TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
The ProtoTRAK DXF Converter Operating Manual
8
3.3.3 Gap Tolerance When Chaining
When the chaining capability is used in profile programming (chaining is described in
Section 3.5.4 below) the gap tolerance is applied. When a gap that exceeds the gap
tolerance is encountered in the chaining process, the DXF Converter will assume it has
reached the end of the geometry to be chained. In order to have the chaining continue,
simply click on the next geometry to be connected. You will then get the error message
shown in figure 3.3.2 with the choice of changing the gap tolerance with the Apply All
command.
3.4 Pick a Zero Absolute Reference
The drawing file you converted has its own reference point, but that may not be the most
convenient one for programming. The screen you encounter after setting the gap tolerance will
allow you to select your own Absolute zero reference. The DXF Converter provides three choices
for choosing the Absolute zero reference point that are described below.
3.4.1 Choice A: An Intersection
This allows you to use intersecting points, like corners, as the absolute zero reference.
The intersecting points can be taken from two lines, two arcs, or a combination of a line
and an arc. Circles cannot be used with this choice.
To make an intersection the absolute reference, select choice A, then click on the two
pieces of geometry that will intersect at the point you want to use. After you click on the
second piece of geometry, a red mark will appear to show you where the absolute zero is
now set.
This choice also allows the use of the intersection of two lines that meet off of the given
geometry. If this is the case, you will not be able to see the red mark where the new
absolute zero reference is set.
3.4.2 Choice B: An End Point
This allows you to the use an end point of a line or an arc. Click on a line or arc close to
the end point to be used as the absolute zero reference. Circles cannot be used with this
choice.
3.4.3 Choice C: An Arc Center
This allows you to use the center of an arc or circle as the absolute reference point by
simply clicking on an arc or circle.
3.4.4
Continue: Use the Drawing’s Absolute Zero
If CONTINUE is pressed without selecting an absolute zero reference point with one of
the methods above, then the reference point given in the drawing will be used. This can
be helpful if the CAD programmer used a more appropriate absolute zero reference than
one that can be created with the given choices. However, in most cases, when CAD
drawings are created, the absolute zero reference is usually in one of the corners of the
drawing which does not make the best ABS 0 reference point for machining purposes.
Note:
The back key (Alt + B) can be used to return to this screen from any subsequent
screens, however, programmed information will be lost.
3.5 Editing the Drawing
Sometimes the lines of the drawing aren’t exactly what you need to machine. For example, you
may want to add a ramp at the beginning or end of a profile. You can easily add lines to the print
using the Add Line and New Point feature. Once these lines are added, they may be programmed
in exactly the same way as the other features of your part.
