hypercad -S Readme and update information
Table of Contents 1. hypercad -S is CAD for CAM!... 1 2. Additions to documentation... 2 Release 2018.2 SP1... 2 Release 2018.2... 2 3. Information on direct interfaces... 4 4. hypercad -S... 6 File operations... 6 File... 6 Open... 6 Merge... 6 Save selection... 6 Default settings... 6 Options / properties... 6 Tooltip... 7 Solid editing options... 7 Sketcher options... 7 V-sketch options... 7 Drafting properties... 7 Data interfaces... 8 OPEN MIND Software... 8 Point file formats... 8 Direct interfaces... 8 Options... 9 Select and snap... 9 Select entities... 9 Filter selection... 9 Analysis... 10 Check... 10 Check quality / healing... 10 Shape - shape distance... 10 Edit and modify... 13 Edit... 13 Parameter list... 13 Break... 13 Group / ungroup... 13 Move text / dimension... 14 Modify... 14 Simplify... 14 Extend / shorten face... 14 Points and curves... 15 V-sketch... 15 Create / modify... 16 Automatic constraints... 18 Geometric constraints... 19 Dimensional constraints... 20 Change dimensional constraint... 22 Hide V-sketch constraints... 22 Show V-sketch constraints... 22 Curves... 22 Shape contour... 22 Wrapping... 23 Feature and solid... 23 Features... 23 Chamfer... 23 Design electrodes... 23 Electrode options... 23 Virtual electrode... 23
Print... 26 Electrode holder and raw material editor... 27 NC programming... 27 hypermill overview... 27 hypermill... 27 Adaptive construction... 28 Global fitting... 28 Dimensions and labels... 28 Text... 28 Dimension... 29 Print documentation... 29 Print... 29 Appendix... 30 Information for administrators... 30 Graphics card and monitor... 30 Crash log... 30
1. hypercad -S is CAD for CAM! With hypercad -S, OPEN MIND has developed its own CAD system that is perfectly suited to hypermill and is designed to fully meet the requirements of CAM users. Whether users are working with meshes, faces or solids to create precise components and tools hypercad -S always provides the right answer. hypercad -S 2018.2 features many new innovations and excellent highlights. Three new features are particularly noteworthy. A V-sketch can be used to define relationships between curves and to influence them by changing a dimension. Repeatedly used electrodes are managed as virtual information in electrode design. The import of product and manufacturing information (PMI) is supported in connection with the import of STEP data. 1
2. Additions to documentation Release 2018.2 SP1 The following information refers to the hypercad -S software and further products based on hypercad -S such as hypermill SHOP Viewer and hypercad -S CAD Viewer. This cumulative update contains all previous cumulative updates for the software plus the following enhancements and hotfixes: The toolbars Drawing and Curve are additionally available in the hypermill SHOP Viewer. All layers were switched on while using the option Mixed single sheet using the command Print of electrodes. That has been corrected. The *.xslt files from the Electrode report directory were not considered using the command Export reports for electrodes. That has been corrected. The version number has not been visible in the UI while using the command Create for electrodes. That has been corrected. The tooltip was not displayed while using the command Shape - shape distance if the "Faces" filter was used. This has been corrected. For better performance, "tessellation" has been turned on as default. The interface options are now saved again when exiting the software. The graphic feedback has been missing for the command Mating. That has been corrected. Performance issues while selecting have been resolved in case of very small rendered geometry. Release 2018.2 Information on changes and additions not described in the following extract from the software documentation: The TrueType font in NURBS option is set by default in such a way that curves, rather than polylines, are extracted from TrueType text by means of the Break function. The clearance plane is no longer influenced by the clipping plane, for example, in the display of tool and toolpath. The display of the order of entities that hide each other has been improved on the screen. The storage location of the material library is saved and suggested again. The Check quality function has been renamed to Check quality / Healing. The layout and names in Parameter list have been optimised. Information on errors is displayed in the case of faulty input. The rows of the parameter list have been numbered. The environment variables QT_DEVICE_PIXEL_RATIO and QT_AU- TO_SCREEN_SCALE_FACTOR are not supported (any more). In Mating, a list of variables, functions and constants of the parameter list can be selected for inputting values using the context menu. The raw material size has been divided into three individual columns in Export reports for electrodes. This improves the further processing of information. 2
