Configuration Best Practices

for PTC Creo NC Solutions

Jeff Rembold
Sr. Applications Engineer
jremb@ptc.com

October 8, 2013
Does This Ever Happen To You?

Between a rock and a hard place

>You need to get the NC program done NOW

>To do so, you need an efficient NC programming environment
>But you don’t have time to configure it because

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Good News

It does not take a lot of time and effort to configure the NC environment!

Config options
Sites
Workcells
Smart tools
Start models
NC tool paths… faster!

I’ll show you how…

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The Short Version: Follow These Steps

“I don’t have time to watch your webcast today. Just tell me the main steps!”
• Create your manufacturing folders and point to them in config.pro

• Create a cutting tool library in pro_mf_tprm_dir

• Create and save one or more NC parameter site files in pro_mf_param_dir

• Create and save one or more workcells in pro_mf_workcell_dir

• Create and save into start_model_dir one or more NC start (template) file
that includes at least:
– Default datums, views, etc.
– Workcell that includes a Site and Tooling
– Operation

• Be sure that your GPOST post processor file(s) are in gpostpp_dir

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Agenda

• Before we begin: some basics

– Useful web sites
– Installation tips
– Useful config.pro settings
– User interface: mapkeys and interface customization

• Configuring the NC environment

– Site files for common parameters
– Machine tool (workcell) setup tips
– Creating a cutting tool library
– Associating material and cutting data to your cutting tool library

• Creating and using a manufacturing template model

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Useful Web Sites

• Demos, Tools, and Tutorials

http://www.ptc.com/products/tutorials/production.htm
• GPOST Central (includes links to post processor downloads)
http://www.ptc.com/cs/cs_26/howto/ncgp4903/ncgp4903.htm
• Solid tooling library on the Software Update Downloads page: http://
www.ptc.com/cgi/cs/apps/SftUpd/SftUpdProd.pl

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Cutting Corners Doesn’t Guarantee Success!

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Installation Tip

• When installing Creo Parametric don’t forget to add

NC-GPOST and VERICUT®

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Some Useful config.pro Settings

•pro_mf_workcell_dir (path to where workcells are stored)

•pro_mf_tprm_dir (path to where tool parameters are stored)

•pro_mf_param_dir (path to machining parameters and site files)

•search_path (path to any folders that contain required models such

as fixtures and solid tools)

•cl_arrow_scale (0 means no arrows show up on the tool path – helps

when spinning the model with a tool path displayed)

•gpostpp_dir (path to post processor library)

•pro_library_dir (path to standard libraries, including Tooling library)

•start_model_dir (path to the location of start models and drawings)

•rename_drawings_with_object yes/no (yes= automatically create drawings

when using a start model or saving a copy of
an exisiting model/drawing)
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Creating and Using Site Files

• A site file contains NC sequence parameter default settings

– For example, CLEAR_DIST 0.1 or COOLANT ON
• To create a site file:
– Creo Parametric: <Manufacturing Tab> Machine Tool Setup > Site
Wildfire 5.0: Resources > Site > Create
– Set parameters as desired
– Save the file (it is saved into pro_mf_param_dir)

• To use a site file:

Method 1:
– Creo Parametric: <Manufacturing Tab> Machine Tool Setup > Site > Activate
– Wildfire 5.0: Resources > Site > Activate > choose site

Method 2:
– In the Machine Tool Setup (workcell) dialog box, pick the Defaults button and choose a site file to activate for
that workcell

Method 3 (during individual NC sequence creation):

– In the Edit Parameters dialog box, select File > Open Site…

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Creating and Saving Workcells

• To create a workcell:
– Creo Parametric: <Manufacturing Tab> Work Center
Wildfire 5.0: Resources > Work Center
– Fill out the Machine Tool Setup dialog box as desired
– Tip: Selecting “Defaults” allows you to select a site file to use with this workcell
– Tip: Create or retrieve any standard cutting tools that are always loaded in the machine

• To save the workcell:

– Creo Parametric: select the workcell in the model tree, pick Save from the right mouse menu.
Wildfire 5.0: Pick File > Save in the Machine Tool Setup dialog box
– The workcell is saved as a *.gph file in the pro_mf_workcell_dir folder
– Any cutting tools defined with the workcell remain with it when it is saved
– Associated site file and PPRINT settings are also remembered

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Creating Your Own Cutting Tool Library

• Open the Tools Setup window:

– Select a workcell and pick Edit Definition from the right mouse button menu.
Enter the Tools tab of the Work Center Setup window.
Tip: you must first create a workcell – even a “dummy” one – before creating cutting tools
– Name each tool and supply values as desired
– The Tool Position value is not so important unless it is to be saved with the current workcell; then
the Tool Position is its assigned pocket number in the machine
– Save the tool (it is saved into pro_mf_tprm_dir)
– Tip: you may also use File > Open Tool Library to retrieve solid tool parts or assemblies

• To retrieve a saved tool:

– Saved tools may be retrieved at any time into other workcells
– Open the Tools Setup window and select File > Open Parameter File
– Tip: the currently displayed tool “Type” must match the type which you are retrieving
– Tip: hold down Control or Shift to select multiple tools for retrieval

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“Smart” Cutting Tools: Creating the materials list

• Set the config.pro option pro_mf_tprm_dir to point to the tool library folder
• In the Operation setup,
create the materials:

