes a sheet of parts by sequencing CAM cycles within
multiple windows. The windows are placed on the sheet to form a grid of windows. Grid
optimization can greatly reduce the time required to optimize large sheets of parts.
In this exercise, the Part Grid Layout function is used to move and copy the part multiple
times, then the grid is optimized.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN9.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the changes you made to the part in the previous exercise.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar.

4. Click the Part Grid Layout modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to move (button 2 when done).
5. Window pick the part, then click BUTTON 2.

Working with Tool Paths 9-13

Optimizing Tool Paths

6. In the Part Layout dialog box, change the following parameters:

− Select the Stock Size X and Stock Size Y options (the values do not matter for this
exercise)
− Change the Number of Parts X and Number of Parts Y to 3
− Select Use CAM Entities
− Remove the check marks from the four border options
− Change the left, right and top border to 1"
− Change the bottom border to 4" (The X,Y position of the lower left corner of the
lower left part can be at any location and can be moved by typing new left and lower
border values.)
7. Click the Recalculate button, then click OK. The grid of nine parts displays.

8. Click the Redraw button to

refresh the display in the work area.

9. Click the Optimize button on the

Punch toolbar.

10. Click the Grid Optimization

modifier button.
11. Make sure all the modifiers are
highlighted.

9-14 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

12. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and enter the following information
in the InfoBar for the optimization grid parameters (see the figure below):
− X Start = 1.00 Y Start = 4.00
X and Y Start are the absolute coordinates for the lower left corner of the part and
define the point (origin) where optimization will start.
− X width = 10.00 Y height = 6.00
These values are usually the width and height of the part. They determine the area of
the optimization.
− X dist = 11.00 Y dist = 7.00
These parameters are the distance between the origin of one part to the origin of the
next.
− No. X = 3 No. Y = 3
This is the actual number of parts to be optimized in each axis.

13. Click BUTTON 2.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to optimize (button 2 when done).
14. Window pick all the entities, then click BUTTON 2.
The Tool Sort dialog box displays.
15. Click the Size button, then click OK. ProCAM sorts the tools from smallest to largest.
The prompt line reads: SELECT CAM entity that order change will be after.

Working with Tool Paths 9-15

Optimizing Tool Paths

16. Click BUTTON 2.

− Clicking BUTTON 2 indicates that this group of hits does not follow any other hits.
− ProCAM optimizes the parts.
17. Keep the same values in the InfoBar and try optimizing the part grid with different
modifiers unselected.
− For example, unselect Alternating Quadrants, then optimize the parts. This time,
ProCAM returns to the specified start location for each tool instead of continuing to
optimize the next tool from the current location.
− Unselect the Horizontal modifier, then optimize. This time, ProCAM moves in a
vertical direction instead of horizontally.
Changing Rapid Moves to Go Around Clamps
The Rapid Around Clamps modifier inserts rapid moves to avoid a collision between the
clamps and the tool (punch and die). Use this modifier when optimization is not required and
you only want to insert rapid moves. If you optimize after using this modifier, the rapids will
be undone.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN30.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Rapid Around Clamps modifier button.

ProCAM changes the rapid moves to go around the clamps.

5. Click the Redraw button.

9-16 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

Working with the Optimization Manager

The Optimization Manager dialog box contains four tabs for customizing Optimization in the
Punch system:
• Parting Hits tab: parting hits can be identified and punched last.
• Optimization Levels tab: Four optimization levels can be defined so that entities in level 1
are optimized first, then entities in level 2, etc.
• Order Groups tab: Order groups can be defined so that the relative order of entities in the
group is maintained during optimization.
• Optimization Groups tab: Optimization groups can be defined so that entities within the
group are optimized together.
Using Levels to Define the Optimization Order
The Optimization Levels tab in the Optimization Manager allows you to define up to 4 levels
of optimization. Levels define the order the entities are optimized starting with level 1 and
continuing with levels 2-4 in order. Entities that are not in a level are optimized after entities
in levels.
Levels are an excellent way to define generally how to punch a part. For example, the holes
within a part might be assigned to Level 1 and the outside entities on the part might be
assigned to Level 2. If there are parts-in-parts (parts inside the holes of bigger parts), these
would be assigned to Levels 1 and 2 with the bigger parts in Levels 3 and 4.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN39.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This is a punch part consisting of 2 parts with internal and external entities. You will
create Optimization levels to punch the part by first punching the inside entities in the top
part, then the inside entities in the bottom part, and finally the outside entities.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

Assign entities to levels:

4. Click the Optimize Manager modifier button.

The Optimization Manager dialog box displays.
5. Click the Optimization Levels tab.

Working with Tool Paths 9-17

Optimizing Tool Paths

6. Click the Level 1 button.

Since no entities have been assigned to a
level, all the entities display in their entity
color. This indicates that they can be added
to this level.
7. Window pick the 9 entities in the upper part
(the entities inside the rectangle in the figure
on the right).
The entities you picked are highlighted
indicating that they are now part of level 1.

