ICAM V25

Previously, CAM-POST support for dual channels processing was done by using the XYZ axes to define linear axes for the main channel and the UVW axes for the side channel. Changes have been made to allow the number of channels to be extensible. The following enhancements have been introduced to support the third channel:

New registers for linear axes controlled by channel 2 and channel 3 can be specified easily in the Linear axes section.

The post-processor vocabulary has also been enhanced to control processing for each channel. The “CHANNEL” and “SYNCTR” commands have been added to identify intended channel numbers, to specify where simultaneous processing commands must start and end and to indicate the locations of synchronization points inside the program.

The SmartPATH and SmartCUT optimization features are designed to work together. SmartCUT designates which cutting motions can be converted to positioning. SmartPATH then replaces unsafe or inefficient positioning motions with safe and more efficient moves.

Depending on the case, original air feed sometimes needs to be kept intact. To achieve this, a new SMARTP command (SMARTP/AIRCUT,AP) was made available.

CAM-POST provides features that handle situations when the tool axis is parallel to the rotary pivot axis (orientation referred to as a “singular” rotary axis orientation). The LIMIT/POLAR command can be used to generate overtravel-free toolpaths. Singular optimization can be applied on a motion-by-motion basis (reactive method) or for the entire path (proactive method).

Previously, while the reactive method was available for both cutting and positioning motions (including cycles), the proactive method was limited to cutting sequences.

As of V25, singular optimization can be applied proactively to a series of CYCLE points. For adaptive posts, positioning tool motions between any two holes are still exposed to SmartPATH optimization.

For even better control, a new ROTABL/SINGLR command allows users to specify the preferred orientation of a rotary during singular positioning. GENER will use this preferred singular position, unless the motion is constrained by Path Planning or by polar optimization.

GENER provides very thorough information describing the post-processing status at any given time. This information can be collected by different “look-ahead” techniques. Functions such as $FLOOK or $FINFO are very powerful, but they perform a full-scale process, which may include optimization and simulation. This sometimes results in lengthy pauses in the post-processing completion progress.

A new $FCLINFO macro function provides the ability to quickly scan the CL file in order to retrieve key information describing the organization of the manufacturing process (tools, operation types, etc.).

CAM-POST motion optimization provides users the confidence that all motions generated by the post will be collision-free and within the machine travel envelope. This is referred to as Adaptive Post-processing. If VM simulation is also available, the feedback loop between GENER and VM allows the optimization process to take decisions in order to avoid motions that would create an interference on the machine. Regardless of the motion source, whether generated by the CAM system or added by the post-processor, the motion must be often “decorated” with special functions such as LCS, RTCP, etc.

A new macro function $FOPPATH and macro variable $OPPATHI allow the post-processor to efficiently retrieve individual motions generated by Path Planning, RTA and SmartPATH, simplifying this motion “decoration” for customizing the NC output.