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<strong>Virtual</strong> <strong>Machine</strong> Reference, Menu Bar<br />
Simulation»Construct Axis (Quest only)<br />
If a single child object is attached to a curve axis, that object is attached to the curve axis origin<br />
in the standard way. If a second object is attached to the curve axis, that object is shown moved,<br />
or both moved and rotated, to the halfway point along the curve axis. The critical concept here is<br />
the word “shown”. All objects are attached to the curve axis at the origin, but they are shown<br />
equally spaced along the curve axis. Use a Reference axis to group two or more components that<br />
must be moved together along the curved axis.<br />
Because the profile curve is defined in the XY plane, the Rotate button must be used to orient the<br />
profile to its true position. The Rotate method has the side effect of changing the XYZ reference<br />
coordinates for any objects attached to the axis. You can eliminate this effect by attaching a<br />
“Reference Axis” to the curve axis, which you can use to rotate the coordinate system back to a<br />
standard orientation.<br />
Simulation»Construct Axis»Tool Axis<br />
Creates a tool axis, given an XYZ origin and tool<br />
reference type. Tool axes can define the spindle control<br />
point of the machine, pockets in a tool changer, or<br />
anywhere else that tools might be stored. Parameters<br />
common to all axes (not listed below) can be found on<br />
page 96.<br />
� Spindle: Specifies that this tool axis defines the<br />
spindle control point (SCP) of the machine. The<br />
Tool axis ID should be set to 1 (one) for the<br />
main spindle of the machine. Other tool ID‟s can<br />
be used if there are additional controllable spindles<br />
on the machine. The tool axis ID to use for<br />
a given tool can be selected in the model Load<br />
Tool Event macro.<br />
� Turret: Specifies that this tool axis defines one of a series of available tool mount positions<br />
arrayed on a lathe turret. The Tool axis ID should be set to 1 (one) for the main turret<br />
of the machine. Set the ID to 2 for the side turret of the machine. The Pocket ID is<br />
used by VM to know which turret position is active based on the current tool selected.<br />
Pocket numbers must be unique for each turret.<br />
� Pocket: Specifies that this tool axis defines a pocket in the tool changer or some other<br />
holding area. A Pocket ID must be given to identify the pocket number. VM automatically<br />
moves tools in and out of pockets during tool change operations. Use the CERUN and<br />
GENER Simulation»Tools menu to assign tools to pockets.<br />
� Other: Specifies a location where tools can be held. A typical use for this type of tool<br />
axis is to define a position on a tool change mechanism where tools are held while in<br />
transit. Tools can be attached or detached from an “other” axis type using the $FMSATA<br />
macro function.<br />
� Spindle activation: Select the “This tool axis is turning when the following spindle is<br />
activated” check box if the tool axis represents a spindle. This is common for the spindle<br />
on milling machines, and for live tooling on mill/turn machines. You would normally not<br />
select this for a Pocket or Other tool axis type. VM uses the Spindle ID to differentiate<br />
<strong>ICAM</strong> Technologies Corporation – Proprietary 99
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