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Parametric Tool Path capability in Router-CIM and Mechanical Desktop.
Parametric tool paths work on Router-CIM 2D toolpaths and extruded solids in MCAD. The solid must start at Z0 and be extruded in the negative Z direction. To use this feature, follow these steps:
1) Draw, constrain, and extrude a shape to create a Mechanical Desktop Solid.
2) Load Router-CIM.
3) Use the NCEXTRACT command and select an edge on the solid that is to be cut. This command will make an NC_SHAPE polyline on the solid. Typing N for Next and A for Accept can toggle each edge.
4) Type NCDEPTH to associate the shape with the parametric solid.
5) Pick DEPTH, and at the prompt: Select the Shapes to Define New Depth: select the NC_shape polyline that was created by Ncextract, and then hit Enter.
6) Pick ENTITY, and at the prompt: Select Depth Object: select the bottom of the solid. At the prompt: Select Edge on Solid, pick the bottom edge of the solid again.
7) Pick OK to EXIT. The result of the NCDEPTH command is an NC_shape polyline that has the same thickness as the solid.
8) To make a tool path, pick a tool and cycle, leave the Total Cut Depth field blank, and CUT the shape that was created by Ncdepth.
9) You can edit the solid by double picking on the Extrusion in the Browser. When you change the dimensions, the solid will update and get bigger or smaller.
10) Type or pick NCUPDATE, and select the tool path. This will update the shape and tool path to the newly sized solid. If the solid gets thicker, Depth per pass will start to make multiple Z level tool paths.
The same is true of a standard 2D polyline that was Geoshaped and cut in Router-CIM. Stretching the shape and using the NCUpdate command will change the toolpath.
