fanuc Symbolic CAP T Operator Manual

GE Fanuc Automation

Computer Numerical Control Products

Symbolic CAP T Basic Module V1

Operator’s Manual

GFZ-62824EN/02 November 1998

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes as Used in this Publication

Warning notices are used in this publication to emphasize that hazardous voltages, currents, temperatures, or other conditions that could cause personal injury exist in this equipment or may be associated with its use.

In situations where inattention could cause either personal injury or damage to equipment, a Warning notice is used.

Caution notices are used where equipment might be damaged if care is not taken.

GFL-001

Warning

Caution

Note

Notes merely call attention to information that is especially significant to understanding and operating the equipment.

This document is based on information available at the time of its publication. While efforts have been made to be accurate, the information contained herein does not purport to cover all details or variations in hardware or software, nor to provide for every possible contingency in connection with installation, operation, or maintenance. Features may be described herein which are not present in all hardware and software systems. GE Fanuc Automation assumes no obligation of notice to holders of this document with respect to changes subsequently made.

GE Fanuc Automation makes no representation or warranty, expressed, implied, or statutory with respect to, and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or usefulness of the information contained herein. No warranties of merchantability or fitness for purpose shall apply.

B-62824EN/02 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This manual includes safety precautions for protecting the user and preventing damage to the machine. Precautions are classified into Warnings and Cautions according to their bearing on safety. Also, supplementary information is described as Notes. Read the Warnings, Cautions, and Notes thoroughly before attempting to use the machine.

WARNING

Applied when there is a danger of the user being injured or when there is a danger of both the user being injured and the equipment being damaged if the approved procedure is not observed.

CAUTION

Applied when there is a danger of the equipment being damaged, if the approved procedure is not observed.

NOTE

Notes is used to indicate supplementary information other than Warnings and Cautions.

¡ Read this manual carefully, and store it in a safe place.

NOTE

In this manual, a program used to specify operations of the CNC machine tool is referred to as "NC data." In CNC machine tool manuals, such a program may be referred to as a "machining program," "part program," or "program," in place of "NC data." The above precautions must also be applied to those programs in a CNC machine tool manual, assuming that the programs have the same usage and purpose as those of the NC data as described in this manual.

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GENERAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS RELATING TO USE WITH A CNC

This chapter presents the safety precautions which must be observed when the conversational automatic programming function, described in this manual, is used with the CNC machine tool.

WARNING

(1) Before starting any operation related to the conversational function

(such as preparing NC data or running an NC data program), thoroughly check the work area to ensure safety. For example, close the door of the machine, if it is open. Failure to ensure safety may result in death or serious injury. Operating the machine with incorrect NC data may result in the tool colliding with the workpiece and/or machine, possibly causing damage to the machine, workpiece, and/or the tool itself, or injury to the user.

(2) When the tool offset function is used, before activating the machine,

check the direction and value of the offset to ensure that the tool will not collide with the workpiece or machine. Any collision may cause damage to the tool, machine, and/or workpiece, or injury to the user.

(3) Before starting the NC data program prepared using the

conversational function, thoroughly check the NC data to ensure that the tool path and machining processes are set correctly, and that the tool will not collide with the workpiece or machine (including the chuck and tailstock). Before starting a production run, perform a dry run to ensure that the tool will not collide with the workpiece or machine (including the chuck and tailstock). For example, start the NC data program without mounting a workpiece on the machine. Any collision may cause damage to the tool, machine, and/or workpiece, or injury to the user.

(4) Before using the conversational function to perform programming,

ensure that all the data required for the conversational function, including tool data and cutting condition data, is set correctly. If these data values are not set appropriately, the cutting conditions required for machining may not be set correctly, possibly causing damage to the tool, machine, and/or workpiece, or injury to the user.

(5) After pressing the power-on button, do not touch any keys on the

keyboard until the window is displayed. Some keys are specifically designed for maintenance or other special operations; if any of these keys is pressed before the window is displayed, the machine may behave unexpectedly.

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GENERAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS RELATING TO USE WITH A PERSONAL COMPUTER

This chapter presents the safety precautions which must be observed when the software, described in this manual, is used with a personal computer, and when the prepared NC data(Note) is used with a CNC machine tool.

WARNING

(1) Before using NC data with a CNC machine tool to perform a

production run, ensure that the machine and tool under the control of the NC data commands will operate safely. If incorrect NC data is used carelessly, or if correct NC data is handled improperly, the machine or tool may behave unexpectedly, possibly causing damage to the machine, tool, and/or workpiece, or injury to the user.

(2) In this software, once NC data has been automatically created,

whether the NC data program runs appropriately for the CNC machine tool is not checked. When using the NC data with a CNC machine tool to perform a production run, follow the instructions in (1) above.

(3) In this software, whether other software for drawing or checking NC

data runs appropriately for the CNC machine tool is not checked. When using the NC data with a CNC machine tool to perform a production run, follow the instructions in (1) above.

(4) When even proven NC data is used repeatedly, the contents of the

NC data may have changed when it is input to the CNC machine tool, due to degradation in the NC data storage, or changes in the communication facilities for data transfer. When using the NC data with a CNC machine tool to perform a production run, follow the instructions in (1) above.

B-62824EN/02 PREFACE

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PREFACE

Thank you for purchasing FANUC Symbolic CAP T.

The FANUC Symbolic CAP T software provides total support of all lathing phases from blank figure creation and parts figure creation through to NC data creation. To take full advantage of the functions and features of FANUC symbolic CAP T, users are advised to read and become familiar with the entire contents of this manual.