The Selection tab now contains the additional entity types V-Sketch and Constraint to differentiate entity types. In the functions Text, Mating and Mating clamping device, a list of variables, functions and constants of the parameter list can be selected for inputting values using the context menu. In Options / properties Model structure Entities to show, select whether V-sketch entities are to be displayed in the model structure. Global fitting: Advanced has been removed. The manipulator in the graphics area is only displayed with X and Y direction if no Z direction is permitted for the selected function. In Drafting Text the Set href function has been renamed to Insert link. Within hypermill functions, the elements within a V sketch element can be selected. The Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) option in File Open Settings for the import of CATIA-V5 files is at the BETA development stage. The functionality is still limited. The Ordinate Dimensioning ANSI dimension type is not supported. There is no information for linear dimensions / tolerances whether a dimension is in inches For 'Feature control frames' for 'Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing' with multiple lines, only the first line is rendered. Roughness information is not adapted to the view. This may be hidden by the geometry. 3
3. Information on direct interfaces Supported versions The following CAD models can currently be imported and/or exported (depending on the licence purchased): Product File type Up to version CATIA V4 *.model 4.2.4 CATIA V4 *.exp 4.2.4 Catia V5 *.CATpart R27 Catia V5 Catia V5 PTC Creo Parametric PTC Creo Parametric *.CATproduct *CGR *.prt *.asm R27 4.0 F000 4.0 F000 PTC Creo *.xpr 4.0 F000 PTC Creo *.xas 4.0 F000 Siemens NX *.prt NX11.0 Parasolid *.x_t 28 Parasolid *.x_b 28 Solidworks *.sldprt 2017 Solidworks *.sldasm 2017 Autodesk Inventor 2017 JT-Open *.jt 10.2 IGES STEP *.igs, *.iges *.stp, *.step 5.2, 5.3 AP 203 (ISO 10303-203) "Configuration controlled 3D design of mechanical parts and assemblies" AP 214 (ISO 10303-214) "Core data for automotive mechanical design processes" AP 242 (ISO 10303-242) Managed model-based 3D engineering 4
New functions and troubleshooting IGES export : Entity names are exported automatically. The length is limited to 8 characters. IGES import: The layer descriptions are imported. STEP export: Entity names are exported automatically. STEP import: The layer descriptions are imported. Point data: The unit of measure is taken into account for the import and export. To do this, make a selection in the Unit option. The native CAD interfaces for Solidworks and Inventor have been integrated into a standard licence. Starting with version 2018.2, no separate licence is required to import a native Solidworks or Inventor workpiece. Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) can be imported for STEP. The PMI is displayed and inserted as vector graphics in the model tree on the Model tab. For this purpose, go to Filter entities and select the Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) option. The Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) option in File Open Settings for the import of CATIA-V5 files is at the BETA development stage. The functionality is still limited. The Ordinate Dimensioning ANSI dimension type is not supported. There is no information for linear dimensions / tolerances whether a dimension is in inches For 'Feature control frames' for 'Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing' with multiple lines, only the first line is rendered. Roughness information is not adapted to the view. This may be hidden by the geometry. 5
4. hypercad -S File operations File Open Open files with different file formats. File Open Warning for file opening! A report is opened for defective entities automatically if there is a need to remove these entities. To this end, the ID and type of the deleted entities and the errors found are output. IMPORTANT Carefully check the imported model! Merge Open files with different file formats and merge the data into the current document. File Merge Variables: Import variables into the document. Where variable names have already been assigned, an underscore and digit sequence will be added to the imported variables automatically. Save selection Save entities from the current document in a new document, which can then be saved in a different file format. File Save selection Default settings Save variables: Save all variables. Options / properties Load and locally modify the defaults for the model, the model structure and the graphical attributes of the document and the software. File Options Options / properties 6
