NC Verify Help Contents
 SURFCAM Verify Help Contents

SURFCAM Verify provides complete on-line and context sensitive help for all menus, buttons and user interactions.  You can traverse these following help commands or press F1 on any of the menus or buttons inside the SURFCAM Verify product to automatically invoke context sensitive help.

Commands

File menu

Model menu

View menu

Tool menu

Simulate menu

Inspect menu

Options menu

Window menu

Help menu


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

Open	Open a program file
Save Job	Save current settings in a Job file
Read Wip File	Open and read an existing work in process file
Write Wip File	Save a work in process file to a WIP file
Read Playback_File	Open and read an existing playback file
Write Playback file	Save a simulation to a playback file
Write Image File	Save the contents of the active graphics view to an image file
Page Setup	Set up the page header and footer for printing a document
Print	Print the image from the active graphics view to the printer
Upgrade	Lists the benefits of upgrading from the SURFCAM Verify product to full production SURFCAM Verify PLUS
Exit	Exit SURFCAM Verify


Model menu commands

The Model menu deals with manipulation of stock, fixture and design parts.  The Model menu offers the following commands:

Stock...	Create stock for the current NC job
Fixture...	Create fixture for the current NC job
Design part...	Read a design part in SLA format for comparison with the as manufactured part
Translate...	Translate the highlighted solid
Rotate...	Rotate the highlighted solid
Scale	Scale the highlighted solid
Delete	Deletes the highlighted solid
Set type	change the type of the highlighted solid


Stock create command (Model menu)

Use this command to create stock from the following primitives

Box	Create stock from a box primitive
Cylinder	Create stock from a cylinder primitive
SLA Solid	Create stock from a SLA file


Fixture create command (Model menu)

Use this command to create a fixture from the following primitives

Box	Create fixture from a box primitive
Cylinder	Create fixture from a cylinder primitive
SLA Solid	Create fixture from a SLA file


Set type command (Model menu)

Use this command to change type of the highlighted solid in the currently active Graphics view.  A stock, fixture or a design part model has to be selected as follows prior to using this command.

- select the pick icon [image] from the toolbar or select View menu and Select button.

-To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids 	 	 wireframe  lines and click on it.

The selected model is highlighted in red.  A solid displayed in the Graphics view(s) can be of type Stock, Fixture or Design part.  You can use the following three choices to change the model type.  This command is useful if you wish to say, convert a fixture model into a stock or vice versa.

This command is available in the Setup mode only.

Stock	Change type of the highlighted solid in the graphics view to stock
Fixture	Change type of the highlighted solid in the graphics view to fixture
Part	Change type of the highlighted solid in the graphics view to design part


View menu commands

The View menu deals with dynamic graphical manipulation of the geometric models used in SURFCAM Verify.

In the Setup mode, the mouse interactions are controlled via three operational modes: Selection, Orientation(panning and rotation), and Zoom.  The View menu offers the following commands:

Select	Switch to selection mode
Orient	Switch to orientation mode
Zoom	Switch to zoom mode
Machine type	Set the machine type
Standard views	Select a standard view
Fit	Fit the geometry to the view
Center	Center the geometry in the view
Show axes	Show/Hide the coordinate axes in the view
Show tool axes	Show/Hide tool axes in the view
Rotate solid	Enable rotation of solids
Flip solid	Flip the solid model
Move light source	Enable dynamic light source change
Shadow	Show/Hide shadows in the workpiece
Enhance	Smoothen the edges of the workpiece
Translucent	Enable/disable translucency
Monochrome	Enable/disable monochrome display
Reset	Reset the solid model to its original state
New view	Create a new graphics view


Machine type command (View menu)

This command sets the overall orientation of the camera to view the simulation process.  The machine types are Horizontal and Vertical.  The camera orientations are computed according to the machine type.  The following two options allow you to switch between the two modes.

This command is available in Setup mode only.

Vertical	Switch to vertical machine orientation
Horizontal	Switch to horizontal machine orientation


Standard views command (View menu)

There are nine standard views available to orient the camera in the Graphics view(s).  The following options allow you to switch to any of the standard views.  These commands are also available via an intuitive camera palette shown in the picture, which can be conveniently positioned anywhere on your screen.  The camera views depend on the machine orientation and automatically reflect the current machine orientation.

This command is available in Setup mode only.

Front	Switch to front view
Back	Switch to back view
Left	Switch to left view
Right	Switch to right view
Top	Switch to top view
Bottom	Switch to bottom view
Isometric view 1	Switch to Isometric view 1
Isometric view 2	Switch to Isometric view 2
Isometric view 3	Switch to Isometric view 3
Isometric view 4	Switch to isometric view 4


Tool menu commands

This menu deals with functions to set and/or alter tool configuration for simulation.  The tool menu offers the following commands

Show	Show/Hide the tool during simulation
Display mode	Select tool display mode
Color	Select/switch tool color
Change color at tool change	Change toolpath color at every tool change
Edit tool list	Edit the current tool list
Defaults	Configure tool defaults


Display modes command ( Tool menu)

The tool can be displayed in three different modes during simulation: wireframe, solid and continuous.  The following three options allow you to switch between the modes.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.

Wireframe	Show the tool in wireframe mode
Solid	Show the tool in solid mode
Continuous display	Show the tool in continuous display mode


Simulate menu commands

This menu deals with commands to run and control machining simulation.  During an active session, SURFCAM Verify can be in two distinct modes of operation: Setup mode, when the simulation parameters are set up, and Simulation mode where the actual simulation and analysis of the workpiece is done.  The following two commands allow you to switch between the two modes.

Setup	Switch to Setup mode
Simulate	Switch to Simulate mode
Turbo	Switch to Turbo mode
CL Range	Specify a range of CL points for simulation
Use all CL	Use the complete program file for simulation
Record Simulation	Start/Stop recording the simulation for playback
Start	Start the current simulation/playback
Go to	Set simulation/playback break points
Stop	Stop the simulation/playback


Goto command (Simulate menu)

The following choices can be used to set simulation/playback break points

Next CL point	Continue simulation/playback to next CL point
Next tool	Continue simulation/playback to the next tool change
Next error	Continue simulation/playback to the next error
End	Continue simulation/playback to the end of the program/playback file
Previous CL point	Playback to the previous CL point
Previous tool	Playback to the previous tool change
Previous error	Playback to the previous error
Beginning	Playback to the beginning of the program file


Inspect menu commands

This menu has commands to analyze the machined workpiece.  The commands include functions for measurement, design comparison, sectioning, and chip removal.

Measure	Measure various properties of the workpiece (e.g.  thickness, volume etc.)
Section	Section the workpiece
Compare with design	Compare the as manufactured part with the as designed part
Remove chips	Remove chips for better viewing
Remove fixtures	Remove fixtures for better viewing


Options menu commands

The Options menu comprises of functions relating to over-all system performance.  You can set session wide and system defaults using commands in this menu.

