TURN

Quick Start Guide

VisualCAD/CAM 2023
Thursday, December 8, 2022

MecSoft Corporation
© Copyright 1998-2022
 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start
by MecSoft Corporation

User Notes:
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
 Contents 3

Table of Contents

Quick Start 5

Resource Guide 8

About this Guide 9

1 Useful ...................................................................................................................................
Tips 9
2 About ...................................................................................................................................
the TURN Module 9
3 Using...................................................................................................................................
this Guide 10
4 Watch
...................................................................................................................................
the Video! 11

Getting Ready 12
1 Running
...................................................................................................................................
VisualCAD/CAM 12
2 About...................................................................................................................................
the VisualCAD Display 12
3 Launch
...................................................................................................................................
the TURN Module 13
4 Load ...................................................................................................................................
the Part Model 17
5 Machining
...................................................................................................................................
Strategy 19
6 Main ...................................................................................................................................
Programming Steps 20
7 Define
...................................................................................................................................
the Machine Tool 20
8 Select
...................................................................................................................................
the Post Processor 21

Defining the Machine Setup 24

1 Define
...................................................................................................................................
the Part Geometry 24
2 Create
...................................................................................................................................
the Stock Geometry 27
3 Align...................................................................................................................................
the Part and Stock 30
4 Specify
...................................................................................................................................
the Material 32
5 The Machining
...................................................................................................................................
Setup 34
6 Set the
...................................................................................................................................
Work Zero 35

Create a Cutting Tool 38

Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 42

1 Select
...................................................................................................................................
the Cutting Tool 43
2 Set Feeds
...................................................................................................................................
and Speeds 44
3 Set Clearance
...................................................................................................................................
Geometry 45
4 Set Global
...................................................................................................................................
Parameters 47
5 Set Roughing
...................................................................................................................................
Parameters 48
6 Set Entry/Exit
...................................................................................................................................
Parameters 49

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

3
 4 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

7 Simulate
...................................................................................................................................
the Toolpath 53

Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 58

1 Set Finishing
...................................................................................................................................
Parameters 58
2 Simulate
...................................................................................................................................
the Toolpath 63
3 Post-Process
...................................................................................................................................
the Toolpath 65

Generate Reports 68
1 Machining
...................................................................................................................................
Information 68
2 Shop...................................................................................................................................
Documentation 69

Where to go for more help 72

Index 73

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Quick Start 5

Quick Start

VISUALCAD/CAM2023

Prefer Printed Documentation? Click Here!

Quick Start Guides for each VisualCAD/CAM module are available in both PDF and Video format.
Refer to the following information to access these resources:

What's New!
What's New in VisualCAD/CAM 2023
Watch the What's New in 2023 Webinar!

The Complete Quick Start Video Play List

Here is a link to the complete 2023 Video Play List

How to Access the Quick Start Guide Documents

To help you quickly get started in working with each module, select one of the Help
buttons located on the VisualCAD/CAM Learning Resources dialog.
You will find:
· Quick Start Guides
· What's New documents
· Online Help links
The Quick Start Guides will help you step through an example tutorial which will
illustrate how to use the module. To access the Learning Resources dialog:
1. From the VisualCAD Home Ribbon Bar, drop down the Main menu and select Learn ...

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

6 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

To access the Learning Resources dilog in VisualCAM

2. Select a document from the Learning Resources dialog to get started using the
module of your choice.

You can also select the Open Quick Start Files Folder button located at the bottom
of the dialog to open the Quick Start folder where the source files (start and
completed versions) are located.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Quick Start 7

Learning Resources Dialog

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 8 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Resource Guide
Download this PDF Guide for a list of the available VisualCAD/CAM Resources.

2023 VisualCAD/CAM Resource Guide

The 2023 VisualCAD/CAM Resource Guide!

18 Pages
Lists PDF downloads and Online resources including Quick Start
Guides, Reference Guides, Exercise Guides, Tutorials and
More.

