This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring to property damage only have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.
Danger
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.
Warning
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.
Caution
with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.
Caution
without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
Attention
indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the corresponding information is not taken into
account.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The device/system may only be set up and used in conjunction with this documentation. Commissioning and
operation of a device/system may only be performed by qualified personnel. Within the context of the safety notes
in this documentation qualified persons are defined as persons who are authorized to commission, ground and
label devices, systems and circuits in accordance with established safety practices and standards.
Prescribed Usage
Note the following:
Warning
This device may only be used for the applications described in the catalog or the technical description and only in
connection with devices or components from other manufacturers which have been approved or recommended
by Siemens. Correct, reliable operation of the product requires proper transport, storage, positioning and
assembly as well as careful operation and maintenance.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this
publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the
owner.
Copyright Siemens AG 2004. All rights reserved.
The distribution and duplication of this document or the utiliz ation and transmission of its
contents are not permitted without express written permission. Offenders will be liable for
damages. All rights, including rights created by patent grant or registration of a utility
model or design, are reserved.
Siemens AG
Automation and Drives
Postfach 4848, 90327 Nuremberg, Germany
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft 6AU1900-1AB32-0BA0
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the
hardware and software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot
guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed
regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions.
Siemens AG 2004
Technical data subject to change
Preface
Contents of manual
The accompanying manual describes the SIMOTION CamTool option package.
The document is part of the SIMOTION Engineering System documentation package with
order number: 6AU1900-1AB32-0BA0, Edition 12.2004
Scope
The accompanying manual applies to SIMOTION SCOUT in conjunction with the
SIMOTION CamTool option package.
Standards
The SIMOTION system was developed in accordance with the ISO 9001 quality guidelines.
Information blocks:
The following is a description of the purpose and use of the product manual.
• Description chapter
• Installation chapter
• Configuration chapter
• Functions chapter
This chapter provides a short overview of the basic functions of the SIMOTION CamTool
and the inclusion in SIMOTION SCOUT.
This chapter describes how the SIMOTION CamTool is installed and which prerequisites
must be satisfied to allow the use of SIMOTION CamTool.
This chapter describes the basic functions of SIMOTION CamTool. It shows you how to
process cams with CamTool.
In this chapter you learn how to create a cam with CamTool.
An overview of the SIMOTION documentation is provided in a separate list of references.
The list of references is supplied on the "SIMOTION SCOUT" CD and is included in each
print copy order of the documentation package.
The list of references can be obtained separately under the following MLFB number:
Order no.: 6AU1900-1AA32-0BA0
Edition 12.2004
SIMOTION documentation consists of 10 documentation packages containing approximately
50 SIMOTION documents and documents on other products (e.g., SINAMICS).
The following documentation packages are available for SIMOTION V3.2:
• SIMOTION Engineering System
• SIMOTION System and Function Descriptions
• SIMOTION Diagnostics
• SIMOTION Programming
• SIMOTION Programming - Reference Lists
Hotline
• SIMOTION C230
• SIMOTION P350
• SIMOTION D4xx (incl. SINAMICS S120)
• SIMOTION Supplementary Documentation
• SIMOTION Function Library
If you have any questions, please contact our hotline (worldwide):
• A & D Technical Support: Phone: +49 (180) 50 50 222
• Fax: +49 (180) 50 50 223
• E-mail: ad.support@siemens.com
If you have any questions, suggestions, or corrections regarding the documentation, please
fax or e-mail them to the following:
• Fax: +49 (9131) 98 2176
• E-mail: motioncontrol.docu@erlf.siemens.de
• Fax form: refer to the reply form at the end of the document
Preface ...................................................................................................................................................... iii
The graphical user interface in SIMOTION CamTool allows you to create, edit and optimize
cams.
SIMOTION CamTool is fully integrated in SIMOTION SCOUT. This allows you to also use in
SIMOTION CamTool information configured in SIMOTION SCOUT (e.g. axis settings).
Basic functions
SIMOTION CamTool provides the following basic functions:
• Insert and edit cams.
• Modifying the representation of the cam in CamTool
• Converting cams from SIMOTION CamTool to SIMOTION CamEdit.
1
Cams can be added to a SCOUT project using SIMOTION CamTool. In addition, you can
edit with CamTool a cam created with CamEdit: Cams can also be imported from a text
file or uploaded from a SIMOTION device.
In SIMOTION CamTool, you can show and hide diagrams, change the representation
parameters of the axes and diagrams, and adapt the lines and fonts. You can also
represent auxiliary lines in the diagram.
To edit with SIMOTION CamEdit a cam edited in SIMOTION CamTool, the cam must be
converted.
SIMOTION CamTool is an option package for SIMOTION SCOUT.
SIMOTION SCOUT must have been installed on the system on which you want to install
SIMOTION CamTool. For further information, refer to the system prerequisites.
Notice
You require administrator rights for the installation.
After the installation, every user (also those without administrator rights) can work with
SIMOTION CamTool.
2
System requirements
The following table provides a detailed overview of the system requirements for
SIMOTION CamTool.
