Engineering using eSIGN, HCAM. |
Engineering using eSIGN, iSIGN+, HCAM.
Work with the CAD Menu Layout, Process, Draw, Operate, Edit. The carrying out of the following tasks is dependent on your program expansion stage. Depending on the program configuration not all tasks can be realised as described.
For the description of the inputs and terms employed please read the General Instructions.
All operations are carried out using a reference layer, the ActLayer (current or active layer). The desired layer is selected here. All layers of the same value! The layers can be allocated names in the tool input (engraving, text,..). Layers, which are provided with data, are marked with the number of support points, empty layers marked with 0. The second marking identifies the number of text lines.
The functions in the menu Layout are required for adjusting (matching) the graphic and the work (workpiece). In opposition to the functions in all other menus, which work with the ActLayer only, the functions in this menu work optionally with the ActLayer or all layers at the same time. The adjustment of the method of working ActLayer / all layers takes place with the function Layout.
Determine extension limits for processing. These limits are employed for calculations and are always set if the function Graphic NORM is initiated.
The worklimits are adjusted to the existing data. This function can be used with existing graphic and/or text data only.
Fig. right: multiple arrangement of graphic and text with increment of a serial number in Layout . Tile.
With the individual operations the texts are not taken into account and, if necessary, must be converted into graphics. If texts are available the selection: Text > Graphic takes place: texts are considered as graphics. Ignore : texts are ignored. Abort : the function is aborted.
Example: simultaneous milling of several milling tasks alongside each other. You can use several milling tasks in the layers and mill them in one setting. The milling tasks (respectively in an own layer) can be displaced and so arranged to each other that the use of material is minimised.
Data from another layer are marked and copied into the ActLayer. Following this these are available in ActLayer and in the source layer. For this, first the source layer is to be selected. After this sections and contours can be marked in the selected layer. Display:
The input is ended using <Esc> or <R> and the marked sections are copied into the ActLayer
The marked tracks and sections are copied into another layer, After this, these are available in the ActLayer and in the target layer.
Delete the graphic data of one or more layers. For deletion, several layers can be marked (with a cross) and then removed together using delete. Texts are not taken into account. To delete texts use the function Delete Text.
Delete all text lines, however, no vector graphic.
List the layer data in one text file (statistic data) and open this using the editor. Displayed are: program version, file name, date, time, working frame, layer#, layer limits, number of vectors and text lines, layer tool or tools in layer, paths and in and above the material.
The data, which is to be displayed can be selected beforehand. If the graphic layer contains paths, then the number of contours: are shown. If the layer contains text lines, after the number of text lines the number of text characters are also displayed. Counted are all characters > space (#33..#255).
Extract from the data created using list layer content.
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For data input (engineering) the following inputs are important:
Using draw the vector data are input into the CAD and saved for further processing. With this the point data (X and Y coordinates and similar) are input, in that a position is approached with a cursor cross and the cursor key <L> or the key <Ret> are pressed. Alternatively, a valid coordinate can be input into the input line via the keyboard and acknowledged using <L> or <Ret>.
The data input takes place in layers. The layer selection can be obtained using the aid Layer #0, top right in the aid bar. The drawing input can basically take place in all layers. We recommend, however, maintaining a certain orderliness, e.g. lefthand side = CAD layer (input/import of drawings), righthand side = CAM layer (milling data calculation). To draw in an empty graphic layer a withdrawn position (start position) should first be input. If this does not happen then the following error message occurs:
Position input using keyboard.
Input via the keyboard is always possible if the input line is displayed. So far as no or invalid values are input, the point of the cursor cross is always deemed to be input. The number values to be input with keyboard input result from the display text of the input line, e.g.:
A position always consists of two numerical values X / Y value or radius / angle (e.g. 50 60). The individual values are to be separated using a space ' '. figures after the decimal point can be separated using a comma ',' or dot '.' (e.g. 123,1 210,5 or 123.1 210.5).
For the input of numbers the characters '0..9', '.', ',', '-', '+', '*', 'x' are accepted. Several numbers must be separated, e.g. using space ' ' or every other character which is not permissible as number. Only if precisely the same number of words have been input as the program demands, is the input accepted.
The number input can be combined with the basic type of calculation. Values which are to be calculated must be written coherently. Bracketed operations or several consecutive arithmetic operators (10*-0.5) are not possible. The working off takes place in the order of the input. All arithmetic operations have the same validity.
