Component Types¶

Features related to each Component Type are described below. Component Types will be listed in the order they appear in the Component Type pulldown menu of the Configure Component menu, Component tab.

Common features¶

Many aspects of the Configure Component menu, Component tab stay the same for most Component Types. Below are descriptions of those features:

Component Type — Enables you to edit the component's "Type" setting which determines the component's function in the simulation. Select the desired "Type" from the pull-down list. A full list of Component Types can be seen on the Configure Component menu, Component tab section of Vericut Help.

Visibility — Controls the views in which the component is visible. The following is a list of Visibility options:

• Blank — Component is blanked from all views and cannot be seen.

• Workpiece View — Component is seen in the workpiece view.

• Machine View — Component is seen in the machine view.

• Both Views — Component is seen in both the workpiece and machine views.

📝 NOTE: The Visibility feature is not available for Tool Components. See Holder Visibility and Cutter Visibility section of Vericut Help for information on controlling tool component visibility.

Enabled — Toggle on (checked), to make this component active in the Project Tree.

Apply to Sub-Components — Clicking this button applies the Translucent and Enabled conditions to all items under this component in the Project Tree.

Appearance — Use this feature to specify a color for the component. The right side of the (Color Palette) icon shows the current color for the component. To change the color for the component, click on the (Color Palette) icon to display the color palette window shown below.

Click on a color in the color palette window, to specify the color for the component. The color palette will close and the right side of the (Color Palette) icon in the Configure Component menu: Component tab will update to reflect the selected color.

To close the color palette window without changing the color, click on the in the upper right corner of the color palette.

Use Default Appearance — Use this option to revert Color choices to the default.

Save to Appearance Defaults — Use this option to save current Color choices as a default.

Translucent — Toggle on (checked) to ensure component models are displayed as translucent (can be seen through).

Export Assembly — Export Assembly copies the selected component and its children to an Assembly and saves it to an assembly library file.

• Existing library… — Opens a file selection box to select which file to add the Assembly to and saves the file.

• New library… — Opens a file selection box to create a new library file and saves the Assembly to it. If the name of the library file already exists, it will be replaced.

Append Component — Use this pulldown menu to select an additional component to add as a child of this component.

Add Model — Use this pulldown menu to select a model to add as a child of this component.

Component Types: Base, Deflector, Design, Design Points, , Guide, and Other¶

All features on the Component tab for these Component Types are described in the Common Features section above.

Component Type: Fixture¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to Fixture components.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Fixture components are described in the Common Features section above.

Component Type: Tool¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to Tool components.

Tool Index — The Tool Index feature enables you to specify the index number for a Tool component. When defining machines with multiple tool load positions, such as a multi-spindle mill or a turret lathe machine with tools loaded in a turret, the Tool Index feature enables you to define additional Tool components with different index numbers for each tool load position. Values entered are integer numbers. Use the "ActiveTool" macros to activate each Tool component for tool changes. For example, call "ActiveTool2" to activate the Tool component with Tool Index=2, and so on.

The Tool features (Motion Axis and Reverse Direction) provide the same functionality described below for Motion Axes components.

📝 NOTE: A Tool component's SubsystemID is inherited from its parent motion component and cannot be configured.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Tool components are described in the Common Features section above.

Component Type: Tool Chain¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to Tool Chain components. Notice that there is also an additional tab: Tool Chain. Both of these tabs are described below.

SubSystem — Subsystem which commands a linear or rotary motion type component to move. Any alpha-numeric sub-system name can be entered (may include spaces) and is always considered as text. Enter "*" (without the quotes) for motion axes included in all machine subsystems. Subsystems are used in machines with multiple motion components that are commanded to move via the same G-Code word, for example "X". By default, a machine uses one subsystem for all motion components, assuming they are commanded to move via unique G-Code words.

When multiple motion components are driven by the same G-Code word, such as can occur in 4-axis lathes or mills with multiple independently controlled heads, define different subsystems to control which component moves when the motion command is processed. Then, configure the control so that other codes in the tool path activate the appropriate subsystem for movement. A full set of tables are available to support each machine subsystem.

