Turning Geometry - Contour Selection

Contours must be defined for the following Turning operations, Contour, Rough, Thread (only if the "From Shape” option is selected in the Thread Process dialog) and VoluTurn. Contours are not required for Groove and Lathe Drill Turning operations.

The spun silhouette of the part is automatically selected to be the default contour for the Turning procedure. This automatic contour is created based on the Spun Silhouette of the Target Part defined in the relevant NC Setup.

If no Target Part is defined in the Setup, no contour is created.

If more than one target part is created, the last created Target Part is used.

The contour is projected on the ZX plane (but displayed as it is).

Calculation of parameters is done on the ZX plane.

A contour is considered as closed if its first point is identical to its last (within tolerance).

The start and end points of the contour, as well as the contour's extension and direction, can be defined in this selection tool. The contour can be changed manually using contour creation tools.

The following parameters are displayed; blue arrows are displayed at start and the end points, indicating the milling side.

Closed Contour Parameters

Open Contour Parameters

Parameters:

Modify Start Point

Select an axial Z point for where the elliptical turning operation should begin.
If more than one point is picked, the start point is moved to the last selected point.
If the picked point is not on the contour, the closest point on the contour is selected.

Start Extension

Set the start extension amount beyond the Start Point. This extends the contour (by the extension amount) by a straight line, tangent to the first active contour segment.
Default = 0, Max. = 9999.

Modify End Point

Select an axial Z point for where the elliptical turning operation should end.
If more than one point is picked, the end point is moved to the last selected point.
If the picked point is not on the contour, the closest point on the contour is selected.

End Extension

Set the end extension amount beyond the End Point. This extends the contour (by the extension amount) by a straight line, tangent to the last active contour segment.
Default = 0, Max. = 9999.

Flip Milling Portion/Side

Flip the milling portion (for closed contours) or the milling side (for open contours).

Flip Start & End

Flip the start and end points for the elliptical turning operations.

Example:Example:

The start and end points for the elliptical turning operations are flipped:

 

Manual Selection

Manually select a contour. This opens a limited Contour Manager. Only one contour can be selected. Define the Start and End points.

Example:Example:

When editing a procedure that has contour defined, that contour is used and the spun silhouette is not re calculated (unless the Reset Defaults is clicked).

Reset to Defaults

Reset the system defaults. This:

Deletes the current contour if it exists.

Recalculates the spun silhouette of the surfaces.

Sets the start and end points.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.