Permitted arithmetic operations:
Settings for drawings in input parameters.
Input, edit, activate etc. helplines for the CAD. Capture the graphic and text inputs on active helplines. For the helplines 'display: one' must be switched on. With Input parameters . Cursor capture grid > 0 the helpline is captured on the next graphic position in the capture grid.
The functions of the helplines input:
With tasks in the CAD (not module, not text) there are further short operations available:
The engineering aid can, as a supplement, be used for the input in draw. Using this, the target point can be input more quickly and more accurately. The engineering aid is started with an activated function in draw using <M> or <F2> or <Sft> and the right Mouse key <R>.
The functions of the engineering aid (input of the target point).
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Every input (section, contour, ..) begins with a position exchange. A withdrawn position is a free movement of the machine with raised tool for the start position. 2D milling movements are, for example, carried out using position incised. An incised position is a milling movement of the machine with tool lowered or incised to the specified position. The desired milling depth for PosnE is, for example, determined using the incised depth of the layer tool or according to the calculation of the milling data in the CAM area.
Input start point for the graphic. With Position A the start of a contour or a section is determined.
The engineering aid can be activated using the middle Mouse key <M> (alternatively using <F2> or <Sft> and right Mouse key <R>).
Input support point of a 2D polygon absolutely in X und Y. During the cursor input, a line is also carried continuously as "rubber band". Only PosnA can be entered with an empty layer.
Operations:
The engineering aid can be activated using the middle Mouse key <M> (alternatively using <F2> or <Sft> and right Mouse key <R>).
Input an absolute position 3D with X,Y,Z coordinates. Following the cursor input the coordinates can be edited in 3D. If only 2 coordinates or Z = 0 are input, then a 2D position (PosnE) is created. A 3D position can be modified using edit . displace position.
The engineering aid can be activated using the middle Mouse key <M> (alternatively using <F2> or <Sft> and right Mouse key <R>).
The functions of the straight selection:
Input line with start (PosnA) and end point (PosnE) absolutely.
The engineering aid can be activated using the middle Mouse key <M> (alternatively using <F2> or <Sft> and right Mouse key <R>).
Draw a free-hand line using the cursor. After pressing the key <L> the cursor positions are taken over continuously until release and displayed as frequency polygon (section). Free-hand lines are optimised automatically by the program.
Input a spline using any desired number of support points. the spline resolution (number of the interpolation points) are determined through Input parameters . Spline resolution.
Using the function Spline the next constant curve is drawn through a number of support points. The calculated curve in all cases runs through these points. With small changes in slope these can lie far apart, in tight areas of the curve they should, however, be selected more densely. Points of discontinuity, i.e. kinks in the curve, cannot be input as spline. Here the function must be discontinued and a new spline started. The last position input determines the slope of the curve in the end point.
During the input a line to the position is also carried as "rubber band". As soon a 3 support positions are input the start of the curve is also drawn. A support point is adopted using <L>. Using <R> the function is ended (last spline position). If, during the input of a spline, a start point is selected near the contour start point, then this point is captured and the contour closed. Further point input creates a new spline with new contour start point.
Input a rectangle with an absolute start and an absolute end point. Following input of the zero position the rectangle is continuously codrawn. The rectangle input is acknowledged using <L> and aborted using <R>. The keyboard input takes place via a zero point and the end point of the rectangle diagonally opposite. The instantaneous elongation of the rectangle is displayed in the input line as, for example,
Input a rectangle with an absolute start point and the relative elongation in X und Y. Following the input of the zero position (Start point) the rectangle is codrawn continuously. The rectangle input is acknowledged using <L> and aborted using <R>. The keyboard input takes place via the zero position and the elongation of the rectangle using dX and dY. The instantaneous elongation of the rectangle is displayed in the input line as, for example,
Input a rectangle with an absolute middle point and an absolute end point. The rectangle is laid centrally at the middle point (MP). The rectangle input is acknowledged using <L> and aborted using <R>. The keyboard input takes place via the middle point and the end point of the rectangle. The instantaneous elongation of the rectangle is displayed in the input line as, for example,
Input a rectangle with an absolute start point and the relative elongation in X und Y. Following the input of the middle point the rectangle is codrawn continuously. The rectangle input is acknowledged using <L> and aborted using <R>. The keyboard input takes place via the middle point and the elongation of the rectangle using dX and dY. The instantaneous elongation of the rectangle is displayed in the input line as, for example,
Input a polygon, star, frame, rectangular object, hash key or ellipse.