Tool Chain tab — Features on the Tool Chain tab are used to define tool chain characteristics.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Tool Chain components are described in the Common Features section above.

Tool Chain tab¶

The features on the Tool Chain tab are used to define tool chain characteristics.

Starting pocket number — Use this field to set the number pockets will begin to be numbered with.

Number of Pockets — Use to define the number of tools in the tool chain. Then Vericut will automatically create this number of equally spaced tool components along the tool chain's perimeter geometry. The tool chain perimeter is defined by the first sweep model file attached to the tool chain component. This file is normally not displayed except for debugging purposes. Other models may be used to define the associated tool chain machine structure.

These tool components are named Pocket1, Pocket2, ..., PocketN. They are created each time the machine definition file is loaded, are not saved, and may not be edited. The position of Pocket1 is defined by the start point of the first boundary geometry segment (line or arc). Pocket1 is also defined as the "select" or "exchange" position. The perimeter geometry is scaled about Pocket1 to achieve the pocket-to-pocket spacing entered in the GUI. Normally this adjustment should be small.

Pocket order — Use to define the direction for pocket numbering. Select Clockwise or Counter Clockwise from the pull-down list.

Pocket offset — Use this field to determine how far away the pocket will be offset from the chain sweep model. For example, on circular chain sweep an offset of 2 will offset the pocket 2 units from the sweep. The sign of the value ± determine the direction of the offset out/in.

Pocket-to-pocket time — Defines the time (in seconds) required to move the tool chain one position.

Tool exchange time — Use to define the time (in seconds) required to move the selected tool into the machine's spindle and return the unloaded tool to the tool chain.

Pocket-to-pocket distance — Use to specify the distance between adjacent tool centers, along the tool chain's perimeter.

Tool length checking — When toggled "On", tool lengths are checked against the Maximum tool length value when they are initially put in the tool chain. If the tool length exceeds the Maximum tool length value, an error is output.

Maximum tool length — Use to specify the maximum tool length value used for Tool length checking.

Display pockets in project tree — Use to specify whether or not the tool chain's associated tool components are displayed in the project tree. When toggled "On", tool components will be displayed in the project tree. The default is not to display the tools components since large tool chains can contain a hundred or more tools.

Replace tool in its original pocket — Use to specify where the tool being unloaded from the spindle is to be placed in the tool chain. When toggled "On", the unloaded tool is returned to its original pocket position. Otherwise, the tool being unloaded is placed in the pocket emptied by the tool being loaded.

Tool-to-tool collision checking — Use to specify collision checking when a tool is placed in the tool chain during a tool exchange. When toggled "On", the tool being unloaded and returned to the tool chain is checked for collisions with the tools in adjacent pocket positions.

Create Pockets — Use to add pockets to the tool chain.

📝 NOTE: Before using the Create Pockets feature, the Tool Chain component must have a sweep model file representing the tool chain attached.

Component Type: All Motion Axes¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to all Motion Axis (X Linear, Y Linear, Z Linear, A Rotary, B Rotary, C Rotary, U Linear, V Linear, W Linear, A2 Rotary, B2 Rotary, C2 Rotary) components. Notice that there is also an additional tab: Accel/Decel. Both of these tabs are described below.

SubSystem — Subsystem which commands a linear or rotary motion type component to move. Any alpha-numeric sub-system name can be entered (may include spaces) and is always considered as text. Enter "*" (without the quotes) for motion axes included in all machine subsystems. Subsystems are used in machines with multiple motion components that are commanded to move via the same G-Code word, for example "X". By default, a machine uses one subsystem for all motion components, assuming they are commanded to move via unique G-Code words.

When multiple motion components are driven by the same G-Code word, such as can occur in 4-axis lathes or mills with multiple independently controlled heads, define different subsystems to control which component moves when the motion command is processed. Then, configure the control so that other codes in the tool path activate the appropriate subsystem for movement. A full set of tables are available to support each machine subsystem.

Translucent — Toggle on (checked) to ensure component models are displayed as translucent (can be seen through).