FANUC Symbolic CAP T is compatible with Microsoft Windows. This manual does not attempt to explain basic Windows operations. Those users who are unfamiliar with Windows should first read the Windows documentation for an explanation of Windows fundamentals.

FANUC Symbolic CAP T uses the following products, whose copyright is owned by Microsoft of the USA.

• Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit

• Microsoft Windows Visual C++

• Microsoft Windows Visual Basic

• Microsoft Windows Visual Control Pack

NOTE

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation of the USA. Visual C++ and Visual Basic are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Checking the contents of the package

Immediately after opening the package, check that you have received the following items.

1) Floppy disks

• For OPEN CNC

FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module V1 (A08B-9110J550#EN07)

• For Personal computer

FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module V1 (A08B-9310J550#EN07)

2) Protector (Only for Personal computer) FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module Protector (A08B-0080-

PREFACE B-62824EN/02

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J550#P550)

3) Operator's manual FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module Operator's Manual (this document)

About this manual

This manual consists of the sections described below.

PREFACE

Describes the use of this manual and related materials. Also, briefly describes some of the features of FANUC Symbolic CAP T.

1. SETUP

Describes the environment needed to run FANUC Symbolic CAP T, and the method of setting up and enabling the use of FANUC Symbolic CAP T.

2. BASIC OPERATION

Explains how to start and stop FANUC Symbolic CAP T, and describes its basic operations. Also, briefly describes the functions provided by the side menu and menu bar.

3. PROGRAMMING EXAMPLE

Provides an example of the operation of FANUC Symbolic CAP T.

4. BLANK FIGURE CREATION

Describes the types of blank figures, and explains their creation.

5. PARTS FIGURE CREATION

Describes how to create parts figure by means of symbolic figure input.

6. PRE-MACHINING SETTING

Explains how to set the machine's home position and select tooling data; these operations must be completed before machining definition can be performed.

7. MACHINING DEFINITION

Describes the specification of machining types, machining area, and machining conditions, based on the blank and part figures. Also explains how these items can be determined automatically.

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8. NC DATA PREPARATION

Describes how to prepare the NC data for a specified process. Also explains how to confirm NC data by animated simulation, and how to print NC data and process list.

9. TOOL PATH EDITING

Explains how to edit tool paths you prepared.

10. SAVING AND LOADING FILE

Describes how to save a newly created program under a specified name, and how to load a program that was created and saved previously.

11. CREATING NEW PROGRAM

Describes how to discard an existing program and create a new one.

12. FIGURE CREATION

Explains the basics of figure creation by means of CAD entry. Also describes how figures are copied and modified.

13. CUTTING CONDITION DATA

Describes how data is registered and modified, including data on the workpiece, tools, and machining conditions, needed to enable the automatic setting of machining conditions.

14. CUTTING CONDITION DATA UTILITY

Explains how to input and output cutting condition data.

15. TOOL DATA AND TOOLING DATA

Describes how to select the tool data to be referenced at Machining Definition, and how to register new tools and modify existing tool data.

16. TOOL/TOOLING DATA UTILITY

Explains how to input and output tool/tooling data.

17. NC MACHINE SETTING

Describes how to specify the technical data for the machine and CNC.

18. FILE TRANSFER

Describes how to transfer NC data to the CNC unit or other units.

19. PLOTTING

Describes how to output NC data from the drawing window to the plotter.

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20. CAD DATA INPUT/OUTPUT

Describes the exchange of data between Symbolic CAP T and general CAD software. Also explains the precautions to be observed when using FANUC Symbolic CAP T to handle data prepared in another CAD system.

21. FAPT LANGUAGE FIGURE INPUT

Describes a function that is tended to analyze and execute part program figure definition statements written in FAPT language, and convert them to figure entities that can to be saved to the Symbolic CAP figure databases.

22. DIMENSION MEASUREMENT

Explains how to measure coordinates and distances from figures.

23. STANDARD SETTING

Describes the setting of the initial values displayed on each conversational window.

Notations

24. PARAMETER SETTING

Describes the specification of parameters related to FANUC Symbolic CAP T, such as the part figures and tool path colors to be prepared, the sequence in which axes are moved during approach/escape, and whether data is saved automatically at regular intervals.

25. TOOL BAR SETTING

Describes how to modify the contents of the tool bar.

26. TROUBLESHOOTING

Describes the procedure to be followed if a problem occurs. Also lists the errors that may occur.

27. APPENDIX

Contains information that should be read as required, such as the function codes used in NC machine files.

• Product name abbreviations

Major product names are abbreviated as stated below.

FANUC Symbolic CAP T -> Symbolic CAP T FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module -> Basic module FANUC Symbolic CAP T Basic module Protector -> Protector

B-62824EN/02 PREFACE

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Microsoft Windows -> Windows

• Keys

When a sequence of keys are to be pressed and held down, the keys in the sequence are indicated with an intervening dash (-), as shown below:

Example) CTRL-ALT-TAB, ALT-F4

• Menus

When a command is to be selected from the menu bars, a right arrow (=>) is used to link the menus in the sequence, as shown below:

“First menu => second menu => third menu”

Example) The menus shown below would be indicated as shown below: “Setting => Parameter Setting => Blank Figure, Parts Figure”

Features of Symbolic CAP T

• Window examples

The windows shown in this document are merely examples. Note that the window layout and file names used may vary depending on the equipment or the resolution of the display unit you are using.

• Operation on Windows

Comfortable operating environment is afforded by Windows which provides a de facto standard user interface. Even inexperienced users can use the system by interactive operation using graphical menus and a mouse.

• User-friendly operating procedure that is easy to use, even by

beginners

Symbolic CAP T is easy even for beginners to use, thanks to its support of graphical menus (icons) and mouse-driven conversational processing. In addition, it provides a wealth of help messages.