The functions of the polygon selection:
Complete circles (An = 360 deg.) cannot be input directly, because start and end position lie at the same point and thus cannot be completely defined. Complete circles must be input as full circle or replaced through two half circles. The instantaneous arc input using the cursor is displayed in the input line as, for example,
Display R in mm, SA and Al in deg.
The functions of arc selection:
The functions of the arc selection:
Input for a straight line, horizontal elongated hole. The elongated hole is rounded-off over the complete thickness.
Input for an elongated hole in the arc. The reference point and the dimensioning can be determined via various parameters.
Close the last section (still unclosed track) to the start point, so that a closed contour is created. If another (not the last) section is to be closed than this section can be selected using the marking aid and then combined to a contour using Close track.
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The menu contains help and marking functions for tasks using the CAD menus.
Reverse the last modification in the CAD or in the text input. Undo can be carried out 5 times.
Rescind the last modification through Undo.
All tracks and sections are marked in the ActLayer. This function also marks non-visible information such as, for example, tool data within calculated milling paths. With this, milling paths can be marked without destroying the logical coherency of the data.
All marking is again removed.
Mark a path (point, track or section) in the ActLayer. This function seeks the nearest vector to the cursor. All tracks are marked with a frame and lie completely inside. With simultaneous pressing of the <Sft> key the previous marking is retained. To remove a marking a free part of the graphic is clicked- on.
With simultaneous pressing of the <Ctrl> key a path is sought in all layers and in all text lines. the layer with the path nearest to the Actlayer and the path is marked. The insertion using <Sft> and the marking in the rectangle is not possible here. If a text line is found then the program switches into text input (edit line). In the text module, using this tool, only text lines (at their reference point) are marked.
Note: because marked paths are tied to the end of the data following removal of the marking, the data sequence can be determined in the ActLayer through consecutive clicking-on the paths.
Marking function such as mark, however, searching is not for vector separations (line separations), but rather for vector end points.
Demark a path (track or section). Using a frame all tracks are demarked which lie completely inside the rectangle. For repeated demarking the <Stf> key must be pressed.
A path (track or section) is sought in all layers. The layer with which the nearest path is switched as ActLayer and the path is marked. The search with simultaneously pressed <Ctrl> key has the same effect.
The marked contours and sections are inverted in the direction of rotation. Note: in the milling correction the mathematically positive rotating contours are calculated outwards and negative (clockwise) are calculated inwards.
Exchange marked path via the (program) buffer.
All marked tracks or sections are deleted. Marked data can also be deleted using <DEL> or <Rem>. If nothing is marked then a contour or section can be selected which can be deleted immediately. The immediate deletion does not change the order of the (milling) data.
Grouping is only sensible in combination with the functions in ReliefVTR. This function cannot be applied for tasks in the CAD/CAM area.
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To select an individual section the cursor cross must be led as close as possible to a line of the section to be sought and marked using <L>. Several sections to be selected are framed using a rectangle. Sections must lie completely in the rectangle. For input, set the cursor on a corner of the rectangle, press the key <L>, pull the rectangle diagonally over the section to be marked and then release the key.
Before a renewed selection the old markings are deleted. If several contours are to be marked one after another then press the key <Sft> simultaneously with the marking . Another type of marking is available using mark TrackPosn and mark all. The selected paths are marked in red. With concurrent pressing of the <Ctrl> key a path (section or contour) is sought in all layers. The layer with the nearest path is activated and is now the ActLayer and the path is marked. Here it is not possible to insert using <Sft> or search in the rectangle.
In functions in which an input using the cursor takes place, depending on the number of vectors either the tracks themselves or with the exceeding of a limit, a rectangle is also drawn. Following the adoption of the tracks the rectangle is deleted and the tracks displayed.
Attention: The marking and the functions in the Operat Menu may not be applied on calculated milling data (with tool data), because then milling information and the logical coherency of the data are lost.
If paths are already marked then convert can be opened using <TAB> or <SPACE>. Using the input the position, size, scaling, the rotation and slope angle of marked objects are altered. The input convert displays the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the object.
