TPs/Procs.: Execute a Toolpath or Procedure

Toolpaths and Procedures that have been satisfactorily defined, may be executed (run). The cutter motions are calculated.

In this section

Invoking Execution

The following methods can be used to invoke toolpath/procedure execution; execute a procedure while still in edit mode, out of edit mode and execute externally. These methods are described below:

  • Edit mode execution: After creating or editing a procedure, and still in edit mode, execute the procedure using one of the following methods (each of the options will execute only the procedure you are editing):

    1. Press the Save & Calculate button on the Work Mode Dialog.

    2. Right-click in the display area and select Save & Calculate from the popup menu.

    3. Select NC-Process > Procedure Operations > Save & Calculate (or Save & Calculate Immediately) from the menu bar (see Execution Modes for the differences between these options).

  • Out of edit mode execution: To execute one or more procedures in batch, use one of the following methods (each of these options will display the Execute Dialog):

    1. Click the Execute button on the NC Toolbar.

    2. Click the Execute button on the NC Guide.

    3. Right-click in the display area and select Execute from the popup submenu.

    4. Select NC-Process > Execute from the menu bar. See Execution Modes for additional information regarding executions.

  • External execution: Execute externally. This enables you to execute and post process toolpaths and procedures without having to enter a Cimatron NC file. You can select one or more files.

Viewing Cutter Motions

During execution, cutter motions will be calculated and displayed in the graphic area. You can also choose how you want to display the cutter motions. You can change the attributes of cutter motion display in the NC Preferences, and you can change colors of cutter motions for each procedure/toolpath.

In addition, the Information Bar can be activated if you want to see details of the cutter motions.

Monitoring Tools

The following execution monitoring tools are available:

Status Flags after Execution

In the Process Manager, executed procedures are marked by a status flag, that tells you if the procedure is ready for post-processing, or if the procedure needs recalculation. A procedure that has been executed with no problems or recommendations receives a green flag. Toolpaths in which all procedures have been successfully executed also appear in green, as shown below:

What do you want to do with executed procedures?

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