Prefer Printed Documentation? Click Here!

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 About this Guide 9

About this Guide

3.1 Useful Tips

Here are some useful tips that will help you use this guide effectively.
1. Copy the tutorial part files in a location other than the installation folder to make sure you
have read/write privileges to the files.
2. Once you start working with the tutorial file, save your work periodically!
3. Don’t stress out too much if you are having trouble with the tutorial. Call us or send us
email and we can help you out.
4. Most of all have fun!

3.2 About the TURN Module

The VisualCAD/CAM TURN module (VisualTURN) offers fast gouge free solids/surface model
machining technology coupled with cutting simulation/verification capabilities for programming 2
Axis CNC Lathes, running inside VisualCAM. This integration allows for seamless generation of
toolpath and cut material simulation/verification inside VisualCAM for programming CNC lathes
that support 2 axis machining.

The module also comes with numerous post-processors to output the programmed G-code to
some of the most popular machines on the market. A simple and well thought-out user interface
makes this system one of the most intuitive and easy to use.

You can work with native VisualCAD data as well as any of the data and file types that can be
imported into VisualCAD for solids, surfaces and mesh objects. Then you can use the
VisualCAD/CAM TURN module with its wide selection of tools and tool path strategies to create
machining operations and associated tool paths for 2 Axis Lathes. These tool paths can be
simulated, verified, and finally post-processed to the controller of your choice.
On-line help compiled on: Thursday, December 8, 2022

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 10 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

VisualCAM’s TURN Module Quick Start Guide

3.3 Using this Guide

If you have installed VisualCAD/CAM successfully on your computer and are now looking at the
blank screen and wondering what to do next, this is the guide for you. This guide will explain how
to get started in using the VisualCAD/CAM TURN module to program a simple part through an
example.
This guide will illustrate how to machine a part using Turn Roughing and Finishing operations.
Even though we are using a 3D model, it will become apparent as we go that we could also
machine this part using just a 2-D curve. Since all parts that can be created in a 2-Axis lathe are
solids or surface of revolutions, it is enough to just describe the profile that needs to be revolved
to create this shape.

This guide has two associated VisualCAD files that you can find located in the QuickStart folder
under the installation folder. The first is a finished file that contains all of the completed
toolpaths and machining operations and represents the file that you should end up with after
working through this guide. The other is a starter file that contains only the geometry. Use the
completed file as a reference. Copy the starter file and use it to begin the guide.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 About this Guide 11

TURNQuickStartTutorial.vcp

3.4 Watch the Video!

Want to see a video demonstration of this quick start guide? Just click on the play list below and
watch the TURN Quick Start Guide video.
Here is a link to the complete 2023 Video Play List

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 12 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Getting Ready

4.1 Running VisualCAD/CAM

Locate the VisualCAD/CAM 2023 shortcut on your desktop and double click to launch the
application.
Alternatively you can also click on the Windows Start button and select All Programs. Go to the
program group containing VisualCAD/CAM 2023. (The name of this program group will usually be
called VisualCAD/CAM 2023, unless you specified otherwise during setup.)
Once you locate the program group, select it and then select VisualCAD/CAM 2023 to launch the
application.
If the installation was successful, upon launching of VisualCAD/CAM 2023 you should observe a
menu entry called VisualCAM 2023 on the Home Ribbon Bar menu of VisualCAD.
If you do not see this menu entry then please check the On Line Help document of the product
(found in the installation folder) for help with trouble shooting the installation.

4.2 About the VisualCAD Display

Before we begin, let's talk a bit about the VisualCAD display. When you run VisualCAD for the
very first time, your screen may look this.