The marked paths are displaced relatively or absolutely, freely in X/Y, horizontally only (x) or vertically (y) only. For the displacement at the cursor. If the input parameter Capture grid is set to a value > 0, then the basis point can be captured. With Capture grid = -1 capture with this is on support points of the marked sections and with Capture grid >= 0 on support points of the graphic layer defined using Capture layer .
The functions of the duplicate/displace selection:
The functions of the height (dimensions) selection:
The marked tracks and sections are centred in X/Y to a graphic object to be selected. With simultaneous pressing of the key <Ctrl> capture centre to .. on the next object which is sought in all layers.
Polar series:
The marked tracks sections are arranged several times in the circle. For this, first the middle point of the arrangement is to be entered or selected using the cursor. All data can be edited in the following input.
Tile:
The elongation of the graphic is always proposed by the program as separation. The function is cancelled if the number X = 1 and Y = 1 or both separation values = 0 are input.
The marked paths cut each other and separated at the interfaces. After this the sections to be removed are marked and deleted. The vectors within a contour string do not cross each other.
If contours are demanded then the paths must be combined with each other after the cutting and editing (e.g. using Prepare . Combine tracks or Edit . Posn. combine).
The path to be trimmed is crossed with another path. Subsequently the overlying paths can be deleted.
Select paths. Select one after the other the path to be trimmed and the path with which the trimming is to be done. Paths can be single vectors, sections and closed contours.
Select path to be trimmed! (Path1). The path which is to be trimmed (path which is to be modified), is to be selected first. Trim with.. (Path2): select path with which trimming is to be done (path remains unchanged).
Dependent on how the path to be trimmed (Path1) has been selected, various results are possible:
Marking in Path1. Path1 is simply crossed with Path2.
Marking on first or last vector. Path1 is crossed with Path2. If the extension of the first/last vector results in an interface with Path2, then the vector is extended.
Marking of a single vector. The vector (Path1) is crossed with Path2. If the extension of the vector results in an interface with Path2, then the vector is extended in the corresponding direction.
For merging, 2 contour blocks must be selected one after the other, which are to be merged together or combined. A contour block can consist of one or more contours or combined contours. Open sections are allowed for stamping out only. The contour blocks are to be selected using the cursor. The respective selection is ended using <R> or <Esc>. The first contour block is marked green, the second blue.
Import vector data (LG1, H2R) as macro. After import, the macros are marked and can be placed immediately or matched with the functions in the menu Operat. So long as a marking is not removed for imported macros the reference points in the functions duplicate and displace are already known and must not be implicitly input.
The marked paths are saved in a macro file together with a reference point. Macros are always reoccurring graphics (2D = H2R or 3D = LG1), which are input once and saved in a library. They can then be easily loaded and matched using Operat . Import macro.
Polylines are required for surface relief runs, projections etc. They may have no re-entrant angle. Frames are employed as work limits for automatic clearances (in CAM . MillTr2D and in Auto correction), if Layout . Frame is switched to YES. A frame must consist of closed contours and may have no overlapping (not even with milling corrected paths). The frame must be suitable for hatching or milling correction.
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2D graphic data, in particular scanner data, are revised in the Edit menu. Scanner data are mostly very comprehensive and possess small irregularities conditional on the digitalisation process. It is precisely large data sets which demand large working times for further processing. in this menu there are effective functions contained, which improve the quality of the data set considerably with small operation and time expenditures.
The Edit is divided into 2 ranges. The upper range Contour start posn to Contour crop is configured for reworking contour data (scanner data). The functions in this range are configured for the processing of closed contours . The lower range Disconnect vector to Append posn serves for reworking sections. These functions can be applied to both contours and also to sections.
Start point of a contour (click-on new point). The track start position can be replaced by any desired position. For this, the desired track must be selected using the cursor. This track and the instantaneous start position are marked. following the display
Any desired point on this track can be selected using the cursor, which after pressing the key <L> is marked and is adopted as new start position. <R> aborts the input.
This function is not suitable for sections and therefore, in this case, be aborted with an error message.
Adjust several positions on a line. Using this function any desired positions, which can lie on different tracks, can be adjusted in one line. The coordinates of the original (not yet displaced reference point) are displayed in the input line.
For this
The input is ended using <R> or <Esc>.
Input position (x,y): A reference point is selected as first input using the cursor. The reference point is a point lying on any desired track.
Displace reference point (<R>=NO): The reference point can, as required, be displaced in that a new position is input using the cursor or keyboard. If <R> is pressed then the reference point remains unchanged. A line is drawn through the reference point.