The following features are specific to Motion Axes components, Turret components, and Track components:

Motion Axis — Specifies the axis of motion for a linear, rotary or turret type component, relative to the component coordinate system. Use a "moving tool philosophy" to specify the motion axis and direction, even though the component may actually move on the machine instead of the tool.

Reverse Direction — When toggled "On" (checked), reverses the component motion direction.

Rapid Rate — Feed rate for motion-type components moving in rapid positioning mode (e.g. G0). For linear motion components the value entered is units/minute where "units" reflect the units of the NC program file. For rotary motion components the value entered is degrees/minute.

Max Feed Rate — Specifies a maximum feed rate for components. Default is set to 150% of program.

Part Side — This feature enables you to specify whether you want Vericut to automatically calculate whether a component is "part side" or whether you want to manually specify whether or not a component is "part side".

A component is considered "part side", when one of its child components is a Stock component. If the component is "part side", based on Vericut's sense of the "moving tool philosophy", Vericut automatically reverses the direction of motion.

• Auto — When Part Side is set to Auto (the default), Vericut automatically calculates whether or not the component is "part side" at "Reset".

• Yes — Use this feature to manually specify that the particular component is "part side".

• No — Use this feature to manually specify that the particular component is not "part side".

Turret Aid — Displays the Turret Aid window enabling you to specify turret component characteristics.

Optional Accel/Decel Settings

Acceleration — Velocity at which the NC machine component can accelerate. Values entered are units per second per second, where units could be inches or millimeters for linear axes, depending on the machine units, or degrees for rotary axes.

Deceleration — Velocity at which the NC machine component can decelerate. Values entered are units per second per second, where units could be inches or millimeters for linear axes, depending on the machine units, or degrees for rotary axes.

Max Velocity for Direction Change — Maximum feed rate for motions that cause an axis to decelerate to zero velocity, such as occurs when turning at a corner.

📝 NOTE: These Accel / Decel settings are used when calculating the Time displayed in the Status window if the “Apply Acceleration to Cycle Time” field is checked. These settings for the X, Y, and Z components are also used in the Accel/Decel calculations within Optimization if Accel/Decel is being applied for the current tool.

The remaining features on the Component tab for All Motion Axes components are described in the Common Features section above.

Accel/Decel tab¶

Features on the Accel/Decel tab are used to define the settings used by Vericut when calculating the Time value displayed in the Status panel.

Acceleration — Velocity at which the NC machine component can accelerate. Values entered are units per second per second, where units could be inches or millimeters for linear axes, depending on the machine units, or degrees for rotary axes.

Deceleration — Velocity at which the NC machine component can decelerate. Values entered are units per second per second, where units could be inches or millimeters for linear axes, depending on the machine units, or degrees for rotary axes.

Max Feed Rate — Maximum speed axes can travel while in feed mode. The value entered is in units per minute, where units could be inches or millimeters for linear axes, depending on the machine units, or degrees for rotary axes.

📝 NOTE: For RAPID motion, the component’s Rapid Rate will be used.

Max Velocity for Direction Change — Maximum feed rate for motions that cause an axis to decelerate to zero velocity, such as occurs when turning at a corner.

📝 NOTE: These Accel / Decel settings are used when calculating the Time displayed in the Status panel if the “Apply Acceleration to Cycle Time” field is checked. These settings for the X, Y, and Z components are also used in the Accel/Decel calculations within Optimization if Accel/Decel is being applied for the current tool.

Moving Tool Philosophy¶

Vericut uses a "moving tool philosophy" to describe motion directions, and reflect how the machine maintains the tool-to-workpiece relationship. This philosophy is used regardless of whether the Tool or Stock component is actually moving. Examples follow.

Consider a standard 3-axis vertical milling machine where the Z-axis moves the tool up/down, and the X or Y-axis moves the workpiece.

Example 1

Z+ command causes the Z-axis to carry the tool in the Z+ direction relative to the workpiece. Therefore, using the "moving tool philosophy" describes positive motion direction as "Z+".