8. Click the Level 2 button.

The entities you picked for Level 1 are gray,
which indicates that they are part of another
level and cannot be picked. Entities can belong to
only one level.
9. Window pick the 9 entities in the lower part (the
entities inside the rectangle in the figure on the
right).
The entities are highlighted indicating that they
are now part of level 2.
10. Click the Level 3 button.
11. Window pick the remaining entities in the part
that comprise the part outside.
12. Click each level button to review the entities that
are on each level. When you click a button, the
entities in that level are highlighted.
13. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

9-18 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

Optimize the part:

14. Click the Single Window Optimization modifier button.

15. Window pick all the entities in the part and click BUTTON 2.
16. Click the Size button in the Optimization - Tool Sort dialog box to sort the tools by size,
then click OK.
17. Click BUTTON 2 twice to start the optimization.
The part is optimized using the levels that you defined.
Step through the toolpath:

18. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

19. Click the Fabrication Display Dialog Box button.
20. Set the Simulation Type to either Simulate Wire Frame or Simulate Solid, then click OK.
21. Click the Step button on the Simulation toolbar and step through the toolpath.
Notice that the toolpath starts on the level 1 entities with punching from the smallest to
the largest tool.
Using Order Groups to Define the Optimization Order
The Order Groups tab in the Optimization Manager allows you to define a group of entities
whose relative order is maintained during optimization.
In this exercise, you reorder the parting hits for the outside entities, then create an Order
group so that these entities will be punched in the correct order.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN40.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This part has internal and external entities. The 9 inside hits have been assigned to Level
1. Levels define the order the entities are optimized starting with level 1 and continuing
with levels 2-4 in order. Entities that are not in a level are optimized after entities in
levels.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Single Window Optimization modifier button.

5. Window pick all the entities in the part and click BUTTON 2.
6. Click OK to accept the tool sorting in the Optimization - Tool Sort dialog box.
7. Click BUTTON 2 twice to start the optimization.

Working with Tool Paths 9-19

Optimizing Tool Paths

The part is optimized. The 2

entities in Level 1 are
punched first, then the
outside entities. Notice that
the parting hits are done on
the horizontal entities, then
the vertical entities. The 4 3
hits should be going
clockwise from the top
right.

1
Reorder the parting hits:

8. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

9. Click the Reorder modifier button.

10. Pick the outside entities in this order: top horizontal, right vertical, bottom horizontal, left
vertical.
1

4 2

3
Assign entities to Order group:

11. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

12. Click the Optimize Manager modifier button.

9-20 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

13. In the Optimization Manager dialog

box, click the Order Groups tab.
14. Click the Create button.
15. Pick the outside entities in the same
order: top horizontal, right vertical,
bottom horizontal, left vertical.
16. Click BUTTON 2.
The entities you selected display in
gray.
17. Click OK to exit the Manager.

Optimize the part:

18. Click the Single Window

Optimization modifier button.
19. Window pick all the entities in the part and click BUTTON 2.
20. Click OK to accept the tool sorting in the Optimization - Tool Sort dialog box.
21. Click BUTTON 2 twice to start the optimization.

Working with Tool Paths 9-21

Optimizing Tool Paths

1
The part is optimized and
outside entities are punched in
the order you specified.

4 2

3
Step through the toolpath:

22. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

23. Click the Step button on the Simulation toolbar and step through the toolpath.
Notice that the toolpath starts with the Level 1 entities then punches the outside entities in
the order you specified.
Using Parting Hits and Optimization Groups
The Parting Hits tab in the Optimization Manager allows you to define the entities that are
parting hits for shear proof tools. The Optimization Groups tab allows you to define the
entities that are to be optimized together and punched one after the other according to the
Optimization parameters.
In this exercise, you define the parting hits so that the outside entities are punched last and
then you eliminate the multiple rapids across the sheet by using Optimization Groups.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN41.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This part consists of 2 parts each with internal and external entities.

2. Start Punch.

3. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

Define the parting hits:

4. Click the Optimize Manager modifier button.

5. The Parting Hits tab displays in the Optimization Manager dialog box.
6. Pick tool 3 in the Preview Parting Hits section.

9-22 Working with Tool Paths

 Optimizing Tool Paths

The available
parting tools are
those defined in the
Edit Tools dialog
box as shear proof
tools.
7. Click Select All.
This defines those
hits as parting hits.
8. Pick tool 4.
All hits except
those done with tool
4 are grayed out.
9. Click Select All.
This defines those All hits except those done with tool 3 are grayed out.
hits as parting hits.
10. Click OK.

Optimize the part:

11. Click the Single Window Optimization modifier button.

12. Window pick all the entities in the part and click BUTTON 2.
13. Click OK to accept the tool sorting in the Optimization - Tool Sort dialog box.
14. Click BUTTON 2 twice to start the optimization.
The part is optimized and outside entities are punched after the inside entities.
Step through the toolpath:

15. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

16. Click the Step button on the Simulation toolbar and step through the toolpath.
Notice that the parting hits are processed last.
Assign entities to Optimization groups:

17. Click the Optimize button on the Punch toolbar.

18. Click the Optimize Manager modifier button.

19. The Optimization Manager dialog box displays.
20. Click the Optimization Groups tab.

Working with Tool Paths 9-23

Optimizing Tool Paths

21. Click the Create

button.
22. Window pick the
top group of hits,
then click BUTTON
2. Window pick
23. Window pick the
bottom group of
hits, then click
BUTTON 2.
24. Click OK to exit
the Optimization
Manager.

