Manual (PDF) - InventorCAM 2.5D MILLING

Autodesk
InventorCAM + Inventor
Inventor
®
2013
Certified
The complete integrated Manufacturing Solution
2.5D MILLING
Training Course
InventorCAM 2013
Milling Training Course
2.5D Milling
©1995-2012 SolidCAM
All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 About this course.............................................................................................................................3
1.2 Basic Concepts.................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Process Overview............................................................................................................................5
2. CAM-Part Definition
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition..............................................................................................9
3. InventorCAM 2.5D Operations
Exercise #2: Cover Machining...................................................................................................30

Exercise #3: Cover Machining...................................................................................................84
Exercise #4: Bracket Machining..............................................................................................153
Exercise #5: Electronic Box Machining.................................................................................155
Exercise #6: Clamp Machining................................................................................................158
Exercise #7: Basic Part Machining..........................................................................................166
Exercise #8: Cover Machining.................................................................................................170
Exercise #9: Mounting Base Machining.................................................................................177
Exercise #10: Support Machining...........................................................................................187
4. Indexial 4-Axis Milling
Exercise #11: Frame Machining..............................................................................................199

Exercise #12: Mounting Machining........................................................................................220
Exercise #13: Clamp Machining..............................................................................................231
v
6. ToolBox
Exercise #14: Standard Cycles Machining..............................................................................240
7. Automatic Feature Recognition
Exercise #15: Pocket Recognition...........................................................................................255

Exercise #16: Mounting Box Machining................................................................................262
Exercise #17: Drill Recognition...............................................................................................264
Exercise #18: Electronic Box Machining...............................................................................289
Document number: ICMTCENG12001
vi
Introduction 1
2
1. Introduction
1.1 About this course
The goal of this course is to teach you how to use InventorCAM to machine various parts using
2.5D Milling technologies. This course covers the basic concepts of InventorCAM 2.5D machining
and is a supplement to the system documentation and online help. Once you have developed
a good foundation in basic skills, you can refer to the online help for information on the less
frequently used options.
Course design
This course is designed around a task-based approach to training. With the guided exercises you
will learn the commands and options necessary to complete a machining task. The theoretical
explanations are embedded into these exercises to give an overview of the InventorCAM 2.5D
Milling capabilities.
Using this training book
This training book is intended to be used both in a classroom environment under the guidance of
an experienced instructor and as self-study material. It contains a number of laboratory exercises
to enable you to apply and practice the material covered by the guided exercises. The laboratory
exercises do not contain step-by-step instructions.
About the CD
The CD supplied together with this book contains copies of various files that are used throughout
this course. The Exercises folder contains the files that are required for guided and laboratory
exercises. The Built Parts folder inside the Exercises contains the final manufacturing projects for
each exercise. Copy the complete Exercises folder on your computer. The Autodesk Inventor files
used for the exercises were prepared with Autodesk Inventor 2013.
Windows 7
The screenshots in this book were made using InventorCAM 2013 integrated with Autodesk
Inventor 2013 running on Windows 7. If you are running on a different version of Windows, you
may notice differences in the appearance of menus and windows. These differences do not affect
the performance of the software.
3
Conventions used in this book
This book uses the following typographic conventions:
Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize InventorCAM

options, commands or basic concepts. For example,
click the Change to opposite button.
10. Define CoordSys Position The mouse icon and numbered sans serif bold text
indicate the beginning of the exercise action.
This style combined with the lamp icon is used

Explanation for the InventorCAM functionality explanations
embedded into the guided exercises. The lamp icon
is also used to emphasize notes.
4
1. Introduction
1.2 Basic Concepts
Every manufacturing project in InventorCAM contains the following data:
• CAM-Part – The CAM-Part defines the general data of the workpiece. This includes the
model name, the coordinate system position, tool options, CNC-controller, etc.
• Geometry – By selecting Edges, Curves, Surfaces or Solids, define what and where you
are going to machine. This geometry is associated with the native Autodesk Inventor
model.
• Operation – An Operation is a single machining step in InventorCAM. Technology, Tool

parameters and Strategies are defined in the Operation. In short, Operation means how
you want to machine.
1.3 Process Overview
The major stages of the InventorCAM manufacturing project creation process are the following:
CAM-Part definition
This stage includes the definition of the global parameters of the Manufacturing
Project (CAM-Part). You have to define a number of Coordinate Systems that describe
the positioning of the part on the CNC-machine.
Optionally, you can define the Stock model and the Target model to be used for the
rest material calculation. The Stock model describes the initial state of the workpiece
that has to be machined. The Target model describes the one that has to be reached
after the machining. After every operation, InventorCAM calculates how much
material was actually removed from the CAM-Part and how much material remains
unmachined (rest material). The rest material information enables InventorCAM to
automatically optimize the tool path and avoid the air cutting.
Operations definition
InventorCAM enables you to define a number of milling operations. During an