Example 2

X+ command causes the X-axis to carry the workpiece in the X- direction relative to the tool. In this case, the tool is considered to move in the X+ direction relative to the workpiece. Therefore, using the "moving tool philosophy" describes positive motion direction as "X+", even though the workpiece is moving in the X- direction.

Component Type: Spindle¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies Spindle components.

The Spindle features (Part Side and Reverse Direction) provide the same functionality described above for Motion Axes components.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Spindle components are described in the Common Features section above.

Component Type: Turret¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to all Turret (Turret, A Turret, B Turret, C Turret) components.

The Motion features (Motion Axis, Part Side, Reverse Direction, and SubSystem) provide the same functionality described above for Motion Axes components.

Time to Index (Seconds) — Use to specify the amount of time that it takes the turret to index. This value will be used in time calculations.

Turret Aid — Displays the Turret Aid window enabling you to specify turret component characteristics.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Turret components are described in the Common Features section above.

Turret Aid window¶

The features on this window are used to define turret characteristics.

The features in the upper portion of the Turret Aid window enable you to easily create a swept solid model of a turret.

Number of Faces — Use to specify the number of faces on the perimeter of the turret.

Inscribed Circle Radius — Use to specify the radius of the inscribed circle that will be used to determine the size of the turret.

Zmin — Used to specify the starting location, along the Z-axis, to be used when creating a "swept" solid model of the turret. The distance between Zmin and Zmax determine the thickness of the turret.

Zmax — Used to specify ending location along the Z-axis to be used when creating a "swept" solid model of the turret. The distance between Zmin and Zmax determine the thickness of the turret.

File Name — Use to specify the file name for swept solid model file to be created. Enter the \path\filename in the File Name text field, or click on the (Browse) icon and use the Save As file selection window that displays to specify the \path\filename.

Add Sweep Model — Creates a swept solid model using the above information and adds it to the Component Tree.

The features in the lower portion of the Turret Aid window enable you to easily create tool components for the turret.

Tool Component Name — Use to specify the base name for tool components to be created for the turret.

Starting Tool Index — Use to specify the starting index number to be used for the tool components created.

Starting Index Origin — The following features are used to describe the position of the first tool component on the turret. Think of the Starting Index origin as a polar location.

R — Use to specify the radial distance from the turret origin that the tool components will be placed.

A degrees — Use to specify the starting location polar angle, at which the first tool component is positioned. By default, if the number of faces is even, the starting location polar angle defaults to 0. If the number of faces is odd, the polar angle is .5(360/number of faces). That puts the default tool location at the center of a face in XY.

Z — Use to specify the Z location for the tool components. The default Z location is .5 (Zmax-Zmin).

Index Direction — Use to specify the direction around the turret that subsequent tool components will index from the first position. Choose Clockwise or Counterclockwise.

Add Tool Component — Creates the tool components and adds them to the Component Tree. A tool component will be created for each face on the turret. The tool component positions will be rotated around the turret origin by "number of faces"/360, and positioned the radial distance (R) away from turret origin and indexed in the specified direction from the Starting Index Origin angle (A). Components will be named "tool component name"1, "tool component name"2, etc., depending on the Starting Tool Index number chosen.

Close — Close the Tool Aid window.

Component Types: Skin and Structure¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to all Skin and Structure components.

Component tab — Features on the Component tab are used to define the attributes of a component. Vericut handles components and their solid models differently depending on the component's type and attributes. Most attributes apply to components used in building NC machines.

Component Type — Enables you to edit the component's "Type" setting which determines the component's function in the simulation. Select the desired "Type" from the pull-down list.

• Visibility — Controls the views in which the component is visible. The following is a list of Visibility options:

• Blank — Component is blanked from all views and cannot be seen.

• Workpiece View — Component is seen in the workpiece view.

• Machine View — Component is seen in the machine view.

• Both Views — Component is seen in both the workpiece and machine views.

📝 NOTE: The Visibility feature is not available for Tool Components. See Holder Visibility and Cutter Visibility sections of Vericut Drilling and Fastening Simulation Help for information on controlling tool component visibility.

Enabled — Toggle on (checked), to make this component active in the Project Tree.

