【正文】 topoint controller was developed for more general machining applications. These less sophisticated pointtopoint machines were considerably cheaper than their more plex continuous path cousins and were used when only positional accuracy was necessary. As an example of pointtopoint motion on a machine tool for drilling operations, the typical movement might be fast traverse of the work piece under the drill39。s SmartCam system uses the following approach. First, the programmer makes a mental model of the part to be machined. This includes the kind of machining to be performedturning or milling. Then the part print is studied to develop a machining sequence, roughing and finishing cuts, drilling, tapping, and boring operations. What workholding device is to be used, a vise or fixture or clamps? After these considerations, puter input can be started. First es the creation of a JOBPLAN. This JOBPLAN consists of entries such as inch or metric units, machine type, part ID, type of workpiece material, setup notes, and a description of the required tools. This line of information describes the tool by number, type, and size and includes the appropriate cutting speed and feed rate. After all the selected tools are entered, the file is saved. The second programming step is the making of the part. This represents a graphic modeling of the projected machining operation. After selecting a tool from the prepared JOBPLAN, parameters for the cutting operation are entered. For a drill, once the coordinate location of the hole and the depth are given, a circle appears on that spot. If the location is incorrect, the UNDO mand erases this entry and allows you to give new values for this operation. When an end mill is being used, cutting movements (toolpath) are usually defined as lines and arcs. As a line is programmed, the toolpath is graphically displayed and errors can be corrected instantly. At any time during programming, the mand SHOWPATH will show the actual toolpath for each of the programmed tools. The tools will be displayed in the sequence in which they will be used during actual machining. If the sequence of a tool movement needs to be changed, a few keystrokes will to that. Sometimes in CAM the programming sequence is different from the actual machining order. An example would be the machining of a pocket in a part. With CAM, the finished pocket outline is programmed first, then this outline is used to define the roughing cuts to machine the pocket. The roughing cuts are puter generated from inputs such as depth and width of cut and how much material to leave for the finish cut. Different roughing patterns can be tried out to allow the programmer to select the most efllcient one for the actual machining cuts. Since each tool is represented by a different color, it is easy to observe the toolpath made by each one. A CAM system lets the programmer view the graphics model from varying angles, such as a top, front, side, or isometric view. A toolpath that looks correct from a top view, may show from a front view that the depth of the cutting tool is incorrect. Changes can easily be made and seen immediately. When the toolpath and the sequence of operations are satisfactory, machine ready code has to be made. This is as easy as specifying the CNC machine that is to be used to machine the part. The code generator for that specific CNC machine during processing accesses four different files. The JOBPLAN file for the tool information and the GRAPHICE file for the toolpath and cutting sequence. It also uses the MACHINE DEFINE file which defines the CNC code words for that specific machine. This file also supplies data for maximum feed rates, RPM, toolchange times, and so on. The fourth file taking part in the code generating process is the TEMPLATE file. This file acts like a ruler that produces the CNC code with all of its parts in the right place and sequence. When the code generation is plete, a projected machining time is displayed. This time is calculated from values such as feed rates and distances traveled, noncutting movements at maximum feed rates between points, tool change times, and so on. The projected machining time can be revised by changing tooling to allow for higher metal removal rates or creating a more efficient toolpath. This display of total time required can also be used to estimate production costs. If more then one CNC machine tool is available to machine this part, making code and paring the machining time may show that one machine is more efficient than the others. CAD/CAM Another method of creating toolpath is with the use of a Computeraided Drafting (CAD) file. Most machine drawings are created using puters with the description and part geometry stored in the puter database. SmartCAM, though its CAM CONNECTION, will read a CAD file and transfer its geometry represents the part profile, holes, and so on. The programmer still needs to prepare a JOBPLAN with all the necessary tools, but instead of programming a profile line by line, now only a tool has to be assigned to an existing profile. Again, using the SHOWPATH function will display the toolpath for each tool and their sequence. Constant research and developments in CAD/CAM interaction will change how they work with each other. Some CAD and CAM programs, if loaded on the same puter, make it possible to switch between the two with a few keystrokes, designing and programming at the same time. The work area around the machine needs to be kept clean and clear of obstructions to prevent slipping or tripping. Machine surfaces should not be used as worktables. Use proper lifting methods to handle heavy workpieces, fixtures, or heavy cutting tools. Make measurements only when the spindle has e to a plete standstill. Chips shou