Optimize the part:

25. Click the

Single Window Optimization modifier button.
26. Window pick all the entities in the part and click BUTTON 2.
27. Click OK to accept the tool sorting in the Optimization - Tool Sort dialog box.
28. Click BUTTON 2 twice to start the optimization.
The part is optimized and entities are punched in the groups you specified.
Step through the toolpath:

29. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

30. Click the Step button on the Simulation toolbar and step through the toolpath.
Notice that the multiple rapids across the sheet have been eliminated.

9-24 Working with Tool Paths

 For More Practice

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise PUNCH5
This exercise shows some areas where the Toolfit command may not work automatically and
provides some tips on how to get around these areas. Before you start working with the part,
read the Hints and Tips.

Hints and Tips

• Open the part file EXPUNCH5.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Note that this part was drawn using the Shape command for the obrounds instead of
drawing them with lines and arcs.

Working with Tool Paths 9-25

For More Practice

• The first problem area is the .125" wide cut. This

cutout is in four places on the part.

When you toolfit this area, ProCAM will punch

both the top and bottom lines giving you an extra This line is punched
hit. completely

This line is punched

completely

You do not need to hit the short line at all. However, if you did not pick it to toolfit, it
would actually take longer to toolfit the part. The outside would not be a continuous path
and ProCAM would keep asking you to pick the side the tool should go on.
The easiest solution is to toolfit the entire part, then use Optimize with the Remove
Double Hits and Remove Entities Inside Entities modifiers. This removes the hit on the
small line.
The other solution is to use the Step modifier and when ProCAM gets to the small line,
click the Skip modifier button.
• Depending on the tools you use,
ProCAM may not toolfit the D Shell
cutout all the way around. The small
lines on the ends may not get punched.

If this happens, the prompt line displays the following message after toolfitting:
WARNING: Highlighted entities cannot be toolfit. If the lines do not get toolfit, the easiest
way to punch them is to use the Linear Tool Path command with No Compensation (for
more information on linear tool paths, see Chapter 4).
If you use the .250 diameter punch, you could punch the whole line, then remove the
single hits in the corners with Remove Double Hits.
Make sure you have the Lookahead modifier selected when you are toolfitting.

9-26 Working with Tool Paths

Chapter 10 Additional Punch Commands

The chapter explains how to use the following commands on the Punch toolbar:
The Attribute command is used to attach certain functions to CAM entities. Attributes
are non-geometric properties, values and identifiers that are attached to geometric
entities.
The Boundary command is used with the Profile Tool Path command to define the
entities to be machined and the path and direction of the cutter. This command can
also be used to check for any breaks or overlapping entities in a part you are going to
toolfit.
The Profile Tool Path command is used to insert a profile tool path offset a distance
from a boundary. Typically, this command is used when you have non-standard punch
parts (for example, parts with splines and ellipses).

Additional Punch Commands 10-1

Attributes

Attributes
The Attribute command on the Punch toolbar is used to attach certain functions to CAM
entities. Attributes are non-geometric properties, values and identifiers that are attached to
geometric entities.
Some attributes are attached automatically. Others such as optional stop and program stop
are optional and can be attached using the Attribute command. Attributes can be attached to
any hit on a part.
For example, if you want to have an optional stop after punching a long line on a part in
case you might need to stop the machine at that point, you can attach an optional stop to just
that tool path.

Attaching Attributes to CAM Entities

In this exercise, you attach a program stop after nibbling the large hole in the center of the
part.
The hole was punched using an X and Y scrap
amount that was smaller than the circle size.
Otherwise, the Toolfit function would have
punched all the material out of the center of the
part, not leaving a slug.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN20.PRT in the
\procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch.

3. Select CAM Display on the Setup menu.

The CAM Display dialog box displays.
4. In the Attribute Display section, make sure the
Symbol option is checked, then click OK.

5. Click the Attribute button on the Punch

toolbar.

10-2 Additional Punch Commands

 Attributes

The Select Attribute dialog box displays. The available attributes that are listed depend on
the machine.

6. Click the After modifier button.

7. In the Select
Attribute dialog
box, select
program stop in
the Available
Attributes list,
click the Add
button.
Program stop
displays in the
Attribute List.
8. Click the Attach button.
The prompt line reads: SELECT CAM entity to attach attributes. ProCAM is asking which
CAM entity you want the program stop attached to.
9. Pick the punch that goes around the inside of the big hole in the middle.
You can pick anywhere along the path. ProCAM looks at it as one entity.
The entity is highlighted briefly, then returns to the original color.
10. Click Close to exit the Select Attribute dialog box.

11. Click the Redraw button.

The Attribute symbol displays at the center
of the hole to indicate that an attribute is
attached. If you do not want the Attribute
symbol to display, you can remove the
check mark for the Symbol option in the
CAM Display dialog box.
12. Save the part as ATTRIBUTE.PRT.