These windows on the left belong to plug-in modules that are currently loaded. For now, let's
close all of them.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 13

With all plug-in modules closed your screen will look like this:

4.3 Launch the TURN Module

Now, let's begin by launching the VisualCAD/CAM TURN module.
1. From the Plugins pane of VisualCAD's Home Ribbon Bar, you will see the VisualCAM 2023
main menu item.
2. Drop-down the menu and pick TURN to load the TURN module.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

14 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

3. Docked on the left you will see the Machining Browser and the Machining Objects
Browser. When you first run VisualCAD/CAM, these two browsers my be docked side by
side. However, you can move them anywhere on the screen that feels comfortable for
you.

4. For example, let's move the Machining Objects Browser so that it displays under the
Machining Browser on the left. Simply left-click and hold the title bar of the browser and
drag it around on your screen.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 15

While doing so, you will see the docking widget display in the background with directional
buttons allowing you to choose screen locations relative to the active window.

5. We'll drag the Machining Objects Browser over the base of the Machining Browser until
the cursor activates the bottom directional button.

When the preview of the new location displays, let go of the right-mouse button and the
browser will move to that location.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

16 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

6. You can also re-size the height and width of each browser making sure that all of the
command icons and menus are easily accessible.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 17

4.4 Load the Part Model

“Part” refers to the geometry that represents the final manufactured product. You can create parts
within VisualCAD or import geometry created in another CAD system.
1. From VisualCAD's Main Menu, select Open.

2. From the Open dialog box, select the TURNQuickStartTutorial.vcp file from the C:
\ProgramData\MecSoft Corporation\VisualCAM 2023\QuickStart\ folder.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

18 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

As mentioned before, it is advisable to make a copy of this part at a suitable alternative

folder so that you have write privileges to modify the part.

By default, the ProgramData folder is "hidden" from view. Here are the steps
to Show hidden files and folders:
1. For Windows 8 users: Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization >
Folder Options.
For Windows10 users: Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization >
File Explorer Options.
2. Select View tab and under advanced settings select Show Hidden files and
folders, clear the check boxes for:
· Hide extensions for known file types
· Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)

3. Click Apply and OK.

The part appears as shown below

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 19

MILLQuickStartTutorial.vcp

You can import solid models, Stereo-Lithography (both ASCII and binary)
format files. Surfaces and Solids can be imported from IGES, STEP, Rhino
(*.3dm), Parasolids (*.x_t, *.X_b), SAT and DXF / DWG files. Faceted (triangulated)
models can be imported from STL, VRML, Raw Triangle, or Rhino Mesh.

3. From the View toolbar, select the Isometric View to work in.

4.5 Machining Strategy

Based on the type of geometry of this part, we will machine this model out of a cylindrical
aluminum blank that is 3 inches diameter and a minimum length of 3¼ inches. As the part has
only features on the outer diameter (OD) to be machined, we will machine this out by using a
Turn Roughing and a Finishing operation. We will also use just a single diamond insert with a 20
degree relief angle and 0.02 inch tip radius with 0.5 inch inscribed circle radius for performing all
machining. We will also assume that the cylinder blank will be held on the chuck over to the left
side on the CNC lathe.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 20 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

4.6 Main Programming Steps

The following steps will be followed in machining this model. Some of these steps will have to be
performed just once and others may have to be repeated to complete the machining.
1. Define the Machine and Post Processor to use.
2. Define the Part and Stock Geometry, Material and Work Zero.
3. Create and Select a Tool to use for machining
4. Create the Machining Operations including the Feeds and Speeds, the Clearance
Geometry and other Cutting Parameters.
5. Generate the toolpaths.
6. Simulate the toolpaths.
7. Post Process the toolpaths.
8. Generate Shop documentation.

4.7 Define the Machine Tool

Let's start by defining the Machine to use for this job.
1. From the Program Tab select Lathe to display the dialog box.