operation definition you have to select the Geometry, choose the tool from the
Part Tool Table (or define a new one), define a machining strategy and a number of
technological parameters.
5
6
CAM-Part
Definition 2
The CAM-Part definition process includes the following stages:
CAM-Part creation
CNC-controller definition
Coordinate System definition
Stock model definition
Target model definition
• CAM-Part creation. At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part name and location.
InventorCAM defines the necessary system files and a folder to allocate the place to store
InventorCAM data.
• CNC-controller definition. Choosing a CNC-controller is a necessary step. The controller

type influences the Coordinate System definition and the Geometry definition.
• Coordinate System definition. You have to define the Coordinate System – the origin for
all machining operations of the CAM-Part.
• Stock model definition. InventorCAM enables you to define the stock model that
describes the initial state of the workpiece that has to be machined.
• Target model definition. InventorCAM enables you to define the model of the part in its
final state after the machining.
8
Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition
This exercise illustrates the process of the CAM-Part

definition in InventorCAM. In this exercise, you have to
create the CAM-Part for the cover model displayed and
define the Coordinate System, the Stock model and the
Target model that are necessary for the part machining.
The CAM-Part will be used in the exercises further on.
When you start to program a CAM-Part, you have to

decide what workpiece you are going to use. This decision
determines the number and the type of operations that are
used to reach the final part shape.
In this exercise, the box stock is used. The

box dimensions include offsets from the
actual model.
At the next stage, you have to decide on what

type of CNC-machine you are going to use
(3-, 4- or 5-axis). In this exercise, a 3-axis
CNC-machine is chosen for the machining.
With a CNC-machine of this type, all the
required faces of the cover part can be
machined using a single positioning.
9
1. Load the Autodesk Inventor model
Load the Exercise1.ipt model located in the Exercises folder.
This model contains a number of features forming the solid body of the cover.
2. Start InventorCAM
To activate InventorCAM, click the InventorCAM 2013 field in the main menu of
Autodesk Inventor and choose Milling from the New submenu. InventorCAM is
started and the New Milling Part dialog box is displayed.
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New Milling Part dialog box
When you create a new CAM-Part, you have to enter a name for the
CAM-Part and for the model that contains the CAM-Part geometry.
Directory
Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

InventorCAM user directory (defined in the InventorCAM Settings).
You can enter the path or use the Browse button to define the
location.
The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically

create CAM-Parts in the same folder where the original CAD model
is located.
CAM-Part name
Enter a name for the CAM-Part. You can give any name to identify
your machining project. By default, InventorCAM uses the name of
the design model.
Model name
This field shows the name and location of the Autodesk Inventor
design model that you are using for the CAM-Part definition. The
name is, by default, the name of the active Autodesk Inventor
document. With the Browse button you can choose any other
Autodesk Inventor document to define the CAM-Part. In this case,
the chosen Autodesk Inventor document is loaded into Autodesk
Inventor.
Every time the CAM-Part is opened, InventorCAM

automatically checks the correspondence of the dates of
the CAM-Part and the original Autodesk Inventor design
model. When the date of the original Autodesk Inventor
model is later than the date of the CAM-Part creation,
this means that the Autodesk Inventor original model
has been updated. You can then replace the Autodesk
Inventor design model on which the CAM-Part is based
with the updated Autodesk Inventor design model.
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3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation
When the Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name have been defined, click the OK
button to confirm the CAM-Part creation. The CAM-Part is defined and its structure
is created. The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
4. Choose the CNC-Controller
Select the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the

CNC-Machine area to display the list of post-processors
installed on your system.
In this exercise, use a 3-axis CNC-machine with the AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller.

Choose the AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller from the list.
5. Start the Coordinate System definition
Click the Define button in the CoordSys area to define the

Machine Coordinate System.
To complete the CAM-Part definition, you need to define the Machine

Coordinate System.
The Machine Coordinate System defines the origin for all machining
operations of the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in
controller functions.
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You can define the Coordinate System origin position and axes
orientation by selecting model faces, vertices, edges or Inventor
Coordinate Systems. The geometry for the machining can also be
defined directly on the solid model.
Coordinate
System
Z
Y
The Z-direction of the Machine

Coordinate System is parallel to the
revolution axis of the tool. Z Y
In InventorCAM, the tool approaches Machine
from the positive direction of the Z-axis Coordinate
System
(like on a vertical CNC-machine). X
For 3-axis CNC milling machines, each Machine Coordinate

