ICAM Virtual Machine V19 - Kxcad.net

Creating Virtual Machine Models with Quest
Adding Kinematics to the Model
The MHERML50 model, for an example, defines a machine with a C-axis rotary table, mounted
on an A-axis trunnion table, mounted on the machine base. The Z-axis column is mounted on an
X-axis rail, in turn mounted on a Y-axis gantry. For the head assembly, the Y-axis is connected
closest to the machine origin. Moving the Y-axis causes the X and Z axes to move, along with
the tool. Moving the Z-axis leaves the X and Y axes unchanged. This machine model also
defines a number of other axes, which do interesting things like control the doors and position
the operator‟s pendant. These additional axes follow the same rules.
The following axes types can be created using the Simulation»Construct Axis menu bar selection
(and also from the buttons on the VM Construct toolbar shown circled above):
� Linear defines X, Y and Z axes slides
� Rotary defines A, B and C axes tables and heads
� Curve defines axes which move along a profile
� Tool defines where tools are mounted
� Stock defines where fixtures and parts are mounted
� Head defines where removable head attachments are mounted
� A Reference axis doesn‟t control motion; it is used to group related components
All axes share some common parameters (a description
of all axes parameters can be found starting on
page 96).
An axis Name should be a short meaningful string.
The name is used in the lower right “Axes” window
and in the Model Navigator to identify the axis.
The Unit selection by default will match the model
units. This defined the units of measure for position
and range information.
The Position of an axis defines where its origin is, in
respect to the object to which the axis is attached.
Axes attached to the base machine are defined in
relation to the grid origin. The Direction of an axis
can be along one of the major axes. Typically, axes that move the part have a reversed sign and
those that move the tool have a normal sign. You can enter a “Custom” orientation, by giving the
axis‟ XYZ components of positive motion. The Range of an axis defines the limits of its motion.
The Default position specifies the axis setting when the model is opened.
You can Slave one axis to another by selecting a parent axis in the drop-down choice list. When
an axis is slaved, its position is controlled by the parent axis‟ position, multiplied by the signed
Scaling factor. A slaved axis will not have its own slider control in the lower right “Axes”
window; a slaved axis can only be moved by moving its parent axis.
ICAM Technologies Corporation – Proprietary 43