CAM ToolShape: Difference between revisions

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# Open the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]].
# Open the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]].
# Create a [[PartDesign_Body|Body]] and give the Body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
# Create a [[PartDesign_Body|Body]] and give the Body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
# Create a [[PartDesign_NewSketch|Sketch]] on the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
# Create a [[Image:PartDesign_NewSketch.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_NewSketch|Sketch]] on the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
# Constrain the bottom most center of the bit on the origin {{incode|(0,0)}}. This will be the center of the axis on which the G-code will rotate the bit.
# Constrain the bottom most center of the bit on the origin {{incode|(0,0)}}. This will be the center of the axis on which the G-code will rotate the bit.
#* Note: Do not add dimensional constraints at this time.
#* Note: Do not add dimensional constraints at this time.
# Close the Sketch.
# Close the Sketch.
# [[PartDesign_Revolution|Revolve]] the Sketch around the vertical Sketch axis.
# [[Image:PartDesign_Revolution.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_Revolution|Revolve]] the Sketch around the vertical Sketch axis.
# Open the [[Image:Workbench_Path.svg|16px]] [[Path_Workbench|Path Workbench]].
# Open the [[Image:Workbench_Path.svg|16px]] [[Path_Workbench|Path Workbench]].
# Select the Sketch in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]]. This ensures that the PropertyBag created in the next step will be nested in the Body.
# Select the Sketch in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]]. This ensures that the PropertyBag created in the next step will be nested in the Body.
# Select the {{MenuCommand|Path → Utils → PropertyBag}} option from the menu.
# Select the {{MenuCommand|Path → Utils → PropertyBag}} option from the menu.
# A PropertyBag named {{Value|Attributes}} is created. This PropertyBag will control the variables in the Sketch.
# A PropertyBag named {{Value|Attributes}} is created. This PropertyBag will be used to control the dimensions in the Sketch.
# Double-click the PropertyBag in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]].
# Double-click the PropertyBag in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]].
# The {{MenuCommand|Property Bag}} task panel opens.
# The {{MenuCommand|Property Bag}} task panel opens.
# Click the {{Button|Add...}} button.
# Click the {{Button|Add...}} button.
# The {{MenuCommand|Create Property}} dialog opens.
# The {{MenuCommand|Create Property}} dialog opens.
# Create a property named {{Value|Diameter}}. This property is mandatory for Toolbits. Property names are case-sensitive and may not contain spaces.
# Create a property named {{Value|Diameter}}. This property is mandatory for ToolBits. Property names are case-sensitive and may not contain spaces.
# Select {{Value|Shape}} from the {{MenuCommand|Group}} dropdown list.
# Select {{Value|Shape}} from the {{MenuCommand|Group}} dropdown list.
# Select the appropriate {{MenuCommand|Type}}.
# Select the appropriate {{MenuCommand|Type}}.
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# Save the {{FileName|FCStd}} file where FreeCAD expects to find ToolBit files. See [[#Description|Description]] above.
# Save the {{FileName|FCStd}} file where FreeCAD expects to find ToolBit files. See [[#Description|Description]] above.


<!--T:15-->

* Note 1. If you are denied access to the folder on Windows, start FreeCAD in ADMINISTRATOR mode.

* Note 2. The Body of the ToolBit must be the first object in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]]. These instructions ensure that this is the case.




#* EndNote 1. If you are denied access to this file in Windows, start FreeCad in ADMINISTRATOR mode and it will allow access to the folder. You are finally done! Use this new custom built ToolShape in the normal fashion in addition to the standard ToolBits using the PATH workbench.
#* EndNote 2. The BODY of the Toolbit MUST be listed FIRST in the Combo View FileTree hierarchical structure. These instructions will produce this important structural order to create a successful ToolBit Shape.