Tooltip Coordinates reference system: For tooltips with point coordinate information select the workplane to which the coordinates refer. If the Absolute option is chosen, the information will refer to the world workplane. If the Current workplane option is chosen, the information will refer to the active workplane currently in use. Solid editing options Influence the behaviour during direct modelling and when modifying solids. File Options Solid editing options Chamfer More options Iterate: If the standard method for calculating direct modelling is not satisfactory, other and different methods will be used to generate a result. These methods depend on the quality of the data included in the calculation. If such multiple calculation is not desired, these repeated attempts can be disabled with this option. Sketcher options Options for the Sketch and V-sketch commands File Options Sketcher options V-sketch options Angular tolerance: Specify up to which deviation of an angle of a curve such curve is still for example, viewed as horizontal or vertical adjusted automatically and the constraint is still automatically assigned. Assign curves to V-sketch layer: All entities added to a V-sketch are moved to the current active layer, the V-sketch layer. Drafting properties Influence the appearance of dimensions. File Options Drafting properties Measure position Hide central line: Do not display the area of the measure line between the reference lines if the arrow heads are pointed at each other 5. Measure text 7
Variable representation: Select the manner in which a variable is to be displayed as measure text if a variable is used. There are four options: displaying the variable name, displaying a formula from the parameter list or displaying the calculation result and/or value, also with a frame 9. Show symbols: Disable the symbol characterising a dimension, such as the symbol for the diameter or radius 10. Data interfaces OPEN MIND Software Point file formats Table 1. Options for opening a point file Property Description Unit Select Document (if open and available), Millimetre or Inch. Data will be converted if necessary. Table 2. Options for saving a point file Property Description Separator Place within quotes Unit Separator between data fields. Place data fields within quotes. Select Document, Millimetre or Inch. Data will be converted for the output where necessary. Direct interfaces Supported versions The following CAD models can currently be imported and/or exported (depending on the licence purchased): Product File type Up to version CATIA V4 *.model 4.2.4 CATIA V4 *.exp 4.2.4 Catia V5 *.CATpart R27 8
Product File type Up to version Catia V5 Catia V5 PTC Creo Parametric PTC Creo Parametric *.CATproduct *CGR *.prt *.asm R27 4.0 F000 4.0 F000 PTC Creo *.xpr 4.0 F000 PTC Creo *.xas 4.0 F000 Siemens NX *.prt NX11.0 Parasolid *.x_t 28 Parasolid *.x_b 28 Solidworks *.sldprt 2017 Solidworks *.sldasm 2017 Autodesk Inventor 2017 JT-Open *.jt 10.2 IGES STEP *.igs, *.iges *.stp, *.step 5.2, 5.3 AP 203 (ISO 10303-203) "Configuration controlled 3D design of mechanical parts and assemblies" AP 214 (ISO 10303-214) "Core data for automotive mechanical design processes" AP 242 (ISO 10303-242) Managed model-based 3D engineering Options Select and snap Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) can be imported for STEP. The PMI is displayed and inserted as vector graphics in the model tree on the Model tab. For this purpose, go to Filter entities and select the Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) option. Select entities Filter selection Set a filter for the selection of entities. Select Filter entities... 9
Icon Function Explanation V-sketches Set selection filter for V-sketches. Analysis Check Check quality / healing Check the quality of entities and repair specific data. Analysis Check quality / healing Settings Min. reference area: Set a reference value for the quality check. Check all faces larger than the area specified. Shape - shape distance Analyse distances between two faces, meshes or face groups in a context. Analysis Face - face distance Analyse distances between two faces, meshes or face groups in a context. In hypermill the distance can also be determined from a stock model, the simulated processing state and the model. The distances are measured based on a tessellated model of Shape A and Shape B. Select Shape A: Select entities, such as entities to be analysed 1. The number of selected entities is displayed. Shape B: Select entities, such as reference entities 2. The number of selected entities is displayed. Transparency: Set a transparency for the entities selected in Shape A or Shape B 3. The selection is determined by the direction defined by Normal to A and/or Normal to B. Normal to A: Measurement is done in the direction of the face normal vectors of the entities selected in Shape A A. 10
