Part 6: Surface Milling

CAM Tutorial CREO PARAMETRIC 1.
0 week 3 Part 6
PART 6: SURFACE MILLING
CONVENTIONAL SURFACE MILL

Create a tool path to machine the top faces (shown in cyan below) of the provided mold insert.
Before starting this tutorial:
Ensure that you have downloaded all CAM files from the write-protected drive (P:\Cours-
es\41617-CAM\) and placed them on your own drive (M:\)
Set the Working Directory to the directory on your own drive where you placed the CAM files.
1. Open the manufacturing model called: surf1.asm
2. Use the existing NC Sequence.

● In the Model tree, click 1. Surface Milling [OP 010] and choose Edit Definition.
● In the Menu Manager choose Seq Setup.
● In the Seq Setup walk-through menu list, activate Surfaces and Define Cut (pre-
chosen)
● Choose Done
Revised by Tomas Benzon DTU MEK March 2012 on basis of original COACH material Page 1
CAM Tutorial CREO PARAMETRIC 1.0 week 3 Part 6
Note: This NC Sequence is setup using a 3-axis mill with a 25 mm diameter ball nose end mill tool. The other
important machining parameters that are preset include:
3. Select the surfaces that you want to machine.

● Choose Done to accept the default of Model (upon which to select the surfaces)
● Select all of the top surfaces on the insert
The order in which you select

them is not important. To select
more than one surface, you must
hold down the CTRL key as you
select.
Here all the top surfaces are

chosen
● Choose OK in the Select box
4. Play the path.
The tool path should generate

like this
CONVENTIONAL MILL PARAMETERS
Alter the tool path on the insert you machined in the last Section by changing the cut angle and
scallop height parameters
1. Change the cut angle to 90 degrees.
● Close the PLAY PATH dialog
● Select the Step Parameters icon (On the Mill pane, on the right end of the ribbon)
● In the Param Tree window, select the CUT_ANGLE parameter and type 90 instead of 0
● Choose OK to exit Parameter Setup window
2. Play the path..
● Choose Screen Play
● Choose the Play Forward action button
- The cut motion is now parallel to

the "Y" axis of the machine coordi-
nate system instead of parallel to
the "X" axis.
3. Now, change the scallop height to 5 mm

● Choose the Step Parameters icon )
● Change SCALLOP_HGT to 5.0
Remember, the system checks the Step Over calculated from the Scallop Height specified in the Param Tree
window against the Step Over distance specified and uses the smaller number. If you increase the Scallop Height
and don't increase the Step Over number you may not see any change in the number of tool passes displayed.
Increase the Step Over parameter so it will not play a part in the calculations.
● Change Step_Over to 12 mm
● Exit the Parameter Setup window
4. Play the path.
You can see how increasing the Scallop Height decreased the number of milling passes on the part. You notice
however there is still a "bunching up" of tool passes on the radius surfaces at the bottom of the insert.
5. Remove the rounded surfaces on the insert from the scallop height calculation.
● Choose Seq Setup
● Choose ScallopSrf
● Choose Done
● Select the 6 rounded surfaces on the insert to exclude from the scallop height
computation...remember, you must hold down the CTRL key to select several surfaces
● Choose OK
● Choose Done/Return
6. Play the path.
Notice that the spacing is "spread out" a little more at the bottom of the insert. Removing these surfaces from the
scallop height calculation had this affect. The spacing is still closer however, on the side wall where the cuts have
been spread out on the vertical walls in the Z direction, but not in the X direction.
● Save your work: Choose File > Save as > Save a backup. Use Organize, and create
a new folder. This action puts all the files necessary for running a machining simulation in
this folder and enables you at a later time to view or continue your work .
● The folder must be handed in to the 41617 home page > Assignments > Cam Week
3, following instructions here.
End of demonstration
Machine the top surface of the housing shown

left using two different scan types.
1. Open the surf2.asm manufacturing model.
2. Use the existing NC Sequence.

● In the Model tree, rightclick 1. Surface
Milling (OP 010) and choose Edit Defini -
tion. In the appearing Walk-through Menu,
Surfaces and Define Cut are pre-chosen
● Choose Done
● Choose Done
3. Select the surfaces on the top of the housing. This includes the large surface, the round
which runs around the outside top of the part and the round at edge of the recess. The surfaces
are shown below.
The surfaces are collected one by one, using

the CTRL button

4. Play the path. The results should be as shown left.
This path was created using the default scan

type of TYPE_1. Notice that the tool moved
straight across openings that it encountered.
This may not be acceptable....change to scan
type TYPE_3.
● Choose Close
5. Change to scan type TYPE_3.
● Choose the Step Parameters icon ( ) to bring up the Param Tree window.
● Change the SCAN_TYPE to TYPE_3
● Choose OK to exit the Parameter setup window.
6. Play the path.
The tool now mills the "zone" on one

side of the opening and then moves to
the other side. Machining time is saved
by not "machining air" as the cutter
moves across the openings.
7. Return to the main menu, close all files.
End of Practise
CUT LINE SURFACE MILL

Machine the curved surface on the aircraft frame support shown below using By Edge machining.
1. Open the manufacturing model: surf4.asm.
2. Start a new NC Sequence.

