To help you to use CAM GRAAL 3D we propose that you carry out the machining paths of the 3D files that you have created in the CAD module.

In the CAD module, open the file of the pen tray that you have normally named: " Ex6.CAO "

At this stage of the use of the software, you can, if you wish, use the material, the tools and the strategies that you wish, which may therefore be different from those used in this example.

In this exercise, you will not use the automatic blank calculation function; you go therefore into the CAD to position manually the surfaces in the blank volume.

In CAD, open the file " Pen tray " which must normally be named: Ex6.cao.

Select the whole of the surfaces and make them make a movement of: Z = -11 so as to place the top of these surfaces 1 mm inside the blank in the top part.

Then activate all the planes and click on the icon: FAO3D after recording the file.

Your file is transferred into the CAM module, and the first window of information on the material appears.

Choose the material: Prolab 50.

Do not click on : " automatic reframing ".

After validation, your drawing appears in perspective view.

Select all of the surfaces (shortcut = space bar).

Then open the contextual menu: " describe the machining ".

In the first window, click on: Preform and on: Finishing.

Choose the preform tool: N° 17 end mill 2 flutes of 6, long.

Choose the finishing tool: N° 19 ball end mill of 6.

Choose the preform strategy : Automatic.

Choose the finishing strategy: Manual.

As you have chosen a strategy of manual finishing, the following window will ask you to choose the parameters yourself. For this example, you will use the default parameters, adding the function: " no variable machining ".

In the window: " manual strategy " click on: " no variable machining " then on " next ".

Validate the following window without asking to see the additional parameters.

After validation of this last window , the calculation will be launched. Depending on the performances of your PC, this calculation can take several minutes.

Once the calculation is complete, the machining values window appears. You can, if you wish, modify the parameters of cuts calculated automatically by the software, but this implies that you hav knowledge in the matter.

Before machining the Pen tray by the usual methods, you can visualise and print out the machining report which recalls for you the tools, strategies and values of machinings used.

It is also advisable before machining to carry out a simulation.

As will be specified in the report, the machining can, depending on the material used, last more than an hour.

Take care too concerning the tool outputs that absolutely must be greater than the maxi height of the surfaces to be machined.