Normal to B: Measurement is done in the direction of the face normal vectors of the entities selected in Shape B B. Use entities tessellation Colour map Use Tolerance to specify the required level of precision or use Use entities tessellation to apply the required level of precision from the selected geometry. Min. and Max. display the determined minimum and maximum values. The X axis shows a colour map and assigns a colour to each value in the analysis area. On the analysed faces, a colour symbolises the value assigned to it. The Y axis provides qualitative information about the scope of the respective value in relation to all of the determined values. A thin, vertical line shows the analysed position. Use Limits to limit the analysis area 4 and find a colour map that is suitable for the analysis. Select a minimum Min. value and a maximum Max. value. Values below Min. are shown in dark grey 5. Values above Max. are displayed in light grey 6. Use Reset to set a restricted analysis area to its original size. Auto calculates an optimal analysis area. The value of the position of the mouse pointer can be written to the clipboard by clicking the right mouse button. The values inf, infmm or inf are displayed when no result was determined, or if the result goes to infinity. 11
The analyses in Extract curve and Colour map are separate. The entries do not influence each other. Extract curve Generate curves (polylines) that follow selected levels 7. Min. and Max. display the determined minimum and maximum values. Use Limits to limit the analysis area and find a colour map that is suitable for the analysis. Select a minimum value Min. value 9 and a maximum value Max. value 10. Number of levels: Enter the number of levels 8. The levels are between those in the option Limits defined minimum and maximum values. The table shows a colour for each area between the levels. The boundaries of the areas are indicated. Exact computation: Generate curve entities from the levels displayed. The curves are on the tessellated model. Polylines are created as a result of the tessellated model. Use the polylines to delineate milling areas. 12
Edit and modify The analyses in Extract curve and Colour map are separate. The entries do not influence each other. Edit Parameter list Manage and calculate variables. Edit Parameter list Using the calculation result In the functions Text, Mating and Mating clamping device, a list of variables, functions and constants of the parameter list can be selected for inputting values using the context menu. Overview of the structure of the parameter list Multiple rows can be selected with the left mouse button while pressing the CTRL and/or SHIFT key at the same time. If the name of a variable is changed, the name will also change in an assigned dimension and in the formula used. Numerical values in the table cells are shown in blue. Filter variable Filter the display of the rows in the parameter list. Show dependent variables: Display all rows with variables that are used in commands, such as for dimensions. Show assigned variables: Display all rows where a variable is defined that uses a formula to access other variables. Show independent variables: Display all rows where a variable is defined that is not used any further. Break Break down entities into their subentities. Edit Break Dimensions are broken down into curves. Curve entities are separated from a V-sketch entity. The V-sketch is deleted. Group / ungroup Group entities into a group within the model structure or separate them from a group. Edit Group / ungroup Move or remove from group When separating entities from a group, do not select any group. 13
Move text / dimension Move text, text label and dimension entities. Edit Move text / dimension Modify the position for several dimension entities one after the other, without calling the function again. Modify Simplify Simplify faces, boundaries and curves. Modify Simplify Simplify curves, boundaries and edges. NOTE Overlapping entities cannot be deleted. Tolerance for curves simplification: Enter the permissible maximum size of gaps within all selected entities for which the entities are to be considered as belonging to each other when simplifying. Extend / shorten face Change the length of a face. Modify Extend / shorten faces By length Option for Add face Wider blending: If a chain of boundaries/edges has been selected and there are usable face extensions before and after the missing one, an attempt is made to close the gap us- 14