System means separate clamping. If you need to machine the part
from different sides, use several Machine Coordinate Systems with
the Z-axis oriented normally to the machined sides.
Z
Y
X X
Y
Coordinate
Coordinate
System
System Z
13
In this exercise, it is enough
Z
to define one Machine
Y X
Coordinate System with the
Z-axis oriented upwards. Coordinate
System
Such coordinate system

enables you to machine the
part with a single clamping.
The CoordSys dialog box enables you to define the Coordinate System location and
the orientation of the axes.
InventorCAM enables you to define the CoordSys using the following

methods:
Select Face
This method enables you to define a new CoordSys by selecting

a face. The face can be either planar or cylindrical/conical. For planar
faces, InventorCAM defines CoordSys with the Z-axis normal to the
face. For cylindrical or conical faces, the Z-axis of the CoordSys is
coincident with the axis of revolution of the specified cylindrical/
conical surface.
14
Define
This method enables you to define the Coordinate System by

selecting points. You have to define the origin and the direction of
the X- and the Y-axes.
Select Coordinate System
This method enables you to choose the Autodesk Inventor

Coordinate System defined in the design model file as the CoordSys.
The CoordSys origin and axes orientation are the same as those of
the original Autodesk Inventor Coordinate System.
Normal to current view
This option enables you to define the Coordinate System with the
Z-axis normal to the model view you are facing on your screen.
The CoordSys origin will lie in the origin of the Autodesk Inventor
Coordinate System, and the Z-axis will be directed normally to the
chosen view of the model.
By 3 Points (Associative)
This option enables you to define the Coordinate System by selecting

any 3 points.
6. Select the model face
With the Select Face method

chosen, click the model face
as shown.
The CoordSys origin is

automatically defined in the
corner of the model box.
The Z-axis of the CoordSys
is normal to the selected
face.
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Model box
InventorCAM calculates the box surrounding the model. The upper

plane of the model box is parallel to the XY-plane of the defined
CoordSys.
The CoordSys is located in the corner of the model box.

Coordinate
System
Z
Y
X
Confirm by clicking the Finish button. The Coordinate System is defined.
The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed.
7. CoordSys Data
This dialog box enables you to define the

Machining levels such as Tool start level,
Clearance level, Part upper level, etc.
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CoordSys Data dialog box
The Position field defines the sequential number of the CoordSys.

For each Machine Coordinate System, several Position values are
defined for different positions; each such Position value is related to
the Machine CoordSys.
• X shows the X value of the CoordSys.

• Y shows the Y value of the CoordSys.
• Z shows the Z value of the CoordSys.
The Machine CoordSys number defines the number of the CoordSys

in the CNC-machine. The default value is 1. If you use another
number, the GCode file contains the G-function that prompts the
machine to use the specified number stored in the machine controller
of your machine.
The Tool start level defines the Z-level at which the tool starts working.
The Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool moves rapidly
from one operation to another (in case the tool does not change).
The Part upper level defines the height of the upper surface of the
part to be milled.
Tool start
level
Rapid movements area
Part Upper
Clearance Feed movements area level
level Part Lower
level
The Part lower level defines the lower surface level of the part to be
milled.
The Tool Z-Level parameter defines the height to which the tool moves
before the rotation of the 4/5 axes to avoid collision between the tool
and the workpiece. This level is related to the CoordSys position and
you have to check if it is not over the limit switch of the machine.
17
It is highly recommended to send the tool to the reference point or to
a point related to the reference point.
The Create planar surface at Part Lower level option enables you
to generate a transparent planar surface at the minimal Z-level of
the part so that its lower level plane is visible. This planar surface
provides you the possibility to select points that do not lie on the
model entities. It is suppressed by default and not visible until you
unsuppress it in the Model elements tree.
Confirm the CoordSys Data dialog box with the OK button.
The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

displays the Machine CoordSys.
Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box with the Finish button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed again.
8. Automatic Definition of the Stock and Target
By default, the Stock and Target models are defined

automatically. Once you have defined the Coordinate
System, the Stock and Target buttons show that both
Stock and Target models are chosen. Therefore, you can
skip two following steps.
Alternatively, if your default settings were changed in the Automatic CAM-Part

definitionpage of the InventorCAM Settings, the buttons are not selected and you
have to define the Stock and/or Target models manually.
9. Define the Stock model
For each Milling project, you can define the Stock model,
which is the workpiece that is placed on the machine before
you start machining the CAM-Part.
Click the Stock button in the Stock & Target model area of
the Milling Part Data dialog box.
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The Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables

you to choose the mode of the Stock model definition.
Stock model definition modes
• Box – in this mode InventorCAM automatically determines the

box surrounding the model.
• Extruded Boundary – this mode enables you to define the 2D