● In the top ribbon choose the Mill pane / Surface Milling - The Menu Manager / Sec Setup
appears showing Tool, Parameters, Retract Surf, Surfaces and Define Cut pre-chosen. If any of these are
missing, activate them yourself.
● Choose Check Surfaces additionally - Since the surfaces you want to machine lie inside a
pocket, you must specify Check Surfaces to keep the tool from hitting the sides of the pocket..
●Choose Done
3. Select a tool.
● Under Type, choose Milling
● Click in the Cutter Diameter text field and enter 12.5
● Click in the Corner Radius text field and enter 6.25
● Click in the Length text field and enter 75
● Choose the Apply action button
● Choose Yes to confirm the tool change
● Choose OK- the Tool Dialogue closes, and the Edit Parameters Dialogue opens next...
4. Retrieve the provided parameters.
● In the Edit Parameters dialogue choose File / Open
● Choose surf4.mil from the list
● Choose Open
● Ignore and close the error dialogue, if it shows.
● Choose OK- the Edit Parameters Dialogue closes, and the Retract Setup opens next...
5. Setup the Retract Plane.
● If the NC_CS0 Coordinate system is not preselected in the Retract Setup dialogue ,
select it in the Model Tree
● Set (offset) Value to 10
● Choose OK- the Retract Setup Dialogue closes, and the Define Cut opens next...
6. Select the surfaces you want to machine. - The system wants you to on the model to select which
surfaces to mill.
● Choose Done
The selection order is

unimportant...

7. Play the path..
● Choose the Play Forward action button
● After closing the player, Choose Seq Setup once again

● Choose Define Cut / Done - The system now displays the Cut Definition dialogue. Notice the
default setting: From Surface Isolines
● Press the Preview button. - The From Surface Isolines setting overrules the Parameter angle ( 0°)
● Close the dialogue with an OK.

8. Play the path..
● Choose the Play Forward action button - The milling starts on the upper surface
● Enter the Sec Setup / Define Cut /

Done once again
● In the Cut Definition dialogue,
reverse the milling order of the 3
surfaces by choosing them one by
one and change their order using the
arrow
● Now reorient the cut direction
by choosing them one by one and
toggle direction with the tool in bottom
left. Arrows, indicating the direction
can be seen on the model
9. Play the path..

End of demonstration
Finish machine the contoured faces on the mold insert shown below.
Finish machine these surfaces
1. Retrieve the manufacturing model called: surf1.asm
2. Start a new NC Sequence.

● In the top ribbon choose the Mill pane / Cut Line Milling - As shown:
The Cut Line Milling interface has many entries, with the mandatory ones in yellow as usual:
3. Fill - in the References
● Open the Reference tab, verify - Under Type - that Surface is selected and choose the
Details button in the lower right corner. - The Surface Sets dialogue opens
● Click in the Select Items area, and choose the faces on the model as shown:
The Surface Sets dialogue will list

the selected faces - the sequence
is unimportant
● Open
● Close the Surface Sets dialogue with an OK.

4. Retrieve the provided Parameters.
● Choose the Parameters tab, followed by the Edit Machining Param -
eters tab bottom right of the list.
- The familiar Edit Parameters dialogue opens.
● In the Edit Parameters dialogue choose File/Open and doubleclick Surf6.mil.
● Close the Information Window.
● Close the Edit Parameters dialogue with an OK.
5. Define Cut Line 1
● Open the Cut Lines tab, and verify that Cutline 1 is active. Click the upper one of the
two Details buttons - The Chain dialogue appears
● In the Chain dialogue, under the References tab, choose the Rule-based radio button
● Verify that the Tangent radio button is selected.
● select the edges (one is enough) as shown highlighted in green as the Cutline 1.
Notice the arrow indicating the direction.
● Close the Chain dialogue with an OK.
6. Define Cut Line 2

● Repeat the procedure, starting
with entering the Cut Lines tab and
activating Cutline 2.
● This time the upper line (yes,
green again) has to be selected as
Cutline 2.
● Close the Chain dialogue with an OK
● The Cut Line Milling dialogue can

now be closed with the green OK
sign.
7. Play the Path
● In The Model Tree, right-click the
Cut Line Milling sequence and
choose Play Path:
ATTENTION
The final step of the above exercise must be REVIEWED and APPROVED by your
INSTRUCTOR to make you eligible for a signature on your approval sheet confirming your
successful completion of this tutorial.
Leave this file open and continue to the next exercises. Please complete both ATTENTION -
marked Day-3 exercises before requesting review and approval
PART 7: CUSTOMIZED MILLING

APPROACH & EXIT CUTS
Customize the two NC Sequences provided to profile the outline of the valve body armature
shown below.
1. Retrieve the manufacturing model: cust2_manf.asm.
2. Activate the existing NC Sequence.