ing the Fill algorithm. If this filling face is also unusable, further adjacent face extensions are removed and then approximated using the Fill algorithm. The warning Some areas have been replaced by an approximation appears. Click the warning to highlight the approximated areas in colour. To remove the highlighting, click the empty area underneath the warnings. In some cases, this method may also deliver poor results. If so, disable the Wider blending option and fill the gap manually. Direction: Auto: Calculate an extension from the direction of the adjacent boundary of the given faces. In a solid, it is the common edge with the adjacent solid face. As this direction can be slanting, the width of the extension is often smaller than the specified length. Normal: Calculate an extension normal to the selected edge and/or boundary 8. Points and curves V-sketch Combine curve entities of a V-sketch and define constraints between the entities. The V in V-sketch comes from the word variable. A V-sketch can be modified later in connection with the specified constraints between the entities. A V-sketch can be created in the following sequence: 1. Create the curve entities, for example, using the Drafting Sketch command. 2. Convert these entities to a V-sketch entity using the Drafting V-sketch Create / modify command. In the model tree on the Model tab, the selected entities are added to his V-sketch entity. 3. Using the Drafting V-sketch Automatic constraints command, geometric constraints are determined from the existing position of the entities to each other. This is also a possible option in the Create / modify command. 4. Using the Drafting V-sketch Geometric constraints command, further geometric constraints between entities are defined. The selected constraint may change the position of the entities relative to each other. A V-sketch must be dimensioned in order to modify it conveniently: 1. Make sure that the V-sketch entities and their constraints are present in the desired form. 2. Call the Drafting V-sketch Dimensional constraints command and insert a dimension for all geometric properties of the entities that are to be modified later on. This is also a possible option for radii in the Automatic constraints command. 15
3. To modify the V-sketch, double-click with the left mouse button on a measure or call the Drafting V-sketch Change dimensional constraint command and select the measure. The geometry of a V-sketch can be modified subsequently: 1. Use a command to modify the geometry, for example, Fillet, to insert a fillet. Permit the selection on the Selection tab to select an entity within the V-sketch. 2. Call the Create / modify command and select the V-sketch. Gaps and overdefined areas are marked by red points. Make corrections. Click the left mouse button and press the CTRL key at the same time to separate entities from the V-sketch. Change the position of a dimension using the Edit Move text / dimension command. Remove a constraint within a V-sketch using the Edit Delete command. Call the command and select the icon of the constraint using the left mouse button. Make sure that the selection within the V-sketch entity is permitted. Delete a V-sketch and preserve the entities using the Edit Break command. Create / modify Create or modify V-sketch. Drafting V-sketch Create / modify Create a V-sketch by incorporating curve entities. Define the horizontal direction. Modify a V-sketch. Automatic constraints: The Drafting V-sketch Automatic constraints command is executed automatically B. Simplify: The Modify Simplify command is executed automatically A. Tolerance: Enter the permissible maximum size of gaps within all selected entities for which the entities are to be considered as belonging to each other when simplifying. Gaps and overdefined areas are marked by red points. Make corrections. Click the left mouse button and press the CTRL key at the same time to separate entities from the V- sketch. Select Entities: Select entities 1. The number of selected entities is displayed. All entities must be coplanar. The entities move to the V-sketch layer when in the Sketcher options the Assign curves to V-sketch layer option has been selected. 16
X direction Define a horizontal. To do so, select a direction 3. The direction is indicated by an arrow. The direction also determines the constraints Vertical, Coincidence X and Coincidence Y. If no selection is made, the horizontal is determined from the X axis direction of the current workplane 2. Select the direction based on an entity I. Via 2 points II or origin and selection of a point determine the Point II or enter the direction via a Vector II. The Invert V option reverses the direction. Select Origin: Select a point for the origin of the X direction 4. 17
Automatic constraints Add automatically defined constraints. Drafting V-sketch Automatic constraints Search V-sketch entities for existing constraints. If there are any, and ones you desire, apply them automatically. Select Constraints V-sketch: Select a V-sketch 1. Select the constraints that are to be searched automatically. If there are any, the constraints will be applied automatically. 18