Multi-Axis	Toggle Multi-Axis motions
Write image at tool change	Save image to a file at tool change
Write image at error	Save image to a file at error
Enhance when writing image	Enhance image before saving it to a file
Toolbars	Show/Hide the tool bars
Reset Toolbars	Resets all toolbar locations
Status bar	Show/Hide the status bar
Control Panel	Show the Control panel
System Defaults	Set/edit system defaults
Units	Switch between inch and metric units


Units command (Options menu)

Switch between Inch and metric units (ALT O + U)

Use this command to switch between Inch and Metric units for the tool and system default values.  This command is used if you wish to run SURFCAM Verify under a different system from the current.  The default units is Inches.  The change in units will affect all the unit dependent tool defaults and computation tolerances.  The following options are available under the Units command

Inch
Metric


Window menu commands

Cascade

Cascade the views present inside the main window

Tile Horizontal

Tile the views horizontally, one below the other

Tile Vertical

Tile the views vertically, one beside the other

Arrange icons

Arrange the view icons inside the main window


Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Index	Offers you an index to topics on which you can get help
Using Help	Provides general instructions on using help
Troubleshooting	Displays answers to frequently asked questions
About SURFCAM Verify	Displays a dialog with details about product information, ownership etc.
Memory status	Show current memory status
Upgrade Info	Lists the benefits of upgrading from the SURFCAM Verify product to the full production version of SURFCAM Verify Plus


Open command (File menu)

Open program file (ALT F + O)

This command is used to open NC program files for simulation.  It brings up a standard File Open dialog box, which prompts you for the name of the file to be opened.  This option is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.  However, the function behavior depends on the current mode.  In the Setup mode, reading an NC program file implies the start of a new simulation session.  Any existing data including program and stock information is replaced.  In the Simulation mode, reading an NC program file will replace/update the tool path information only.  Any existing stock data is preserved.  This functionality enables you to run multiple NC programs on the same workpiece

All input files can be fully pre-read or read incrementally at run-time.  If the input file is fully pre-read then the system can back-plot, show the toolpath in wireframe and provide other benefits like bounding box calculations for stock.  But pre-reading may take a long time for very large files and will take more memory.  For large files (>2 or 3 MB), it will be better not to pre-read but to use the run-time reading facility.  The pre-read/run-time option can be selected while opening a file by clicking on the Pre-Read (or) Run-Time button In the File open dialog.

Pre-Read:

This is the default mode for reading the NC program.  The program is completely read into memory before the beginning of simulation.  This is useful to compute the stock size based on the tool path limits, and also to display the back plot of the tool path described by the NC program.  For large files, this method will require considerable free system memory to function efficiently.

Runtime:

Use this option to read the file as the simulation is underway.  This method is recommended for large files or for hardware systems with insufficient RAM.  (Refer to Chapter 7 for discussions on efficient memory management).  If this option is selected, you will be unable to fit a stock (box or cylinder) to the tool path bounding box.  The simulation speed will be the same as in the Pre-Read mode.


Save Job (File menu)

Save  current settings in a job file (ALT F + S)

Use this command to save current settings for a NC program file to a job file.  It brings up a standard File Save dialog box which prompts you for the name of a file with .job extension.  This command is available only if the current file is a G-code file or a job file.  If the currently selected file is a G-code file and a corresponding job file is not available, then SURFCAM Verify will automatically create a job file.  Save Job command is used to save the current settings, which include the tool list and the stock.

Note:	Currently, only stocks of type box or  cylinder can be saved.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Read WIP file command (File menu)

Open a work-in-process file (ALT F + R)

This command is used to read a work-in-process file saved from a previous session.  A standard File Open dialog is displayed listing all files with .wip extension.  Upon selection of a WIP file, SURFCAM Verify reads and displays the saved work-in-progress in the graphics view(s).  Additional graphics views will be automatically added if specified in the WIP file.  After the file has been read, you can run the normal simulation functions, for example:

- Begin the simulation at the beginning of the currently loaded program file.

- Specify a subset range of cutter location IDs; this is useful if you want to resume      the simulation at a particular CL point.

- Read a new program file.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Write Wip File command (File menu)

Save the current work-in-process into a file (ALT F + W)

This command is used to save the current work-in-process to a file.  A standard File Save dialog box will be displayed you for the name of a file with .wip extension.  You can write multiple work-in-process files during a single simulation session.  An average WIP file size is 5 megabytes.

The work-in-process file contains the following information in binary format:

- Number of Graphics views.

- Size, shape, and orientation of the stock and fixtures in each Graphics view.

- Solid work-in-process model in each Graphics view.

The work-in-process file does not contain the following information:

- Any dynamic graphics display information, such as rotation or section states.

- NC program information.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Read Playback file command (File menu)

Open and read a playback file (ALT F + P)

Use this command to view a previously recorded NC machining simulation.  A standard File Open dialog will be displayed listing all files with .pla extension.  Select the name of the playback file you want to read.  After the playback file is read, you will see Playback view(s) with the first frame of the playback file.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes


Write Playback file command (File menu)

Save the current simulation to a  file (ALT F + Y)

This command saves the current simulation to a playback file.  A standard File Save dialog box will be displayed prompting you  for a file name with a .pla extension.

This command is available in Simulation mode only


Write Image file command (File menu)

Write an image file from the current graphics view (ALT F + I)

Use this command to  create a snapshot of the current screen image.  You can create an image file at any time during a session A standard File Save dialog box will be displayed prompting you  for a file name with a .bmp extension.  The image files are saved in the same color format as the current session.  i.e.  256 color or 64k color mode in either monochrome or color.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Page Setup command (File menu)

Set up the header and footer  for printing  document (ALT F + G)

This option is used for setting the header and footer of the image to be printed.  Selecting this button will invoke a dialog showing the current page setup.  Modify the settings as required and accept the changes by selecting the OK button.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Print command (File menu)

Print the image from the active graphics view to the current printer (ALT F + P)

Use this command to print the image in a Graphics view directly to a printer without creating an image file.  The image is automatically adjusted to be the best possible fit  to the page size.  A print dialog will prompt you for options:

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Upgrade info
Upgrade Information

Why upgrade from SURFCAM Verify to Full Production Product

If you are using SURFCAM Verify, you already know that it is an excellent basic NC Verification system that accepts NC programs, simulates the toolpaths and finds all errors.  These features, while they are indispensable are limited in capabilities and functionality compared to the full production version that contains highly useful and advanced features.  The following is a list of some very powerful features in the full production version of SURFCAM Verify PLUS.  The full production version will greatly enable you to analyze your result, better visualize the final part, accept a variety of NC input programs and in general provide you with advanced capabilities.

Additional features available in the full production product

1:	G Code NC program input: Verifying the final NC G-code file, will be the ultimate validation of your NC program.  While you verified the CAM output using APT-CL or special CAM files using the SURFCAM Verify product, the full production version of SURFCAM Verify PLUS gives you the ability to accept and verify the final G-code file, that the NC machine tool reads.

2:	 Inspection and measurements: You can measure and query the solid model, which can be the final machined part or any intermediate stock shape, after or during the simulation process for various geometric attributes.  You can accurately measure point coordinates, surface normals, thickness, machining time, volume and tool information.

3:	Compare as Designed (vs.) as Manufactured part: You can import a design part and compare the final machined part with the original design.  You can do a dimensional evaluation of the machined part against the designed part.  SURFCAM Verify computes the deviation of the machined part from the actual design part and displays gouges and undercuts in distinct colors for clarity.  You can eliminate costly prove outs and scrap and greatly reduce manufacturing lead time.

3:	Dynamic Rotation & Sectioning: SURFCAM Verify supports dynamic rotation and sectioning of the stock during simulation for better viewing.

4:	Multi axis milling & turning, millturn and 4axis Wire EDM

5:	Record and playback: SURFCAM Verify supports very flexible and easy-to-use record and playback capabilities.  You can record the current simulation for future playback purposes.  You can choose to record the whole or part of the simulation, or just record errors.  Playing back a recorded simulation will be several times faster.  Record and playback can be good demonstration tool.