stock geometry with the chain of geometrical elements (lines, arcs,
splines, edges, etc.).
• 3D Model – this mode enables you to define the stock model via 3D
model selection.
• Cylinder – this mode enables you to define the stock model as a

cylinder (or a tube) surrounding the selected solid model.
• STL file– this mode enables you to define the stock model based
on a STL file that exists in your system. When you choose this
mode and click the Define button, the Choose STL dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to choose the STL file for
the stock definition.
Choose the Box mode from the Defined by list.
This dialog box enables you to select a solid body for the surrounding box calculation.
Optionally, offsets from the model can be defined. In this exercise, define the stock
model offsets as follows:
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• For the X+, X-, Y+ and Y- offsets, set the values to 2;
• For the Z+ offset, set the value to 0.25;
• For the Z- offset, set the value to 5.
Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.
InventorCAM automatically generates the surrounding box.

Confirm the Stock model definition by clicking the Finish button. The Milling Part
Data dialog box is displayed.
10. Define the Target model
InventorCAM enables you to define the Target model, which

is the final shape of the CAM-Part after the machining. The
Target model is used for the gouge checking in the SolidVerify
simulation.
Click the Target button in the Stock & Target model area of the Milling Part Data dialog
box. The Target Model dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to define a 3D model

for the Target.
20
Click the solid body. It is highlighted.
Confirm the selection with the Finish button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
11. Save the CAM-Part data
Confirm the Milling Part Data dialog box by clicking the Save & Exit button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is closed, and the InventorCAM Manager is displayed.
The defined CAM-Part is saved.
At this stage, the definition of the CAM-Part is finished. The definition of Milling
operations is covered in the following exercises using this CAM-Part.
21
The structure of the CAM-Part
The CAM-Part includes a number of data files represented on the

illustration that displays the data included in the CAM-Part named
Milling.
Milling.prt
Milling
Milling.IAM
CAM.IPT
DesignModel.IPT
The Milling.prt file is located in the InventorCAM User directory.

The Milling subdirectory contains all the data generated for the CAM-
Part.
InventorCAM copies the original Autodesk Inventor model to the

Milling subdirectory and creates an Autodesk Inventor assembly that
has the same name as the CAM-Part (Milling.iam). There are two
components in this assembly:
DesignModel.ipt – a copy of the Autodesk Inventor model file.
CAM.ipt– a file that contains InventorCAM Coordinate System data

and geometry data.
The InventorCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of

Autodesk Inventor. This enables you to create auxiliary geometries
(e.g. sketches) without making changes in the original design model.
You can also insert some additional components into the assembly
file such as stock model, CNC-machine table, clamping and other
tooling elements.
The InventorCAM Manager is displayed.
The definition of the CAM-Part is now complete.
22
The InventorCAM Manager tree is the main interface feature of

InventorCAM that displays the complete information about the
CAM-Part.
InventorCAM
Manager
The InventorCAM Manager tree contains the following elements:

CAM-Part header
Tool header
Machining Process
header
Geometries header
}
Fixtures header
Operations header
Operations
• CAM-Part header
This header displays the name of the current CAM-Part. By right-

clicking it, you can display the menu to manage your CAM-Parts.
The Machine subheader is located under the CAM-Part header.
Double-click this subheader to review your machine configuration
and parameters.
The CoordSys Manager subheader is located under the CAM-Part
header. Click this subheader to display the CoordSys Manager that
enables you to manage your Coordinate Systems.
23
The Stock and Target subheaders are located under the CAM-Part
header. Double-click these subheaders to load the Stock Model/Target
Model dialog boxes that enable you to change the definition of the
Stock/Target models.
The Settings subheader is also located under the CAM-Part header.
Double-click this subheader to load the Part Settings dialog box that
enables you to edit the settings defined for the current CAM-Part.
• Tool header
This header displays the name of the current Tool Library. Double-
click its icon to display the Part Tool Table, which is the list of the
tools that are available to use in the current CAM-Part.
• Machining Process header
This header displays the name of the current Machining Process

table.
• Geometries header
This header displays all InventorCAM geometries that are not used
in the operations.
• Operations header
This header shows you all InventorCAM operations defined for the
current CAM-Part.
12. Close the CAM-Part
Right-click the CAM-Part header in InventorCAM