Coincident If modified, the entities remain coincident to each other. Parallel If modified, the entities remain parallel to each other. Tangential If modified, the entities remain tangential to each other. Horizontal If modified, the entities remain horizontal, parallel to the X direction selected in Create / modify. Vertical If modified, the entities remain vertically arranged. Perpendicular If modified, the entities remain perpendicular to each other. Dimension Enter dimensional constraints for radii. Geometric constraints Add geometric constraints. Drafting V-sketch Geometric constraint Assign constraints manually; in addition to any constraints already assigned automatically. The V-sketch is adjusted accordingly. The constraints should be able to be applied in a meaningful way. Select First entity: Select an entity within the V-sketch to which the selected constraint is to apply. 19
Second entity: A second entity must be selected if a constraint is created between two entities. Select a point and curve for the Point-Line constraint type. Constraints Select the desired constraint. An active constraint is shown in green. Fixed position The position selected is not moved in the case of modifications. Horizontal The entity is arranged horizontally and maintains its horizontal arrangement in case of modifications. Vertical The entity is arranged vertically and maintains its vertical arrangement in case of modifications. Parallel Tangential Perpendicular Point-Line Coincident Coincidence X Coincidence Y The entities are arranged parallel to each other and maintain their parallel arrangement in case of modifications. The entities are arranged tangentially to each other and maintain their tangential arrangement in case of modifications. The entities are arranged perpendicular to each other and maintain their perpendicular arrangement in case of modifications. A point or position is arranged in such a way that it is at the same height with respect to the selected curve and its imaginary extension. This height is maintained in case of modifications. Two points or positions are modified in such a way that they assume and maintain a joint position. The first position determines the location. Two points or positions are arranged in such a way that they are at the same height with respect to the X direction (horizontal). This height is maintained in case of modifications. The first position determines the height. Two points or positions are arranged in such a way that they are at the same height with respect to the vertical. This height is maintained in case of modifications. The first position determines the height. Dimensional constraints V-sketch dimensioning. Drafting V-sketch Dimensional constraints V-sketch dimensioning. 20
Three possible states are distinguished for the dimensional constraints in a V-sketch. They are identified by icons in the model tree on the Model tab: Table 3. Constraints between entities and dimension State Icon Explanation Self-controlled Modifying a measure in a dimension assigned to entities changes the geometry of the entity accordingly. The entities must belong to a V-sketch. The dimensions are marked in the graphics area: There may be too many dimensional constraints for the size of an entity in a V-sketch to be determined. These dimensions are marked: If modified, the measure of a redundant dimension is adjusted automatically. Partially linked The assignment of a dimension to entities is one-sided. The dependent entity is not modified. Not linked The dimension is not related to entities, for example, because the entities have been deleted. In terms of function, this dimension that can be used for V-sketches must be distinguished from the associative dimension, in which case a modification to the geometry will adjust the measure automatically. Modes Distance: Select two entities. Snap points or positions 1. On the context menu, select whether the measure should be applied Horizontally, Vertically or directly From point to point. Angle: Select two straight lines that intersect 2. In the context menu, specify which angle should be dimensioned as Major explementary or Minor explementary. Radius: Select a circle or circular arc 3, Length: Select a straight line or a circular arc 4. 21
Click with the left mouse button to place the measure line or measure text in a suitable position. Further options Symmetry dimensioning: Display the dimension as half for symmetrical workpieces in the Distance mode. First select the symmetry line 5, then snap a point 6 where the reference line is to start. Specify the attributes of Arrow head, Reference line, Measure position, Measure text, Units of Measure and Tolerances as well as General. Change dimensional constraint Change a measure of a V-sketch. Drafting V-sketch Change dimensional constraint Change a measure of a V-sketch. Select the measure. Or, without calling the command, use the left mouse button to double-click on a measure. Modify the value. The dimension and V-sketch are adjusted. Hide V-sketch constraints Hide the highlights for V-sketch constraints. View Hide / unhide Hide V-sketch constraints Hide the highlights for V-sketch constraints. Select V-sketch. Show V-sketch constraints Unhide the highlights for V-sketch constraints. View Hide / unhide Show V-sketch constraints Unhide the highlights for V-sketch constraints. Select V-sketch. Curves Shape contour Create the contour of a shape as a curve. Curves Shape contour 3D silhouette Angle: Calculate the 3D silhouette for an angle between 0 and less than 90. Enter a value. 22