• The resulting mfg_wp_material_list.xml will be created in the tools folder

Sample:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<MfgWpMaterialDoc>
<DocType>PRO_NC_WORKPIECE_MATERIAL_LIST</DocType>
<DocTitle>Workpiece Material List</DocTitle>
<DateTime>2008-02-01T08:51:27</DateTime>
<ApplicationInfo AppName="Pro/ENGINEER" AppVersion="M120"/>
<MfgWpMaterialList>
<MfgWpMaterial Name="Stainless_Steel"/>
<MfgWpMaterial Name="AL6061"/>
<MfgWpMaterial Name="Brass"/>
<MfgWpMaterial Name="ABS"/>
</MfgWpMaterialList>
</MfgWpMaterialDoc>

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“Smart” Cutting Tools: Creating the tools

1) Make sure the config option pro_mf_tprm_dir points to the tool folder!
2) Begin creating a new cutting tool; give it a name, dimensions, number of
teeth, comment, etc.
(Tip: You may also use File > Open Tool Library to open a solid tool model.)
(Tip: You may also modify any existing tool.)

3) In the Speeds & Feeds tab:

a) Select a stock material (your materials will be in the pulldown list)
b) Select an Application (Roughing or Finishing)
c) Supply speed, feed, axial depth, radial depth, and miscellaneous data
d) Repeat step c for the other Application
e) Save the tool

4) Repeat steps a-e for each material

5) Perform all of the above for each new tool

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“Smart” Cutting Tools: Automate NC Sequence Parameters

In the Operation Setup dialog box, make sure to specify the Stock Material. Then either
1) In the Parameter Tree in an NC sequence, select Edit > Copy From Tool >
All/Spindle/Feed/Depth, Roughing/Finishing -- the speed/feed/cut depth parameters will be
read from the database for the stock material and current tool
2) Or set the parameter mfg_param_auto_copy_from_tool to all, misc, or cutting
3) Or use relations in the parameters to call out the cutting data as follows:

Cutting Data Roughing Finishing

Speed TOOL_ ROUGH_SPINDLE_RPM TOOL_ FINISH_SPINDLE_RPM

(rev per minute)

Speed TOOL_ROUGH_SURFACE_SPEED TOOL_FINISH_SURFACE_SPEED

(length units per minute)

Feed (per minute, e.g. IPM) TOOL_ ROUGH_FEED_RATE TOOL_ FINISH_FEED_RATE

Feed (per tooth, e.g. IPR) TOOL_ROUGH_FEED_PER_UNIT TOOL_FINISH_FEED_PER_UNIT

Axial depth TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH TOOL_FINISH_AXIAL_DEPTH

Radial depth TOOL_ROUGH_RADIAL_DEPTH TOOL_FINISH_RADIAL_DEPTH

For example, for STEP_DEPTH enter TOOL_ROUGH_AXIAL_DEPTH

This works with both parameter files and site files
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Manufacturing Templates: How to Create One

1) File > New/Manufacturing > (give a name such as “inlbs_3XVMC”) > Done
(Tip: use the default mfg template to save yourself step 3 below)
2) Set the units (Creo Parametric: File > Prepare > Model Properties; Wildfire 5.0: File >
Properties)
3) Create a default coordinate system and datum planes, if necessary
4) Set up named views as desired (for example, an XZ view for a lathe, or top, front, and
side views for a mill).
5) Retrieve/create a workcell. Retrieve/define cutting tools if desired.
6) Create/retrieve and activate site files as desired.
7) Make any other settings as needed – basically, anything that will never (or rarely)
change, and that you don’t want to set up every time.
An example might be a fixture setup such as the table or tombstone.
8) Save the model, and move it into your start_model_dir folder
9) Optional: Create a drawing (e.g., setup sheet) of the start model, using the same name
as the start model, with the manufacturing assembly as the “default model”.
This drawing may contain a tool table and a list of NC sequences.
Save the drawing: the filename.drw and filename.asm will be saved (along with any
fixture components that you created).
Put these files into your start_model_dir.

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Manufacturing Templates: How to Use One

• To use the template, select it from the list when creating a new mfg model
• Tip: If a drawing file – e.g., a setup sheet – with the same name as the
template exists, a drawing of your new mfg model will be created at the
same time!
• Your new mfg model will be ready to go, with one or more workcells,
operations, and default parameters and tools
• Simply assemble a ref model, assemble or create a workpiece, etc., adjust
the operation coordinate system and retract if necessary, and start
programming

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Live Demonstration

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Lack of Education

Here’s what happens without proper training

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Next Steps – Get Below the Water Line

1) Contact Jeff Rembold (jremb@ptc.com) to get a PDF copy of these slides

2) Get trained! If you had training long ago, get updated!

Personalized training and mentoring are available to ensure that your productivity
and profitability are maximized.

Are you here with Casual user

the software?
Average user
Above-average user

Your productivity and the

software’s value to your Power user
company are highest here:

Super user

Contact your PTC account rep or certified reseller for more details.
© 2013 PTC 20
Appendix: Creating a Drawing Format (e.g., a Setup Sheet)
Note: This topic is covered fully in the Tech Tips session “Documenting Your NC Machining processes”

• Purpose: Associatively link the drawing and the manufacturing model

• To create a setup sheet format:
File > New > Format…
Create title block table, using the parameter symbols:
 &todays_date
 &dwg_name
 &model_name
 &scale
 &current_sheet / &total_sheets
 &nc_programmer
Create Tool Table; set repeat region and enter report symbols:
 &mfg.oper.name on &mfg.oper.workcell.name
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.tool_pocket.tool_position
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.tool_id
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.tool_comment

!
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.tool_pocket.tool_register

e
pl
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.cutter_diam[.2]

am
 &mfg.oper.workcell.head.tooltbl.length[.2]

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