13. Post process the part.

14. Select the View Code modifier.

Additional Punch Commands 10-3

Attributes

15. Click the Step modifier button to step through the program.
You should see "M00" in the program at line number 6 after the G78 nibble command.
O0001
N1 G20
N2 G92 X50000 Y39370
N3 G90
N4 G72X10000 Y10000
N5 G78 I7000 J0 K36000 P0 Q500 D63 T1
N6 M00
N7 X17872 Y4838 T2
N8 Y15162
N9 X2128
N10 Y4838
N11 G50

Checking Entities for Attributes

You can use either the Measure or Order Utility to check if a CAM entity has an attribute
attached.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN21.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This part has attributes attached to large hole and the two 1" diameter holes at the bottom
of the part.
2. Select CAM Display on the Setup menu.
The CAM Display dialog box displays.
3. In the Attribute Display section, make sure the During 123/Measure option is checked,
then click OK.
This option must be selected in order to view the attached attributes.

4. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar and pick the large hole.
The Show Attributes information box displays. The
attribute that is attached to the entity is listed. The A),
B) and D) indicate after, before or during.
This dialog box remains displayed until you pick
another entity or until you click another toolbar
button.

5. Click the Order button on the Utility toolbar.

6. Make sure the Check modifier is highlighted.

7. Click the Begin First modifier.

10-4 Additional Punch Commands

 Attributes

The large hole is highlighted and the Show Attributes dialog box displays. This dialog
box remains displayed until you pick another CAM entity or until you click another
toolbar button.

8. Click the Next modifier button several times to step through the punches on the part.
When a CAM entity with attributes attached is selected, the Show Attributes dialog box
displays the list of attached attributes.

Removing Attributes
Using the Edit Utility with the Attribute Modifier
The Edit Utility allows you to remove individual attributes or clear all the attributes that are
attached to a CAM entity.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part EXPUN21.PRT in the work area from the previous exercise.

2. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Attribute modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity to edit.
4. Pick the bottom right 1" diameter hole.
The Select Attribute dialog box displays. This dialog box allows you to either remove
individual attributes or clear all the attributes from this entity. Note that the Attach button
is dimmed when you are in Edit mode.
5. Highlight
B)optional stop in
the Attribute List
and click the
Remove button.
The attribute is
removed from the
list.
6. Click the Close
button.

Additional Punch Commands 10-5

Attributes

Using the Erase Utility with the Attribute Modifier

The Erase utility allows you to remove individual attributes or clear all the attributes that are
attached to a CAM entity.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part EXPUN21.PRT in the work area from the previous exercise.

2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Attribute button.

4. Pick the bottom left 1" diameter hole.

5. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar.

The Attribute symbol is removed. Because you have the Attribute modifier selected, only
the attributes are erased.
If you window pick the entire part, all the attributes would be erased.

10-6 Additional Punch Commands

 Boundaries

Boundaries
The Boundary command is used to define the entities to be machined and the path and
direction of the cutter for a profile tool path.
This command can also be used to check for any breaks or overlapping entities in the part
you are going to toolfit. This may occur when you receive CAD files from someone else. If
the part is not drawn carefully, you may have problems punching it.
A boundary is a complex entity, which means it is made up of more than one entity. A
boundary has continuity (no breaks between connecting entities) and a direction (a start and
end).
In the Punch system, only two commands can apply punches to a boundary:
• Toolfit
A boundary is optional for toolfitting.
• Profile Tool Path
A boundary is required for profiling. The Profile Tool Path command is explained in the
next section of this chapter.
ProCAM provides three methods to create boundaries that allow you to insert single or
multiple boundaries for simple or complex parts.:
• The Single modifier is a manual method and can be used to create either open or closed
boundaries.
• The Open modifier is used to create open boundaries automatically.
• The Closed modifier is used to create closed boundaries automatically.
The Open and Closed modifiers are used to insert several boundaries by window picking the
entities and using additional modifiers to define how the boundary is to be inserted. The
Open and Closed boundary types are useful when many boundaries must be inserted in a part.

Manually Inserting a Boundary

The exercise below shows how to put a single boundary on a part.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN60.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Click the Boundary button on the Punch toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK end point for start of boundary.

The Endpoint Snap button is highlighted automatically.

This part will be machined around the outside starting at the top left.

Additional Punch Commands 10-7

Boundaries

4. Pick the left side of the top line. Pick here to start
The prompt line changes to: PICK
entity for CAM boundary.
Pick arc for last
You need to pick the first entity
entity in boundary
in the boundary to give the
boundary direction.
5. Pick anywhere on the top line.
The top line highlights and an
arrow showing the direction of
the boundary displays at its
midpoint.
The prompt line continues to
read: PICK entity for CAM
boundary.
6. Pick the .25" radius arc at the top left for the last entity in the tool path.
You do not have to pick each individual entity in order because ProCAM automatically
chains the boundary to the arc.
7. Click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for end of boundary.
8. Pick the endpoint of the arc nearest to the top line or click BUTTON 2.
Clicking BUTTON 2 is a shortcut for ending boundaries. After you have picked the last
entity in the boundary and ProCAM has finished putting the boundary around the path,
you can click BUTTON 2 twice (instead of clicking BUTTON 2 and picking the endpoint).
This tells ProCAM you are done picking entities for the boundary and accepts the current
endpoint as the endpoint for the boundary.
The part should look like the above figure.
Did You Know ...
ProCAM inserts a boundary only on entities that are displayed in the work area. All
the entities you want to insert a boundary on must be displayed in the work area for
chaining.

