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Toolpath Representation
In addition to the motions file, GPP2 also generates a file that draws the toolpath on the part being machined. That file represents the toolpath in the "PART" UCS. It uses five EX2-controlled colors to display different parts of the toolpath:
|
Motion |
Default Color |
GPP2 Variable |
|
Feed |
Light Blue (0 255 255) |
ASC_COLOR_FEED |
|
Rapid air motions |
Yellow (255 255 0) |
ASC_COLOR_RAPID |
|
Max-feed air motions |
Green (0 255 0) |
ASC_COLOR_MAXFEED |
|
Drill cycles |
Dark blue (0 50 255) |
ASC_COLOR_CYCLE |
|
Pseudo connection motions |
Red (255 0 0) |
ASC_COLOR_CONNECT |
The color variables are string variables. It is the EX2 developer responsibility to set them to valid RGB colors. For instance, if the EX2 developer wishes to change the color of drill cycles to purple, he should include the following command in the STARTUP block:
ASC_COLOR_CYCLE = "255 0 255"; // Red + Blue make Purple
If required, the five color variables can be set differently for each procedure. For instance, different colors may be used for 3X and 5X procedures. In order to do that, the color variables may be re-assigned at the BEGINNING OF PROC block. Note, however, that the use of too many colors is not recommended.
The pseudo connection motions do not truly represent the tool motions during connections. These motions can be seen when the simulator is invoked. These red lines simply connect toolpath segments (or cycles) to indicate the sequence of toolpath motions.
If the ASC_COLOR_CONNECT variable is set to an empty string, then these pseudo connections are suppressed.
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