Apply to Sub-Components — Clicking this button applies the Translucent and Enabled conditions to all items under this component in the Project Tree.

Appearance — Use this feature to specify a color for the component. The right side of the (Color Palette) icon shows the current color for the component. To change the color for the component, click on the (Color Palette) icon to display the color palette window shown below.

Click on a color in the color palette window, to specify the color for the component. The color palette will close and the right side of the (Color Palette) icon in the Configure Component menu: Component tab will update to reflect the selected color.

To close the color palette window without changing the color, click on the in the upper right corner of the color palette.

Use Default Appearance — Use this option to revert Color choices to the default.

Save to Appearance Defaults — Use this option to save current Color choices as a default.

• Translucent — Toggle on (checked) to ensure component models are displayed as translucent (can be seen through).

• Export Assembly — Export Assembly copies the selected component and its children to an Assembly and saves it to an assembly library file.

• Existing library… — Opens a file selection box to select which file to add the Assembly to and saves the file.

• New library… — Opens a file selection box to create a new library file and saves the Assembly to it. If the name of the library file already exists, it will be replaced.

The following feature is specific to Skin and Structure components:

📝 NOTE: For multi-setup project There is no preserve cut stock transition as in Vericut for multi-setup project. Skin component contains inserted fastener from a simulation. A copy and paste of Skin and Structure components will transfer inserted fastener through setups. The following illustrates how to use Skin and Structure on multi-setup project:

1. Configure Setup #1

2. Simulate.

3. Configure Setup #2.
4. Copy and past Structure and Skin components from Setup #1 to Setup #2.
5. Move both components to new location (not the models).
6. Simulate.

Material — Use this feature to specify the type of material that the Skin or Structure component is made of. Vericut Drill and Fastener Simulation will compare the type of material specified here with the material type specified in the NC program and will output an error if they do not match.

Component Type: Track¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies to all Track (X Track, Y Track and Z Track) components. Notice that there is also an additional tab: Accel/Decel. Both of these tabs are described below.

Motion Plane — Use this feature to define the motion plane for the Track component. Select XY, ZX, or YZ from the pull-down list.

Offset — Use to define the offset (the distance from the component that the Track component sits on to a reference point on the component that travels on the track.

From Component — Use to specify the component that the Track component sits on.

The picture below shows the relationship of the above features for an X Track component.

The Motion features (Part Side, Reverse Direction, Rapid Rate, and SubSystem) provide the same functionality described above for Motion Axes components.

Accel/Decel tab — Features on the Accel/Decel Settings tab are used to define the settings used by Vericut when calculating the Time value displayed in the Status panel.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Track components are described in the Common Features section above.

Component Type: Link¶

The following picture shows the Component tab that applies Link components.

Link to Component — The Link To Component feature enables you to specify another Link Component which this Link Component is connected to. Link components always exist in pairs.

Link Type — This feature enables you to define the link type between two links. Supported link types are Linear, Rotary, and Slider.

Linear Links

Linear type Links move parallel to its axis preserving direction between the link’s origin points.

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle. Detailed information about configuring Linear Links can be found in the Using Link Components section of this document.

Linear Link Motion

Position 1

Position 2

Rotary Links

Rotary type Links rotate about specified rotary axis preserving their common intersection point established by link’s length.

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle. Detailed information about configuring Rotary Links can be found in the Using Link Components section of this document.

The following strict rules must be adhered to make link motions work correctly:

1. The link's rotation axis must cross a point on the parent component.
2. The link's component origin must be located on the link rotation axis.

3. The link's secondary axis must be oriented toward:
   
   The linked component's origin for "Linear" links.
   
   The intersection point of linked components for Rotary links

4. The Link Component can be attached to another link component (parent) only when parent component is linked.

Slider Links

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle. Detailed information about configuring Slider Links can be found in the Using Link Components section of this document.

Slider type Links are similar to a Rotary type link component but it does not rotate about its rotation axis. Instead, it slides along the linear axis to preserve the distance between its rotary joint (with rotary link) and rotary link component center (rotary link length). The Slider link can only be paired with a rotary link. The coordinate system of a slider link should be placed in its joint with the rotary link. The Rotation axis must be same as the paired rotary link. The Motion axis is the next axis of the component matrix after the Rotation axis (📝 NOTE: next of Z is X).