10-8 Additional Punch Commands

 Boundaries

Automatically Inserting an Open Boundary

The Open modifier is used to insert
boundaries on multiple entities where
the start and end points are not the
same. In the part EXPUN62.PRT
shown on the right, you could punch
the slots with a round tool using the
Profile Tool Path command.

All you would need is a single line

running up the middle of the slot. This
is explained in the following exercise.

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN62.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Click the Boundary button on the Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Boundary Type modifier until the Open modifier displays.

5. Click the Only Direction modifier button.

When you select this modifier, only entities that conform to the selected Direction
modifier are used in building the boundary. All other entities are ignored. If this modifier
is not selected, the entities used in building the boundary generally conform to the
selected Direction modifier.

6. Click the Up Direction modifier button.

Additional Punch Commands 10-9

Boundaries

7. Turn off all other modifier

buttons.
8. Window pick all the vertical
lines inside the part.
9. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts boundaries
Boundaries Pointing Up
pointing up on all the lines.
Your part should look like the
figure.

If you wanted to machine the slots alternating up and down, instead of window picking the
lines, you can selectively pick them with the mouse as shown below.

EXERCISE 1. Oops out the boundaries.

If you clicked another button and cannot Oops the boundaries, open the part file again (do
not save the changes).

2. Click the Redraw button

to refresh the screen.

3. With the Only and

Up modifiers selected, pick
every other line as shown in the Alternating Up and Down
figure on the right. Boundaries

4. Click BUTTON 2.

5. Click the Down modifier

button.
6. Pick the rest of the slots.
7. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the down boundaries. When this part is machined, the tool will punch up
one slot and down the next.

10-10 Additional Punch Commands

 Boundaries

Automatically Inserting a Closed Boundary

In this exercise, putting boundaries on all the cutouts in this part would take a considerable
amount of time if you had to select the start, direction and end for each cutout. You can use
modifiers to pick all the cutouts at the same time.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN61.PRT in the
\procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. Click the Boundary button on the

Punch toolbar.

4. Click the Boundary Type button

twice to display the Closed modifier.

5. Make sure the Break Midpoint

button is highlighted.

6. Make sure the Counterclockwise

modifier button is highlighted.
7. Window pick all the inside cutouts.
− Do not window pick all the entities on the outside path. With the Closed modifier
selected, leaving any entities outside the window prevents ProCAM from putting a
boundary on them.
− If you miss any of the entities for the cutouts in the window, you can either window
pick the ones you missed or pick them individually with BUTTON 1. You can continue
to select entities until you click BUTTON 2.
8. Click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM processes all the information and inserts a boundary on all the cutouts.
Did You Know ...
If any of the entities around the outside were picked, these entities remain
highlighted after ProCAM finishes putting boundaries on the cutouts. The prompt
line reads: Note: Boundaries are not inserted on highlighted entities. Because you are
inserting a Closed boundary, ProCAM cannot recognize entities that do not form a
closed path. This message also displays if a cutout is not completely closed. The
entities would remain highlighted and they would not have a boundary on them.

Additional Punch Commands 10-11

Boundaries

This figure shows a With Break

portion of the part. Midpoint Modifier
The start points of the
boundaries are the
midpoints of the
longest line.

With the Break Midpoint modifier off, ProCAM Without Break Midpoint Modifier
would start the boundary at the endpoint of the
longest entity, not the longest line.

Start Point

Correcting Overlapping Entities

If you think there might be a problem in the part you are going to punch, use the Boundary
command to check it. The part in this exercise has entities that overlap. When you insert the
boundary, ProCAM stops where the big arcs overlap. This exercise shows you how to correct
this.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN7.PRT.

2. Start Punch.
3. Choose Fabrication Display on the Setup menu.
4. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, remove the check marks from the Stock Display
On and Over Travel Display On check boxes, then click OK.

10-12 Additional Punch Commands

 Boundaries

5. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

6. Click the Boundary button on the Pick here to start

Punch toolbar.
You do not need to change or select
any modifiers for this exercise.
7. Pick the line to start the boundary as
shown in the figure.
Pick arc for last
8. Pick the same line to give the boundary entity in boundary
direction.
9. Pick the small arc at the top to end the
boundary.
ProCAM chains the boundary around
and stops where the big arcs overlap.
Boundary stops
The figure below on the right shows
the overlap area.

10. Click the Oops button on the Utility

toolbar three times to remove the
boundary.

11. Click the Erase button on the

Utility toolbar.
12. Erase one of the big arcs.

13. Click the Trim button on the Utility

toolbar.

14. Make sure the Trim to Keep

modifier button is highlighted. Overlap Right arc Left arc
amount endpoint endpoint

Additional Punch Commands 10-13

Boundaries

2nd entity to trim

15. Select the Trim Two Entities
modifier.
16. Pick the big arc for the first entity to trim.
17. Pick the small arc for the second entity to
trim.
ProCAM inserts an arc to connect the two
entities.