Wrapping Wrap planar curves and text to a rotated face. Curves Wrapping Initial Mode: Select whether the entities Linear or Radial are to be unwrapped. In the case of Radial entities, for example, text is unwrapped in the radial direction starting from the reference point true to the original length. Feature and solid Features Chamfer Create or modify a chamfer as a CAD feature along a continuous edge in a solid. Features Chamfer Select Design electrodes Electrode options Tangential faces chain automatically continues the chamfer, in case a tangential extension can be found automatically. Select default settings for electrodes. File Options Electrode options Reference Virtual electrode Direction to rotate electrode for derivation: For the purpose of derivation, electrodes are rotated by 180 for NC programming. Specify whether they are to be rotated around the X axis or Y axis of the reference system. The option must be selected before creating an electrode. Create virtual electrodes from a master electrode Electrode Virtual electrode 23
Create one or several virtual electrodes from an existing electrode, the master electrode. This prevents identical electrodes from repeatedly appearing physically in the model, that is, as a group. Instead, a master electrode is managed with reference to virtual electrodes. This way, the same electrode can be programmed for erosion in different positions. How is a virtual electrode created? 1. Call the Move / copy A command. Select the master electrode 1. Make sure to select the entire electrode. For this purpose, activate on the Selection tab the selection of an entire group as an entity. This will create copies of the master electrode, set up as a group in the model tree. Note that this is not an electrode, but only a group containing all the information about the master electrode. NOTE Only one copy per copy process can be created, regardless of the number set under Copy 2 It is checked whether a copy collides with the workpiece geometry. A warning is output on the Info tab. All entities the master electrode and its copies are locked. To unlock, the copies must be unlocked first. The master electrode can be unlocked only after. 2. Then, call the Virtual electrode command B. Select a master electrode using Electrode. Other entities cannot be selected. Select a copy from the table. Change its status to Virtual II and select the reference system 4. The copy is virtualised, and its colour changes. Information on this electrode is added to the master electrode. Upon exiting the command, virtual electrodes are hidden, both in the graphics area and on the Model tab 5. 24
3. To unhide a virtual electrode and change its status, call the Virtual electrode command and select the master electrode using the Electrode option. The virtual electrodes are displayed again. The status and reference system can be changed. With the Derive, Derive and milling and Export reports commands, all information about the virtual electrodes is output. The following changes are made when unlocking a master electrode: Regarding the copy: the copies are unlocked, all tags related to this function are removed, and the layers change back. The warning The electrode is unlocked and not more an virtual electrode! is displayed. For the master electrode: the electrode is unlocked, and all tags related to this function are removed. This includes tags with information on the virtual electrodes, which no longer exist as a result. The warning The electrode is unlocked and all virtual electrodes are removed! is displayed. 25