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• Operating procedure for experienced operators

Symbolic CAP T commands can be entered from the keyboard, enabling experienced operators to operate the system quickly.

• Customizing functions

The user can improve the operability or add functions to suit the usage of customers. Customizing to call frequently used functions by a simple operation on tool bar is possible.

• One-click switching of the window

The window can be switched between that for machining definition and that for figure creation simply by clicking a button. Therefore, even if a figure is found to be missing during machining definition, figure input need not be repeated from the very beginning.

• Symbolic figure input

Blank and parts figure can be entered using conventional symbolic figure input based on arrows.

• Fully automatic process determination

An optimum machining type, a tool, a portion to be cut, and machining conditions can be automatically selected simply by entering blank and part figures. Even beginners can create machining programs quickly and easily.

• Machining simulation

Three-dimensional animated machining simulation and tool path drawing are performed simultaneously.Animated machining simulation allows the operator to actually observe the progress of machining. Tool path drawing enables the operator to check the tool path generated by a machining program in detail.

• Tool path editing function

The tool path editing function enables editing tool paths generated on Symbolic CAP T as figure images, using a mouse. It is possible to re-prepare NC data from edited tool paths.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................ s-1

GENERAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS RELATING TO USE WITH A CNC...............s-2

GENERAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS RELATING TO USE WITH A

PERSONAL COMPUTER................................................................................................s-3

PREFACE........................................................................................................................p-1

Checking the contents of the package.............................................................................................p-1

About this manual ........................................................................................................................... p-2

Notations......................................................................................................................................... p-4

Features of Symbolic CAP T...........................................................................................................p-5

1 SETUP............................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Prior to Setting Up (Operating Environment) ................................................................................ 1

1.1.1 Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................1

1.1.2 Other usable devices........................................................................................................................................2

1.2 Setting Up Symbolic CAP T ......................................................................................................... 3

1.2.1 About Setup .....................................................................................................................................................3

1.2.2 Setting up an optional module..........................................................................................................................6

1.2.3 Reinstalling Symbolic CAP T...........................................................................................................................8

1.2.4 About the protector (Only for use with a personal computer) ............................................................................8

2 BASIC OPERATION....................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Fundamentals .............................................................................................................................. 9

2.1.1 Starting Symbolic CAP T.................................................................................................................................9

2.1.2 Terminating Symbolic CAP T ..........................................................................................................................9

2.1.3 Reading the latest information about Symbolic CAP T .....................................................................................9

2.1.4 Other Symbolic CAP T icons............................................................................................................................9

2.2 Contents of Symbolic CAP T Window ........................................................................................ 11

2.2.1 Title bar.........................................................................................................................................................11

2.2.2 Side menu......................................................................................................................................................12

2.2.3 Menu bar.......................................................................................................................................................13

2.2.4 Tool bar.........................................................................................................................................................13

2.2.5 Drawing window............................................................................................................................................13

2.2.6 Prompt area ................................................................................................................................................... 14

2.2.7 Status window ............................................................................................................................................... 15

2.3 Basic Operation.......................................................................................................................... 16

2.3.1 Using the Help function to become familiar with the operating procedure......................................................................16

2.3.2 Confirming the version...................................................................................................................................16

2.3.3 Modifying the operation flow.........................................................................................................................17

2.4 Functions Provided by Side Menu.............................................................................................. 19

2.4.1 Programming mode........................................................................................................................................19

2.4.2 Figure creation mode .....................................................................................................................................19

2.5 Functions Provided by Menu Bar................................................................................................ 26

2.5.1 File menu ......................................................................................................................................................26

2.5.2 Modify menu ................................................................................................................................................. 27

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2.5.3 Edit menu......................................................................................................................................................28

2.5.4 View menu ....................................................................................................................................................30

2.5.5 Auxiliary menu..............................................................................................................................................31

2.5.6 Setting menu..................................................................................................................................................32

2.5.7 Help menu.....................................................................................................................................................33

2.6 Functions Provided by the Tool Bar............................................................................................ 34

2.7 Flow of Operation ....................................................................................................................... 35

2.7.1 Overview of each function..............................................................................................................................35

2.7.2 Overview of data............................................................................................................................................36

2.8 Layers......................................................................................................................................... 38

2.8.1 About layers...................................................................................................................................................38

2.8.2 Major classification of layers..........................................................................................................................38

2.8.3 Figure creation layer setting...........................................................................................................................39

2.9 Drawing Format Setting.............................................................................................................. 40

3 PROGRAMMING EXAMPLE ........................................................................................ 41

3.1 Flow of Operation ....................................................................................................................... 41

3.1.1 Procedure.......................................................................................................................................................41

3.1.2 Explanation of each step ................................................................................................................................ 42

3.1.3 Example of operation.....................................................................................................................................43

4 BLANK FIGURE CREATION........................................................................................ 54

4.1 Blank Figure Creation................................................................................................................. 54

4.2 Special Figure............................................................................................................................ 56

4.3 Blank Figure Color/Line Type Modification ................................................................................. 58

5 PARTS FIGURE CREATION........................................................................................ 59

5.1 Turning Figure Creation.............................................................................................................. 59

5.2 Symbolic Input Method ............................................................................................................... 61

5.2.1 Entity selection..............................................................................................................................................61

5.2.2 Symbolic figure data input ............................................................................................................................. 62

5.2.3 Symbolic Figure data editing.......................................................................................................................... 78

5.2.4 Symbolic figure creation by figure reference................................................................................................... 80

6 PRE-MACHINING SETTING......................................................................................... 84

6.1 Selecting Tooling Data............................................................................................................... 85