6:	Advanced visualization (movable light source, translucency, flip, shadows): You can dynamically move the light source, enable the translucent mode to see the hidden areas, flip the part for viewing from various angles, turn the shadows option on or, opt for chip removal at any stage of the simulation for very realistic visualization.

7:	 Job files: SURFCAM Verify supports the powerful Job file concept where you can save tool, stock, fixture and other relevant setup and G-code information in Job files.  This information can be retrieved and plugged in as is for any future simulation or toolpath verification runs.

8:	Fixture assembly: You can setup a complete fixture assembly and verify the NC program for collisions with fixtures.

9:	 Support for multiple setup and operations: If you are using multiple setups and operations, you need to save the work-in-process for the first operation as the initial stock for the next operation.  The full production version supports saving and retrieving of WIP solid models to verify multiple operation NC files.

10:	 Multiple graphics Views: SURFCAM Verify supports multiple graphics views of the material removal process.  While the SURFCAM Verify product supports only one graphics view, you can create any number of graphics view in the full production SURFCAM Verify PLUS version.

11:	Capture images: SURFCAM Verify has the ability to capture images at any time from any graphics view.  This is an extremely useful capability for documentation, troubleshooting and problem analysis.  You have various options to setup your software to capture images at various points during the simulation (e.g.  at every tool change or at every error).  You can browse through these images slides at a later time.

12:	Unlimited NC program file size: The full production version has no NC program file size limitations.  .  Your SURFCAM Verify version is limited with respect to the maximum file size of the NC program it can accept.

13:	Integrated Machine Simulator.  SURFCAM Verify software can be integrated with Machine Simulator, to simulate the entire machine tool will all table, spindle, axes and other machine components.  The two products together provide a complete and comprehensive solution for simulating the entire NC machine and its environment, virtually on the computer.

14:	Other features:

-	Supports complex solid shapes (profiles, STL models etc.) for stock & fixtures

-	Supports tool holders and form tools

-	Offers selective simulation ability whereby you can graphically specify a subset area on the stock to be simulated

-	65K(16 bit) and 16M(24 bit) color graphics for high quality images

-	Monochrome mode


Exit command (File menu)

Exit SURFCAM Verify (ALT F + E)

Use this command to exit SURFCAM Verify.  You will be prompted to confirm the exit.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Box command (Stock create menu)

Create stock from a box primitive (ALT M + S + B)

Use this command to create a box stock.

Use the Create Box dialog to specify a box orthogonal to the coordinate axes using two corner points.  You may either manually enter the coordinates of the box corners, or let SURFCAM Verify establish the stock coordinates by selecting the Use Bounding Box button.  The Use Bounding Box command will create the smallest box that completely encloses the toolpaths.  In case there are no toolpaths currently in use, default box coordinates are used.  The coordinate values may be modified by entering a value for Offset.  Offset will increase the size of the bounding box in all directions by the value entered, i.e., it offsets each face by the offset value.  So, an offset of 0.5 increases each dimension by 1.0 unit.  Select OK to create the box or Cancel to abort the task.


Cylinder command (Stock create menu)

Create stock from a cylinder primitive (ALT M + S + C)

Use this command to create a cylinder stock.

Use the Create Cylinder dialog to specify a cylinder using an axis and diameter.  The cylinder axis is determined by its two endpoints: Axis point 1 and Axis point 2.  Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates of the two endpoints and the diameter in the respective fields.  Select OK to create a cylinder or Cancel to abort the task.


SLA solid command (Stock create menu)

Create stock from a SLA file (ALT M + S + L)

This option displays a standard file open dialog with the list of available SLA files with a .stl extension, in the directory path.  SURFCAM Verify can read both ASCII and binary SLA files.  Select the required SLA file and press the OK button to accept or Cancel to abort the task.


Box command (Fixture create menu)

Create fixture from a box primitive (ALT M + S + B)

Use this command to create a box fixture.

Use the Create Box dialog to specify a box orthogonal to the coordinate axes using two corner points.  You may either manually enter the coordinates of the box corners, or let SURFCAM Verify establish the fixture coordinates by selecting the Use Bounding Box button.  The Use Bounding Box command will create the smallest box that completely encloses the toolpaths.  In case there are no toolpaths currently in use, default box coordinates are used.  The coordinate values may be modified by entering a value for Offset.  Offset will increase the size of the bounding box in all directions by the value entered, i.e., it offsets each face by the offset value.  So, an offset of 0.5 increases each dimension by 1.0 unit.  Select OK to create the box or Cancel to abort the task.


Cylinder command (Fixture create menu)

Create fixture from a cylinder primitive (ALT M + S + C)

Use this command to create a cylinder fixture.

Use the Create Cylinder dialog to specify a cylinder using an axis and diameter.  The cylinder axis is determined by its two endpoints: Axis point 1 and Axis point 2.  Enter the X, Y, Z coordinates of the two endpoints and the diameter in the respective fields.  Select OK to create a cylinder or Cancel to abort the task.


SLA solid command (Fixture create menu)

Create fixture from a SLA file (ALT M + S + L)

This option displays a standard file open dialog with the list of available SLA files with a .stl extension, in the directory path.  SURFCAM Verify can read both ASCII and binary SLA files.  Select the required SLA file and press the OK button to accept or Cancel to abort the task.


SLA solid command (Fixture create menu)

Design part command (Model menu)

Create a design part(ALT M + P)

This command allows you to import a design part in SLA format for comparison with the machined part.  This option is usually used at the end of simulation.  A standard file open dialog is displayed with the existing SLA files with .stl extension in the directory path.  Select the design part SLA file and press the OK button.  SURFCAM Verify reads the file and reports the status in the status bar at the bottom of the main window.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Translate command (Model menu)

Translate the highlighted solid(ALT M + T)

This command allows you to translate the highlighted solid in the currently active Graphics view.  A stock, fixture or a design part model has to be selected as follows prior to using this command:

- select the pick icon [image] from the toolbar or select View menu and Select button.

-To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids wireframe  lines and click on it.

The selected model is highlighted in red.  The Translate command displays a Translate dialog:

You can translate in any direction by specifying a translation vector using the X, Y and Z coordinate fields.  When a translation is acceptable and the OK is selected, the latest coordinates become the original position for any further transformations.  The Apply button applies the current translation to the highlighted solid.  The Cancel button lets you cancel the translations and closes the dialog.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Rotate command (Model menu)

Rotate the highlighted solid(ALT M + R)

Use this command to rotate the highlighted solid in the currently active Graphics view.  A stock, fixture or a design part model has to be selected as follows prior to using this command.

- select the pick icon [image] from the toolbar or select View menu and Select button.

-To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids wireframe  lines and click on it.

The selected model is highlighted in red.  The Rotate command displays a Rotate dialog:

You can rotate about any of the orthogonal axes by selecting from the X, Y and Z axes radio buttons.  The amount of rotation can be varied using the Angle input field.  Select the OK button to accept the new orientation.  The Cancel button cancels the rotation and closes the dialog.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Scale command (Model menu)

Scale the highlighted solid(ALT M + C)

Use this command to scale the highlighted solid in the currently active Graphics view.  A stock, fixture or a design part model has to be selected as follows prior to using this command.

- select the pick icon [image] from the toolbar or select View menu and Select button.

-To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids wireframe lines and click on it.