Table 2-1 SIMOTION CamTool system requirements
Minimum requirement
Programming device or
PC
Operating system
Software required
• Processor: Intel Pentium II or compatible. 400 MHz (WIN NT 4.0, WIN
2000)
• Processor: Intel Pentium III or compatible. 500 MHz
(WIN XP Professional)
• 256 MB RAM; 512 MB recommended
• Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels
• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 ≥ Service Pack 6 or
• Microsoft Windows 2000 ≥ Service Pack 3
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional ≥ Service 1
• Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 5.0.1
• SIMATIC STEP 7 Version 5.1 ≥ Service Pack 6 or STEP 7 Version 5.2
This chapter describes how you work with SIMOTION CamTool. You learn how
• to customize the display of the working area
• to edit a cam with CamTool
• to save a cam
• to customize the display of the cam
• to download a cam to a SIMOTION device
Note
The following operating instructions primarily describe the operation of
SIMOTION CamTool using the functions in the menu bar.
You can also execute the functions from the context menus. In this case, right-click the
element that you want to edit.
3
You can also execute the most import functions using the icons in the
SIMOTION CamTool toolbar. Pay attention to the tooltip which is displayed when you
place the mouse pointer on an icon in the toolbar.
3.2.1 Changing the representation using the toolbar
Introduction
You can show or hide the scaled curve, the V diagram (velocity diagram), the A diagram
(acceleration diagram) and the J diagram (jerk diagram) via icons in the toolbar. You can use
the zoom tool to increase or reduce the size of the display or use the hand tool to move the
display.
Changing the representation using the toolbar
To change the representation of the diagrams via the toolbar
Toolbar icons
1. When the mouse pointer is placed on an icon in the toolbar, a tooltip is displayed.
2. Click the icon of the function that you want to use.
The screen display can be changed using the following functions:
Table 3-1 SIMOTION CamTool toolbar icons
Symbol Explanation / instructions
With this icon, you can activate or deactivate the display of the scaled curve. If you
have not specified a scaling, the icon is shown grayed-out.
Note:
If the scaled curve is displayed, you cannot edit the original curves in the diagram
displays.
With this icon, you can show or hide the V diagram (velocity diagram).
With this icon, you can show or hide the A diagram (acceleration diagram).
With this icon, you can show or hide the J diagram (jerk diagram).
With this icon, you can activate or deactivate the zoom tool. You can also deactivate
the zoom tool using the ESC key.
You can perform various functions with the activated zoom tool. The function is
dependent on whether the mouse pointer is on the diagram area or on a coordinate
axis and whether the SHIFT key is also pressed:
Zoom tool on the diagram area (zoom in all directions at the same time)
Left-click to increase the size of the display by the factor 2.
Right-click to decrease the size of the display by the factor 2.
Zoom tool on the coordinate axis (zoom in all directions at the same time)
Left-click to increase the size of the display by the factor 2 in the direction of the
coordinate axis on which you are pointing.
Right-click to decrease the size of the display by the factor 2 in the direction of the
coordinate axis on which you are pointing.
Zoom tool with pressed SHIFT key
The mouse pointer is activated as a hand tool while you keep the SHIFT key pressed.
With activated hand tool, you can move the diagram area with drag&drop. All
displayed diagrams are adjusted to the move.
With this icon, you can activate or deactivate the zoom function. You can also
deactivate the zoom function using the ESC key.
Zoom function on the diagram area
With activated zoom function, you can lasso a section of the diagram area that you
want to enlarge with the mouse button pressed.
Zoom function on the coordinate axis
With activated zoom function, you can lasso a section of a coordinate axis that you
want to enlarge with the mouse button pressed. The enlargement is in the direction in
which you lasso the section of the coordinate axis.
With this icon, you can restore the previous zoom setting.
With this icon, you can activate or deactivate the hand tool. You can also deactivate
the hand tool using the ESC key.
With activated hand tool, you can move the diagram area with drag&drop. All
displayed diagrams are adjusted to the move.
With this icon, you can restore the whole display to the normal view.
4. Double-click the cam. The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool and displayed.
Segment limits between individual cam segments are marked in the S diagram (distance
diagram).
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Figure 3-4 Open with CamTool a cam created with CamEdit
5. Select the cam segment that you want to edit. Note the displayed segment limits.
6. Delete the cam segment by pressing the DEL key. The cam segment is replaced by an
interpolation curve (transition) by SIMOTION CamTool. If required, fixed points are
inserted in the curve to maintain the corner points of the original curve.
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Figure 3-5 Cam segment replaced by SIMOTION CamTool with fixed point and transition
(interpolation polynomial)
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7. The cam segment (e.g. fixed point) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be edited (e.g.
change position).
8. The interpolation curve (transition) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be optimized
(e.g. velocity).
Notice
With SIMOTION CamTool, you can edit all cams created with SIMOTION CamEdit.
Figure 3-7 Cam segment replaced by SIMOTION CamTool with fixed point and transition
(interpolation polynomial)
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3. Click the menu Cam > Import. The file selection window is displayed.
Navigate under Find in to the text file that contains the cam and select the text file. The
name of the text file is entered under Name.
4. Click OK in the file selection window. The cam is imported.
Notice
When you import a cam from a text file and have previously changed the displayed cam,
a window appears. You can accept the changed cam into the project via the window. The
cam is then imported from the text file.
1. The cam imported from a text file is displayed in SIMOTION CamTool. Segment limits
between individual cam segments are marked in the S diagram (distance diagram).
Select the cam segment that you want to edit. Note the displayed segment limits.
2. Delete the cam segment by pressing the DEL key. The cam segment is replaced by an
interpolation curve (transition) by SIMOTION CamTool. If required, fixed points are
inserted in the curve to maintain the corner points of the original curve.
3. The cam segment (e.g. fixed point) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be edited (e.g.
change position).
4. The interpolation curve (transition) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be optimized
(e.g. velocity).