6.2 Selecting an NC Machine File .................................................................................................... 86

6.3 Setting the Home Position.......................................................................................................... 87

6.4 Setting the Index Position........................................................................................................... 88

6.5 Setting the Chuck....................................................................................................................... 89

6.5.1 Setting items of the chuck..............................................................................................................................89

6.5.2 Chuck figure registration/edit window............................................................................................................91

7 MACHINING DEFINITION............................................................................................. 93

7.1 Machining Definition Window ..................................................................................................... 94

7.2 Selecting the Machining Type..................................................................................................... 95

7.3 Specifying the Cutting Area and Condition Data......................................................................... 97

7.3.1 Specifying the Cutting Area ........................................................................................................................... 97

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7.3.2 Location of the division point and the cutting area ........................................................................................101

7.3.3 Condition setting..........................................................................................................................................105

7.3.4 Specifying Another Area..............................................................................................................................107

7.4 Changing and Modifying the Machining Process........................................................................109

7.5 Defining New Machining Process ..............................................................................................111

7.6 Fully Automatic Determination ..................................................................................................112

8 NC DATA PREPARATION ......................................................................................... 115

8.1 Preparing and Displaying NC Data............................................................................................115

8.2 NC Data Preparation Window....................................................................................................116

8.3 Process Order Editing Window..................................................................................................119

8.4 NC Data Preparation Data Setting Window ...............................................................................121

8.5 Animation Window ....................................................................................................................122

8.6 Data Setting Window for Animated Simulation..........................................................................124

8.7 Writing NC Data to a Floppy Disk and Transferring NC Data to a Peripheral Device .................125

8.8 Printing NC Data and a Process Table ......................................................................................126

9 TOOL PATH EDITING................................................................................................ 127

9.1 Tool Path Editing.......................................................................................................................127

9.1.1 Tool paths subjected to editing .....................................................................................................................127

9.1.2 Unit of editing .............................................................................................................................................128

9.1.3 Coordinate system used for tool path editing ................................................................................................128

9.1.4 Editing......................................................................................................................................................... 128

9.2 Execution of Tool Path Editing ..................................................................................................129

9.3 Tool Path Editing Dialog Box.....................................................................................................130

9.3.1 Machining process list .................................................................................................................................130

9.3.2 Selecting a tool path for editing....................................................................................................................130

9.3.3 Deleting tool paths .......................................................................................................................................131

9.3.4 Terminating tool path editing.......................................................................................................................131

9.4 Editing Movement Entities.........................................................................................................132

9.4.1 Adding movement entities............................................................................................................................ 132

9.4.2 Erasing movement entities ........................................................................................................................... 133

9.4.3 Trimming/Extending movement entities .......................................................................................................133

9.4.4 Undoing/redoing editing...............................................................................................................................133

9.4.5 Specifying start entities ................................................................................................................................134

9.4.6 Checking tool paths for continuity................................................................................................................135

9.4.7 Listing entities.............................................................................................................................................136

9.4.8 Canceling movement entity editing...............................................................................................................136

9.4.9 Terminating movement entity editing...........................................................................................................137

10 SAVING AND LOADING FILE.................................................................................. 138

10.1 Saving a File...........................................................................................................................138

10.2 Loading a File..........................................................................................................................139

11 CREATING NEW PROGRAM................................................................................... 140

12 FIGURE CREATION................................................................................................. 141

12.1 Types of Figures......................................................................................................................141

12.2 Specifying a Radius, Distance, and Angle ...............................................................................142

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12.3 Specifying Positions................................................................................................................143

12.4 Selecting Entities.....................................................................................................................145

12.5 Coordinate System..................................................................................................................147

12.5.1 World coordinate system............................................................................................................................147

12.5.2 Machining plane coordinate system............................................................................................................147

12.6 Modifying Figures by Extension/Trimming...............................................................................148

12.7 Copying Figures......................................................................................................................149

12.8 Creating Polygons...................................................................................................................155

12.9 Fitting Curve ...........................................................................................................................156

12.9.1 Creation method of a fitting curve .............................................................................................................. 156

12.9.2 Adjusting the creation method of a fitting curve..........................................................................................156

12.10 Offset....................................................................................................................................159

12.10.1 Outward offset for a corner....................................................................................................................... 159

12.10.2 Inward offset for a corner .........................................................................................................................160

13 CUTTING CONDITION DATA.................................................................................. 162

13.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................162

13.2 Functions ................................................................................................................................164

13.3 Starting of Editing Cutting Condition Data................................................................................165

13.4 Adding a Material Name..........................................................................................................166

13.5 Deleting a Material Name [Edit Cutting Condition Data]...........................................................168

13.6 Editing Cutting Condition Data.................................................................................................169

13.6.1 Modifying cutting condition data on a machining type basis........................................................................169

13.6.2 Adding cutting condition data..................................................................................................................... 170

13.6.3 Modifying cutting condition data................................................................................................................175

13.6.4 Deleting cutting condition data...................................................................................................................175

13.6.5 Changing the order of the tool types ........................................................................................................... 175

13.6.6 Deleting cutting condition data on a machining type basis ..........................................................................175

13.7 Calculating Method of the Machining Condition Data ...............................................................176

14 CUTTING CONDITION DATA UTILITY.................................................................... 179

14.1 Functions ................................................................................................................................179

14.2 Starting the Cutting Condition Data Utility................................................................................180

14.3 Selecting Utility Functions .......................................................................................................181

14.4 Outputting Cutting Condition Files...........................................................................................182

14.5 Inputting Cutting Condition Files..............................................................................................184

14.6 Changing Cutting Condition Files ............................................................................................186

