Summary
GibbsCAM 2024 adds controls for setting a part's position and orientation relative to the part station origin. Most mill configurations provide full orientation freedom, while most lathes can change the part zero in the C-axis. The release also improves chuck-width handling for non-MTM lathes.
Table of Contents
What Changed in GibbsCAM 2024
Important: Changing part position or orientation can move the part, stock, coordinate systems, and operations relative to the machine. Regenerate affected operations and validate simulation and posted output.
Before You Begin
• Use GibbsCAM 2024 with the approved MDD and machine assembly.
• Confirm the part station origin and the approved physical setup dimensions.
• Record the current part position, orientation, coordinate systems, C-axis zero, and chuck width.
• Save a working copy and create a baseline workspace, simulation, and NC file.
Procedure
Step 1 - Confirm the Part Station
1. Open the part and verify the active MDD and part station.
2. Identify the part station origin used as the reference for position and orientation.
3. Compare the displayed part, stock, and workholding with the approved physical setup.
Step 2 - Set the Part Position
1. Open the part setup controls for the active part station.
2. Enter the approved part position relative to the part station origin.
3. Confirm the resulting relationship among the part, stock, fixture, and machine components.
Step 3 - Set the Supported Orientation
1. For a mill, apply only orientations supported by the active MDD and physical workholding.
2. For a lathe, set the part C-axis zero when the active machine supports that control.
3. Confirm the angular relationship among the part, chuck, and programmed coordinate systems.
Figure 1 Part position and orientation are set relative to the part station origin Source: What's New in GibbsCAM 2024, p. 21
Step 4 - Verify Non MTM Chuck Width
1. For a non-MTM lathe, review the chuck-width value for the installed chuck and jaw arrangement.
2. Inspect the part location relative to the chuck face, jaws, stock, and nearby tool motion.
3. Correct the source setup value when the displayed workholding does not match the machine.
Step 5 - Regenerate and Validate
1. Regenerate every operation affected by the changed position or orientation.
2. Review coordinate systems, work offsets, rotary positions, stock, and clearances in the workspace and Machine Simulation.
3. Post a controlled test file and compare it with the baseline and approved setup.
4. Complete the normal code review and machine prove-out before production release.
Expected Result
• The part position and orientation match the approved setup relative to the part station origin.
• Supported C-axis zero and non-MTM chuck-width values match the physical workholding.
• Regenerated operations, simulation, and posted output reflect the validated setup.
Best Practices
• Record part setup values and fixture positions in the setup documentation.
• Change one setup variable at a time and compare the result with the baseline.
• Recheck coordinate systems and regenerate affected operations after every part transformation.
• Use the approved MDD and post; do not infer machine behavior from workspace movement alone.
Troubleshooting
• Problem: The expected part setup control is unavailable.
Cause
• The active MDD does not support the requested control.
• A different machine or part station is active.
Resolution
Confirm the machine type, MDD, and part station. Request a validated MDD update when the physical setup requires a control that is not available.
• Problem: The part moves to an unexpected position.
Cause
• The values are relative to the part station origin rather than the assumed coordinate system.
• A parent fixture also repositions or reorients the part.
Resolution
Restore the baseline, trace the transform from the part station through the fixture stack, and reapply the approved setup dimensions.
• Problem: Coordinate systems or toolpaths no longer align with the part.
Cause
• They were created for the previous part setup.
• Affected operations were not regenerated after the transformation.
Resolution
Review the coordinate-system definitions, regenerate the affected operations, and verify the workspace and simulation before posting again.
• Problem: Lathe C-axis zero or chuck width does not match the machine.
Cause
• The entered value differs from the physical chuck or jaw setup.
• The MDD or machine assembly does not represent the current workholding.
Resolution
Compare the setup values with the physical machine, correct the approved source data, and recheck part location, jaw clearance, simulation, and posted rotary motion.
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• How to Create a Pack and Go File
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Keywords
GibbsCAM 2024, part setup, part position, part orientation, part station origin, C-axis zero, chuck width, non-MTM lathe, MDD, Machine Simulation
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