The selected model will be highlighted in red.  The Scale command displays a Scale dialog as shown:

The Scale command is usually used to convert models from one unit system to another.  A Scale factor of 1.0 does not scale the model.  For user convenience, a choices of scaling from Inch to mm and mm to Inch is provided.  Select the Other button for custom scaling.  The scaling can be performed on any highlighted models.

Note:	Negative scale factors are not allowed.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Delete command (Model menu)

Delete the highlighted solid(ALT M + D)

Use this command to delete the highlighted solid in the currently active Graphics view.  A stock, fixture or a design part model has to be selected as follows prior to using this command.

- select the pick icon [image] from the toolbar or select View menu and Select button.

-To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids  wireframe  lines and click on it.

The selected model is highlighted in red.  The selected model is removed from the data structure and the change is reflected in the Graphics view(s).

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Stock command (Set type menu)

Change the type of highlighted solid to a stock(ALT M + Y + S)

This option allows you to change type of the highlighted solid in the Graphics view to a stock.


Fixture command (Set type menu)

Change the type of highlighted solid to a fixture(ALT M + Y + F)

This option allows you to change type of the highlighted solid in the Graphics view to a fixture.


Part command (Set type menu)

Change the type of highlighted solid to a design part(ALT M + Y + P)

This option allows you to change type of the highlighted solid in the Graphics view to a design part.


Select command (View menu)

Switch to selection mode(ALT V + L)

This command allows you to use the left and right mouse buttons to select models and tool paths visible in the Graphics view(s).  To select a solid, use the left mouse button.  Simply point to any of the solids wireframe  lines and click on it.  To select an area of the toolpath to simulate, use the right mouse button to define a rectangular box which will encapsulate the toolpath area that is to be simulated.

Select mode is a special mode.  After you are done with graphical selection, it is recommended that you leave the system in the more frequently used dynamic translation and rotation mode.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Orient command (View menu)

Switch to orientation mode(ALT V + O)

This command allows you to use the left and right mouse buttons to pan and rotate the models and tool paths visible in the Graphics view(s).  In this dynamic mode, the left mouse will dynamically translate and the right mouse will dynamically rotate any toolpath, stock or fixture solid that you select on the screen.

To translate, press the left mouse button move it to the desired location and release the button.

To rotate, press the right mouse button and move it in the direction you want to rotate the solid, and then release the button.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Zoom command (View menu)

Switch to zoom mode(ALT V + Z)

Dynamic Zoom in Setup/Wireframe Mode

This command allows you to use the left and right mouse buttons to zoom into a particular region or towards and away from the models and tool paths visible in the Graphics view(s).

This mode lets you dynamically zoom the picture up or down or, zoom into a region on the screen.

To dynamically zoom up and down, use the left mouse button.  Press the left mouse button and move the mouse up the screen to Zoom Up and down the screen to Zoom down.  When you have the desired size of the picture, release the left mouse button.

You can also incrementally  Zoom up and down  by using [image] and  [image] icons.  Each time you press the zoom up icon [image] all objects in the screen will be zoomed up by a small amount.  Each time you press the zoom down icon [image] all objects in the screen will be zoomed down by a small amount.

To zoom into a region, use the right mouse button to define a rectangular box on the screen.  Press the right mouse button and drag the mouse while pressing the button.  This will draw a box in the  screen.  Release the right mouse button and you will zoom into the region you selected.

Dynamic Zoom in Simulation/Solid mode

This feature allows users to dynamically zoom into the final solid or any intermediate solid stock.  The Zoom icon  from the top toolbar will be active in both wireframe and solid mode.  To zoom into any solid, simply press the Zoom icon.  This will bring up a Zoom View window on the screen.  This window is affected only by the movements of the left mouse button as described in the following paragraph.  Pressing/moving the  right mouse button does not have any effect on the Zoom View window.

In the Graphics and Zoom View windows

Use the left button to dynamically define the area of focus to zoom.  Pressing the left mouse button inside the graphics window will bring up a rectangular box which can be moved around in the graphics window.  This rectangular box defines the area of focus in the graphics window to zoom into.  The size of the rectangular box depends on the Zoom factor that is in effect in the Zoom View window.

In the Zoom View window you can see a zoomed view of the region defined by the rectangular box.  The zoom factor can be varied  by moving the slide bar in the Zoom View window OR by assigning a numerical zoom factor value in the Zoom View window.

To summarize, the left mouse button selects an area in the graphics window to zoom into.  The results of the zoom are seen in the Zoom View window.  The zoom factor can be set inside the Zoom View window.

 In the Graphics window only

To zoom into a region, use the right mouse button to define a rectangular box on the screen.  Press the right mouse button and drag the mouse while pressing the button.  This will draw a box in the  screen.  Release the right mouse button and you will zoom into the region you selected.

The Zoom view window is not affected by the operations of the right mouse button.

To reset to the original image, press the reset icon.


Vertical option (Machine type command)

Switch to vertical machine orientation(ALT V + M + V)

This option switches the camera to a vertical machine orientation.


Horizontal option (Machine type command)

Switch to horizontal machine orientation(ALT V + M + H)

This option switches the camera to a horizontal machine orientation.


Front view option (Standard view command)

Switch to front view (ALT V + V + F)

Switch to the front view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Back view option (Standard view command)

Switch to back view (ALT V + V + B)

Switch to the back view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Left view option (Standard view command)

Switch to back view (ALT V + V + B)

Switch to the back view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Right view option (Standard view command)

Switch to right view (ALT V + V + R)

Switch to the right view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Top view option (Standard view command)

Switch to top view (ALT V + V + T)

Switch to the top view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Bottom view option (Standard view command)

Switch to bottom view (ALT V + V + O)

Switch to the bottom view of the model(s) and toolpath.


Isometric view 1 option (Standard view command)

Switch to isometric view [1] (ALT V + V + 1)

Switch to the isometric  view of the model(s) and toolpath as seen from the front and left.


Isometric view 2 option (Standard view command)

Switch to isometric view [2] (ALT V + V + 2)

Switch to the isometric  view of the model(s) and toolpath as seen from the front and right.


Isometric view 3 option (Standard view command)

Switch to isometric view [3] (ALT V + V + 3)

Switch to the isometric  view of the model(s) and toolpath as seen from the back and left.


Isometric view 4 option (Standard view command)

Switch to isometric view [4] (ALT V + V + 4)

Switch to the isometric  view of the model(s) and toolpath as seen from the back and right.


Fit command (View menu)

Fit the geometry to the view (ALT V + F)

Use this command to fit the contents of the currently active Graphics view to the window bounds.  This command is available in Setup mode only.


Center command (View menu)

Center the geometry in the view (ALT V + C)

Use this command to move the origin of the model(s) in the currently active Graphics view to the center of the window.  This command is available in Setup mode only.


Show axes command (View menu)

Show/Hide the coordinate axes in the view (ALT V + A)

Use this command to show or hide the display of the coordinate axes in the currently active Graphics view.  This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Show tool axes command (View menu)

Show/Hide the tool axes in the view (ALT V + X)

Use this command to show or hide the display of the tool axes at the cutter location points.  Typically, this command is used for quick visual inspection of the tool paths before the start of simulation.  For speedier graphics manipulation, keep the tool axes display hidden.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Rotate solid command (View menu)

Enable solid rotation  (ALT V + R)

This command enables the right mouse button to rotate the solid model in Simulation mode.  To rotate the solid, click on any location inside the Graphics view using the right mouse, hold the right mouse button down and drag the cursor across the screen.  A small inset window at the center of the view will display a continuous snapshot of the current orientation of the model.  When you release the button, the entire view is updated to show the new orientation of the model.

