CM-Cabinets Library User Guide
When DXF files are created in the design applications, different types of machining operations are separated onto different layers in the DXF files. The geometry on all the Layers in a file represents a single part, and all the machining such as drilling, milling and cutting, that is to be performed on that part. In order to process the part, the ATP needs to be instructed about what operations, called Strategies, should be applied to each layer of geometry in each DXF file. As a part is processed, this mapping of toolpath strategies to apply toolpaths to each piece of geometry in the part is used.
The DXF layer names required by some nesting/machining systems (e.g. Biesseworks®) are more than just a name. They are a string that defines the required machining strategy, containing information such as the tool to use, whether to route or drill, the depth etc.
To date CabMaster has used formulas in the Layers table to define these strategy strings. However, not all layer names are mapped via the Layers table. For example, some come from hardware tables, custom machining tables or are keyed in by the user through the application's machining editor.
To overcome this, the translation into the more complex strategies for all layers now occurs as the application exports the machining DXFs.
Each DXF files is created by processing a component's machinesteps one at a time.
As each is processed the application uses an Override table to map which Strategy to use for each named Layer (several Layers could share the same Strategy). This Override table also includes a Default which is used for unrecognised layer names.
The Strategies themselves are defined in a separately selected user configurable Strategy table. This contains a formula to calculate the strategy string along with any associated properties (e.g. tool name, operation type etc).
The evaluation of this occurs in the context of the machinestep and the Override table is only used when certain registry settings are in place.
The Layer button on the Mach.General > Tool page provides access to the relevant tables by opening the Form Editor relating to...
Layer Button - Click to Expand
Access to all three (3) tables is launched only if the Use Layer Strategies option is enabled through the Registry Settings.
If enabled this will be reflected on the Mach.General > Const2 page, as shown below. If not enabled (the default is off) only the Layer Table will presented i.e. the Strategy and Override pages are not made available for selection.
Drawing Properties : Mach. General > Const2 page - Click to Expand
To trigger the use of the 'Override' table the following registry settings are required under Options:
The registry settings should be edited by advanced users ONLY.
It is strongly advised to contact CabMaster support to assist you to make the required changes.