The "Manual" command is extremely flexible, but requires more manual input from the user. The command can mix created toolpath from IGEMS parts and normal CAD geometry such as lines and arcs. All points and information needed is entered the same way as using "CAD" commands. "Ortho" or "Snap" can be used.
When the command starts the command show this prompt.
Add movement to a disconnected toolpath
The command only works on disconnected toolpath. To continue to work on an existing toolpath select the disconnected toolpath.
Make a new toolpath
Press "Enter" to create a new toolpath. Then there is an additional question:
Specify a point for the zero point of the new toolpath.
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What is this zero point used for?
The selected position normally has no impact on the result but it can be used by the postprocessors. Set the point as close as possible to desired toolpath.
Use this command to create a toolpath step by step. All movements in the machine will be in the same order as the inputted sub-commands.
Rapid
Press this button to add "rapid movements". The jet will always be off when the machine executes this movement. Use the same methods to enter the coordinates as for the "Line" command. Interrupt the "Rapid" command by pressing the spacebar or Enter.
Start
The "Start" command ends the rapid, activates compensation and turns on the jet. The following dialog box is shown.
Compensation
Select one of the following tool radius compensation to use: "Tool on left", "Tool on right" or "No compensation".
Piercing
You can read more about piercing here
Fixed leadin length
When "Fixed length" box is checked the lead length is always fixed to this value.
Start point
Press "OK" to pick a point on the geometry to follow. To use commands that follow other objects, put the start point on the object. One example to do this is by using "Object snap" commands.
Start without leadin
The only way to start "without lead" is when cutting without tool compensation and the "Fixed length" is not activated.
Line
The "Line" option can only be used when the jet is on.
Enter as many lines as needed and move the jet to any position. Interrupt the "Line" command by pressing the spacebar or Enter.
Next
The "Next" option is used when existing objects are located in a chain. For every click on the "Next" button the cursor moves one step forward. To be able to use this function the curser must be located on an object. When there is more than one object that can be used the path to use must be selected.
Pick to select cutting direction.
In this case you can see that on alternative (A) the tool radius compensation will be at wrong side.
After deciding the path direction then use the "next" button to add one step with every click.
Follow to
Use the "Follow to" option instead of clicking on the "Next" button many times.
The coordinates show the current position and if accepted the cursor goes all the way around the part and back to current position.
You can also select position on the contour, then all objects up to that position will be added.
Use "Object snap" when selecting this point.
Note! If there are different solution on how to come to that position, there may be a prompt to select path as described on the "Next" option
Cutting quality
The toolpath will have the selected cutting quality which can be changed at any time. The new quality is valid from the current position. You can also use the "Quality" command to change the cutting quality afterwards.
Undo
The "Undo" only works on actual toolpath and will undo one step backwards for each time clicked.
Loops
The "Loops" function activates loops on outside corners. The following dialog box is shown:
The loops can turn on and off by the enable checkbox. The loops will be generated on coming objects that you can add by Next or Follow to commands.
Threshold angle
Loops will be generated if the geometry direction is changed more than the Threshold angle
Radius
The size of the loops is controlled by the "Radius" setting.
Uncompensated side
When cutting with "No compensation" on CAD objects it is impossible for the function to know what corner is outside. Use this setting to control which corner is treated as outside.
Done
The "Done" button closes the command. You can start the command again and continue on the same cutting. Remember that you must select the toolpath is you have more than one.