3.3.5 Upload cam from SIMOTION device
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Notice
If you create a cam and the cam has never been previously downloaded to the SIMOTION
device, you must first download the entire configuration with the new cam to the SIMOTION
device.
Only then can you upload the cam currently opened with SIMOTION CamTool from the
SIMOTION device. The upload is only possible in ONLINE status.
Figure 3-9 Cam segment replaced by SIMOTION CamTool with fixed point and transition
(interpolation polynomial)
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3. Click the menu Cam > Upload cam. The cam is uploaded from the SIMOTION device.
4. After the upload, you can change back to OFFLINE status. Click the menu
Project > Disconnect from target system.
Notice
When you upload a cam from the SIMOTION device and have previously changed the
displayed cam, a window appears. You can accept the changed cam into the project via
the window. The cam is then uploaded from the SIMOTION device.
1. The uploaded cam is displayed in SIMOTION CamTool. Segment limits between
individual cam segments are marked in the S diagram (distance diagram).
Select the cam segment that you want to edit. Note the displayed segment limits.
2. Delete the cam segment by pressing the DEL key. The cam segment is replaced by an
interpolation curve (transition) by SIMOTION CamTool. If required, fixed points are
inserted in the curve to maintain the corner points of the original curve.
3. The cam segment (e.g. fixed point) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be edited (e.g.
change position).
4. The interpolation curve (transition) inserted by SIMOTION CamTool can be optimized
(e.g. velocity).
3.4 Save cam
Requirements
Save cam
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Notice
When you exit SIMOTION CamTool and have previously changed the cam, a window
appears. You can accept the changed cam into the project via the window.
SIMOTION CamTool is then closed.
When you upload a cam from a SIMOTION device and have previously changed the
displayed cam, a window appears. You can accept the changed cam into the project via the
window. The cam is then uploaded from the SIMOTION device.
When you import a cam from a text file and have previously changed the displayed cam, a
window appears. You can accept the changed cam into the project via the window. The cam
is then imported from the text file.
To save a cam:
1. Click the menu Project > Save. The cam is transferred to the SCOUT project.
The S diagram (distance diagram) of the cam is always displayed in the SIMOTION SCOUT
working area. You can show or hide the V diagram (velocity diagram), the A diagram
(acceleration diagram) and the J diagram (jerk diagram) via icons in the toolbar.
Representation parameters
You can customize the display parameters (e.g. representation range) for the master axis,
the slave axis and the individual diagrams. This also includes the fonts and lines used for the
display.
3. Either the window Master Properties (for the master axis) or the window S Diagram
Properties (Slave) (for the slave axis) is displayed.
For the master axis, change the representation parameters in the window Master Properties.
Figure 3-11 Master Properties window
For the slave axis, change the representation parameters in the window S Diagram (Slave)
Properties.
Figure 3-12 Slave Properties window
Table 3-2 Parameters in the Master Properties or S Diagram (Slave) Properties
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Master Range
(Master Properties)
Start Enter the start point of the curve, or the start of the master
End Enter the end point of the curve, or the end of the master
CamTool
You specify the master range (definition range) of the curve
via start and end points. Cam segments must lie within this
master range (see also Master range under Target device
properties in the Coordinates tab).
Set automatically If you activate Set automatically, the grid lines will be
Main line spacing You can activate the display of the grid lines for the main
Auxiliary line spacing
(Main line spacing activated)
Specify here the Start point of the representation range.
If the Number of periods option has been activated, the
system will determine the start point.
Specify here the End point of the representation range.
If the Number of periods option has been activated, the
system will determine the end point.
If under Target device parameters in the Coordinates tab,
you have specified the cyclic absolute execution type or the
cyclic relative execution type, you can select the
option Number of periods. Enter the number of periods that
you want to display.
displayed automatically with an optimum spacing.
If you deactivate Set automatically, you can use Main line
spacing or Auxiliary line spacing to specify the grid line
spacing.
line spacing here.
If you deactivate the Set automatically option, you can
specify the grid line spacing for the main line spacing.
Note:
The spacing that you specify for the grid lines in the main
line spacing must be a multiple of the spacing that you
specify for the grid lines in the auxiliary line spacing.
If the main line spacing option has been activated, you can
also activate the display of the grid lines for the auxiliary line
spacing.
If you deactivate the Set automatically option, you can
specify the grid line spacing for the auxiliary line spacing.
Note:
The spacing that you specify for the grid lines in the main
line spacing must be a multiple of the spacing that you
specify for the grid lines in the auxiliary line spacing.
To change the representation parameters for the V diagram (velocity diagram), the A
diagram (acceleration diagram) or the J diagram (jerk diagram):
1. Click a diagram to show the Cam menu.
2. Click the diagram whose representation parameters you want to change under
menu Cam > Representation parameters.
3. Either the window V Diagram Properties (for the velocity diagram), the window A Diagram
Properties (for the acceleration diagram) or the window J Diagram Properties (for the jerk
diagram) is displayed.
For the V diagram (velocity diagram), change the representation parameters in the
window V Diagram Properties.
Figure 3-13 V Diagram Properties window
For the A diagram (acceleration diagram), change the representation parameters in the
window A Diagram Properties.
For the J diagram (jerk diagram), change the representation parameters in the
window J Diagram Properties.
Figure 3-15 J Diagram Properties window
Table 3-3 Parameters for the V, A or J Diagram Properties windows
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Representation range
Automatically If you activate Automatically, the representation range in the
Y-direction will be automatically changed to the value range
of the displayed curve.
