Tutorials

Sometimes it is just easier to show you than to tell you……..

With that in mind, we are starting to compile a series of ‘very’ short video tutorials to show you how to perform a variety of functions in ONGAA CAM to get you started.  You will see just how easy ONGAA CAM is to use in under 10 minutes.

If there are specific functions you would like us to demonstrate, send us an email info@ongsolutions.ca

The Basics.

One of the most repeated phrases heard in ‘SOLIDWORKS School’ is:

‘Design Intent — Draw it like you want to make it!‘.

This means that the model must be accurate and match the part as you intend to manufacture it.  It is more than a ‘pretty picture’ when you start adding machining processes that depend on the model for numbers. (accurate numbers)

Tutorials

With the proper ‘Design Intent’ and the principles demonstrated in the above videos more than 90% of your machining needs will be met.  For the last 10% we will demonstrate additional features of ONGAA CAM which are both time savers and provide better machining.

• Override the geometry.  Use the ‘$f’ feature to alter alter model geometry in those cases where there is nothing to select because the ‘material’ has been machined away.  Take for example using a saw process to rough size a part 3 mm away from what will be a shaped surface.  Th model will have the shaped surface but no line you you to select.  By selecting a nearby element, ONGAA CAM will use the geometry from the element, but by using ‘$f + 3’ or ‘$f – 3’ the geometry can be persuaded to be offset by 3 mm.
• Refer to other known values.  Use the &XX: variables to refer to connect fields on one page.  Take for example a saw process where it is common practice to pre-score.  Pre-Score depth of 1/2 the part thickness works for cuts but grooves would require pre-score depth to be 1/2 the groove depth.  ‘&TI:/2‘ does just that.  &TI: is the groove depth, for this process.  TI is only one of dozens of useful ‘Geometry’ and user selection values.

For more details on ONGAA CAM and how to use it check out the On-Line Help pages.

FAQs

1. What data files do I need to copy from the machine (console) to be in-synch?
   • The files needed by both the ‘office WoodWOP’ and ONGAA CAM are listed below. The location of the file vary depending on the WoodWOP version.

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     WoodWOP 4 – 5

     Filename	Location
     ww40.ini	c:\ww4\	Defines current machine and locations of data (c:\ww4\a1 i.e.)
     ww40.cfg	c:\ww4\a1	Defines current machine process options
     sauger.cfg	c:\ww4\a1	Defines vacuum cups
     wz_db85.txt	c:\ww4\a1\db	WoodWOP tool data
     _*.ply	c:\ww4\a1\ml4	All files starting with ‘_’ and ending in ‘.ply’ are graphical comment fonts
     *.wmf,*.bmp,*.ply	c:\ww4\a1\tlg	Graphics files for tool database

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     WoodWOP 6 – 7 

     Filename	Location
     ww40.ini	C:\Program Files (x86)\Homag Group\woodWOP6	Defines current machine and locations of data (c:\machine1\a1 i.e.)
     ww40.cfg	c:\MACHINE1\a1	Defines current machine process options
     sauger.cfg	c:\MACHINE1\a1	Defines vacuum cups
     wz_db85.txt	c:\MACHINE1\a1\db	WoodWOP tool data
     _*.ply	c:\MACHINE1\a1\ml4	All files starting with ‘_’ and ending in ‘.ply’ are graphical comment fonts
     *.wmf,*.bmp,*.ply	c:\MACHINE1\a1\tlg	Graphics files for tool database

2. What is the best way to program the ‘cut out’ of parts when nesting?
   • While a nested part is machined in the same way that the part would be if it was made as a single part, there is one additional challenge the programmer needs to think about.  Collisions with neighboring parts!
     The way to solve ‘Approach and Withdrawal’ collisions is to have the tool approach in line with the tool path and in the middle.
     In ONGAA CAM -> Vertical Route, select the vertex of the edge you want to START the route, and the complete path around the part.  Now check Mid-Line Start.  This will advance the actual starting point to halfway along the first leg.  Also remember to use the WoodWOP settings “Vertical in, Vertical Out AND On-The-Fly”.  This combination will have the toll plunge in ‘diagonally’ along its own toolpath and withdraw ‘diagonally’ in its own toolpath.
   • If nesting many smaller parts, the risk of ‘reduced vacuum’ causing parts to move on the table is real.  Consider leaving a small amount of material on the first pass of through cuts.  This will keep the vacuum as long as possible.  Simply make a copy of the route, setting the depth to 0 or -0.5 to clear the vacuum skin and move the route to the end of the part.  Remember to check ‘Finalizing Process’ for the second and optimize for tool changes.  Finalizing processes will all happen together at the end.