2. Select the Turning Machine Setup tab and then set Maximum RPM to 10000.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 21

3. Pick OK and notice that the Machine - Lathe now appears under Machining Job in the
Machining Browser.

4.8 Select the Post Processor

Next, we'll define the Post Processor.
1. From the Program tab select Post to display the dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

22 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

2. For the Current Post Processor, select Fanuc1 from the list of available posts.
3. Then set the Posted File Extension to .nc. Other file extensions are available depending
on your machine requirements.

4. Pick OK and notice that the Post type is now defined under the Machining Job tree in the
Machining Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Getting Ready 23

By default, post processor files are located under:

C:\ProgramData\MecSoft Corporation\VisualCAM
2023\Posts\MILL\SPM
The program to send the posted output is set to notepad.

5. Now let's have a look at the Post related Preferences. Pick the CAM Preferences icon at
the top left of the Program tab and then select the Post-Processor tab as shown below.

For Post File Extension select .nc from the dropdown list. If you need a different
extension, pick the Add New button and enter your file extension and pick OK. The
posted file extension looks like this: my-gcode-file.nc

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 24 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Defining the Machine Setup

5.1 Define the Part Geometry

Part Geometry constitutes the end product of the manufacturing operation. The TURN module
requires you to select solid/surfaces/polygon meshes or curves that defines the part geometry.
Once selected this part geometry will be used for all machining operations.
1. From the Program tab select Part and then Select Turn Part from the menu to display the
dialog.

2. Pick the Select Solid/Surfaces(s) button.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 25

3. The dialog is minimized and allows us to select Part Objects.

4. Select the 3D solid and then right-click or press Enter to accept the selection.
5. The dialog reappears and lists the selected surfaces under Selected Machining Features.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

26 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

6. Now pick Save.

7. The Part is now defined and listed under the Machining Job in the Machining Browser.

8. Now select Part - Defined from the Machining Job in the Machining Browser. Switch to
the Top View. You can see the actual 2D profile that was created to use in toolpath
computations.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 27

In the future, if surfaces are selected as part geometry, the

system will slice the selected surfaces with the ZX plane of the
Machine Coordinate System (MCS) and use the resultant curves as
the actual profile to be machined on the lathe.
Alternatively you can perform the slicing using CAD tools and select
just the resultant curve as the part profile. If you select a curve to
represent the Part, make sure the curve is a 2D curve that lies in the
ZX plane of the MCS. By default the ZX plane is the same as the XY
plane of the World Coordinate System.

5.2 Create the Stock Geometry

In this step we'll define the raw stock from which to cut the part.
1. First, switch back to the Isometric View.

2. From the Program tab select Stock and then select Cylinder Stock from the menu to
display the dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

28 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

3. Under Outer Dimensions, set Radius (R) to 1.5 and Length (L) to 3.25.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 29

4. Pick OK and notice that the Stock type now appears under Machining Job in the Machining
Browser.

5. If the stock does not display on the screen when selecting Stock - Cylinder Stock from the
Machining Browser, select the Stock Visibility icon located at the base of the Machining
Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 30 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

5.3 Align the Part and Stock

Once the stock model is created you can move it in alignment with the part if needed.
1. From the Program tab select Align.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 31

2. For Z Alignment select Right and then pick OK.

3. If you switch to the Front View, you see that the stock is now aligned to the right side face
of the part geometry in the Z axis of the lathe.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 32 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

5.4 Specify the Material

We will now set the material for the stock geometry. The material definition can be used for
display purposes as well as to compute feeds and speeds values for machining.
1. From the Program tab select Material to display the dialog.

2. For Material, select Aluminum-6061 from the list of available materials and then pick OK.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 33

3. If the material texture does not display on the stock, select the Material Texture Visibility
icon located at the base of the Machining Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 34 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

5.5 The Machining Setup

Now let's discuss the Machining Setup.