If you deactivate Automatically, you can use maximum
value and minimum value to specify the representation
range in the Y-direction.
Maximum value
(automatically deactivated)
Minimum value
(automatically deactivated)
Grid lines
Set automatically If you activate Set automatically, the grid lines will be
Main line spacing You can activate the display of the grid lines for the main
Specify here the maximum value of the representation
range.
If the Automatically option has been activated, the system
will determine the maximum value.
Specify here the minimum value of the representation
range.
If the Automatically option has been activated, the system
will determine the minimum value.
displayed automatically with an optimum spacing.
If you deactivate Set automatically, you can use Main line
spacing or Auxiliary line spacing to specify the grid line
spacing.
line spacing here.
If you deactivate the Set automatically option, you can
specify the grid line spacing for the main line spacing.
Note:
The spacing that you specify for the grid lines in the main
line spacing must be a multiple of the spacing that you
specify for the grid lines in the auxiliary line spacing.
If the main line spacing option has been activated, you can
also activate the display of the grid lines for the auxiliary line
spacing.
If you deactivate the Set automatically option, you can
specify the grid line spacing for the auxiliary line spacing.
Note:
The spacing that you specify for the grid lines in the main
line spacing must be a multiple of the spacing that you
specify for the grid lines in the auxiliary line spacing.
3.5.5 Change lines and fonts representation parameters
For the representation of the diagrams, default parameters are used for the lines and fonts.
You can change these default settings.
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Figure 3-16 Representation parameters in the diagrams (line for the scaling not shown)
Preview Under Preview, the line type specified via type, color and
width is shown.
You can change the representation parameters for the fonts in the Font tab.
Table 3-6 Parameters in the Font tab
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Settings
Font Select the font here.
The font is displayed in the Preview.
Font style Select the font style here.
The font is displayed in the Preview.
Font size Select the font size here.
The font is displayed in the Preview.
Preview Under Preview, the font specified via font, font style and font
size is shown.
3.5.6 Displaying auxiliary lines in the diagram
You can represent horizontal and vertical auxiliary lines in the individual diagrams. You can,
for example, determine the position of individual points of the curve via auxiliary lines.
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Representing a horizontal auxiliary line in a diagram
To represent a horizontal auxiliary line (in the direction of the x-coordinate) in a diagram:
1. Click in the diagram, in which you want to represent a horizontal auxiliary line, on the xcoordinate and keep the mouse button pressed. The current position of the auxiliary line
is displayed in the position window.
Moving the position window along an auxiliary line
To move a position window with the current position of the auxiliary line along the horizontal
or vertical auxiliary line:
1. Point at the position window. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you can
move the window. Drag the window with the current position with drag&drop to the new
position.
Figure 3-19 Moving the position window horizontally
Deleting an auxiliary line in a diagram
To delete a horizontal or vertical auxiliary line in a diagram:
1. Select the auxiliary line that you want to delete.
2. Press the DEL key. The auxiliary line is deleted.
3.6 Download cam to SIMOTION device
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Notice
If you create a cam and the cam has never been previously downloaded to the SIMOTION
device, you must first download the entire configuration with the new cam to the SIMOTION
device.
Only then can you download the cam independent of the other technology objects in the
SIMOTION device. The download is only possible in ONLINE status.
In this chapter you learn how you can use SIMOTION CamTool to create and optimize a
cam, and to make the simulation settings. In addition, you learn how you can use CamTool
to edit a cam created with CamEdit and how you can export a cam as a text file.
Note
The following operating instructions primarily describe the operation of SIMOTION CamTool
using the functions in the menu bar.
You can also execute the functions from the context menus. In this case, right-click the
element that you want to edit.
You can also execute the most import functions using the icons in the SIMOTION CamTool
toolbar. Pay attention to the Tooltip which is displayed when you place the mouse pointer on
an icon in the toolbar.
Create the cam in the S diagram (distance diagram). The curve represents the path-related
dependency between the master axis (X-axis in the diagram) and the slave axis (Y-axis in
the diagram).
Structure of a cam
The cam consists of individual cam segments.
Under SIMOTION CamTool, you can use fixed points, straight lines, sine curves, arc sine
curves and interpolation points as cam segments.
SIMOTION CamTool calculates interpolation curves between the individual cam segments
and displays the V diagram (velocity diagram), the A diagram (acceleration diagram) and the
J diagram (jerk diagram).
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Figure 4-1 Example of a cam with interpolation curves
The cam consists of individual cam segments. Under SIMOTION CamTool, you can use
fixed points, straight lines, sine curves, arc sine curves and interpolation points as cam
segments.
A fixed point is a specified position of the slave axis for a certain position of the master axis.
You can specify the velocity and acceleration at the fixed point position.
Notice
With a fixed point, you define a single fixed position. The transitions between adjacent cam
segments are optimally calculated by CamTool.
If you want to specify an arbitrary characteristic, you must use interpolation points. The
individual interpolation points are connected by CamTool with cubic splines in order to
generate a curve specified by the interpolation points which is as exact as possible.
4.3.2 Insert fixed point
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Insert fixed point
To insert a fixed point:
1. Click in the S diagram (distance diagram) to activate the diagram.
2. Click under menu Cam > Insert at fixed point. The mouse pointer changes.
3. With the changed mouse pointer, click the position in the S diagram (distance diagram) at
v = Under v =, the current velocity at the position of the fixed point is
displayed.