The solid model can be rotated about the vertical or  horizontal axes, but only about one of the axes at any time.  The axis of rotation is determined by the position of the cursor at the beginning of the action.  If the cursor is closer to the top or bottom  than to the left or right of the current Graphics view, the rotation is calculated about the horizontal axis.  If the cursor is closer to the left or right sides of the view than the top and bottom, the rotation takes place about the vertical axis.

If a switch in rotation occurs, i.e., from a horizontal rotation to a vertical rotation or vice versa, the solid model is first reset to the original position and then rotated about the new axis.  Incremental rotations about the same axis are however, cumulative.

The effect of the change in rotation is not permanent, and this change has to be reset for proceeding with Simulation, Sectioning or Analysis.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Flip solid command (View menu)

Flip the solid model  (ALT V +F)

This command flips the solid 180 degrees about the horizontal.  This will not affect the process of Simulation, Sectioning, Comparison or Analysis.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Move light source command (View menu)

Enable dynamic light source change(ALT V + G)

This command enables the right mouse button to be used to change the light source on the solid model in Simulation mode.

To change the light source, click on any location inside the Graphics view using the right mouse, hold the right mouse button down and drag the cursor around within the bounds of the view.  A small inset window at the center of the view will display a snapshot of the current lighting effect on the model.  When you release the button, the entire view is updated to show the light change effect on the complete model.

The Move light source command is used for visual purposes only.  The effect of the change in light source direction is not permanent.  The light source change has to be reset before  proceeding with Simulation, Sectioning , Comparison or Analysis.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Shadow command (View menu)

Show/ hide shadows in the workpiece (ALT V + D)

Use this command to show or hide the display of shadows in the solid model.  To display shadows, first change the light source and then activate this command.  This operation is computation intensive and it will take a few minutes to update the display.  Typically, this command is used to generate images for documentation purposes.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Enhance command (View menu)

Enhance the workpiece (ALT V + E)

Use this command to smoothen the edges of the solid .  This operation is computation intensive and it will take a few minutes to update the display.  Typically, this command is used to generate images for documentation purposes.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Translucent command (View menu)

Enable/ disable translucency (ALT V + T)

Use this command to toggle the display of the solid model between opaque and translucent shades.  This command is especially useful to observe the machining of holes, deep pockets and features on the back of the part.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Monochrome command (View menu)

Enable/ disable monochrome display (ALT V + H)

The Monochrome command converts the color scale of the models into gray scale.  The background of the Graphics view(s) appears white and the original white lines appear as black.  The geometry is displayed in shades of gray.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Reset command (View menu)

Reset the solid model to its original state (ALT V + R)

Use this command to reset the solid model from any of the following temporary states: Rotation, Light source change, Comparison or Sectioning..  This command is a quick way to reset the solid workpiece to its original state.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


New view command (View menu)

Create a new graphics view (ALT V + N)

Use this command to create a new Graphics view.  New Graphics views can be created in Setup mode only.  Use the Window menu commands to organize multiple views in the workspace are of the main window.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using  SURFCAM Verify and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


Troubleshooting (Help menu)

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Q:	Do I need to install Win32s?  Is the order of installation important?

Yes, Win32s is required if you plan on running SURFCAM Verify from Windows 3.x.  You will need Win32s Version 1.2, that is shipped with the product.  The order of installation (SURFCAM Verify or Win32s) is not important.  But Win32s needs to be installed before you use the product or invoke it first for license information.

You dont need Win32s if you plan on running SURFCAM Verify from Windows NT only.

Q:	When I type in the license information and select OK, nothing happens.

You have not installed Win32s or you have not installed Win32s version 1.2 or later.

Q:	How much memory do I need to run SURFCAM Verify?

Please check the system requirements in you manual (section 15.1)  Memory requirements can vary depending on production needs..

Q:	My system is running slow.  How can I improve the speed?

There are several things you can do to improve the speed.  These items are clearly listed in the Maximizing speed section (15.6) of your manual.  Please use as many suggestions as possible in your job.

Q:	I am getting Out of Memory messages.  What can I do?

There are several things that can reduce the computer system memory requirements.  They are mentioned in section 15.6 of your manual.  Please check the system requirements in 15.1.  Memory requirements can vary depending on production needs.

Q:	I am using international version of SURFCAM Verify.  Which version of Win32s do I use?

SURFCAM Verify can run under virtually all international languages.  You would need to use a compatible Win32s Version.  There are  three different flavors of Win32s:

English version (You can use this for all European languages)

Japanese version

Far East version

Only the English version of Win32s V1.2 is shipped with the product.  Please check with Sirius Systems Corporation if you need Win32s versions for other international languages.

Q:	What do I get with product support?

Unlimited phone technical support and automatic product updates 2-3 times a year.


Q:	What is the SURFCAM Verify version?  What features are available in the full SURFCAM Verify PLUS version that are not in SURFCAM Verify version?

Please refer to the section Why Upgrade from SURFCAM Verify to the full production SURFCAM Verify PLUS product .

Q:	Can I reuse the same license key code, until the license expiration date?

Yes.


About NC Verify command (Help menu)
About SURFCAM Verify command (Help menu)

Display the about dialog (ALT H + A)

This command displays a dialog with details of the product license type and ownership.


Memory status command (Help menu)

Show current memory status (ALT H + M)

Use this command to display the information about the current memory status of your computer.  The following dialog displays the complete memory information

Physical memory

Load

Specifies a number between 0 and 100 that gives a general idea of the current memory utilization, in which 0 indicates no memory use and 100 indicates full memory use.

Total

Indicates the total number of kilobytes of physical memory.

Available

Indicates the total number of kilobytes of physical memory available.

Page file

Total

Indicates the total number of kilobytes that can be stored in the paging file.  Note that this Number does not represent the actual physical size of the paging file on the disk.

Available

Indicates the number of kilobytes available in the paging file.

Virtual memory

Total

Indicates the total number of kilobytes in the user mode portion of the virtual address space of SURFCAM Verify.

Available

Indicates the number of kilobytes of unreserved and uncommitted  memory in the user mode of the virtual address space of SURFCAM Verify.

Use the Poll button to poll the system for the latest memory readings.  Select OK to

close the dialog


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.  Please refer to the SURFCAM Verify User Manual.


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.  Please refer to the SURFCAM Verify User Manual.


Show command (Tool menu)

Show or hide the tool (ALT T + S)

Use this command to show or hide the tool during the machining simulation.  Hide the tool if you desire faster simulation.  .  The active mode is denoted by a check mark  against the  button.

This command is available in both Simulation and Setup modes.


Wireframe option (Display mode command)

Show the tool in wireframe mode (ALT T + D + W)

This option displays the tool in wireframe.  This is also the default setting.  Wireframe mode is the fastest mode for tool display.  In this mode, the tool can be seen even if it is behind any part of the workpiece.  The tool is shown at each of the cutter locations.


Solid option (Display mode command)

Show the tool in solid mode (ALT T + D + S)

This option displays the tool as a solid.  Hidden surface removal is active in this mode.  The tool is shown at each of the cutter locations.