● In the Model Tree click 1. Pocket Milling [OP010] and choose Edit Definition
3. Play the path
4. Customize this cutter path to add a Tan -

gent Approach and a Tangent Exit move. Choose this
● Choose Customize one
● In the Customize dialog, highlight
item 3: Follow Cut in the Current
Tool Motion(s) list as shown right: Choose
Tangent
Approach
● Choose Tangent Approach from the option menu as shown below
As soon as the Tangent Approach option is selected, the system

displays the Tangent Approach dialogue as shown below. For the
Tangent Approach, you can specify Feed Rate, Spindle Speed,
Coolant On/Off, a Cutcom command, an X, Y, Z Offset Distance
and/or an Approach Distance.
● Select in the Approach Distance text field and type 25
Value 25
● Choose the Preview

action button
25 mm Tangent
Approach added
The system immediately displays the

Tangent Approach on the graphic
screen and inserts it into the Current
Tool Motion(s) list:
Tangent Approach now shows

on the list
5. Add a Tangent Exit move of 25.0.

● Highlight <end of tool path> in the Current Tool Motions list
● Choose Tangent Exit from the option menu
You should see the Customize dialog as shown below.
● Choose the <end of tool part> line

to make it the active one.
● In the drop down list, Choose Tan-
gent Exit
● In the Tangent Exit box, for Exit
Distance type 25
● Choose the Preview action button
25 mm Tangent
Exit added
● Choose the OK action button from the Customize dialog
● Choose Done Seq

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 using the second existing NC Sequence: 2. Pocket Milling [OP010]
7. Use the CL Data option to replay the complete operation OP010.

● In the Model Tree, highlight (singleclick) OP010 [MACH01]
● In the model tree, right-click on OP 010[MACH01] and choose Play Path - (Similarly you
can run Play Path for one of the individual NC Sequences, if you pre-highlight it)
● In the Menu Manager, choose Done
● Run the Play Path - The complete Operation will display
The second NC Sequence: 2. Pocket

Milling [OP010] with 25 mm Tangent
Approach and Tangent Exit added
The full tour...
APPROACH & EXIT CUTS
Customize the tool path that profiles the left side of this aircraft bracket to add an acceptable
approach and exit motion.
1. Open the manufacturing file: cust1_manf.asm.

2. Activate the existing NC Sequence.
● In the Model Tree click on 1. Pocket Milling [OP010] and choose Edit Definition
3. Play the path
3. Customize this cutter path to add a Tangent Approach and a Tangent Exit move.
● Choose Customize
● In the Customize dialog, highlight item 3: Follow Cut in the Current Tool Motion(s)
list as shown below
The Follow Cut motion displays on the model
● Choose Tangent Approach from the option menu as shown below
As soon as the Tangent Approach option is selected, the system displays the Tangent Approach dialogue as
shown below. For the Tangent Approach, you can specify Feed Rate, Spindle Speed, Coolant On/Off, a Cutcom
command, an X, Y, Z Offset Distance and/or an Approach Distance.
● Select in the Approach Distance text field and type 50

● Choose the Preview action button
Preview of the 50 mm Appr oach

Distance
● Choose the OK action button

The system immediately displays the Tangent Approach on the graphic screen and inserts it into the Current Tool
Motion(s) list.
Tangent Approach now shows

on the list
● Highlight <end of tool path> in the Current Tool Motions list

● Choose Tangent Exit from the option menu
The system now displays the Tangent Exit dialog with the same options as in the Tangent Approach dialog.
● Select in the Exit Distance text field and type 50 and choose the OK action button
Again, the system immediately displays the Tangent Exit motion on the graphic screen and has inserted the
Tangent Exit statement in the Current Tool Motion(s) list.
Tangent Exit
inserted
The 50 mm
Exit Distance
Previously you have Customized a tool path by building an additional path with the new motions in it, thus ending
up having to delete one of them. This time you simply customized the original cutter path by inserting the new
requirements.
POSTPROCESSOR COMMANDS
Add a block of text at the beginning of the file you have been working on. Also, you need to slow
down the feed rate of the tool along the thin walled rib which lies along the center of the bracket.
Add a feed rate command to affect the slow down.
Slow the Feed Rate to 15.0

MMPM along this thin Rib
1. Add the block of text at the beginning of the sequence.