18. Click the Boundary button and insert

the boundary again.
If you have trimmed the arcs correctly, the
boundary should go all the way around 1st entity to trim
the part.

Correcting Breaks in the Path

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EXPUN8.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
This part has a break in the right side
vertical line.

2. Exit to the Punch system.

3. Make sure the Stock Display and Over .005 break
Travel Display options are not selected
in the Fabrication Display dialog box.
4. Click the Zoom All button.

5. Click the Boundary button.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for
start of boundary. Start here

6. Pick the top right corner of the top End here

horizontal line.
7. Pick the top line again to give the
boundary direction.
8. Pick the top of the right side vertical line
for the boundary end.
The boundary stops at the break in the
vertical line about half way up the line.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity for
CAM boundary.

10-14 Additional Punch Commands

 Boundaries

9. Zoom up the end of the line that is highlighted.

You should see a small break between the vertical lines.
10. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the window.
11. Pick the top half of the vertical line in the same place you picked it to end the boundary.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER Y/N to connect break in boundary.

− In the InfoBar, the Break parameter indicates the size of the break and the Yes/No
parameter defaults to Y to connect the break.
12. Press ENTER to accept Y.
ProCAM finishes the boundary.
13. Click BUTTON 2 twice.
If you toolfit the part with the boundary on it, the part would be toolfit with duplicate hits:
one set for the geometry and one set for the boundary. You can eliminate duplicate hits by
using layers: put the boundary on a different layer from the geometry, then turn off the
geometry layer and toolfit just the boundary.
Depending on the settings for the Toolfit
parameters, the Toolfit function may
punch the right side vertical line with
three separate cycles: one for the bottom
half, one for the .005 break, and one for
the top half as shown in this figure.
Three Punches
If you were doing only a couple of parts
this way, this may not matter. If you were
doing many parts, however, it could take a
significant amount of additional time. You
may find that the best way to correct
breaks in entities is to erase the broken
entities and either trim them to be correct
or simply draw them accurately.

Additional Punch Commands 10-15

Profile Tool Path

Profile Tool Path

The Profile Tool Path command is used to insert a profile tool path offset a distance from a
boundary. Typically, this command is used when you have non-standard punch parts (for
example, parts with splines and ellipses). Only round tools can be used for profiling. A
boundary must be inserted before you insert a profile tool path.

Inserting a Profile Tool Path

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PUNCH PROFILE.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Start Punch (FANTUTP).

3. In the Fabrication Display dialog box, remove the check marks from the Stock Display
On and Over Travel Display On options, then click OK.
4. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window.

5. Click the Boundary button on the Punch toolbar.

6. Click the Boundary Type modifier to display Closed Boundary.

The prompt line reads: SELECT entities
for inserting boundary.
7. Window pick the part and click
BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts the boundary.
8. Set up a .5" diameter round tool.
9. Change the color.
10. Right click the Layer text box on the
system bar.
11. In the Set Layers dialog box, turn on
layer 20 and make it current, then
click OK.

12. Click the Profile Tool Path button on the Punch toolbar.
Use the default modifiers:

System Comp. Either Offset

Boundary Direction
The prompt line reads: ENTER cycle clearance.

10-16 Additional Punch Commands

 Profile Tool Path

This is the amount of material that will be left on the side of the part. Typically, for
punching you would not change the default 0.0.
13. Press ENTER to accept the default.
The prompt line reads: PICK boundary for toolpath.
14. Pick the boundary. You can pick anywhere on the boundary or window pick the entire
boundary.
ProCAM highlights a section of the boundary and the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
compensation side of boundary.
The System Compensation modifiers allow you to insert a profile tool path that is offset
from the part by the radius of the tool. Tool wear compensation is performed only at the
controller. With System Comp. Either Offset selected, ProCAM prompts you to select the
side of the part centerline you want the profile inserted on. If you select either System
Comp. Left or Right, ProCAM
automatically inserts the profile
without prompting.
15. Pick inside the part near the
highlighted section.
ProCAM inserts the tool path to the
inside of the centerline. Notice the
toolpath direction is the same as the
boundary direction.

Tool path
Boundary

Profile tool path direction

same as Boundary

Additional Punch Commands 10-17

Profile Tool Path

16. Click the Oops button on the

Utility toolbar.

17. Change the Direction

modifier to Clockwise.