The Setup icon ( ) displayed in the Machining Job tree defines the Turn Machine
Coordinate System or (MCS) and is defined automatically. CNC Turning centers or Lathes use the
Cartesian coordinate system for programmed coordinates.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 35

They follow the convention that the spindle axis of rotation is designated as the Z axis. The axis
perpendicular to this axis along which the tool travels to cut into the stock is designated as the X
axis.
So the part and spindle rotate about the Z-axis and moving the tool along the Z-axis provides the
direction of feed and moving it along the X-axis provides the depth of cut.
By default, in the TURN module, the lathe Z axis is aligned with the World X axis and the lathe X
axis is aligned with the World Y axis. (The Lathe Y axis points in the same direction of the World Z
axis.)
The Turn Machine Coordinate System (MCS) is displayed as a triad with a Blue Z-axis, a Red X-axis
and a Green Y-axis. The World Coordinate System or (WCS) is displayed the same way but with
XYZ coordinates labeled on top of it.

MCS WCS

Triad Display States

Orientation
Parallel to MCS Visibility ON MCS Visibility OFF MCS Visibility ON
WCS Visibility OFF WCS Visibility ON WCS Visibility ON

Front View

MCS WCS WCS/MCS

By default Setup 1 is created when a new part is loaded. The

MCS of this setup is oriented as described above. That is, the
world XY plane is the same as the Lathe ZX plane. This cannot be
changed. In the future, when you create a part profile for turning,
create it in the XY plane of the WCS.

5.6 Set the Work Zero

The Work Zero is used to define the work-piece origin. The Work Zero translates the Machine
Coordinate System (MCS) origin from the origin defined in the Setup to the desired Work Zero
location. This can be set to any location along the lathe Z axis. Typically this is set to the right most
face of the part or stock geometry on the lathe Z axis.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

36 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

It is important to understand that the Work Zero defines the

zero point from which all toolpath points are interpreted by the
controller. This would normally be the same as the tool touch off
point on the actual work-piece on your machine. So care should be
taken to make sure that this Work Zero point matches the tool zero
point used on the actual work piece located in your machine.

1. From the Program tab select Work Zero to display the dialog.

2. Select Set to Stock Box and set the Zero Face to Right Most. This locates the machine origin
point to the right most face of the stock geometry along the lathe Z axis.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Defining the Machine Setup 37

3. Pick Generate and notice that the MCS is translated and that the Work Zero now appears
under Setup 1 in the Machining Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 38 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Create a Cutting Tool

To machine our part we will create a diamond insert with a 20 degree relief angle, a 0.02 inch tip
radius and with 0.5 inch inscribed circle radius.
1. Next to the Program tab at the top of the Machining Browser, locate and select the Tools
Machining Objects button. Selecting this button toggles the Machining Objects lower
portion of the browser On and Off. Then locate the Tools tab and pick the Create/Edit
Tools icon.

These buttons and icons are shown in the menus below.

Then select the Create/Edit Tools icon:

2. This will display the Create/Select Tool dialog. Select the Diamond Insert tool icon from
the top-left side of the dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Create a Cutting Tool 39

3. Now set the following parameters in the dialog:

Name: Diamond Insert-OD

Inscribed Circle Radius: 0.5
Tip Radius: 0.02
Tip Angle: 55
Relief Angle: 20
Thickness: 0.125
Orientation: OD Forward

4. Next, we'll switch to the Feeds and Speeds tab and use the following values.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

40 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

For Spindle Parameters we'll set:

Speed: 300 RPM
Max Speed: 350 RPM

For Feedrates we'll select IPM and set:

Plunge: 5
Approach: 7.5
Engage: 7.5
Cut: 10
Retract: 15
Departure: 15
Transfer: Use Rapid
Cut Depth: 0

5. Now, we'll pick Save as New Tool.

In the future you can edit tool parameters and click Save Edits to
Tool to save the changes. You can create additional tools by
assigning a different Name and tool parameters.

6. The tool is created and listed under Tools in Session on the left.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Create a Cutting Tool 41

7. Pick OK to close the dialog and notice that the new tool is also listed under the Tools Tab
of the Machining Objects Browser.