Manager and choose Close from the menu.
The CAM-Part is closed.
24
InventorCAM 2.5D
Operations 3
InventorCAM offers you the following 2.5D Milling operations:
2.5D Milling Operations
Face Milling Slot
Profile T-Slot
Contour 3D Translated Surface
Thread Milling ToolBox Cycles
Pocket Drilling
Pocket Recognition Drill Recognition
In InventorCAM, an operation is a single machining step. A workpiece is usually manufactured

using several machining steps and technologies. For each of these steps you can define a separate
operation. An operation can be very complex, but it always uses one tool, one major geometry and
executes one machining type, e.g. Profile Milling or Drilling. You can edit any single machining
operation, change the operation sequence and generate the GCode, combining and splitting the
operation list of your CAM-Part.
The Machining Geometry has to be defined for each operation. The Geometry prompts
InventorCAM what and where you want to machine.
• A Geometry for Profile, Pocket, Contour 3D, Slot and T-Slot operations, and Toolbox
cycles consists of a number of chains. Chain geometries are defined by selecting the
following entities: edges of models, 2D curves, 3D curves, circles, lines and splines. Each
chain is composed of one or more entities and defines an open or closed contour.
• A Geometry for Face Milling operations can be defined by selecting solid models, faces
or chains of model elements.
• A Geometry for Drilling and Thread Milling operations consists of one or more points
(drilling centers) that can be defined by a number of methods directly on the solid model.
• A Geometry for Drill Recognition and Pocket Recognition operations is determined

automatically by SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition functionality.
26
Face Milling Operation
This operation enables you to machine large flat surfaces with face
mill tools.
Profile Operation
You can mill on or along a contour. The profile geometry can

be open or closed. In profile milling you can optionally use
tool radius compensation to the right or to the left side of the
geometry. InventorCAM offers two types of profiling:
• Milling a single profile to the specified constant or

variable depth in one step or in several user-defined
down steps.
• Concentric profiles to the specified constant or variable depth; this type of profiling
generates several concentric profiles that start from the defined clear offset distance
from the profile, and finish on the profile geometry, thus clearing the area around the
profile to a constant depth.
Pocket Operation
In pocket milling, you have to remove material from the interior of

a closed geometry. InventorCAM offers two types of pocketing:
• When a profile geometry consists of one or more

profiles and none of them are enclosed or intersect with
one another, each is milled as a separate pocket without
islands.
• When a profile geometry consists of several profiles, any

profile that is enclosed or intersects with another profile
is treated as an island. You can define an unlimited
number of islands within a single pocket.
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Slot Operation
This operation generates a tool path along the centerline to the

right or to the left of one or more profiles. Two types of slots can
be defined: The Slot with constant depth operation machines the
slot in several steps until the final depth is reached. In Slot with
variable depth, the depth profile is also defined by a 2D section.
The slot can be pre-machined using rough and semi-finish cycles.
The finish cut produces a tool path according to the specified
scallop height on the floor of the slot. With available parameters
for a right and left extension and side step, you can mill a slot
wider than the tool diameter.
T-Slot Operation
This operation enables you to machine slots in vertical walls with

a slot mill tool.
Drilling Operation
This operation enables you to perform drills and other canned drill
cycles. InventorCAM supports the canned drill cycles provided
by your particular CNC-machine such as threading, peck, ream,
boring, etc. If your CNC-machine has no canned drill cycles of its
own, they can be defined using the General Pre- and Post-processor
program (GPPTool).
28
Drill Recognition
This Operation carries out a highly efficient drill recognition

and geometry creation with the functionality of the AFRM-
module (Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining). In
this operation drilling on different levels can be carried out.
The drilling levels are automatically recognized but may be
edited by the user.
Pocket Recognition
This Operation recognizes automatically pocket features at

the target model and creates the necessary machining.
Contour 3D Operation
This operation enables you to utilize the power of the 3D Engraving

technology for the 3D contour machining. In this operation,
InventorCAM enables you to prevent the gouging between the tool
and the 3D contour.
Thread Milling Operation
This operation enables you to generate a helical tool path

for the machining of internal and external threads with
thread mills.
29
Exercise #2: Cover Machining
In this exercise, you use the CAM-Part defined in Exercise #1.

You have to define several 2.5D operations in order to machine
the model external faces, pocket and holes in the corners.
In the process of definition of operations, you have to define the

machining geometry, the tool and several technological parameters.
1. Open the CAM-Part
Click InventorCAM 2013, Open.
In the browser window, choose Exercise1 – the CAM-Part prepared in the previous
exercise.
The CAM-Part is loaded.
30
2. Add a Face Milling operation
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click the Operations header and choose Face

from the Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Face Milling Operation dialog box is displayed.
In this operation, the upper face is machined.
31
3. Define the Face Milling geometry
Click the New button ( ) in the Geometry page. The

