Introduction to the Workflow

00:08

Hello and welcome to this FeatureCAM for lathes class.

00:12

In this class, we will learn how to program parts to be machined on CNC lathes using FeatureCAM.

00:20

This class will consist of three different lessons in each of which, starting from either a CAD model or an engineering drawing, we will go through all the necessary steps to fully prepare each part for machining.

00:35

There are several files you need to download to follow along with these lessons, and you'll be able to find links to all of these on the course page.

00:44

As you progress through this class, you will learn the basics you need to start programming your own parts and gain a strong understanding of the fundamental FeatureCAM workflow.

00:56

This workflow reduces the programming process to a series of clear, well-defined steps, and beginning with a firm grasp of it will enable you to orientate yourself within the programming process, regardless of the complexity of the parts involved.

01:14

So before we jump into programming, our first turning part in FeatureCAM, let's take some time to outline and discuss the workflow that we will be following throughout this class.

01:26

With every new project in FeatureCAM, we will start by either opening a new file or importing an existing solid model.

01:35

Next, in our stock step, we will define the piece of material that we are physically machining our part from.

01:43

Once we have defined our stock, in the machining preparation step, we can take into account real world machining considerations, such as part setup, tool cribs, and post processor specific to our machine before moving on to create our features.

02:03

Once our features have been created, we can simulate the machining of our parts and make any necessary revisions.

02:11

This loop between revision and simulation can be repeated until we can confirm that our part is machined exactly how we would like, at which point our final NC Code is automatically generated.

02:26

Each lesson in this class will be broken up according to this workflow.

02:30

So by the end of the class, you should feel confident with the fundamentals of FeatureCAM, and the basic workflow and be ready to tackle your own projects.

02:40

So with that, we're ready to program our first turning part in FeatureCAM in lesson 1.