In the future, to save Tools to a library, click Save Tool library

under the Tools tab in Machining Objects Browser and specify
a folder location and file name in the Save as dialog box.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 42 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Outer Diameter Turn Roughing

Now were ready to create our Turn Roughing operation for machining the part.
1. From the Program tab select Turning and then Roughing from the menu of operations.

2. This will display the Turn Roughing operation dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 43

7.1 Select the Cutting Tool

Next we'll select the cutting tool for the Turn Roughing operation.
1. From the Tool tab we'll select the Diamond Insert-OD tool we just created as the active
tool.

2. The diamond insert is now selected as the active tool.

The Tool parameters of the currently active tool are always

displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the Machining
Objects browser as shown below.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 44 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

7.2 Set Feeds and Speeds

Next we'll set the Feeds and Speeds for the Turn Roughing operation.
1. Pick the Feeds & Speeds tab of the dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 45

2. Then pick the Load from Tool button. The system will retrieve the feed and speed
parameters that we set when we created the tool and associate them with the current
operation.

7.3 Set Clearance Geometry

Next we'll set the Clearance Geometry for the Turn Roughing operation.
1. Select the Clearance Geometry tab of the dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

46 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

2. Here, we'll set Clearance Settings to Automatic and Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane.

In the Automatic mode, the system will determine a safe height for locating the clearance
plane. Setting Cut Transfer to Clearance Plane will force all transfer moves to be
performed in this computed clearance plane.

3. When this dialog is active, the clearance plane is shown on the graphics screen.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 47

7.4 Set Global Parameters

Next we'll set the Global Parameters for the Turn Roughing operation to specify parameters to
control the cutting.
1. Switch to the Global Parameters tab of the dialog.
2. Here, we'll set the Approach Type to Outer Diameter.
3. We'll set Stock to 0.01. This means that we'll be leaving a 0.01" thickness on the part after
machining.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 48 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

7.5 Set Roughing Parameters

Next we'll set Roughing Parameters for the Turn Roughing operation.
1. Select the Turn Roughing tab of the dialog.
2. Set Cut Pattern Type to Linear Cuts.
This will create a cut pattern with straight line cuts. Offset cuts on the other hand will
create cuts that are successive offsets of the TURN profile.
3. Set Cut Direction to Positive.
This will ensure that the cut traverses along the positive Z axis of the Lathe coordinate
system.
4. Then uncheck Final Cleanup Pass.
5. Then also set Depth per Cut to 0.0625.

Note that Depth per Cut is always set to an absolute value.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 49

7.6 Set Entry/Exit Parameters

Next we'll set Entry and Exit Parameters for the Turn Roughing operation. Entry/Exit parameters
control how the cutter will engage material as it begins cutting and how it will leave the material
as it completes cutting.
1. Select the Entry/Exit tab of the dialog.
2. Select the Entry tab and set the Approach Motion Length (AL) to 0.025.
3. We'll then set the Engage Motion Length (EL) to 0.025 also.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

50 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

4. Next, we'll switch to Exit tab set the Retract Motion Length (RL) to 0.025 and do the same
for the Depart Motion Length (DL).

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 51

5. Now pick Generate.

The Turn Roughing toolpath is generated and the operation is listed under Setup 1 in the
Machining Browser.

6. Now from the View toolbar in VisualCAD, select the Top View and you can see the
toolpath displayed clearly in the graphics screen.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

52 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

The display of the toolpath in the graphics screen can be turned

on/off by selecting the Toolpath Visibility icon in the toolbar at
the bottom of the Machining Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 53

7.7 Simulate the Toolpath

The generated toolpath can now be simulated to display the in-process stock model by using the
functions under the Simulate tab in the Machining browser.
1. Switch to the Simulate tab at the top of the Machining Browser.