Face Milling Geometry dialog box is displayed.
The Base Geometry section enables you to define the face milling
geometry using the following methods:
• Model
This option generates a rectangle located at the XY-plane

and surrounding the Target model and selects it for the Face
Milling geometry. The rectangle chain is displayed in the Chain
List section.
Face Milling geometry
32
• Faces
This option enables you to define the Face Milling geometry

by face selection. The New button and the related combo-box
enable you either to define a new faces geometry with the Select
Faces dialog box or to choose an already defined geometry
from the list. When the model faces are selected, InventorCAM
generates a number of chains surrounding the selected faces.
These chains are displayed in the Chain List section.
Selected faces
• Profile
This option enables you to define the Face Milling geometry

by a profile. The New button and the related combo-box enable
you either to define a new profile geometry with the Geometry
Edit dialog box or to choose an already defined geometry from
the list. The defined chains are displayed in the Chain List
section.
33
In the Base Geometry section, use the default Model option for the Face Milling
geometry definition. Click the Define button. The 3D Geometry dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to define the 3D

Model geometry by selecting the following
types of model elements:
• Solid – only solid objects are selected;

• Surfaces – only surfaces only are
selected;
• Both – both surfaces and solids will be
selected.
The CAD selection button enables you to

select the 3D geometry with the Autodesk
Inventor tools.
You can select an object by clicking on
it. When an object is selected, its icon is
displayed in the list in the bottom of the
dialog box. To unselect the object, click
it again or right-click its icon in the list of
selected elements and choose Unselect from the menu. To remove
selection from all objects in the list, click Unselect all.
Click on the solid model to select it. The

model is highlighted, and its icon appears
in the list. Confirm the 3D Geometry
dialog box by clicking the Finish button.
The Face Milling Geometry dialog box is
displayed again.
The rectangle is generated surrounding
the Target model at the XY-plane.
Confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box by clicking the Finish button.
The geometry is defined for the operation.
34
4. Define the Tool
Switch to the Tool page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box. Start the tool
definition by clicking the Select button.
The Part Tool Table is displayed.
The Part Tool Table contains all tools available for use to machine
a specific CAM-Part. The Part Tool Table is stored within the CAM-
Part.
This dialog box enables you to manage the tools contained in the Part
Tool Table.
35
Currently, the Part Tool Table is empty. Define a new tool suitable for face milling.
Click the Add Milling Tool ( ) button to start the tool definition.
A new pane containing available tools is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to add a new tool to the tool library. In this operation, a
face mill of Ø100 will be used.
Face mill
This tool type is used for machining of large flat surfaces. A tool of
this type is defined with the parameters shown in the image.
Arbor Diameter
Total Length
Shoulder Outside
Length Holder
Length
Cutting
Length Angle
Tip Diameter
Diameter
36
Choose the Face mill tool from the Tool type dialog box.
Define the following parameters:
• Set the Diameter to 100;
• Set the Arbor diameter to 80.
Choose the tool for operation by clicking the Select button.
5. Define the Face depth
Switch to the Levels page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box.
Click the Face depth button
in the Milling levels area.
This button enables you to
define the Operation Lower
level directly on the solid
model. The depth is calculated
automatically as a difference
between Z-values of the
Operation Upper and Lower
levels.
37
The Pick Lower level dialog box is
displayed.
Select the model face as shown.

The Lower level value (0) is determined
and displayed in the Pick Lower level dialog box. Confirm this dialog box with the OK
button.
The Face depth value is displayed in the Milling
levels area. The pink background of the edit box
means that the parameter is associative to the
model. Associativity enables the selected level to
be synchronized with the solid model changes;
InventorCAM automatically updates the CAM
data when the model is modified.
6. Define the technological parameters
Switch to the Technology page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box. In the
Technology section, choose the One Pass option.
38
One Pass machining technology
InventorCAM performs the face

milling in one pass. The direction and
the location of the pass are calculated
automatically according to the face
geometry, in order to generate an optimal
tool movement with the tool covering
the whole geometry.
Selecting the One pass option automatically opens the One pass tab
that enables you to define the machining parameters.
The Extension section enables you to define the tool path extension
over the face edges. The extension can be defined either by percentage
of the tool diameter (the % of tool diameter option) or by value (the
Value option).
Extension
7. Save and Calculate
Click the Save & Calculate button.

The Face Milling operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
39
8. Simulate
Click the Simulate button in the Face

