CAD 139 - Intro to CAD/CAM

1. Operate a networked PC using a current operation system.
   1. Login to the college network.
   2. Determine how to launch the CAM software.
   3. Maintain files in a tree structure of folders
   4. Explain the tree structure that the CAM software uses and where different types of files are stored
   5. Identify the different file extensions that the CAM software uses.
2. Explain the software licensing.
   1. Discuss different methods of licensing devices necessary to run the CAM software.
   2. Verify the available licenses on either the network or PC (depending on license type).
   3. Discuss the different capabilities of each license level available for each machine type.
3. Maneuver in the CAM desktop.
   1. Determine the proper hotkey to do the following the graphics area:
   2. Launch the cursor menu
   3. Explain toolbars status such as docked, floating, visible and hidden.
   4. Manipulate pull-down and cascading menus.
   5. Explain the status bar functions.
   6. Explain the calculator functionality within the software.
   7. Create, change, edit, and delete a tool library.
   8. Modify the speed and feed database.
   9. Locate and utilize the MRU toolbar
   10. Determine visual cues for ambiguous geometry
   11. Determine visual cues for ambiguous geometry
   12. Manipulate the ribbon bar for input.
4. Determine different geometry types and importing
   1. Explain the benefits of a solid model.
   2. Explain the benefits of basic 2-D and 3-D geometry (non-solid model).
   3. List common translators such as IGES, DXF, STEP, etc with the problems and benefits of each.
   4. Explain gold-level integration of different brands of CAD and/or CAD/CAM software.
   5. List the geometry and annotation types that have difficult importing because of translation.
5. Create geometry in a CAM software.
   1. Explain how axes are oriented in Cartesian coordinate system.
   2. Explain the difference between absolute and relative input.
   3. Determine autocursor (object snap) positions.
   4. Create 2-D geometry such as lines, points, arc, splines.
   5. Define geometrical relationship such as collinear, tangent, perpendicular, co-radial, etc.
   6. Create elliptical shapes.
   7. Utilize the chamfer and fillet functions.
   8. Create polygon shapes.
   9. Create machineable text.
   10. Create geometry using construction geometry methods.
   11. Control the WCS coordinate system and assign work offsets.
   12. Utilize data-entry shortcuts.
6. Edit geometry in a CAM software.
   1. Delete geometry individually and using massive selection methods.
   2. Change geometry to new locations, levels, colors, etc.
   3. Perform mirror, rotate, translate functions with the geometry.
   4. Change level (layers) associations of geometry.
   5. Edit line width, style and visibility of geometry.
   6. Select geometry for manipulation using window, chain, area functions
   7. Selection geometry for manipulation using the color, level, geometry mask.
   8. Utilize all the trim and extend functions
   9. Analyze geometry for size, position, and distance.
7. Explain the Machine Definitions (MMD) used for CAM.
   1. Determine the physical machine layout for a MMD.
   2. Determine the control definitions role in the MMD concept.
   3. Explain how the toolpath copy of the MMD differs from the diskcopy.
   4. Explain how the post processor interacts with the MMD.
8. Setup properties for mill toolpathing.
   1. Select a proper MMD.
   2. Setup stock material properties.
   3. Select tool libraries and tool settings.
9. Interact with the operation manager
   1. Determine what settings control the output of CNC code with the operation manager.
   2. Determine how to create, delete, and reorder toolpath operations.
   3. Regenerate dirty toolpath operations.
   4. Select individual toolpath operations using various Windows-based functions such as control and the shift keys
   5. Determine how to lock a toolpath operation.
   6. Change toolpath display visibility
   7. Expand and collapse operations within the operations manager.
   8. Determine what each of the sub-categories of each operation will do.
   9. Run post-processor to create CNC code
10. Toolpathing CAM model.
    1. Locate tools in the tool library.
    2. Determine motion control of the tool approaching and retract from the work including helical and ramp entry
    3. Manipulate the tool entry and exit requirement from the workpiece.
    4. Determine when to use multiple levels and/or multiple passes.
    5. Determine the type of toolpath operation needed for the job.
    6. Create chained-paths using various selection tools.
    7. Control the chained path direction, start, and end.
    8. Configure a contouring operation and utilize its parameters.
    9. Configure a pocketing operation and utilize its parameters.
    10. Configure a facing operation and utilize its parameters.
    11. Configure a drilling operation and utilize its parameters.
    12. Determine the different types of cutter compensation and when to use them.
    13. Adjust the final size of the workpiece using amount of stock functions.
11. Check toolpath operations for accuracy.
    1. Utilize the verification module for machining animation.
    2. Manipulate settings for verification such as machined color, size, and shape of the workpiece.
    3. Utilize the backplot feature to determine tool movements.
    4. List machining time calculation for each operation.
12. Generate CNC code
    1. Identify common G&M codes used by CNC machines.
    2. Locate and save files to alternate network locations.
    3. Open and close CNC editor as required.
    4. Utilize CNC editor to download programs to a CNC machine.