Reference point XY [mm] or angle [deg.]: The direction of the line is determined by the input: a 2nd reference point using the cursor, a 2nd reference point via the keyboard or a direction via the keyboard in deg. With keyboard input the input of a figure in the range -360 .. 360 deg. is assessed as angle and the input of two figures as X and Y value of the 2nd reference point. No or an invalid input determines the cursor position as 2nd reference point. With the input using the graphic cursor the line is permanently codrawn until acknowledged using <L>. The function is cancelled with input using <R>.
Following confirmation of input the line is drawn as reference rule. Now any desired number of positions, which are to lie on the rule, can be selected using the cursor and the key <L>. The positions are always displaced vertically to the rule. All set positions are redrawn. An operation of the key <R> ends the input.
Delete one or more support points in a contour. If the start and end points in an open section are deleted, this can lead to errors because the section is closed.
If only one point is clicked-on, then only this is deleted. If a frame is drawn around several support points of a contour, then all points within the frame are deleted.
Insert a point between 2 end points of a vector. A single position is introduced into a contour or a section. For this the vector (not the end point) is to be clicked-on, in which the new position is to be added. The so created angle can be displaced as desired using the cursor. If, following the vector selection, the input is aborted using <R>, then a point is introduced on the vector without creating an angle.
Displace one or
more support points. If only one point is clicked on then only this is
displaced. If this point is a 3D position, then the 3D coordinates can
be edited after displacement. If a frame is drawn around several
support points of one or more contours, then all points within the
frame are displaced. The coordinates of the original (still not
displaced point) is displayed in the input line.
Selection of the function using <F2> in the icon menu. Convert one or more support points into 3D positions and determine the Z value. If only one point is clicked on, then its Z value is displayed and can be modified. If a frame is drawn around one or more support points then all points lying within the frame are set to the given value.
If the graphic was previously 2D(normal case), then the Z values of the lines (milling depths) are at first undetermined and are first set to a certain milling depth(s) for milling. If only individual points of this graphic determined, then the remaining points continue to remain undetermined in Z and are first determined for milling tasks by means of the tool data. If you are unsure of the operation then you should determine all points of the contour.
Start and end points of closed contours or double points cannot be deliberately marked individually. In order to determine securely all multiple points in Z, you should in this case mark the points with a frame.
Round-off a corner made from 2 vectors or provide with a chamfer. If one or both corner vectors are too short, then no rounding-off or chamfer is created. In this case a clean corner must be created beforehand.
The circular radius or separation of the chamfer from the corner and the function radius, inradius, chamfer must first be input. Thereafter any number of desired corners can be selected using the cursor. The function is ended if, during the display
key <R> is pushed.
The frame size can be modified in that the key <Ctrl> is pressed and the desired dimensions are drawn using the cursor. Only positions of the track to processed may lie in the frame. If possible several contours lie within the input rectangle, then the desired contour should be marked previously using the select aid. If contours are marked, then corners are formed using the marked corners only.
After pushing the key <L> a new corner is calculated and adopted. If the new corner lies further than one side length of the square removed from the input position, then the following safety question arises before the final adoption in the input line:
Depending on the selection of the end points a contour can be separated into 2 contours or two contours are joined. The contours must always be closed.
The cut is to be selected using 2 points on the contour(s). If the points lie on a contour, then 2 closed contours are created from these on the intersection line. If the points lie on 2 separate contours, then these are joined on the intersection line.
Results with contour cut:
On the command End point 1 the first section to be combined is to be clicked-on using the cursor. The section is marked and connection from the end point of the section is drawn to the cursor. The connection is also carried with every cursor movement. On the command End point 2 the second section is to be clicked-on using the cursor, which is to be joined the first section. The second section is marked the connection from the end point of the first section is drawn to the start point of the second section.
Join two positions. The selected start point is joined to the nearest position. If the separation to the nearest support point is less than 0.02 mm, then the support points are laid on top of each other. If the separation is larger then a joining vector is inserted.
Separates a path at a support point and sets a new start point (PosnA).
Attach a vector (line) to a section. After clicking on a section start or end point input a further support point using the cursor and, after confirmation using <L>, join to the section. For this, the section is so turned that the point on which it is to be joined, lies at the end. After attachment of a position further input can be made also in the Draw menu.
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