14.7 Uniting Cutting Condition Files ................................................................................................189

15 TOOL DATA AND TOOLING DATA ........................................................................ 192

15.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................192

15.2 Functions ................................................................................................................................194

15.3 Starting of Tool Data/Tooling Data Editing...............................................................................195

15.4 Addition of Tooling Data..........................................................................................................196

15.5 Deleting a Tooling ...................................................................................................................198

15.6 Modification of the Tooling Data..............................................................................................199

15.6.1 Adding or inserting the tool data for a tool into the tooling data..................................................................199

15.6.2 Registering a new tool and adding or inserting the data into the tooling data............................................... 200

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15.6.3 Modifying tool registered in the tooling data ..............................................................................................202

15.6.4 Duplicating a tool in tooling data................................................................................................................202

15.6.5 Changing the order of the tools in the tooling data......................................................................................202

15.6.6 Deleting tooling from the tooling data ........................................................................................................203

15.6.7 Registering a new tool and adding or inserting tool data.............................................................................203

15.6.8 Modifying tool registered in the tool data ................................................................................................... 203

15.6.9 Duplicating the tool in the tool data............................................................................................................ 203

15.6.10 Changing the order of the tools in the tool data .........................................................................................204

15.6.11 Deleting tool from the tool data................................................................................................................204

15.6.12 Adding or deleting a tool material name only............................................................................................ 204

16 TOOL/TOOLING DATA UTILITY............................................................................. 205

16.1 Functions ................................................................................................................................205

16.2 Starting the Tool/Tooling Data Utility.......................................................................................206

16.3 Selecting Utility Functions .......................................................................................................207

16.4 Outputting Tool/Tooling Files...................................................................................................208

16.5 Inputting Tool/Tooling Files .....................................................................................................210

16.6 Changing Tooling Files ............................................................................................................212

17 NC MACHINE SETTING........................................................................................... 214

17.1 NC Machine File.....................................................................................................................214

17.2 Overview of NC Data Preparation Procedure ..........................................................................215

17.3 Modifying the NC Data Output Format.....................................................................................216

17.4 Machine Specifications............................................................................................................219

17.4.1 NC machine name......................................................................................................................................219

17.4.2 Home position/index position .....................................................................................................................219

17.4.3 Total number of axes/number of simultaneously controlled axes .................................................................219

17.4.4 Feedrate.....................................................................................................................................................220

17.4.5 Spindle speed.............................................................................................................................................220

17.4.6 Whether to use the ATC function ............................................................................................................... 220

17.5 CNC Specifications .................................................................................................................221

17.5.1 Address setting ..........................................................................................................................................221

17.5.2 G code ....................................................................................................................................................... 222

17.5.3 M code.......................................................................................................................................................222

17.5.4 Arbitrary character string ...........................................................................................................................223

17.5.5 Specifying required functions.....................................................................................................................223

17.6 NC Data Format......................................................................................................................225

17.6.1 Example of referencing NC data formats....................................................................................................225

17.6.2 Timing of NC data format reference...........................................................................................................226

17.7 Example of NC Data Output....................................................................................................239

17.8 NC Machine Setting Tool Operation ........................................................................................241

17.9 Customization .........................................................................................................................242

17.9.1 File configuration.......................................................................................................................................242

17.9.2 Modifying initial values ............................................................................................................................. 243

17.9.3 Modifying setting item names ....................................................................................................................244

17.9.4 Deleting setting items ................................................................................................................................245

17.9.5 Adding setting items .................................................................................................................................. 246

18 FILE TRANSFER...................................................................................................... 247

18.1 Function Outline......................................................................................................................247

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18.1.1 Application software..................................................................................................................................247

18.1.2 Devices to which data can be transmitted ................................................................................................... 247

18.1.3 Data format that can be transmitted ............................................................................................................248

18.1.4 Transmission protocols...............................................................................................................................248

18.1.5 File operation functions.............................................................................................................................. 248

18.2 Activating the File Transmission Tool......................................................................................249

18.2.1 Activation using the Symbolic CAP T output function ................................................................................249

18.2.2 Activating only the File Transmission Tool ................................................................................................250

18.2.3 Activating the File Transmission Manager .................................................................................................250

18.3 File Transmission Tool Window ...............................................................................................251

18.3.1 Menus........................................................................................................................................................251

18.3.2 File specification areas...............................................................................................................................252

18.3.3 Buttons......................................................................................................................................................252

18.3.4 Operation guide .........................................................................................................................................252

18.4 Operating Procedure...............................................................................................................253

18.4.1 Selecting the device and setting the transmission conditions.......................................................................253

18.4.2 Specifying files .......................................................................................................................................... 253

18.4.3 Selecting a command .................................................................................................................................254

18.4.4 Changing the contents of the transmission operation...................................................................................254

18.4.5 Starting transmission..................................................................................................................................255

18.4.6 Checking the transmission status................................................................................................................255

18.4.7 Ending the transmission operation..............................................................................................................256

18.5 Outline of Processing for Each Function ..................................................................................257

18.5.1 Send ..........................................................................................................................................................257

18.5.2 Receive ......................................................................................................................................................257

18.5.3 Delete........................................................................................................................................................257

18.5.4 Clear.......................................................................................................................................................... 258

18.5.5 Rename......................................................................................................................................................258

18.5.6 Read-only and read/write ...........................................................................................................................258

18.5.7 Refresh......................................................................................................................................................259

18.6 Setting Transmission Conditions..............................................................................................260

18.6.1 Setting procedure.......................................................................................................................................260

18.6.2 Specifying the device and plotter ................................................................................................................263

18.6.3 Standard setting files..................................................................................................................................263