(see note below)
a =
(manual input activated)
Manual input If you activate Manual input, you can enter an acceleration value
Under a =, the current acceleration at the position of the fixed
point is displayed.
If Manual input is deactivated, the acceleration value is
calculated by the system. The jerk diagram (J diagram) is
smooth at the position of the fixed point.
If Manual input is activated, you can enter an acceleration value.
To change the acceleration, enter the new acceleration under a =
and click Accept or OK. The display of the fixed point in the
diagrams is refreshed.
under a =.
If you deactivate Manual input, the acceleration value is
calculated by the system. The jerk diagram (J diagram) is
smooth at the position of the fixed point.
Notice
To specify an absolute slave velocity, you must select an absolute master velocity for
calculations in the Simulation Settings window.
4.3.5 Changing the acceleration at a fixed point position:
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Change acceleration at fixed point
To change the acceleration at the fixed point position:
1. Right-click the fixed point and select Direct entry for acceleration in the displayed context
menu.
2. The acceleration at a fixed point position is represented by a handle in the A diagram
(acceleration diagram).
Select the handle. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you can move the
handle.
3. Move the handle with drag&drop to the new position.
1. Double-click the fixed point. The Fixed Point Properties window appears.
2. In the Dynamic response tab, activate the option Manual input and enter the new
acceleration.
3. Click OK. The handle in the A diagram (acceleration diagram) is shown at the new
position.
Notice
To specify an absolute slave acceleration, you must select an absolute master velocity
for calculations in the Simulation Settings window.
4.3.6 Delete fixed point
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Delete fixed point
To delete a fixed point:
1. Select the fixed point that you want to delete.
2. Press the DEL key. The fixed point is deleted and the representation of the cam adjusted
in all diagrams.
4.4 Straight line
4.4.1 Definition straight line
Definition
The cam consists of individual cam segments. Under SIMOTION CamTool, you can use
fixed points, straight lines, sine curves, arc sine curves and interpolation points as cam
segments.
A straight line defines a synchronous distance in the cam. You can specify the velocity along
the straight line.
1. Click in the S diagram (distance diagram) to activate the diagram.
2. Click Straight line under menu Cam > Insert. The mouse pointer changes.
With the changed mouse pointer, click the position in the S diagram (distance diagram) at
which you want to insert the straight line. The straight line is inserted with a default size.
The current position of the straight line is shown in the tooltip.
1. The velocity along a straight line is represented by a line in the V diagram (velocity
diagram).
Select the line. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you can move the line.
2. Move the line with drag&drop to the new position. The S diagram (distance diagram) is
automatically adjusted.
Figure 4-5 Changing the velocity along a straight line
or
1. Double-click the straight line. The Straight Line Properties window appears.
2. Enter the new velocity in the Dynamic response tab and click OK. The line in the V
diagram (velocity diagram) is shown at the new position. The S diagram (distance
diagram) is automatically adjusted.
Notice
To specify an absolute slave velocity, you must select an absolute master velocity for
calculations in the Simulation Settings window.
2. Enter the new position in the Position tab and click OK. The sine curve is shown at the
new position.
Figure 4-9 Position (Fx Sine Properties) tab
4.5.3 Change sine curve definition range
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Change sine curve definition range
To change the definition range of a sine curve:
1. Select the sine curve in the S diagram (distance diagram).
The current position of the sine curve is shown in the tooltip.
2. The sine curve is shown with handles. The handles for the definition range are shown in
green. Point to a green handle. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you can
move the handle.
3. Move the green handles with drag&drop to the new positions. While moving, the current
value of the respective limit of the definition range is displayed in the tooltip.
2. Press the DEL key. The sine curve is deleted and the representation of the cam adjusted
in all diagrams.
4.6 Arc Sine Curve
4.6.1 Insert arc sine curve
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Notice
The arc sine curve is calculated as an interpolation point table. The number of interpolation
points can be specified in the Fx Arc Sine Properties window. Double-click the arc sine curve
to show the window.
Insert arc sine curve
To insert an arc sine curve:
1. Click in the S diagram (distance diagram) to activate the diagram.
2. Click Arc sine under menu Cam > Insert > Functions. The mouse pointer changes.
3. With the changed mouse pointer, click the position in the S diagram (distance diagram) at
which you want to insert the arc sine curve. The arc sine curve is inserted with a default
size.
2. Enter the new position and the number of interpolation points in the Position tab and
click OK. The arc sine curve is shown at the new positions. The arc sine curve is saved
by the system as an interpolation point table.
Figure 4-14 Position tab
4.6.3 Change arc sine curve definition range
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Change arc sine curve definition range
To change the definition range of an arc sine curve:
1. Select the arc sine curve in the S diagram (distance diagram).
The current position of the arc sine curve is shown in the tooltip.
2. The arc sine curve is shown with handles. The handles for the definition range are shown
in green. Point to a green handle. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you
can move the handle.
The cam consists of individual cam segments. Under SIMOTION CamTool, you can use
fixed points, straight lines, sine curves, arc sine curves and interpolation points as cam
segments.
An interpolation point is a specified position in the S diagram (distance diagram).
4.7.2 Insert interpolation point
Requirements
The cam is opened with SIMOTION CamTool.
Notice
With a fixed point, you define a single fixed position. The transitions between adjacent cam
segments are optimally calculated by CamTool.
If you want to specify an arbitrary characteristic, you must use interpolation points. The
interpolation points are connected by CamTool with cubic splines in order to generate a
curve specified by the interpolation points which is as exact as possible.
