Summary
GibbsCAM 2025 adds the Auto+ field when Top Surface Z is set to Automatic on the Mill Feature tab. The value applies a global incremental offset above the detected Top Surface Z. A value of 0 preserves the previous behavior.
Table of Contents
- What Changed in GibbsCAM 2025
- Before You Begin
- Procedure
- Related Video
- Best Practices
- Troubleshooting
- Related Articles
What Changed in GibbsCAM 2025
Important: Auto+ changes the reference used by the operation. Verify the detected top surface, sign, units, cut levels, and clearances after every change.
Before You Begin
• Use GibbsCAM 2025 with the approved machine definition, post, and licensed Mill module.
• Open a Milling process that includes the Mill Feature tab.
• Confirm the active coordinate system, units, stock, tool, holder, depth references, and rapid clearances.
• Save a working copy and retain a baseline path with Auto+ set to 0.
Procedure
Step 1 - Set Top Surface Z to Automatic
1. Create or edit a supported Milling process and open the Mill Feature tab.
2. Set Top Surface Z to Automatic.
3. Confirm that the detected top surface matches the intended machining reference.
Step 2 - Enter the Auto Plus Value
1. Enter the approved incremental offset in Auto+.
2. Use 0 when no offset above the detected Top Surface Z is required.
3. Confirm the sign and units before recalculating the operation.
Step 3 - Recalculate and Compare
1. Recalculate the operation and compare it with the saved baseline.
2. Review the top cut level, approach, rapid position, entry motion, and final depth.
Figure 1 Auto+ adds a global incremental value above the detected Top Surface Z
Source: What's New in GibbsCAM 2025, p. 7
3. Confirm that only the intended Z reference and dependent motion changed.
Step 4 - Validate the Operation
1. Run Op Simulation and Machine Simulation with stock, fixtures, tool, and holder visible.
2. Verify clearance, remaining material, machine travel, and posted Z coordinates.
3. Complete the shop's controlled prove-out before production use.
Expected Result
• Auto+ is available when Top Surface Z is Automatic in a supported Milling process.
• The operation uses the approved incremental value above the detected Top Surface Z.
• Simulation and posted output show the intended cut levels and safe clearance motion.
Related Video
Best Practices
• Confirm the detected Top Surface Z before entering a nonzero value.
• Record the units and use a small, shop-approved test value when qualifying the control.
• Compare one Auto+ change at a time with a saved baseline.
• Revalidate after changing stock, coordinate system, units, depths, tool, or setup geometry.
Troubleshooting
• Problem: The Auto+ field is unavailable.
Cause
• The process does not include a Mill Feature tab.
• Top Surface Z is not set to Automatic, or the installed version predates GibbsCAM 2025.
Resolution
Confirm GibbsCAM 2025 and the required Mill license, select a supported process, and set Top Surface Z to Automatic before reopening the Mill Feature tab.
• Problem: The top cut level is above or below the intended position.
Cause
• The detected Top Surface Z is not the intended reference.
• The Auto+ sign, value, or units are incorrect.
Resolution
Verify the detected top surface, coordinate system, units, and Auto+ value, then regenerate and inspect the resulting Z levels.
• Problem: Rapid or entry motion no longer has enough clearance.
Cause
• The offset changed a dependent reference without a matching clearance review.
• Stock, fixture, tool, holder, or rapid data is incomplete.
Resolution
Stop release. Correct the setup data and clearance values, recalculate, and run complete Machine Simulation before posting again.
• Problem: Changing Auto+ does not change the displayed path.
Cause
• The value is 0 or the operation was not regenerated.
• A different operation or top-surface definition is being reviewed.
Resolution
Confirm the active operation and Top Surface Z setting, enter the approved nonzero test value, regenerate, and compare with the baseline.
Related Articles
• Recommended Simulation Settings
• How to Create a Pack and Go File
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Keywords
GibbsCAM 2025, Milling, Mill Feature, Top Surface Z, Automatic, Auto+, incremental offset, cut level, coordinate system, clearance
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