18.6.4 Setting the communication conditions ........................................................................................................264

18.6.5 Setting the transmission control conditions .................................................................................................265

18.6.6 Setting reception control conditions............................................................................................................266

18.7 Transmission Schedule Management......................................................................................268

18.7.1 Contents of the window.............................................................................................................................. 268

18.7.2 Changing the schedule ...............................................................................................................................269

18.7.3 Exiting the File Transmission Manager......................................................................................................270

18.8 Example Transmission Procedures .........................................................................................271

18.8.1 Transmission to and from the CNC ............................................................................................................271

19 PLOTTING................................................................................................................ 272

19.1 Setting Up a Plotter.................................................................................................................272

19.2 Procedures..............................................................................................................................274

20 CAD DATA INPUT/OUTPUT.................................................................................... 277

20.1 CAD Data Input/Output............................................................................................................277

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20.1.1 CAD data...................................................................................................................................................277

20.1.2 Handling of CAD data by this system.........................................................................................................278

20.2 DXF File Input/Output..............................................................................................................279

20.2.1 Overview of DXF....................................................................................................................................... 279

20.2.2 DXF file input ...........................................................................................................................................282

20.2.3 Setting the input conversion method ...........................................................................................................284

20.2.4 DXF file output.......................................................................................................................................... 289

20.2.5 Setting the output conversion method.........................................................................................................291

20.3 Handling CAD Data Efficiently .................................................................................................295

20.4 Conversion Specifications for DXF File Input/Output...............................................................296

20.4.1 DXF input conversion specifications ..........................................................................................................296

20.4.2 DXF output conversion specifications.........................................................................................................298

21 FAPT LANGUAGE FIGURE INPUT ......................................................................... 301

21.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................301

21.1.1 Figure types that can be input..................................................................................................................... 301

21.1.2 FAPT statement types that can be input......................................................................................................301

21.2 Operation................................................................................................................................302

21.2.1 Start-up...................................................................................................................................................... 302

21.2.2 Part program selection................................................................................................................................302

21.2.3 FAPT language figure input .......................................................................................................................303

21.2.4 Settings related to the FAPT language figure input function .......................................................................304

21.2.5 Displaying the progress of input processing................................................................................................305

21.2.6 Displaying input information......................................................................................................................306

21.3 Cautions and Restrictions........................................................................................................307

22 DIMENSION MEASUREMENT ................................................................................. 308

22.1 Dimension Measurement Function ..........................................................................................308

22.2 Measurable Dimensional Values..............................................................................................309

22.3 Activating Dimension Measurement ........................................................................................310

22.4 Measuring Coordinates............................................................................................................311

22.5 Distance between Two Points..................................................................................................313

22.6 Distance between Point and Entity ..........................................................................................314

22.7 Circle/Arc Radius.....................................................................................................................315

22.8 Angles Formed by Two Lines ..................................................................................................316

22.9 Displaying Measurements........................................................................................................317

22.10 Cautions................................................................................................................................318

23 STANDARD SETTING.............................................................................................. 319

23.1 Standard Setting for Blank Figure and Parts Figure.................................................................319

23.2 Standard Setting for NC Data Preparation...............................................................................320

24 PARAMETER SETTING........................................................................................... 321

24.1 Parameter Setting for View......................................................................................................321

24.2 Parameter Setting for Figure Operation...................................................................................322

24.3 Parameter Setting for Overall Setting of Symbolic CAP T.......................................................324

24.4 Parameter Setting for Blank Figure and Part Figure ................................................................324

24.5 Parameter Setting for Pre-Machining Setting...........................................................................325

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24.6 Parameter Setting for Machining Definition .............................................................................325

24.7 Parameter Setting for Machining Condition Automatic Decision ..............................................326

24.8 Parameter Setting for Tool Path Creation................................................................................331

24.9 Parameter Setting for NC Data Preparation .............................................................................332

24.10 Parameter Setting for Auto Saving........................................................................................333

25 TOOL BAR SETTING............................................................................................... 334

25.1 Tool Bar Setting ......................................................................................................................334

25.1.1 Storing the tool bar definition file...............................................................................................................334

25.1.2 Creating icons............................................................................................................................................ 334

25.1.3 Displaying the Tool Bar Setting window ....................................................................................................334

25.1.4 Registering menu items..............................................................................................................................335

25.1.5 Deleting buttons/spaces.............................................................................................................................. 335

25.1.6 Inserting spaces.......................................................................................................................................... 335

25.1.7 Changing icons ..........................................................................................................................................335

25.1.8 Saving settings/returning to the normal state ..............................................................................................336

25.1.9 Discarding the settings/returning to the normal state ..................................................................................336

26 TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................. 337

26.1 Before Trouble Occurs ............................................................................................................337

26.2 If Trouble Occurs.....................................................................................................................338

26.3 Error Messages.......................................................................................................................339

26.3.1 Abbreviations of functions..........................................................................................................................340

26.3.2 Messages related to blank and parts figure preparation ...............................................................................341

26.3.3 Messages related to pre-machining settings................................................................................................345

26.3.4 Messages concerning machining surface setting..........................................................................................347

26.3.5 Messages related to machining definition...................................................................................................347

26.3.6 Messages related to NC data preparation....................................................................................................351

26.3.7 Messages concerning the milling library.....................................................................................................363

26.3.8 Messages related to loading part files .........................................................................................................366

26.3.9 Messages related to cutting condition setting ..............................................................................................369

26.3.10 Messages related to tool and tooling data..................................................................................................375

26.3.11 Other messages........................................................................................................................................379

27 APPENDIX................................................................................................................ 382

27.1 Function Codes.......................................................................................................................382