2. From the View toolbar, select the Isometric-2 icon

3. In the TURN module the rendering mode of the simulation model can be controlled for
better visibility by using cut away section views. Three modes, in addition to the normal
rendering mode, are available. These are 3 Quarter, Half and Quarter views. These
display modes can be set in the Simulation Preferences dialog. They can be useful when
you are machining parts with inner diameter features.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

54 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

3 Quarter View Half View Quarter View

4. From the Simulate tab, select Preferences and set the Simulation display mode to 3
Quarter and the Simulation Accuracy to Fine and then pick OK.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 55

Pick OK from the message dialog that displays:

5. From the Simulate tab, uncheck Simulate by Moves and then move the slider to the left to
slow down the simulation speed.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

56 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

6. Now select the Turn Roughing operation under Setup 1 and then pick Play.

You can stop the simulation at anytime by selecting the Pause

button from the Simulate tab. After Pausing, you can choose
either Play to continue or Stop to exit the simulation.

7. Once the simulation is complete, the state of the stock model is displayed in the graphics
screen.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Roughing 57

8. To view the cut model with textures applied, select the Material Texture Visibility icon
located at the base of the Machining Browser.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 58 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Outer Diameter Turn Finishing

Now we will turn our attention to finishing the outer diameter of the part using the same tool as
we used for roughing.
1. Switch back to Program tab in the Machining Browser.
2. Select Turning and then Finishing from the menu.

3. This will display the Turn Finishing operation dialog shown below.

8.1 Set Finishing Parameters

Here we will use the Turn Finishing dialog to set our finishing parameters:
1. From the Tool tab in the Turn Finishing dialog select the Diamond Insert-OD tool.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 59

2. Now, pick the Feeds & Speeds tab and select the Load from Tool button. The system will
retrieve the feeds and speeds parameters that was set when the tool was defined and
associate them with the current operation.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

60 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

3. Pick the Clearance Geometry tab and set the Clearance Settings to Automatic and Cut
Transfer to Clearance Plane.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 61

4. Now we'll switch to the Global Parameters tab to specify parameters to control the
cutting.
5. Set the Approach Type to Outer Diameter and Stock = 0.
We will not be leaving any thickness on the part after machining, effectively removing all
stock left over from the previous roughing operation.
6. Now under Cut Containment, check the box for Select Start & End Points.
This allows you to specify an area to contain the toolpath by selecting cut start and end
points. This is useful in cases where only a section of the part needs to be machined.
7. In this guide, we will graphically select the start and end points from the part to specify
cut containment. Click on the Pick button. This minimizes the dialog and prompts you to
select start and end points.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

62 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

8. From the View toolbar, we'll switch to Top View.

9. Now, with the End Snap toggle on, we'll select 2 points as shown below.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 63

10. The Turn Finishing dialog reappears and displays Start and End point coordinate values for
the cut containment.
11. Leaving all other parameters with default settings, we pick Generate. The operation is
generated and added to the Machining Job in the Machining Browser below the Turn
Roughing operation we previously created.

8.2 Simulate the Toolpath

We're now ready to Simulate the operation.
1. First make sure the Turn Finishing toolpath is selected from the Machining Job tree.
2. Select the Simulate tab.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

64 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

3. From the View toolbar, select Isometric 2.

4. Now pick Play to view the simulation.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 65

8.3 Post-Process the Toolpath

With the toolpaths complete we're ready to post-process to an output text file containing G-codes
that can then be sent to the machine tool to actually machine the part.
1. Select Setup 1 from the Machining Browser, right-click and select Post.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

66 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

2. This will post-process all operations created under Setup 1.

3. By default, the Part file name and the Setup name are appended for the G-code file name.
Also by default, the posted G-code file is saved to the folder where the part file is
located.