Continuous display option (Display mode command)

Show the tool in continuous mode (ALT T + D + C)

This option displays the tool continuously.  Continuous mode is the slowest mode for tool display.  In this mode, the tool is shown as a solid and the tool motion is smooth as it moves from one cutter location to the next.


Color command (Tool menu)

The color buttons are used to select the color of the cuts during simulation.  The active color is denoted by a check mark  against the  button.  SURFCAM Verify automatically cycles through all colors at each tool change when the automatic option: Change color at tool change  is active.  For more on this option, please see the description of Change color at tool  change.  Select any of the following color choices to make it the current color.

Color	Accelerator keys

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yellow	ALT T + C + Y

Orange	ALT T + C + O

Violet	ALT T + C + V

Green	ALT T + C + G

Gray	ALT T + C + R

Blue	ALT T + C + B

Cyan	ALT T + C + C

Magenta	ALT T + C + M

Tan	ALT T + C + T

Lime	ALT T + C +  L


Change color with tool change command (Tool menu)

Change color at every tool change (ALT T + T)

Use this command to change the color of a cut at every tool change.  Once all colors are used, the cycle begins again.  If this command is disabled, the current color is used for all the cuts.  This command is active by default.


Edit tool list command (Tool menu)

Edit the current tool list (ALT T + E)

Use this command to change the definitions of the tool(s) currently used in simulation.  This command can be used to dynamically change the tools and observe the effect of different tools anytime during simulation.  This command brings up the Edit Tool List dialog.  The Tool List dialog can handle milling and turning tools.  Select the tool to display the corresponding fields Use the fields in the dialog to change the tool parameters and select OK to accept the changes.  The changes are immediately reflected in the simulation.

This command is available in both Setup and Simulation modes.


Defaults command (Tool menu)

Configure tool defaults (ALT T + F)

Use this command to modify the default settings for the tool.  These settings are used if the tool definition(s) in the program contain incorrect or insufficient data.  This command invokes the tool defaults dialog.  which contains the property pages for .milling and turning tools

To accept the changes made in the dialog, select OK.  The Cancel command retains previous settings.  To reset the values to the manufacturer suggested defaults, go to the Options menu and select Reset button in the system defaults dialog.


Setup command (Simulate menu)

Switch to Setup mode (ALT S + S)

Switch to Setup mode.  All simulation parameters regarding workpiece setup, tools, camera and orientation are determined in this mode.  In this mode, all the solid models of the tool and workpiece are displayed in wireframe.  This is the default mode when SURFCAM Verify is invoked.  Switching to this mode implies that you are preparing for a new simulation session.


Simulate command (Simulate menu)

Switch to Simulation mode (ALT S + M)

Switch to Simulate mode.  Make sure that all the simulation parameters are set, prior to entering this mode.  Opening a program file when this mode is active, will process the current workpiece with the new program file.  If this command is activated from Setup mode, the product switches to Simulate mode, and a solid model of the current workpiece is created.  If the command is activated when in Simulate mode, and existing work-in-process model(s) is reset to its original state.  The effect in this case is similar to that of switching from the Setup mode.  You will however be asked to confirm this.  Select Yes  to confirm the reset.  The No  button will cancel the task.


Turbo command (Simulate menu)

Activate/Deactivate Turbo option (ALT S + T)

In Turbo mode, your simulation will run at close to twice the speed of regular simulation.  In this mode, the display is not updated during simulation.  The status bar will show the latest simulation information via the CL ID, the percentage of the file processed based on machining time, and the computed machining time for the process.  The control panel if visible is not updated.

You can switch between normal and Turbo simulation modes anytime during the simulation process.  Note that the Turbo mode is deactivated when the simulation is stopped.  Reactivate the Turbo command at anytime to enable faster simulation.


CL range command (Simulate menu)

Input a CL range for simulation (ALT S + C)

Use this command to set a range of CL points which need to be simulated.  You can  simulate a subset of the CL points in the program file.  This command assumes that you know the extent and the numbers of the CL points that you need to simulate.  The CL-range command  activates the Set CL ID range  dialog:

Enter the start  and end CL IDs in the respective fields.  The default values are First and Last.  The OK command accepts the settings, Cancel command retains previous settings and the Entire command sets the defaults to First and Last.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Use all CL command (Simulate menu)

Use the complete file for simulation (ALT S + U)

This command overrides any previous settings to simulate a particular range of CL Ids.  This command is a quick way to set the simulation range for the entire file.  This is a default setting for SURFCAM Verify.

This command is available in Setup mode only.


Record Simulation command (Simulate menu)

Start and stop recording  the current simulation (ALT S + R)

Use this command to create a playback file for the current simulation.  You can activate this command anytime during the simulation process.  The recording will take place until this command is deactivated.

Note that the playback file cannot be viewed if the recording is still active.  Make sure to stop the recording before attempting playback.  On starting a new recording, you will be prompted for a filename.  Playback files require a .pla extension.

This command is available in Simulation mode only.


Start command (Simulate menu)

Start the current simulation/playback (ALT S + A)

This command starts the simulation or playback.  The action depends on the currently active view.  If a Graphics view is active and SURFCAM Verify is in Simulation mode, then the command starts the simulation.  If a Playback view is active, the command starts the playback.


Next CL point option (Go to command)

Continue simulation/playback to next CL point  (ALT S + G + P)

Continue simulation/playback to the next CL point.  This is useful if you wish to 	observe the simulation status at every CL point.


Next tool (Go to command)

Continue simulation/playback to the next tool change  (ALT S + G + T)

Continue simulation/playback to the beginning of the next tool change


Next error (Go to command)

Continue simulation/playback to the next error  (ALT S + G + R)

Continue simulation/playback to the detection of the next machining error.


End (Go to command)

Continue simulation/playback to the end  (ALT S + G + E)

Continue simulation/playback  to the end of the range of the CL points.  In Simulation mode the default range is from the beginning to the end of the program file.  You can change this range using the CL range command or by interactively selecting a region on the Graphics view using the mouse.  For more information on mouse interactions, refer to Chapters 3 and 4.


Previous CL point (Go to command)

Continue playback to the previous CL point (ALT S + G + L)

Playback to the previous CL point.  This option is available in the playback mode only.


Previous tool (Go to command)

Continue playback to the previous tool change (ALT S + G + O)

Playback to the previous tool change.  This option is available in the playback mode only


Previous error (Go to command)

Continue playback to the previous error (ALT S + G + V)

Playback to previous machining error.  This option is available in the playback mode only


Beginning (Go to command)

Continue playback to the beginning (ALT S + G + B)

Continue playback to the beginning of the program file.  This mode in effect displays the entire machining process in reverse.  This option is available in the playback mode only


Stop command (Simulate menu)

Stop simulation/playback (ALT S + P)

Use this command to stop the simulation or playback.  The action depends on the currently selected view.  If the active view is a Graphics view and the simulation is in progress, then the simulation is stopped.  If the active view is a Playback view and if the playback is in progress, then this command will stop the playback.


Measure command (Inspect menu)

Analyze the workpiece (ALT I + M)

Use this command to measure and query the solid model, after or during the simulation process (by temporarily suspending simulation).  This command is used in Simulation mode only.  The measure command invokes the Measure Properties  dialog:

Measurements can be taken when the model is sectioned, but not when it is rotated.  There are five properties of the solid model that can be queried.  The measure dialog has one page for each property.  To display the current measurements, simply click on the desired point of the solid model to query the property.  The updated values will be displayed in the corresponding fields.