● In the Customize box Select <start of tool path> in the Current Tool Motion(s) list.
You want the block of text to go as close to the front of the file as possible. You will also notice that the only param-
eter you can enter is a CL Command. A CL Command is the only option that can be inserted at the beginning of a
cutter file.
● Choose CL Command from the option menu to the right of the Insert button
● Choose File in the CL Command dialog

● Choose loadtl1.cmd from the list
● Choose the Open action button
The file is read in and is displayed in the Command text field of the CL Command dialog.

One line of text from the file is shown in the Current Tool Motion(s) listing, but to see the complete text just look at
the CL Data window, which now appears as a result of the Open command. The CL Data window is only for
viewing and it responds when you highlight one of the Tool Motions in the Customize box.
Please notice that the CL Data window may hide behind the whole Creo screen. (use ALT - TAB to display it)
● Scroll down in the window until you can see the entire block of text you added
2. Now add the feed rate command to slow down the tool as it machines the thin rib.
You now need to add a Cut Motion to hold the new post command and its associated GOTO point....
● in the Customize dialog highlight item 5: Tangent Exit on the Current Tool Motion(s) list
-You probably noticed that in the CL Data window line 36 highlighted too.
● Click in the text field to the right of the Insert action button in the Customize dialog
● Choose CL Command from the list
The system displays the CL Command dialog as shown:
● Choose the On Tool Path radio button (Arrow)

● Select the position approximately as shown next page
Click on the Tool Path a little

bit before the Tool meets the
corner...
● Place the Cursor in the Enter Command text field and click the LMB
Remember this...
Click for typing...
● Type FEDRAT / 15.0, MMPM exactly as shown above

You should now be able to see the new command and GOTO Point in the CL-File. In the Customize box. you may
highlight line 5 (FEDRAT...) to see the change in the CL-File...
● Choose the OK action button in the Customize dialog
3. You can see the relative affect of the new feedrate on the tool path by playing it with a slower
speed from the Play Path CD player.
● Choose Play Path
Notice how the tool changes speeds depending on the commands that you just added...
ATTENTION
The final step of the above exercise (the tool speed slowdown) must be REVIEWED and
APPROVED by your INSTRUCTOR to make you eligible for a signature on your approval
sheet confirming your successful completion of this tutorial.

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CAM Tutorial CREO PARAMETRIC 1.

PART 6: SURFACE MILLING

CONVENTIONAL SURFACE MILL

Before starting this tutorial:

1. Open the manufacturing model called: surf1.asm

2. Use the existing NC Sequence.

3. Select the surfaces that you want to machine.

The order in which you select

Here all the top surfaces are

● Choose OK in the Select box

4. Play the path.

The tool path should generate

CONVENTIONAL MILL PARAMETERS

- The cut motion is now parallel to

3. Now, change the scallop height to 5 mm

Machine the top surface of the housing shown

1. Open the surf2.asm manufacturing model.

2. Use the existing NC Sequence.

The surfaces are collected one by one, using

● Choose OK in the Select box

This path was created using the default scan

The tool now mills the "zone" on one

7. Return to the main menu, close all files.

CUT LINE SURFACE MILL

1. Open the manufacturing model: surf4.asm.

2. Start a new NC Sequence.

The selection order is

● Choose OK in the Select box

● After closing the player, Choose Seq Setup once again

● Close the dialogue with an OK.

● Enter the Sec Setup / Define Cut /

9. Play the path..

Finish machine these surfaces

1. Retrieve the manufacturing model called: surf1.asm

2. Start a new NC Sequence.

The Surface Sets dialogue will list

● Close the Surface Sets dialogue with an OK.

6. Define Cut Line 2

● Close the Chain dialogue with an OK

● The Cut Line Milling dialogue can

PART 7: CUSTOMIZED MILLING

1. Retrieve the manufacturing model: cust2_manf.asm.

2. Activate the existing NC Sequence.

4. Customize this cutter path to add a Tan -

● Choose Tangent Approach from the option menu as shown below

As soon as the Tangent Approach option is selected, the system

● Select in the Approach Distance text field and type 25

● Choose the Preview

The system immediately displays the

Tangent Approach now shows

5. Add a Tangent Exit move of 25.0.

You should see the Customize dialog as shown below.

● Choose the <end of tool part> line

● Choose the Preview action button

● Choose the OK action button from the Customize dialog

● Choose Done Seq

7. Use the CL Data option to replay the complete operation OP010.

The second NC Sequence: 2. Pocket