Insert interpolation point
To insert an interpolation point:
1. Click in the S diagram (distance diagram) to activate the diagram.
2. Click Interpolation point under menu Cam > Insert. The mouse pointer changes.
3. With the changed mouse pointer, click the position in the S diagram (distance diagram) at
which you want to insert the interpolation point.
Create the cam in the S diagram (distance diagram). The curve represents the path-related
dependency between the master axis (X-axis in the diagram) and the slave axis (Y-axis in
the diagram).
Structure of a cam
The cam consists of individual cam segments.
Under SIMOTION CamTool, you can use fixed points, straight lines, sine curves, arc sine
curves and interpolation points as cam segments.
SIMOTION CamTool calculates interpolation curves between the individual cam segments
and displays the V diagram (velocity diagram), the A diagram (acceleration diagram) and the
J diagram (jerk diagram).
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Figure 4-18 Example of a cam with interpolation curves
4. Click the Limits tab to display the minimum and maximum values of the interpolation
curve.
Notice
For the slave axis, you can take over the settings of an axis already existing in the project
via the menu Cam > Simulation settings and specify the limits of the axis. These
simulation settings for the slave axis are used for the calculation of the percentage values
which are displayed in the Limits tab.
or
1. Use the handles, which are dependent on the settings in the Interpolation Curve
Properties window, to optimize the cam.
2. The mouse pointer shows the direction in which you can move the handle.
3. Move the handle with drag&drop to the new position. The display of the cam is adjusted
in all diagrams.
Figure 4-20 Optimizing a cam with handle using drag&drop
You can specify the type of the interpolation curve for the transition here.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-1 Parameters in the Type tab (Interpolation Curve Properties window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Transition The type of transition is displayed here.
Allow interpolation by target device If you activate this option, the system does not generate an interpolation
curve. The transition is interpolated by the target device. The
representation of the transition is refreshed in the diagrams when you
click Accept or OK.
Optimize for
(allow interpolation by target device
deactivated)
Do not optimize If you select this option, all the interpolation curves which are suitable for
Velocity If you select this option, all the interpolation curves which are suitable for
Acceleration If you select this option, all the interpolation curves which are suitable for
Jerk If you select this option, all the interpolation curves which are suitable for
Applicable motion rules
(allow interpolation by target device
deactivated)
the transition are displayed under Applicable motion rules.
the transition for the optimization of the velocity are displayed under
Applicable motion rules.
the transition for the optimization of the acceleration are displayed under
Applicable motion rules.
the transition for the optimization of the jerk are displayed under
Applicable motion rules.
The applicable motion rules are displayed here. Select the motion rule
that you want to use for the transition. The representation of the
transition is refreshed in the diagrams when you click Accept or OK.
Depending on the motion rule used, you can specify further parameters
in the Parameters tab.
You can specify the parameters of the interpolation curve for the transition here.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-2 Parameters in the Parameters tab (Interpolation Curve Properties window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Jerk at boundary point
(allow interpolation by target device
deactivated)
(for 6th degree polynomial)
Automatically If you activate Automatically, the jerk value at the boundary points is
Left
(automatically deactivated)
Right
(automatically deactivated)
(Jerk value)
(automatically deactivated)
Curve point of inflexion
(allow interpolation by target device
deactivated)
(for inclined sine curve)
(for modified sine curve)
(for modified acceleration trapezoid)
(for harmonic combination)
Valid values are between 0 and 1 You can enter the turning point of the curve here.
Optimum value If you click this button, the optimum value for the turning point of the
calculated by the system. A polynomial of the 5th degree is used for the
calculation.
Note:
You can activate this function via the context menu in the diagram
representation: Right-click the transition and select Automatic jerk
characteristic in the context menu.
If you activate Left, you can specify the jerk at the left boundary point of
the interpolation curve. Enter the jerk value in the input field.
If you activate Right, you can specify the jerk at the right boundary point
of the interpolation curve. Enter the jerk value in the input field.
If you activate the option Left or the option Right, you can enter the jerk
value here.
Note:
To specify an absolute jerk value, you must select an absolute master
velocity for calculations in the Simulation Settings window.
curve is calculated by the system and entered under Valid values are
between 0 and 1.
Note:
You can activate this function via the context menu in the diagram
representation: Right-click the transition and select Optimum value in the
context menu.
Min The minimum value is displayed here as absolute value and as
percentage value depending on the physical limit.
If the physical limit is undershot, the minimum value is displayed with a
red background.
Max The maximum value is displayed here as absolute value and as
percentage value depending on the physical limit.
If the physical limit is exceeded, the maximum value is displayed with a
red background.
Jerk (v < 0)
Min The minimum value is displayed here as absolute value and as
percentage value depending on the physical limit.
If the physical limit is undershot, the minimum value is displayed with a
red background.
Max The maximum value is displayed here as absolute value and as
percentage value depending on the physical limit.
If the physical limit is exceeded, the maximum value is displayed with a
red background.
Notice
For the slave axis, you can take over the settings of an axis already existing in the project via
the menu Cam > Simulation settings and specify the limits of the axis. These simulation
settings for the slave axis are used for the calculation of the percentage values which are
displayed in the Limits tab.
If you specify a scaling, you can show and hide the scaled curve via the menu
Cam > Representation parameters > Display scaling.
If the scaled curve is displayed, you cannot edit the original curve in the diagram
displays.
4.9.2 Target device parameters
coordinates
Specify the coordinates for the target device here.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-4 Parameters in the Coordinates tab (Target Device Parameters window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Master Range You specify the master range (definition range) of the curve via start and
end points. Cam segments must lie within this master range (see also
Master range under S Diagram (Master) properties).
