CAD/CAM Dictionary
Axis: A spatial direction along which the path of motion. There are three primary axes, X, Y and Z. Each primary axis has a relative axis along that axis; A, B and C.
A-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the X-Axis.
B-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the Y-Axis.
Boolean– a 3d modeling function used to modify or create a solid body by combining, subtracting, or intersecting more than one body.
Boundary: a geometric parameter of constraint used to confine or exclude a toolpath.
Boundary Representation ( B-Rep) : a method used in solid modeling to define geometry that’s represented by edges, faces, and vertices.
CAD: Computer Aided Design; The use of computers to assist in the design process.
CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing; The use of computers to assist in manufacturing.
CAD/CAM: Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing. See Digital Manuacturing
Cartesian Coordinates: A three dimensional system used to represent a position, location, or direction of motion in space.
C-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the Z-Axis.
Circular Interpolation– A toolpath that moves along a circular arc. Circular interpolation is defined by: an endpoint
- an endpoint
- a feed rate
- a center point or arc center
- a radius
- a direction of movement
Chamfer: an angle on the two intersecting edges of a part.
Closed Profile– a chain of geometry that connects together without any gaps.
0 an “o” shaper is closed, or a closed profile.
U a “u” is an example of an open profile.
Collision Detection: A CAD/CAM software feature that detects or predicts a collision of the tool and the part or stock being machined.
Constraints: Spatial parameters or boundaries that are used to define relationships within geometry. Constraints may be used to associate parametric or variational geometry within a CAD system.
Constructive Solids Geometry (CSG): a 3d modeling method using primitives to build more complex models and Boolean operations of add, subtract, and intersection.
Cutter Diameter Compensation (CDC) : A programming method used to alter a toolpath to compensate tool diameter wear.
Cutter Offset: The axial distance from the cutting tool center to the cutting tool diameter (Tool Radius).
Cycle: The sequence of operations and repeated processes that a CNC executes within a program. also see Cycle Time.
Double Geometry– Double geometry is a geometry that overlaps over other geometry in the same position. Example:. line segment overlapping another line segment. Two lines but appears as one line.
DWG: A 2d CAD drawing file format commonly used in Autocad.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format): a common file format for 2d CAD drawings and geometry used to transfer CAD data from one CAD system to another.
Interpolation: A CNC function where generated data points control movement to a given coordinate position.
Lathe Driven Tools – (independent driven tools / mill tools)
Axial Tools- tools parallel with the workpiece
Radial Tools – tools that are perpendicular to the workpiece
Linear Interpolation: A CNC function where generated data points control movement to a given coordinate position to allow simultaneous motion to one or more axes in a linear path.
Loop: A programming method used for continuous repetitive operations where the operator will input the needed number of repetitive tasks.
Gap (profile gap) – a gap in a profile where the geometry chain doesn’t connect.
Operation: A set of machine sequences or toolpaths for a particular setup or side of a part. Each time a part is flipped over is a different operation.
Revolve Tool: Revolves a selected profile around a selected axis.
Toolpath: the path that a tool moves in order to cut or rapid into position to cut.
Translate: To move or shift an element or solid over.
Turning Profile: a contour or cross section of a lathe part. The profile rotates along the center of rotation (X0 or the z-axis).
Also See:
Fusion 360 Tutorial-Circular Pattern-Rectangular Pattern