27.1.1 NC data format setting function codes (special functions)........................................................................... 382

27.1.2 NC data format setting function codes (move command words) ..................................................................382

27.1.3 NC data format setting function codes (G codes).................................................................................... 385

27.1.4 NC data format setting function codes (integer words)................................................................................389

27.1.5 NC data format setting function codes (special codes) ................................................................................389

27.1.6 NC data format setting function codes (M codes)........................................................................................ 390

27.1.7 NC data format setting function codes (S codes)......................................................................................... 391

27.1.8 NC data format setting function codes (T codes).........................................................................................391

27.1.9 NC data format setting function codes (outputting arbitrary character strings).............................................391

27.1.10 NC data format setting function codes (modal clearing)............................................................................392

27.2 Pre/Postprocessor Macro Syntax.............................................................................................393

27.2.1 General ......................................................................................................................................................393

27.2.2 Components............................................................................................................................................... 393

27.2.3 Structure.................................................................................................................................................... 395

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27.2.4 Declare statement ......................................................................................................................................397

27.2.5 Expression and assignment ........................................................................................................................398

27.2.6 Control statement.......................................................................................................................................400

27.2.7 Procedure statement................................................................................................................................... 402

27.2.8 EL statement..............................................................................................................................................405

27.2.9 Preprocessor pseudo instruction .................................................................................................................405

27.2.10 Restrictions ..............................................................................................................................................406

B-62824EN/02 1. SETUP

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1 SETUP

1.1 Prior to Setting Up (Operating Environment)

1.1.1 Prerequisites

The following operating environment is needed to run Symbolic CAP T.

• Computer

FANUC open CNC (with HSSB personal computer connection), or personal computer CPU: i486TMDX or higher (math co-processor required) Memory: 12 MB or more Floppy disk: 3.5-inch, 1.44MB Hard disk: Total capacity of 80 MB or more (20 MB or more of

dedicated area and 32 MB or more of swap file area)

• Display unit

Resolution: 640 × 480 dots or higher Color: 256 colors

• Keyboard and mouse

(Essential for use with a personal computer)

• Parallel-interface printer cable

(Essential for use with a personal computer)

• Microsoft Windows Version 3.1 or higher, set to enhanced

mode

NOTE

For use with a personal computer, printer cable is required to connect the protector.

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1.1.2 Other usable devices

• Printer

Windows printer driver

• Plotter

Only for use with a personal computer

NOTE

The plotter having the command system of HP-GL is supported. HPGL2 or other command system is not supported.

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1.2 Setting Up Symbolic CAP T

1.2.1 About Setup

Start with the setup of the Symbolic CAP T basic module. (When the basic module has already been set up, and only the optional module is to be set up, no additional setup is required for the basic module.)

• Preparation

(1) First, create a directory on the hard disk to which the Symbolic CAP

T system program will be stored. (Example: C:\CAP T)

NOTE

Do not set up Symbolic CAP T in the root directory (\).

CAUTION

If other programs, such as FANUC PC FAPT, have already been set up, do not set up Symbolic CAP T in the same directory as these programs. If the same directory is used, both programs may malfunction.

(2) After making sure that the computer and printer are switched off,

attach the protector for the Symbolic CAP T basic module.

NOTE

The open CNC architecture does not require this procedure.

CAUTION

The computer and printer must be switched off while the protector is being attached. If the protector is attached or detached while the computer and printer are switched on, the computer, printer, or protector may be damaged.

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NOTE

If other programs, such as FANUC PC FAPT, have already been set up, their protectors can be assembled into the Symbolic CAP T basic module protector. The protectors to be assembled into the Symbolic CAP T basic module protector must be attached before installing Super CAP T. They can be removed after a setting has been made such that they are assembled into the Symbolic CAP T protector. They can be connected in any order.

Printer Cable

Protector

Printer

(3) Switch on the computer and start Windows.

• Setup procedure

(1) Insert the basic module floppy disk (labeled FANUC Symbolic CAP

T Basic module Vx Disk#1) into the floppy drive (where x in Vx is a numeral).

(2) Select File => Run menu of Program Manager for Windows 3.1, or

select Start => Run menu of Task Bar for Windows 95.

(3) Key in drive-name:\SETUP (where drive-name is the name of the

3.5-inch floppy drive into which the floppy disk has been inserted). Then, click OK.

(4) When the installation process prompts you to specify where Symbolic

CAP T is to be installed, key in the name of the directory where Symbolic CAP T is to be installed, then press the Continue button.

(5) When the installation process prompts you to specify the data file to

be set up, select a data file, then click Continue.

NOTE

When setting up Symbolic CAP T for the first time, all data files must be registered.

(6) Installing the sysytem files to the hard disk begins. As the

installation progress, you will be prompted to insert the next floppy disk. Insert the next disk, then click OK. Repeat this until all of the floppy disks have been processed.

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(7) When the installation process prompts you to specify the directory

into which each type of data is to be stored, change the directory name as required, then click OK.

NOTE

When it is necessary to change a directory name, select the desired data type from the list, then click Change. After selecting or keying in a new drive name and directory name, click OK. Even once setup has been completed, the data directory can be changed by selecting “Setting => Environment” from the Symbolic CAP T menu.

(8) A prompt is displayed to inquire whether the optional module is to be

set up. Click the Yes or No button.

NOTE

When you click the Yes button, the prompt as provided in step (4) is displayed. Insert the optional module floppy disk labeled Disk#1, reenter the installation destination directory name, then select the Continue button. (The optional module must be installed in the same directory as for the basic module.) For details, see Section 1.2.2, “Setting up an optional module.”