Start Enter the start point of the curve, or the start of the master range of the
curve here.
End Enter the end point of the curve, or the end of the master range of the
curve here.
Execution type The Execution type specifies the interpolation of the cam by the target
device at the boundary points of the master range.
Non-cyclic If you select the Non-cyclic execution type. The cam cycle ends when
the end value of the curve is reached. The function values of the cam
(slave position) at the start and end point of the master range are
normally different.
Note:
If you activate Non-cyclic, the master range in the horizontal direction is
displayed once.
Cyclic absolute If you select the cyclic absolute execution type, a return is made from the
end value of the slave axis to the start point of the slave axis and the
cam is repeated. The function values of the cam (slave position) at the
start and end point of the master range are identical. Possibly an
identical value (average value) is forced from the target device.
Note:
If you activate Cyclic absolute, the master range in the horizontal
direction can be displayed repeatedly.
Cyclic relative If you select the cyclic relative execution type, the cam will be repeated
starting at the end value of the slave axis. The first derivation of the cam
(velocity) in the start and end point of the master range are identical.
Possibly an identical value (average value) is forced from the target
device.
Note:
If you activate Cyclic relative, the master range in the horizontal and
vertical direction can be displayed repeatedly. You can optimize the
display via the parameters Cycle start (slave) and Cycle length (slave).
Cycle start (slave)(Cyclic relative
activated)
Cycle length (slave)(Cyclic relative
activated)
Under Cycle start (slave), enter the start point for the display in the
vertical direction.
Under Cycle length (slave), enter the length of the displayed range in the
vertical direction.
Interpolation
Specify the interpolation for the target device here.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-5 Parameters in the Interpolation tab (Target Device Parameters window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Interpolation type The curve in the master range can be made up of individual segments.
Gaps may occur between the curve segments. If the gaps are greater
than the maximum specified gap size, interpolation for the target device
is performed between the end points of the curve segments.
Under Interpolation type, specify the type of target device for which the
interpolation is to be performed between the gaps.
Linear If you select the interpolation type Linear, there is a smooth closure of
the gap through the insertion of a straight line segment between the
interpolation points.
Cubic splines If you select the interpolation type Cubic splines, there is a smooth
differentiable closure of the gap. The curve runs through the specified
interpolation points.
Bezier splines If you select the interpolation type Bezier splines, the approximation
curve runs along the specified interpolation points.
With gaps up to
Master
Leave gaps Gaps may occur between the curve segments of the master axis. Here
you can specify up to which size the gaps are maintained.
Merge points Gaps may occur between the curve segments of the master axis. Here
you can specify up to which size the gaps are closed by merging the end
points.
Slave
Leave gaps Gaps may occur between the curve segments of the slave axis. Here
you can specify up to which size the gaps are maintained.
Merge points Gaps may occur between the curve segments of the slave axis. Here
you can specify up to which size the gaps are closed by merging the end
points.
You can specify the scaling for the target device here.
Notice
To display the scaled curve, select menu Cam > Representation parameters > Display
scaling.
If the scaled curve is displayed, you cannot edit the original curve. To edit the original curve
again, reselect menu Cam > Representation parameters > Display scaling.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-6 Parameters in the Scaling tab (Target Device Parameters window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Master axis
Basic scaling Enter the basic scaling of the master axis here. The center of the scaling
is always the coordinate origin.
Note:
Do not use any scaling values which are greater than 5. Greater values
cause a roughness in the curve characteristic.
Scalings You can specify the scalings of two ranges of the master axis here. The
center of the scaling is the start point of the scaling range.
Note:
If you specify two ranges, the ranges cannot overlap.
(Range1) Under From and To, enter the range that you want to scale. Under
Factor, enter the scaling factor.
Note:
Do not use any scaling values which are greater than 5. Greater values
cause a roughness in the curve characteristic.
(Range2) Under From and To, enter the range that you want to scale. Under
Factor, enter the scaling factor.
Note:
Do not use any scaling values which are greater than 5. Greater values
cause a roughness in the curve characteristic.
Offset You can enter a factor for the offset of the master axis here. If you have
specified a scaling, the offset applies to the scaled curve. If you have not
specified a scaling, the offset applies to the unscaled curve.
You specify here the simulation settings for the Master tab.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-7 Parameters in the Master tab (Simulation Settings window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Setting
Accept from axis
Properties
(Setting: None)
(Setting: Time axis)
Linear axis
(Setting: None)
Rotary axis
(Setting: None)
Modulo rotary axis
(Setting: None)
Type
(Setting: None)
Unit of measure
(Setting: None)
(Setting: Time axis)
• (Axis)
When you create the cam for an axis that already exists
in the project, you can select the axis here. The
configured values are taken over and displayed. You
can change the master velocity for calculations.
• (External encoder)
When you create the cam for an external encoder that
already exists in the project, you can select the external
encoder here. The configured values are taken over and
displayed.
• None
If you select None, you can specify all parameters.
• Time axis
If you select Time axis, you can specify the unit of
measure under Properties.
If you select this option, you simulate the master axis as a
linear axis.
If you select this option, you simulate the master axis as a
rotary axis.
If you select this option, you simulate the master axis as a
modulo rotary axis.
Here you select the axis type.
Here you specify the unit of measure for the axis. Select a
unit of measure or enter the unit of measure. The
representation of the unit of measure is refreshed in the
diagrams when you click Accept or OK.