Milling Operation dialog box. The
Simulation control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start

the simulation with the button.
The solid stock model defined in Exercise #1 is used in the SolidVerify

simulation mode. During the machining simulation process, InventorCAM
subtracts the tool movements (using solid Boolean operations) from the
solid model of the stock. The remaining machined stock is a solid model
that can be dynamically zoomed or rotated. It can also be compared to the
target model in order to show the rest material.
During the simulation, you can rotate , pan or zoom the model.
Use these options to see the machining area in details.
The Single step mode can be used to simulate the next tool movement by
clicking the button or by using the space bar on your keyboard.
Close the simulation with the button. The Face Milling Operation dialog box is
displayed. Close this dialog box with the Exit button.
9. Add an operation
Right-click the Face Milling

operation entry in InventorCAM
Manager and choose Profile
from the Add Milling Operation
submenu.
The Profile Operation dialog
box is displayed.
In this operation, the external
profile is machined.
40
10. Define the Geometry
The first step of definition of each operation is the Geometry selection. At this stage,
you have to define the Geometry for the Profile operation using the solid model
geometry.
Click in the Geometry page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. This

dialog box enables you to add and edit geometry
chains.
When this dialog box is displayed, you can select
solid model entities for the Geometry definition.
41
Chain selection options
You can define the geometry by selecting edges,

sketch segments and points on the contour.
The following options are available:
Curve
This option enables you to create a chain of

existing curves and edges by selecting them one after the other.
Associativity: InventorCAM keeps the associativity to any edge or

sketch entity. Any change made to the model or sketch automatically
updates the selected geometry.
Curve + Close corners
This option enables you to close the gaps between successive chain
entities irrespective of the Gap Minimum and Gap Maximum values
(defined in the Units Settings) by virtually extending the entities up to
their intersection.
First selected entity
Next selected entity
Splines and arcs are extended by lines

tangential to the arc/spline at its end point.
42
Associativity:When the model used for the geometry definition is

modified, InventorCAM enables you to synchronize the geometry
with the updated model. During the synchronization InventorCAM
determines gaps areas created using the Curve + Close Corners option
and regenerates the extension of the chain elements so as to close the
gaps.
Loop
This option enables you to select a loop by picking one of the model
edges.
Loop #1
Loop #2
1. Pick an edge shared by two model faces. Two faces to

which this edge belongs are determined, and their loops
are highlighted. The first determined loop is considered
to be the primary and is highlighted with yellow color.
The second loop is considered to be the secondary and
is highlighted with white color.
2. Choose one of the loops. Click on any other edge

comprising the face. You are prompted to accept the
chain that is now highlighted with yellow color. Accept
the chain with the Yes button. A closed geometry chain is
defined on this loop, and the secondary loop is rejected.
Associativity: InventorCAM keeps the associativity to any edge or

sketch entity. Any change made to the model or sketch automatically
updates the selected geometry.
43
Point to point
This option enables you to connect specified points; the points are
connected by a straight line.
Associativity: InventorCAM does not keep the associativity to any

selected point. InventorCAM saves the X-, Y- and Z-coordinates of
the selected points. Any change made to the model or sketch does not
update the selected geometry.
You cannot select a point that is not located on

an Autodesk Inventor entity (if you need to select such
a point, add a planar surface under the model and select
the points on that surface).
The following rules apply to the virtual line selection using the Point
to Point option:
• When you select a virtual line between two edges, the line behaves
as a spring. Whenever the model is changed and synchronized,
the geometry is updated with the model.
• When you select a sequence of several virtual lines, only the

points connected to model edges or sketch elements are
updated, but all other points stay fixed at the defined X-, Y- and
Z-positions.
44
Arc by points
This option enables you to create a chain segment on an arc up to

a specific point on the arc.
Second Third
point point
First
point
Associativity: InventorCAM does not keep the associativity to

any selected arcs by points. InventorCAM saves the X-, Y- and
Z-coordinates of the selected points. Any change made to the model
or sketch does not update the selected geometry.
Automatic selection options
InventorCAM automatically determines the

chain entities and close the chain contour. The
Auto select mode offers the following options:
Auto-to
The chain is selected by specifying the start curve, the direction of the
chain and the element up to which the chain is created. InventorCAM
enables you to choose any model edge, vertex or sketch entity to
determine the chain end.
When the end item is chosen, InventorCAM determines the chain
according to the rules of the chosen selection mode (Auto-general,
Auto-constant Z or Auto-Delta Z). The chain selection is terminated
when the selected end item is reached.
End entity
Start entity Selected chain
45
If the chosen end item cannot be reached by the chain flow, the chain
definition is terminated when the start chain segment is reached. The chain
is automatically closed.
End entity
Start entity Selected chain
The confirmation message is displayed.
The Auto-to option is useful if you do not want to define

