Geoshape, Group, and Start Point Edit

Geoshape, Group, and Start Point Edit

Geoshape

The Geoshape command is used to convert your drawing elements into usable 2D Polylines that Router-CIM uses to create tool paths.  When you pick the Geoshape command, you will be prompted to select objects.  Select items that represent the geometry that you wish to use to create a tool path or several tool paths from. Do not select objects that are not related to the tool path.  You can use a window or crossing window, or a single pick selection.  If using DO-IT, Pattern Recognition, Cutting a Solid, or a Surface; do not use Geoshape.  The DO-IT command automatically defines shapes before Cutting.

The Geoshape command runs a task called Geoshape.  The result of the Geoshape command depends on the geometry selected.  The primary operation of this command is to make closed, counter-clockwise Polylines on layer NC_SHAPE from the selected geometry.  Geoshape is the Router-CIM command that will changes lines, arcs and other geometry in Polylines.  This is also the command that Router-CIM uses to blend or heal open or crossing geometry.

Group

Group is a command that lets you take several Geoshaped elements and place them into a single set or group.  This way one cut command can be used on several shapes that are cut in the same way.  Such as drilling many holes that are the same size.  Grouping will work on holes, and on sperate pieces of geometry.  There is no limit to the number of items in a group, but note that once the items are in a group, all of them are selected at once for any command given, like CUT.

Start Point Edit

Start Point Edit is a command used to move or change the location where the tool starts it cut in a shape.  Some start points are selected by default when the Geoshape command is run.  These locations can be changed to suit your particular cutting needs.

Changing Startpoints in Automation

To change the startpoints on geometry in Automation, you can add the variable *SPOVERRIDE* and set it to “SP_” (or any 3 characters, in quotes) and then rename your layers with that prefix.  Once you change the doit association and run the job, Router-CIM will stop on the geometry on those layers and prompt you to pick a start point.