Note:
The unit of measure is only used for the display. If the unit
of measure is changed, the represented values are not
converted.
Gear ratio (relative) If you activate this option, all calculations are based on
Use standard velocity
(Setting (axis))
User-defined If you activate this option, you must enter a velocity under
V Master
(User-defined activated)
relative values (values relative to the master axis).
If you activate this option, the configured standard velocity
of the axis which you specified under Accept from axis is
accepted. All calculations are based on absolute values.
V master. All calculations are based on absolute values.
If you activate user-defined, you must enter the master
velocity under V master.
Slave tab
You specify here the simulation settings for the Slave tab.
You can set the following parameters:
Table 4-8 Parameters in the Slave tab (Simulation Settings window)
Field/button Explanation/instructions
Setting
Accept from axis
Properties
(Setting: None)
Linear axis If you select this option, you simulate the slave axis as a
Rotary axis If you select this option, you simulate the slave axis as a
Modulo rotary axis If you select this option, you simulate the slave axis as a
Type Here you select the axis type.
Unit of measure Here you specify the unit of measure for the axis. Select a
• (Axis)
When you create the cam for an axis that already exists
in the project, you can select the axis here. The
configured values are taken over and displayed.
• None
If you select None, you can specify all parameters.
linear axis.
rotary axis.
modulo rotary axis.
unit of measure or enter the unit of measure. The
representation of the unit of measure is refreshed in the
diagrams when you click Accept or OK.
Note:
The unit of measure is only used for the display. If the unit
of measure is changed, the represented values are not
converted.
Minimum Enter the minimum limit of the slave axis here.
Maximum Enter the maximum limit of the slave axis here.
Modulo values
(Setting: None)
(Simulation of slave axis as modulo
rotary axis activated)
Base If the simulation of slave axis as modulo rotary axis is
Length If the simulation of slave axis as modulo rotary axis is
activated, you must enter the modulo base here.
activated, you must enter the modulo length here.
4.11 Edit cam created with CamTool with CamEdit
Convert a cam created with CamTool for CamEdit
To edit a cam created with CamTool with CamEdit:
1. Close the cam in SIMOTION CamTool.
2. Find the cam that you want to edit with SIMOTION CamEdit in the project navigator.
3. Right-click the cam and select Convert to CamEdit in the displayed context menu. The
cam is then opened the next time with SIMOTION CamEdit.
Notice
With SIMOTION CamEdit, you can edit all cams that contain only polynomials or only
interpolation points. In general, those are all the cams created with SIMOTION CamTool
that do not contain any cam segments with arc sine curves.
4.12 Export cam as text file
You can export a cam created with SIMOTION CamTool as a text file (e.g. to edit the cam in
an external program).
Cam segments, 4-2
Upload cam from SIMOTION device;SIMOTION
device, 3-13
Change acceleration at fixed point, 4-6
Change arc sine curve definition range, 4-18
Change arc sine curve position, 4-17
Change fixed point position, 4-5
Change sine curve definition range, 4-14
Change sine curve position, 4-13
Change straight line position, 4-9
Change velocity at fixed point, 4-5
Changing the interpolation point position, 4-22
Changing the velocity along a straight line, 4-10
Creating, 4-2, 4-23
Delete arc sine curve, 4-19
Delete fixed point, 4-7
Delete interpolation point, 4-22
Delete sine curve, 4-15
Delete straight line, 4-11
Deleting a horizontal auxiliary line, 3-26
Download to SIMOTION device, 3-27
Edit uploaded cam, 3-15
Edit with SIMOTION CamEdit, 4-38
Editing an imported cam, 3-12
Export as text file, 4-39
Importing a cam from a text file, 3-10
Insert, 3-6
Insert arc sine curve, 4-15
Insert fixed point, 4-3
Insert interpolation point, 4-20
Insert sine curve, 4-11
Insert straight line, 4-8
Interpolation curves, 4-2, 4-23
Optimize transition, 4-24
Optimizing the handles, 4-25
Printing, 4-39
Save, 3-15
Specify simulation settings, 4-35
Specifying the target device parameters, 4-30
Cam segments, 4-23
Structure, 4-2
Changing the acceleration
Fixed point position, 4-6
Changing the definition range
Arc Sine Curve, 4-18
Sine curve, 4-14
Changing the representation parameters
Lines and fonts, 3-23
Diagram, 3-20
Axis, 3-17
Changing the velocity
Along a straight line, 4-10
At fixed point position, 4-5
Creating
Cam, 4-2
Creating
Cam, 4-23
D
Definition
Straight line, 4-7
Delete
Arc Sine Curve, 4-19
Fixed point, 4-7
Horizontal auxiliary line, 3-26
Interpolation point, 4-22
Sine curve, 4-15
Straight line, 4-11
Changing the representation using the toolbar, 3-2
Transition
Note: Curve point of inflexion (optimize), 4-27
Note: Optimum value (optimize), 4-27
Optimize, 4-24
Optimizing the handles, 4-25
Warning: Absolute jerk value (optimize), 4-27
Z
Zoom
in all directions at the same time, 3-3
Zoom
Increasing the size of an area, 3-3
Restoring the normal view, 3-3
Restoring the previous zoom setting, 3-3
Zoom function on the coordinate axis, 3-3
Zoom function on the diagram area, 3-3
Zoom tool
Hand tool with the SHIFT key, 3-3
Zoom in all directions at the same time, 3-3
Zoom in the direction of the coordinate axis, 3-3