Slider Link Motion

Position 1

Position 2

Rotation Axis — This feature specifies an axis about which a link component can rotate (in link coordinate system). Select the axis from the pull-down list. Option Point is not supported yet.

Motion Axis — This feature specifies a linear axis along which a link component can move (in link coordinate system). Select the axis from the pull-down list.

📝 NOTES: Link Component is a passive component without any mechanical means to make a motion. Its motion is caused by its parent component and type of linkage with its linked component. The following strict rules must be satisfied to make links motions correct:

1. Link’s rotation axis must cross a point on the parent component where link is attached to.
2. Link’s Component matrix origin must be located on the link rotation axis.

3. Link’s secondary axis must be oriented toward (or opposite) to:
   
   for Linear links — linked link origin
   
   for Rotary links — intersection point of linked links.

4. Link Component can be attached to another link component (parent) only when parent is linked.

See the examples in the Using Link Components section of Vericut Help for additional information.

The remaining features on the Component tab for Link components are described in the Common Features section above.

Using Link Components¶

The following examples illustrate how Link Components can be used.

Example 1 – Linear Link Components

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle.

Refer to the picture above and the Project Tree panels shown below to see how the linear link components are configured.

In the above example notice that link component "cylinder" and link component "rod" make up the required link component pair.

Example 2 – Rotary Link Components

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle.

Refer to the picture above, and the Project Tree panels shown below to see how configure rotary link components and how multiple rotary link component pairs can also be linked together.

1. The following Project Tree images show how link component "bar" and link component "crank" are configured to create "Link Pair 1".

1. The following Project Tree images show how link component "crank1" and link component "crank2" are configured to create "Link Pair 2".

1. The following Project Tree image shows how multiple link component pairs can be configured so that they can be linked together. Notice that link component "bar" from Link Pair 1 is the "parent" of link component "crank2". This relationship creates a link between Link Pair 1 and Link Pair 2.

Example 3 – Slider Link Components

In the following picture, the link components are shown in the red rectangle.

Refer to the picture above and the Project Tree panels shown below to see how the slider link components are configured.

In the above example notice that link component "Slider Link" and link component "Rotary Link" make up the required link component pair.

See Component Type: Link section of Vericut Help for additional information on link components.

Component Type: Import Assembly¶

The new assembly library file allows you to store assemblies in a library. An assembly is made up of components. They can be machine and/or attach components. New options have been added to the component branch right mouse shortcut menu and configure component menu to import and export assemblies from the library.

Import Assembly opens the Import Assembly window, enabling you to choose and copy an Assembly from a library and append it after the current component. You can access this feature in one of the following ways:

Export Assembly¶

Locations:

     Project Tree > Component Branch Right Mouse Shortcut Menu

     Project Tree > Component Branch > Configure Component menu

Export Assembly copies the selected component and its children to an Assembly and saves it to an assembly library file.

Current library — Adds the Assembly to the current or most recent assembly library file and saves the file.

Existing library… — Opens a file selection box to select which file to add the Assembly to and saves the file.

New library… — Opens a file selection box to create a new library file and saves the Assembly to it. If the name of the library file already exists, it will be replaced.

Import Assembly¶

Locations:

     Project Tree > Machine Component Branch Right Mouse Shortcut Menu > Append

     Project Tree > Component Branch > Configure Component menu > Append Component

Import Assembly opens the Import Assembly window, enabling you to choose and copy an Assembly from a library and append it after the current component.

Import Assembly window¶

Using any of the above features opens the Import Assembly window, enabling you to specify the Assembly Library File to be imported.

Assembly Library File — Pulldown feature shows recently loaded Assembly library files and is used to select the Assembly Library file to be viewed.

Open File — Opens a file selection box to load a specified Assembly Library file.

Assembly — Displays the Assembly.

Import — Imports the highlighted Assemblies into the current project.

Close — Closes the Import Assembly window.