== Tool Thumbnail Images == <!--T:10-->
== Tool Thumbnail Images == <!--T:10-->


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<!--T:11-->
Toolbits will have a small icon image of the tool in the tree if the image is saved with thumbnails active.
ToolBits will have a small icon image of the tool in the [[Tree_view|Tree view]] if the file is saved with thumbnails active.


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* Also make sure to switch to Front View and Fit content to screen
* Also make sure to switch to Front View and Fit content to screen
* Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of the template
* Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of the template

== Options == <!--T:13-->





Revision as of 14:39, 15 April 2022

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Description

ToolShapes are a core part of the Path Tools system. ToolShapes are the templates from which ToolBits are created. They represent the specific physical shape of a tool. A ToolShape does not completely describe the bit - for that some additional parameters are needed which will be added when an actual bit is parameterized from the template.

Initially ToolShapes are just FreeCAD documents with a single Body created from the Part Design workbench.

Creating new ToolShapes is an advanced topic. The most commonly needed ToolShapes already exist and are provided with the FreeCAD installation at:

  • On Linux it is usually /usr/lib64/FreeCAD/Mod/Path/Tools/Shape
  • On Windows it is usually C:\Program Files\FreeCAD\Mod\Path\Tools\Shape
  • On macOS it is usually /Applications/FreeCAD/Mod/Path/Tools/Shape

They are:

ballend.fcstd
bullnose.fcstd
chamfer.fcstd
drill.fcstd
endmill.fcstd
probe.fcstd
slittingsaw.fcstd
thread-mill.fcstd
v-bit.fcstd

These can be found in the /Mod/Path/Tools/Shape/ subdirectory where FreeCAD was installed.

Usage

  1. Create a new FreeCAD document.
  2. Open the PartDesign Workbench.
  3. Create a Body and give the Body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
  4. Create a Sketch on the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
  5. Constrain the bottom most center of the bit on the origin (0,0). This will be the center of the axis on which the G-code will rotate the bit.
    • Note: Do not add dimensional constraints at this time.
  6. Close the Sketch.
  7. Revolve the Sketch around the vertical Sketch axis.
  8. Open the Path Workbench.
  9. Select the Sketch in the Tree view. This ensures that the PropertyBag created in the next step will be nested in the Body.
  10. Select the Path → Utils → PropertyBag option from the menu.
  11. A PropertyBag named Attributes is created. This PropertyBag will be used to control the dimensions in the Sketch.
  12. Double-click the PropertyBag in the Tree view.
  13. The Property Bag task panel opens.
  14. Click the Add... button.
  15. The Create Property dialog opens.
  16. Create a property named Diameter. This property is mandatory for ToolBits. Property names are case-sensitive and may not contain spaces.
  17. Select Shape from the Group dropdown list.
  18. Select the appropriate Type.
  19. Optionally specify a ToolTip.
  20. Click the OK button.
  21. In the Property Bag task panel enter a value for the Diameter property.
  22. Similarly add all other required properties.
  23. Click the OK button in the Property Bag task panel when done.
  24. Double-click the Sketch in the Tree view.
  25. Add dimensional constraints and apply the properties from the created PropertyBag. For example to apply the Diameter property:
    1. Double-click a dimension.
    2. Click the icon.
    3. Enter <<Attributes>>.Diameter in the Formula editor.
    4. Click the OK button twice.
  26. Repeat this until the Sketch is fully constrained.
  27. Save the FCStd file where FreeCAD expects to find ToolBit files. See Description above.
  • Note 1. If you are denied access to the folder on Windows, start FreeCAD in ADMINISTRATOR mode.
  • Note 2. The Body of the ToolBit must be the first object in the Tree view. These instructions ensure that this is the case.

Tool Thumbnail Images

ToolBits will have a small icon image of the tool in the Tree view if the file is saved with thumbnails active.

Important notes:

  • Before saving the document make sure you have Save Thumbnail selected, and Add program logo deselected in FreeCAD's preferences.
  • Also make sure to switch to Front View and Fit content to screen
  • Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of the template