The following changes are made when unlocking a copy: Regarding the copy: the layers change back, and tags related to the function are removed. The warning The electrode is unlocked and not more an virtual electrode! is displayed. For the master electrode: tags related to the function are removed. The electrode is unlocked when there are no more copies or virtual electrodes that belong to it. Select master electrode Electrode: Select a master electrode 3. Virtual electrodes Table 4. Information and options for managing virtual electrodes Column Name Transform Status Purpose Name of entity. Displays the position of the reference point and the orientation with respect to the master electrode in the world workplane. Modify the status of the electrode. This can be done repeatedly. Virtual: Display changes to green I Copied: Display changes to grey II. Extract: Separate electrode. Display changes to red III. An extracted electrode is unlocked, as is its master electrode, when there are no copies or virtual copies that belong to it. Reference system Select a reference system if multiple reference systems are defined for the virtual electrode's machining side 4. Only the reference systems valid for the machining side are offered. Print Generate an overview of electrodes for erosion Electrodes Print Single electrode sheet Mixed single sheet: Combine two side views of a single electrode with two views of this electrode in the workpiece 2. Otherwise, print out three side views and a three-dimensional view 1. The views always refer to the current workplane. Therefore, the derivations cannot be influenced. 26
Electrode holder and raw material editor Manage electrode holders and raw materials. Electrodes Electrode holder and raw material editor Edit NC programming hypermill overview Double-click with the left mouse button in the field of the appropriate column to fill out or change values. Or call the command Edit in the context menu. Icon Path to function Purpose hypermill Automation Controller Programming Wizard Call the hypermill Programming Wizard. hypermill Automation Controller Script [01-10] Call a script that was created by means of the hypermill Programming Wizard. hypermill Toolpath entities The Edit Copy attributes command cannot be used because a toolpath entity is managed only by hypermill. 27
Adaptive construction Global fitting Join multiple free-form or analytical faces into a face. Shapes Global fitting Parameter Density: Set a density for the tessellation of the face group. The selection is limited to integers from 1 (large) to 10 (small). Dimensions and labels Sampling points: Set a factor for the selection of the best tessellation points. The selection is limited to integers from 1 (large) to 10 (small). Smoothing factor: Enter a factor for the smoothing around the best points in the inner area of the selected face group. The selection is limited to integers from 1 (small) to 10 (large). The larger the factor, the smoother the result. However, it will also be further away from the original shape of the face formation. The dimensions of the entities are associative, such as for direct modelling. The measure will be adjusted when the geometry is changed. The dimension can assume different states. The state is visualised in the model tree, on the Model tab. Table 5. Possible states with associative dimensioning State Icon Explanation Fully linked Partially linked In the case of associative dimensioning, the modification of entities, such as for direct modelling, will cause the measure of the dimension to be changed accordingly. The assignment of a dimension to entities is one-sided. The dependent entity is not modified. Not linked The dimension is not related to entities, for example, because the entities have been deleted. In terms of function, this associative dimension that can be used for V-sketches must be distinguished from the usable dimension, in which case a modification to the measure will adjust the geometry automatically. Text Insert text. Drafting Text Text input area Zoom Change the display size of the text in the text input area if the text no longer fits in the text input area. The font size will not be changed by this scaling. 28
Table 6. Zoom commands Icon Function Explanation Zoom in Enlarge text display Zoom out Reduce text display Zooming is also possible with CTRL + mouse wheel. Dimension Dimension entities. Drafting Dimension Further options Symmetry dimensioning: Display the dimension as half for symmetrical workpieces in the Distance mode. First select the symmetry line 9, then snap a point 10 where the reference line is to start. Radius / diameter: Specify whether a Diameter 4 or a Radius 5 is to be dimensioned. How can a dimension be changed? To change the position of several dimension entities, select the Edit Move text / dimension command. Print documentation Print Arrange and print sections of the graphics area. A print preview is displayed. File Print Single view Darken the entities: Entities are darkened for the printout. Print box preview 29
Appendix Darken the entities: Entities are darkened for the printout. Information for administrators Graphics card and monitor Adaptation for 4K Ultra HD resolution In Windows 10, in the software properties in Compatibility, using the option Override high- DPI scaling behavior.. Scaling performed by: Select the System setting. Crash log If the software crashes, a crash log hmc_[date-time].crashlog will be generated and saved to %temp%\open MIND. 30