In order to efficiently and safely run your CAM operations on our CNC machines, your CAD/CAM files need to conform to the principles listed below.
SendItCNC provides libraries of cutting tools, workholding setups and CAM operations templates. These resources enable you to create CAM programs, and enable us to validate and machine them efficiently.
Our systems check that the SendItCNC resources have been used in a manner that conforms to the CAM guidelines specified below. Often, if there are issues, we can adjust your CAM program to bring it into conformance prior to running it. In that case, we provide a diagnostic report to you summarizing any such corrections.
Generally, your CAD/CAM files will have the best chance of breezing through validation with flying colors if you use the SendItCNC libraries (Tools, Stock, Setups, Workholding, CAM Templates) without modification.
Here are the SendItCNC CAM guidelines:
Please note that the fixture must not be modified with the exception that joints provided in the fixture should be used to adjust it to conform to stock size (e.g. vise jaws should be “closed” on the workpiece).
The exception to this is probing, where protected probe moves need not necessarily simulate collision free in the Fusion CAM simulator.
Modifications to speeds, feeds, coolant types, etc. may be ignored since these parameters may be adjusted when the Virtual CNC machine is mapped to a real CNC machine when the part is run. Each Virtual CNC machine has a standard set of tools which are provided with no additional fees. You may also choose a limited number of optional tools from the tool libraries, such as drills, taps and other milling cutters.
Of course, we understand there will be exceptions to this guideline, and our system is set up to allow reasonable variances from our defaults.
Generally, adaptive operations can run at a depth (axial engagement) of 0.8 x cutter diameter, with a radial engagement of 0.2 x the cutter diameter. These conservative parameters provide a forgiving environment. When making larger numbers of the same part, we’ll happily work with you to optimize things.
Adaptive pocketing should be used in preference to slotting, however where slotting is necessary, the axial engagement must be limited to 0.1 x cutter diameter. Adaptive operations will generally plunge outside the stock, but where that is not possible, they will helix into the stock. Pre-drilling is generally not necessary.
Otherwise, please use a roughing operation first.
Use of the templates will help you create CAM operations that easily pass the SendItCNC validation process.
The SendItCNC setup files (such as “Vise Stock & CAM Setups.f3d”) include the recommended probing operations. Although the WCS Z-axis and Y-axis origins are established by the surfaces of the fixed vise jaw, it can be helpful to do WCS probing in the Y-axis to account for the small difference between nominal and actual stock dimensions.