(9) Finally, a prompt appears asking whether you want to assemble the

protectors of other softwares, such as FANUC PC FAPT, into the protector of the Symbolic CAP T basic module. Click Yes or No, as appropriate. If the protectors of other programs have not yet been attached, click No.

NOTE

This question does not appear in the open CNC. Clicking Yes makes it possible to use other softwares simply by gathering their protector to the Symbolic CAP T basic module protector. After keying in the specification number of the software whose protector you want to gather into the Symbolic CAP T protector, click Gather two protect keys into one protector. (The specification number of the software appears on the floppy disk from which the software is installed.) When No is clicked, the protectors must be attached individually.

(10) When a message indicating the normal completion of setup appears,

click OK.

(11) Upon the completion of setup, confirm that FANUC Symbolic CAP T

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group window has been added to Program Manager, together with an icon for Symbolic CAP T.

(12) When a message indicating the normal completion of setup appears,

click OK.

(13) Upon the completion of setup, confirm that the FANUC Symbolic

CAP T group window has been added to the Program Manager, together with an icon for Symbolic CAP T.

• Icon registered

Prompts and/or messages not described above may appear depending on the specific installation. In such cases, proceed as indicated on the window.

1.2.2 Setting up an optional module

When using an optional module, set it up once setup of the basic module has been completed. The procedure for setting up a typical optional module is described below. Note that some optional modules require the application of special procedures or precautions. Therefore, always refer to the corresponding operator's manual.

• Preparation

(1) Check the name of the directory where the basic module has been

installed.

NOTE

Optional modules must be stored into the same directory as that where the basic module has been installed.

(2) After making sure that the computer and printer are switched off,

attach the protectors for the basic module and optional module.

CAUTION

The computer and printer must be switched off while the protectors are being attached. If the protector is attached or detached while the computer and printer are switched on, the computer, printer, or protector may be damaged.

B-62824EN/02 1. SETUP

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NOTE

If two or more optional modules are to be set up, the protectors for all those modules can be attached at this time. Protectors can be connected in series, in any order.

Printer Cable

Protector for Basic module

Protector for Option module

Printer

(3) Switch on the computer and start Windows.

• Setup procedure

(1) Perform setup in the same way as described in steps (1) to (7) for

setting up the basic module.

NOTE

Insert the floppy disk labeled Disk#1 for the module to be set up. As the installation destination directory, specify the directory where the basic module was installed.

(2) Upon the normal completion of setup, a prompt appears asking

whether the protectors for the basic and optional modules are to be assembled into a single protector. Click Yes or No.

NOTE

Clicking Yes makes it possible to use Symbolic CAP T without attaching the protectors for the optional modules. When No is clicked, the protectors for the basic module and each of the optional modules must be attached in series to enable the use of Symbolic CAP T.

Prompts and/or messages other than those described above may appear depending on the specific installation. In such cases, proceed as directed by the prompt.

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1.2.3 Reinstalling Symbolic CAP T

When reinstalling Symbolic CAP T in a directory where Symbolic CAP T has already been set up, you can select whether to register the data files again.

When you want to use the existing data, do not register the corresponding data when you are prompted to specify the data file to be set up.

When you want to reregister a data file, if the corresponding data file already exists in the target directory, you will be prompted to specify whether the previous data file is to be backed up. Click Yes or No, as required.

NOTE

When Yes is selected, the existing data is backed up to the BAK subdirectory under the Symbolic CAP T directory. The Symbolic CAP T directory will be rewritten with the standard data. If necessary, however, the previous data can be restored from the BAK subdirectory. When No is selected, the existing data is overwritten with the standard data.

1.2.4 About the protector (Only for use with a personal computer)

The protector must be kept attached to enable the setup and use of Symbolic CAP T. If it is detached, Symbolic CAP T will fail to run normally.

CAUTION

Both the computer and printer must be switched off before attempting to either attach or disconnect the protector. If the protector is attached or detached while the computer and printer are switched on, the computer, printer, or protector may be damaged.

The protectors for other softwares can be gathered into the protector of the Symbolic CAP T basic module. It is not possible to assemble the protector of the Symbolic CAP T basic module into that of any other software.

If the protectors of other softwares are gathered into the Symbolic CAP T protector, the user need no longer be concerned with the other protectors as part of daily operation. These softwares can be made usable simply by attaching the Symbolic CAP T protector. Note that the individual protectors are required when the corresponding softwares are upgraded. So, they should be kept in a safe place.

If the protectors are not gathered into the Symbolic CAP T protector, they must be attached individually. They can be attached in any sequence.

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2 BASIC OPERATION

2.1 Fundamentals

2.1.1 Starting Symbolic CAP T

Double-click the Symbolic CAP T icon.

2.1.2 Terminating Symbolic CAP T

Select File => Exit from the Symbolic CAP T menu.

2.1.3 Reading the latest information about Symbolic CAP T

Double-click the Read Me file icon. The Read Me file contains information relating to Symbolic CAP T that users should be aware of, together with information specific to the installed version. The information in the Read Me file does not appear in the operator's manual. It is imperative, therefore, that the user read the contents of this file.

2.1.4 Other Symbolic CAP T icons

There are several other executable icons for Symbolic CAP T. These correspond to the File Transmission Tool, File Transmission Manager, NC Machine Setting Tool, and Auto Demo.

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The File Transmission Tool enables NC data exchange with an external device via a serial port. The File Transmission Manager is an application that manages the transmission schedule and performs the actual communication. Usually, it is not used independently.

The NC Machine Setting Tool is used to edit the contents of the management file that governs the output format of NC data. Using these tools together enables Symbolic CAP T to support a range of CNC units.

Auto Demo is an application that introduces the major functions of Symbolic CAP T.

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