Point

The measure dialog  opens with this default property.  If any other page is active, click on the Point tab to activate the property page.  Click on any part of the solid model using the left mouse button.  The point clicked is highlighted by a cross hair symbol.  The dialog displays precise coordinates of the point and the surface normal (the direction perpendicular to the surface) at that point.  A message field below the coordinate fields informs you the about the accuracy of the measurement.  For less than accurate measurements, surface normals are not displayed.

Distance

SURFCAM Verify can measure distance between any two points on the solid workpiece.  This is especially useful to measure distances between different planes and faces on the workpiece.  The distance computation is exact unless otherwise noted.  The distance measurement is given as absolute values for each of the principal coordinates and also as the absolute distance between the two points as illustrated in the picture below.  To measure the distance, select a point on the solid workpiece using the left mouse button.  A cross hair will be drawn at the selected point Hold the button down and move the cursor to the second point on the solid.  When the mouse button is released, a second cross hair will be drawn at this point.  The distance properties dialog will be accordingly updated to reflect the current measurements.

Radius

SURFCAM Verify can measure radius of any curved surface along any of the three principal planes.  If the point on the curved surface is selected accurately, then the radius is computed precisely.  The radius value is given in the current system units.  To measure the radius, select the principal plane to measure the radius on.  Then select the desired point on the solid with the left mouse button.  If the radius computation was not successful, then the message area in the lower portion of the measure radius page will reflect the current comment.

 Thickness

SURFCAM Verify can determine the thickness of a part of the solid model, by merely selecting one side of the part.  The thickness is measured along the normal at the selected point.  the Message field shows the quality of the measurement.  The thickness is in model units.

The thickness computation has the following limitations:

- It does not work on 5-axis cuts, i.e., cuts in which  the cutter axis changes from one CL-point to the next.

- It does not work on circular-interpolation cuts (G02, G03, CIRCLE and the CALL/CIRMAC macro), since SURFCAM Verify approximates these internally as a series of linear cuts.

- It does not work on cuts produced by ramping a filleted cutter.

Tool

This property page reflects the tool that made the cut and the tool motion that is associated with the cut.  Click on any point on the surface of the solid model using the left mouse button.  A cross hair appears directly under the point that was chosen.  The CLID field shows the CLID of the tool motion that made the cut.  The Tool and Motion fields will display the corresponding tool and tool motion descriptions.

Time

The time dialog displays the actual machining time taken until the last tool motion.  This function is useful if measurements are made before the end of simulation.  The time page displays the total computed machining time and the machining time to this last tool motion.  At the end of the simulation, the total time will be equal to the time to the last cut.

Volume

The Volume measurement shows the current state of the material removal process.  The Current volume and the Volume removed fields are updated as the simulation progresses.  The volume is measured in model units.


Section command (Inspect menu)

Section the workpiece (ALT I + S)

Use this command to perform sections on the workpiece solid.  This command displays the Section dialog:

A section plane is defined by a point on the section plane and a normal vector perpendicular to the plane.

To define the section plane, the point and the normal vector values can be directly entered in the Point on plane and the Normal vector fields.  On selecting Apply, the section is performed and the result is displayed in the currently active Graphics view.

To perform successive sections using parallel planes along the normal, you can select a point on the model by clicking on it using the left mouse button.  The point coordinates will be displayed in the Point on plane fields.  The normal vector specified in the Normal vector field is used.  A section will now be made at the selected point using the new section plane definition.

Alternately, you can step along the normal to perform parallel sections using the scrollbar.  This allows you to step in both directions along the normal by the amount specified in the field next to the scroll bar.  You can also directly change the value in the scrollbar field and create a new section plane.

The Cancel button cancels the section procedure and the solid model reverts back to its original shape.


Compare with design command (Inspect menu)

Compare with design part (ALT I + C)

Use the Compare function to do a dimensional evaluation of the machined part against the designed part.

To do the comparison , the "as-designed" part must be read in from a SLA file.  To read the design part, select the Design part command from the Model menu.  The design part can be read both in Simulation and Setup modes.  However, if the part needs to be oriented or scaled to match the coordinate system of the NC program, it must be read in the Setup mode itself.

SURFCAM Verify computes the deviation of the machined part from the actual design part.  This usually takes a few minutes.  The part is rendered in a translucent light-gray color;  overcuts (i.e., gouges) are shown in red; undercuts are shown in blue.  You cannot measure any parameter in this mode.  In comparison mode, the image can be flipped, but not rotated.

Select the Compare button again to reset the solid model.


Remove chips command (Inspect menu)

Remove chips from the view (ALT I + R)

Use this command to remove any extraneous pieces of the original material left behind in the simulation process.  Prior to activation of this command, make sure you have selected the main machined component by clicking on the part using the left mouse button.

While the removal calculation is underway, the part will be shaded in red to show progress.

Chip removal is done only in the Graphics view in which you selected the part.  If you wish, you can repeat it for other Graphics views.  You can perform chip removal at any time during the simulation process.

If you have activated a viewing mode (rotation, enhancement, sectioning, or comparison) in the Graphics view, then you will be asked to reset the view and then remove the chips.


Remove fixtures command (Inspect menu)

Remove fixtures from the view (ALT I + F)

This command removes all fixtures setup for the simulation.  You can perform fixture removal at any time during the simulation process for better visualization of the stock.  Fixture removal is done only in the currently active Graphics view.

This command is available in the Simulation mode only.


Multi-Axis command (Options menu)

Toggle Multi Axis motions (ALT  O + M)

This option is set automatically when an NC program file is read, to reflect the presence or absence of multi-axis motions in the file.  If you wish, you can de-select this option for a multi-axis file; this will cause SURFCAM Verify to skip the file's multi-axis motions.

NOTE: In the SURFCAM Verify version this option is disabled by default.  It handles up to three axis motions only.


Write image at tool change command (Options menu)

Image at tool change (ALT O + O)

Set this option to automatically generate images from the Graphics view(s) at every tool change during simulation.  The images are generated with unique names derived from the program file name by using the first 5 characters of the NC program file name followed by a 3-digit serial number indicating the sequence of the message, followed by a .bmp extension.


Write image at error command (Options menu)

Image at error (ALT O + R)

Set this option to automatically generate images from the Graphics view(s) whenever an error is detected, and also at the end of the program.  Errors are defined as:

- any rapid cut into the stock

- any cut into a fixture

- any holder or shaft cut into stock or fixture

The images are generated with unique names derived from the program file name by using the first 5 characters of the NC program file name followed by a 3-digit serial number indicating the sequence of the message, followed by a .bmp extension.


Enhance when writing image command (Options menu)

Enhance image (ALT O + E)

This option will automatically enhance the images before saving to the files.  For more information on the Enhance command, see the Enhance button in the View menu.


Toolbar command (Options menu)

Show all  toolbars (ALT O + T)

Use this command to show all toolbars.  SURFCAM Verify supports three toolbars : SetupBar, SimulateBar and the CameraBar.  Activating this command will show all these three toolbars.  If all of them are currently active, this command will have no effect.

To selectively show and hide individual toolbars , use the right mouse button and click on the status bar present at the bottom of the Main window or on the gray space next to any toolbars below the menus.  A menu will appear below the cursor showing the status of the toolbars.  Select any of the toolbars to show or hide it.


Reset toolbars command (Options menu)

Reset all toolbars(ALT O + B)

This command will reset all toolbar locations.  Hence if the camera bar is lost it can be brought back using this button.  The Reset Toolbar button is also available in a pop-up menu which can be invoked by clicking the right mouse button on a gray area in the status bar or, a gray area on any toolbar within the main SURFCAM Verify window.