18. Change the Compensation

modifier to System Comp. Right
Offset.
19. Pick the boundary to generate the
tool path again and notice the
difference.
Tool path
Boundary
Profile tool path direction
opposite Boundary

10-18 Additional Punch Commands

 Index

Index
D/E
.inv 1-4, 2-9
Default Pitch 4-8
.key 2-13
die clearance 2-17
.ptf 2-4
Die Clearance dialog box 2-12
.set 1-18
die library
.shp 5-10
defining dies 2-10
.spt 5-6
searching 2-18
.txt 1-17
serial numbers 2-11
A/B using auto create 2-12
Ang 1-6 Die Library Search dialog box 2-18
attributes die tolerance 2-17
attaching to CAM entities 10-2 Display Controller command (CAM menu) 1-9
checking entities 10-4 display options 1-7, 3-7, 3-14, 4-7
display options 10-2 Edit utility
removing 10-5 editing macros 7-14
AutoFix 1-6 removing attributes 10-5
boundary using with CAM entities 9-2
closed 10-11 EndCmp 1-6, 4-3
correcting breaks in path 10-14 Erase utility, removing attributes 10-6
correcting overlapping entities 10-12
F/G
methods 10-7
Fabrication Display dialog box 1-7, 3-14, 4-7, 9-6
open 10-9
FANTUTP, tutorial controller 1-2, 1-4
single 10-7
files
Break utility, exploding patterns 5-11
key angles 2-13
C NC program 1-18, 1-19
CAD toolbar opening 1-3
CAM 1-3 setup sheet 1-18, 1-20
Insert Pattern 5-11 shapes 5-9
Insert Shape 5-2 special shape/tool 5-6
CAM Display dialog box 7-11 tool library 1-4, 2-9
attribute display options 10-2 grid optimization 9-13
CAM menu 1-9 grid, part layout 9-4, 9-13
Circular Tool Path command 4-6
H/I
Clamp 1X, 2X 1-11
Holddown Display command (CAM menu) 1-10
clamps
InitAng 1-6
changing rapids to go around 9-16
displaying 1-8 K
positioning 1-9, 1-11 key angle
Compensation parameter 4-3, 4-6 station 2-7, 2-13
compensation, tool 1-6 tool 2-7
Controller Display dialog box 1-9 Key Angle dialog box 2-13
Controller Type dialog box 1-4, 1-9 Key button, Punch Tools dialog box 2-13
controller, changing 1-9

i
Index

L Order Groups 9-19

Library Copy dialog box 2-15 Parting Hits 9-22
Linear Tool Path command 4-3 optimize tool paths
Load Angle dialog box 2-15 grid method 9-13
M Optimization Manager 9-17
macro rapid around clamps 9-16
calling 7-2 single window method 9-10
changing grid display 7-11 Tool Sort dialog box 9-12
defining 7-2 tool sorting 9-10
defining multiple macros 7-8 Order utility
editing 7-14 checking attributes 10-4
grid macro call 7-4 reordering hits and CAM cycles 9-7
origin 7-3, 7-6 simulating punching order 9-6
sample NC program 7-7 over travel display 1-5, 1-8
undefining 7-13 overlapping entities, correcting 10-12
Macro Call dialog box 7-3 P
Macro Define dialog box 7-3, 7-4 part grid layout 9-4, 9-13
Macro Grid dialog box 7-5 Part Layout dialog box 9-4, 9-14
Macro Undefine dialog box 7-13 Parts Per Blank 1-11
Macros Defined dialog box 7-13 parts used in exercises
Material 1-11 example1.prt 1-17, 2-3
Max over, toolfitting parameter 3-5 expun1.prt 1-3, 2-14, 2-16, 3-9, 5-3
MC 7-3 expun11.prt 9-4, 9-6, 9-7
Measure utility, checking attributes 10-4 expun12.prt 5-11
MG 7-6, 7-13 expun13.prt 5-13
micro joints expun14.prt 5-13
inserting 6-3 expun15.prt 5-15
methods 6-2 expun16.prt 5-17
Mirror utility 5-14 expun17.prt 5-18
Move utility, part grid layout 9-4, 9-13 expun18.prt 5-19
N expun19.prt 5-20
NC program expun2.prt 3-2
sample file 1-19 expun20.prt 10-2
sample with macros 7-7 expun21.prt 10-4, 10-5, 10-6
steps to generate 1-3 expun22.prt 7-4, 7-8
New Die dialog box 2-10 expun23.prt 7-2
New Tool Library dialog box 2-5 expun24.prt 7-13, 7-14
NoCmp 4-3 expun28.prt 8-9
notches, punching 3-3 expun30.prt 9-16
O expun31.prt 3-6
Offset parameter, tool compensation 4-6 expun32.prt 5-4
Open Shape File dialog box 5-10 expun35.prt 4-3
Opt flat, toolfitting parameter 3-5 expun36.prt 4-4
Optimization Manager expun38.prt 6-3
Levels 9-17 expun39.prt 9-17
Optimization Groups 9-22 expun40.prt 9-19

