Parameter Relations (Formulas)

NC parameter values can be defined as mathematical functions of other parameters, or as functions of cutter data or geometry data. Parameter relations in NC provide the following advantages:

• One set of variables can be used to control the values of the procedure parameters.

• Parameter values can be input as equations that perform arithmetic functions upon relevant variables.

Notes:

• If you hold your cursor over a value in a Parameter Table, a tooltip will appear. If a relation was used to define that parameter, it will appear in the tooltip.

• You can save your parameter relations by using the NC Preferences.

Types of Parameters that can be defined using Relations

Types of Relations that can be used

Parameter Relation Format

Special Parameters

Mathematical Functions supported

Examples of using Parameter Relations

Clear Parameter Relations

Types of Parameters that can be defined using Relations

Parameters that can or have been defined by using a relation, are marked in the parameter table by a colored f symbol (for example  ).

Types of Relation that can be used

The following types of relation to define a parameter value:

Any parameter Short Name. For example: 0.05*tldi (tldi is the short parameter name for tool diameter). For examples of these variables in use, see Relation Examples.

The variables maxpz and minpz. These variables are related to the geometry of the model. See Special Parameters below.

The variable crntval (current value of a parameter). This variable refers to the current value of a parameter and enables you to edit the parameter value based on its current value (for example, as a percentage of its current value). See Special Parameters below.

Mathematical functions: For a list of the mathematical functions that can be used in a relation, see Mathematical Functions supported. For examples of these variables in use, see Relation Examples.

These relations can appear either individually or as an expression, for example:

Parameter Relation Format

If the side step is to be equal to half the cutter diameter (or Side Step = Cutter Diameter * 0.5), enter the following function into the Side Step field: "tldi * 0.5".

If the cutter diameter is changed, the side step value will be automatically updated.

For more details, see the Example.

Special Parameters

Maxpz and Minpz

crntval

Maxpz and Minpz

The variables maxpz and minpz are global parameters related to the geometry of the model.

maxpz	Highest point in a file. This is the highest Z value, in the procedure UCS, of a box bounding all surfaces and solids. This value is updated whenever the geometry is changed. Usage example: maxpz/2.
minpz	Lowest point in a file. This is the lowest Z value, in the procedure UCS, of a box bounding all surfaces and solids. This value is updated whenever the geometry is changed. Usage example: minpz/2.

For examples of these variables in use, see Relation Examples.

Note: The maxpz and minpz variables are calculated from the bounding box of all the surfaces and objects in the NC file. The bounding box is according to the UCS of the procedure. The calculation is done immediately after editing the parameter value and exiting the parameter field.

crntval

For examples of this variable in use, see Editing Multiple Cutters.

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