Status bar command (Options menu)

Show/hide the status bar (ALT O + S)

Use this command to hide the status bar (the messaging area at the bottom of the Main window).


Control Panel command (Options menu)

Show the control panel (ALT O + C)

Use this command to create a new Control Panel.  Simply click on this button to create a new Control Panel.  Note that only one Control panel is allowed to be present at any time.  To remove the control panel, double click the (-) sign at the top left hand corner of the Control Panel.


System defaults command (Options menu)

Edit the system defaults (ALT O + D)

The system defaults are categorized into three main groups: File, Graphics and Miscellaneous.  Each of these groups is represented by a property page.  These defaults are maintained across sessions.

File page

In the File property page, you can customize the file settings for SURFCAM Verify.  The file categories are:

Start-up directory:

You can set the start-up directory to be either the last open directory from the previous session or any particular directory that you wish to use.  To select a particular directory, you can either type the directory path in the field or use the Browse command to determine the correct directory path.  The Browse command opens the Find Directory dialog

Select OK to accept the directory that you wish to set or Cancel to abort the task.

Session Log File

You can set the session log to be written to any custom file.  By default, the session log file will be written to the working directory where SURFCAM Verify is installed.

Always process files at run time

You can set SURFCAM Verify to always process the NC program files at run time only.  The advantage is lesser memory requirement to begin the simulation.  A major disadvantage with reading files at run time is that you will not be able to see the back plot of the NC program in the setup mode.  Further, the computation of box and cylinder stock types will not be possible, since the bounds of the tool path are not computed.

File Extensions

You can customize the file extensions for APT CL files and G code files using the extension fields.  By default, SURFCAM Verify supports .apt and .cl file extensions for APT/CL files and .nc file extension for G-code files.  You can add or change the file extensions by adding your file extensions separated by ,(comma) or ;(semi-colon).  Please make sure that there are no spaces in the beginning or between file extensions.

Graphics page

The graphics page lets you customize settings related to the graphics display and geometry display in SURFCAM Verify.  The settings are as follows:

Graphics mode

SURFCAM Verify can operate in both 8 bit(256) color and 24 bit(> 65,000) color modes.  The decision to choose the correct mode depends on a few factors: If speed is the main criterion, the 256 color mode is recommended.  If your graphics driver can support only 256 colors at your preferred screen resolution, you can use 256 colors only.

Machine type

The machine type option sets the default camera orientation for your system.  For example, If you primarily use SURFCAM Verify to verify programs for vertical machining centers, then it would be convenient to adopt Vertical as your default setting.

Tolerances

SURFCAM Verify has several user configurable tolerances.  They are:

Circular Interpolation

This tolerance is used to determine the chord height of any circle or arc tool motions.  The higher this tolerance (smaller number) finer will be the number of tool motions created on the circle or arc, but it will take longer to simulate these motions.  The default system tolerance is 0.01 inches (or) 0.254 mm.

Form Tools

This tolerance determines the accuracy of milling & turning form tools, for the circular segments of the special form tools.  Decreasing this value will increase the accuracy of the tool definition, but simulation will take longer.  The default system tolerance is 0.001 in inch or 0.0254 mm.

Turn Tools

This tolerance defines the arc & circular segments of the turning inserts.  This will defines the chord height for the curves in the insert.  Increasing this value will make the inserts more approximate and faceted with less number of segments, but will increase the processing speed.  Decreasing this value will create more finer curves on the insert corner and will increase the simulation time.  The default system tolerance is 0.002 in inch or 0.0508 mm.

Gamma Correction:

This tolerance is used to adjust the translucency factor for the translucent mode and comparison mode.  Recommended value is 0.01.

Design Part Comparison

This tolerance is used to compare the As Designed part with As manufactured 	part.  If deviation between design part & manufactured part is greater than this 	tolerance, it is reported as gouge or undercut.  Areas where deviations are less than 	this tolerance, are ignored and are considered to match with design & 	manufactured part.  The default system tolerance is 0.01 in inches (or) 0.254 mm.

Turning Sides

This number controls the tolerance used for revolving the turning tools for turning operations.  Higher number of turning sides will produce better display and more accurate turning parts.  It is recommended that for large diameter parts, 128 or 144 sides be used.  Higher sides, slower will be the simulation.  The default system number of sides is 72.

Optimization

Use the settings in this section to optimize the performance of simulation in SURFCAM Verify.

Optimize for small moves:

This flag is used to make simulation computation for small moves more efficient.  This flag is most effective when large files with a greater percentage of fine cuts are processed.  Activating this flag will greatly increase the speed of the simulation.  The actual increase will depend on the number of occurrences of small moves in the program.

Misc page

Use the settings in this property page to set miscellaneous system wide defaults.

Dimensions

Select radius:

This is the radius of the circle around the cursor for selection of geometry or tool paths.  The larger the value, easier the selection.  However, very large radius may lead to incorrect selection.  The recommended value is 3.

Marker radius:

This is radius of the circle enclosing the cross hair which marks a point on the solid model.  The recommended value is 20.

Origin axes length:

This is the length of the axes displayed at the model origin.  The recommended value is 2.

Corner axes length:

This is the length of the axes displayed at the top left hand corner of the view.  The recommended value is 37.

Rotate window size:

This is the size of the inset window used to display dynamic rotation and light source changes.  The recommended value is 150.

Bounding box offset:

This is offset of the box enclosing the tool path or geometry.  The box is inflated by this amount along all dimensions.  The default is 0.5.

Fit fraction:

The fraction of the size of the window to which all the models and toolpaths displayed in the view must be fit to.  Values can range from .1 to 1.0.  Default value is 0.9.

Turning cutter thickness:

Thickness of a turning cutter.  This is used for display purposes only.  The default is 0.1.

Holder thickness:

Default value for the holder thickness.

Other

Beep

Enable or disable beep.  Beep is used to warn or inform the user about simulation and operational errors.  Beep is enabled by default.

MultiAxis

Enable or disable multi axis motions.  The availability of this option depends on the kind of license for the product.  For 5 axis licenses, this option is enabled by default.

NOTE: Multi axis option does not apply to 3 axis and SURFCAM Verify version of SURFCAM Verify PLUS.


Inch (Units command)

Set units to inch (ALT U + I)

Sets the units to inch for tool and system default values.  The change in units will affect all the unit dependent tool defaults and computation tolerances


Metric (Units command)

Set units to metric (ALT U + M)

Sets the metric unit for tool and system default values.  The change in units will affect all the unit dependent tool defaults and computation tolerances


Zoom up
Zoom up command

Each time you press the zoom up icon, all objects in the screen will be zoomed up by a

small amount.  Pressing this icon multiple times will have the effect of incrementally zooming up the objects on the screen.


Zoom down
Zoom down command

Each time you press the zoom down icon, all objects in the screen will be zoomed down by a small amount.  Pressing this icon multiple times will have the effect of incrementally zooming down the objects on the screen.


Camera Bar

Show/hide the camera bar

Selecting this icon brings up the camera bar which gives you nine standard views:

Top row:

Left:	Left  Isometric view

Center:	Top view

Right:	Right Isometric view

Center Row:

Left:	Left View

Center:	Front view

Right:	Right view

Bottom Row:

Left:	Back Isometric view

Center:	Bottom view

Right:	Back Isometric view