ii
 Index

expun41.prt 9-22 Profile tool path 10-16

expun60.prt 10-7 Reposition 8-2
expun61.prt 10-11 Toolfit 1-16, 3-2
expun62.prt 10-9 Window Tool Path 4-8
expun7.prt 10-12 Punch Tools dialog box 1-13, 2-13, 2-17
expun8.prt 10-14 R
expun9.prt 9-10, 9-13 rapid display 1-8
grid macro.prt 7-6 rapid, inserting around clamps 9-16
punch profile.prt 10-16 reposition sheet
punch repo arc.prt 8-2 automatic 8-9
punch repo break.prt 8-4 breaking tool paths 8-4, 8-5
punch repo circle.prt 8-5 checking clamp deadzones 8-6
punch repo clamp deadzones.prt 8-6 manual 8-2
punch repo grid.prt 8-5 parts with macro calls 8-7
punch repo macro grid.prt 8-8 parts with macro grids 8-8
punch repo macro.prt 8-7 Rgt 1-6, 4-3
pattern
S
grid 5-15
Save As dialog box, CAD Only option 1-9
inserting in CAD 5-11
Save Post File dialog box 1-17
linear 5-11
Save Shape File dialog box 5-10
pattern tool path
Save Tool File dialog box 2-4
arc 5-20
Search button, Tool Library dialog box 2-16
bolt hole 5-18
Select Attribute dialog box 10-2, 10-5
grid 5-17
Select Controller command (CAM menu) 1-9
inserting 5-11
Select Copy Station dialog box 2-15
linear 5-13
serial numbers
Point Tool Path command 4-2
die 2-11
post process 1-17
tool 2-7
changing controller/post processor 1-9 Set Clamps command (CAM menu) 1-9
NC program file 1-18 Set Library Name dialog box 1-4
setup sheet 1-18, 1-20
Set Punch Parameters command (CAM menu) 1-9
profile tool path, inserting 10-16 Set Special Tool dialog box 5-7
program number 1-11 Set Tool dialog box 1-14
Punch Library Search dialog box 2-16 Setup Information
Punch Parameters dialog box 2-7, 3-6, 4-8
changing 1-10
Punch toolbar 1-6
Clamp 1X, 2X 1-11
Attribute 10-2 command (CAM menu) 1-9
Boundary 10-7
Material 1-11
CAD 1-3 Parts Per Blank 1-11
Circular Tool Path 4-6 Program Number 1-11
Linear Tool Path 4-3 Thickness 1-11
Macro 7-2 X Sheet Width 1-11
Optimize 9-10
Y Sheet Height 1-11
Pattern Tool Path 5-11
Setup Information dialog box 1-9, 1-10
Point Tool Path 4-2
Post Process 1-17

iii
Index

setup sheet 1-11, 1-15, 2-8 designating stations 2-7

file 1-18 Search command 2-16, 2-18
sample file 1-20 serial numbers 2-7, 2-11
shaker parts See micro joints specifying key angles 2-7
shapes transferring tools to turret automatically 2-16
creating micro joints 6-3 transferring tools to turret manually 2-14
creating special shape/tool 5-6 Tool Library dialog box 2-5, 2-16
inserting automatically 5-2 tool loading, default stations only 2-7
inserting manually 5-4 tool paths
inserting standard shapes 5-4 circular 4-6
on/off switch on system bar 5-8 display hits 3-7, 3-14, 4-7
saving in file 5-9 inserting automatically 3-1
Shape button on system bar 5-3 inserting manually 4-1
types supported 5-2 linear 4-3
using special shape/tool 5-7 manipulating 8-1, 9-1
Shapes dialog box 5-3, 5-8, 5-9 pattern 5-11
sheet display 1-5, 1-8 profile 10-16
Show Attributes dialog box 10-4 simulating punching 9-6
simulation, tool path 1-8, 9-6 single hit 4-2
skill builder exercises toolfitting 3-2
PUNCH1 3-12 viewing punching order 9-6
PUNCH2 3-15 window 4-8
PUNCH3 3-16 toolfitting
PUNCH4 3-16 allow scallop on straight edge 3-6
PUNCH5 9-25 automatic tool selection 1-16, 2-16
special shapes and tools 5-6, 5-7 grid pattern 5-15
start Punch 1-3 hints and tips 9-25
Station button, New Library Tool dialog box 2-7 InfoBar parameters 3-5
steps to generate an NC program 1-3 inserting CAM entities 3-2
stock display 1-5, 1-8 micro joints 6-2, 6-4
system bar punching notches 3-3
Shape button 5-3 setting tolerance 3-9
shapes on/off switch 5-8 step tools modifier 3-10
Tool button 1-6, 1-12 tool selection 3-10
tool compensation options 1-6 tools
tool index options 1-6 button on system bar 1-6, 1-12
T comments 1-15, 2-8
tabs See micro joints compensation options 1-6
Thickness 1-11 defining in turret 1-12
tolerance, use in toolfitting 3-9 defining punches in library 2-5
tool files 1-12 identifying station in turret 1-13
Tool Files command (CAM menu) 1-10, 2-3 library 1-12
tool library tool files 1-12, 2-3
Copy command 2-14 tool types 1-13, 1-14
defining dies 2-10, 2-12 use default stations only 2-7
defining punches 2-5 Trap Door Display command (CAM menu) 1-10

iv
 Index

U
Utility toolbar
Break 5-11, 9-2
Edit 9-2, 10-5
Erase 10-6
Measure 10-4
Mirror 5-14, 9-2
Move 9-4, 9-13
Order 9-6, 10-4
Rotate 9-2
Scale 9-2
Trim 9-2, 10-13
W
Window Tool Path command 4-8
wire joints See micro joints
X
X Scrap, toolfitting parameters 3-6
X sheet width 1-11
Y
Y Scrap, toolfitting parameter 3-6
Y sheet height 1-11

v
Index

vi