The post by default is set to Fanuc as we specified under the

Select the Post Processor section of this guide. You can change
the post processor here by selecting a different one from the Current
Post list. The posted g code by default will be saved to the folder
where the part file is located.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Outer Diameter Turn Finishing 67

4. Now pick Post and the G-code file is displayed in Notepad where it can be viewed or
edited manually.

5. Now close Notepad.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 68 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Generate Reports

9.1 Machining Information

At any time, you can create an Information Report of your Machining Operations.
1. From the Program tab, select Setup 1 under the Machining Job.
2. Right-click and select Information to display and Print the report.

This dialog provides an estimate of the machining time required for the operations in the
Setup.
You can perform the same right-click sequence on the Machining Job to determine the
estimated machining time for all Setups.

3. Now pick OK to close the Information dialog.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Generate Reports 69

9.2 Shop Documentation

You can also create a Setup Sheet by generating a Shop Document. This is typically used to instruct
machine operators on how to setup and machine the part on the CNC machine.
1. Select Setup1 under the Machining Job tree in the Machining Browser.
2. Right-click and select Shop Documentation.

3. Select Template1. You can also select from one of the additional HTML templates that are
shipped with the product and generate shop documentation.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

70 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

4. This creates an HTML based Shop Document. This file can then be printed and/or viewed
in a web browser such as Internet Explorer.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Generate Reports 71

5. You can perform the same right-click sequence on the Machining Job to generate Shop
Documentation for all Setups.

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 72 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Where to go for more help

Download this PDF Guide for a list of the available VisualCAD/CAM Resources.

2023 VisualCAD/CAM Resource Guide

The 2023 VisualCAD/CAM Resource Guide!

18 Pages
Lists PDF downloads and Online resources including Quick Start
Guides, Reference Guides, Exercise Guides, Tutorials and
More.

Prefer Printed Documentation? Click Here!

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation

 Index 73

Index -M-
Machine
-A- Define
Setup
20
34
About Machining Information 68
the TURN Module 9 Machining Strategy 19
the VisualCAD Display 12 Main Programming Steps 20
Using this Guide 10
Align Part and Stock 30
-P-
-C- Part
Define Geometry 24
Clearance Geometry 45, 58 Post
Create Stock Geometry 27 Create G-Code 65
Create Tools 38 Select 21
Post Processing 65
Print Media 8
-D-
Define the Machine Tool to use
Define the Part Geometry 24
20 -R-
Reports
Estimated Machining Time 68
-E- Machining Information 68
Setup Sheet 69
Estimated Machining Time 68
Shop Documentation 69
Roughing
-F- Entry/Exit Parameters
Select Cutting Tool 43
49

Feeds and Speeds Set Clearance 45

for Roughing 44 Set Feeds and Speeds 44
Finishing Set Global Parameters 47
Select Cutting Tool 58 Set Roughing Parameters 48
Set Clearance 58 Simulate Toolpath 53
Set Feeds and Speeds 58 the Outer Diameter 42
Simulate the Toolpath 63 Running VisualCAD/CAM 12
Specify Global Parameters 58
the Outer Diameter 58
-S-
-L- Select Cutting Tool 43, 58
Select the Post Processor to use 21
Launching the VisualCAD/CAM TURN Module 13 Set Feeds and Speeds 44, 58
Loading the Part Model 17 Set Work Zero 35
Setup 34
Setup Sheet 69
Shop Documentation 69
© 2022 MecSoft Corporation
 74 VisualCAD/CAM-TURN 2023 Quick Start

Simulate Roughing Toolpath 53

Simulate the Toolpath 63
Specify Entry/Exit Parameters 49
Specify Global Parameters 47, 58
Specify Material 32
Stock
Align with Part 30
Define 27
Define Material 32

-T-
Tools
Create 38
Select for Roughing 43
Turn Roughing 48

-U-
Useful Tips 9
Using this Guide 10

-V-
Videos & Guides 5

-W-
Where to go for more help 72
Work Zero 35

© 2022 MecSoft Corporation