Prior VERICUT experience is required – proficiency with using VERICUT is a prerequisite for this class. To get the most from this class we strongly recommend that you have gone through VERICUT verification training sessions to reinforce your understanding of basic VERICUT knowledge. In addition, you can quickly review the VERICUT training sessions (part of every install). The training sessions can be found in VERICUT’s Help menu > On VERICUT… – look for “Training Sessions” in the tree on the left side of the window. The Machine and Control Building Class will pick up from the basic VERICUT training, and will cover advanced material pertinent to CNC machines and G-code NC program simulations.

The goal of this class is to provide you with a foundation of machine and control building knowledge. By the end of the class you will be able to begin building a wide range of machines and simulate the NC codes that run on them. This should not be considered a “custom machine building” class, although you are invited to work on your own machines in the Workshop session that follows the class. The class will discuss principles applicable to a wide array of NC machines so that all attendees may advance their machine and control building knowledge.

Selecting a machine to build – we suggest starting with a simple 3 or 4-axis machine, as this increases your chances of completion. Some 5-axis machines may be candidates if the NC program is not too complex. Avoid selecting complex machines (e.g. mill-turn, multi-tasking or multi-channel machines, etc.), as they typically require more time and effort than is available during class.

What to bring – if there is a particular machine you are interested in building, bring as much data/information about this task as possible. For example:

Machine information:

• Machine Make and Model.
• Machine diagrams – showing all motion axes & directions, pivot distances, travel distances & limits (more info is better).
• Machine models – model files when available, otherwise drawings of machine components.
• Tool behavior – which axes move during a tool change, and to where.
• Rapid & Max Feed Rates of each axis.
• Rapid motion behavior – Dog-leg vs. interpolated motion, axis priorities and sequences.

Control information:

• Control Make and Model.
• Programming or Operator’s Manual – or equivalent, describing all codes to be supported.

Sample/test job data:

• NC Program – this should be a program that is known to run correctly on the machine without operator intervention, and demonstrates all features to be simulated.
• Stock model – model file, drawing, or dimensions.
• Fixture/Design models – bring when available. These can aid in faster setups on the simulated NC machine, and with verifying that simulated motions are correct.
• Setup sketch/instructions.
• Cutting tool descriptions – tool shapes, pocket numbers, gage lengths, offsets, etc. You may not actually need all this data, but it is a good idea to have it just in case.

What happens after class – while every attempt is made to help you complete your machine(s) during class, it may not always be feasible or possible to do so. Keep in mind that the intent of this class is to provide you with a good foundation of basic machine and control building knowledge that enables you to begin building a wide range of machine types. As questions arise, feel free to contact Technical Support for assistance. It has been our experience that most questions can be answered directly, however, some may be better handled via consulting services. Either way, we will do our best to assist you!

See you in class!

Sincerely,

CGTech Technical Support