a closed chain, but an open chain up to a certain element.
Auto-general
InventorCAM highlights all the entities that are connected to the last chain
entity. You have to select the entity along which you want the chain to
continue.
46
Auto-constant Z
This option identifies only the entities found on the same XY-plane with
the previously selected chain entity. You are prompted to identify the next
chain element when two entities on the same Z-level are connected to the
chain. The system tolerance for this option can be set in InventorCAM
Settings.
Delta Z
When you select this option, you are required to enter a positive and
negative Z-deviation into the Delta-Z dialog box. Only entities in this
range are identified as the next possible entity of the chain.
In this exercise, the geometry must be defined as shown.
The red arrow indicates the direction of the geometry.
47
In InventorCAM operations,
Tool revolution
the direction of the chain
direction
geometry is used for the tool Tool movement
path calculation. In Profile direction
milling, the tool moves in the
direction of the geometry by
default. In this exercise, the
combination of the geometry
direction and the clockwise
direction of the tool revolution Geometry
direction
enables you to perform climb
milling.
When you pick the first chain entity on the solid model, InventorCAM
determines the start point of the picked entity closest to the picked
position. The direction of the picked first chain entity is defined
automatically from the start point to the picked position.
Start point
Direction
Picked position
Geometry chain
Choose the Loop option in the Single entities section and click the model edge as
shown.
Note that the picked position

must be close to the start
point of the geometry.
48
Two faces shared by the selected edge are determined, and their loops are highlighted.
The red arrow indicates the direction of the selected chain.
Click the primary chain highlighted with the yellow color to choose it for geometry
definition.
The picked chain is chosen, and the second chain is rejected.
The confirmation message is displayed. Confirm it with the Yes

button.
The chain icon is displayed in the Chain list section.
At this stage, the Geometry is defined. Confirm the Geometry selection with the Finish
button. The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.
49
11. Define the Tool
At this stage, you have to define the tool for the Profile milling.
Switch to the Tool page of the Profile Operation dialog box and click the Select button.
Click to start the tool definition. The Tool type dialog box is displayed.
In this Profile operation, an End mill of Ø16 will be used.
50
End Mill/Bull nose mill/Ball nose mill
These tool types are used for the definition of rough/finish mills. The
tool shapes and basic parameters are shown below:
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Holder
Shoulder Length
Length Cutting
Length
Diameter
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Shoulder Holder
Length Cutting Length
Length
Corner Radius
Diameter
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Shoulder Holder
Cutting Length
Length
Length
Corner Radius
Diameter
51
Click the End mill tool to choose it for the operation. In the Part Tool Table dialog box,
set the Diameter value to 16.
Click the Select button to confirm the tool parameters and choose the tool for the
operation.
12. Define the Feed and Spin parameters
Click the Data tab in the Tool page of the Profile Operation
dialog box.
The tool data page is displayed.
52
Set the Spin rate (used in rough milling) value to 6000. The
Spin Finish (used in finish milling) value is automatically set
to 6000.
The Spin finish check box enables you to

optionally define different values for Spin rate and Spin finish. When
this check box is selected, the corresponding edit box is available so
that you can edit its value. When this check box is not selected, the
specified Spin rate value is used for both rough and finish machining.
Set the Feed XY (feed rate for XY movements) to 1500 and

the Feed Z (feed rate for Z movements) to 250. Select the
check box near the Feed Finish (feed rate for finish milling)
parameter and set the value to 1800.
The Feed finish check box enables you to

optionally define different values for Feed XY and Feed finish. When
this check box is selected, the corresponding edit box is available so
that you can edit its value. When this check box is not selected, the
specified Feed XY value is used for both rough and finish machining.
Now the tool is defined for operation.
13. Define the milling levels
Switch to the Levels page of the

Profile Operation dialog box.
InventorCAM enables you to

define the milling levels using
the solid model data.
53
Upper level
This parameter defines the Z-level at which the machining starts.
Profile depth
This parameter defines the Z-level below which the tool does not mill.
This plane is not penetrated in any milling strategy.
Coordinate
System
Z
X
Y
Upper
level
Depth
Click the Upper level button in the

Milling levels area. The Pick Upper
level dialog box is displayed.
Select the model face as shown.

The Upper level value (0) is
determined and displayed in the Pick
Upper level dialog box. Confirm this
dialog box by clicking the OK button.
Click the Profile depth button in the Milling levels area. The Pick Lower level
dialog box is displayed.
Pick the bottom edge of the model as shown.
The Lower level value (-10) is
determined and displayed in the Pick
Lower level dialog box. Confirm this
dialog box with the OK button.
54
Now you need to define the Delta depth.
The Delta parameter defines the offset for the cutting depth that can
be changed with its associativity preserved. The Delta value is always
relative to the Depth defined for the operation.
Set the Delta value to -1.
The milling levels are defined.
Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
First, you need to make sure that the tool position relative to the geometry is correct.
In the Modify section, check the Tool side option.
55
Modify
The Tool side option enables you to determine the tool position
relative to the geometry.
Right – the tool cuts on the right side of the profile geometry.
Left – the tool cuts on the left side of the profile geometry.
Center – the center of the tool moves on the profile geometry
(no compensation G4x can be used with this option).
Left Right Center
The Geometry button displays the Modify Geometry dialog box that
enables you to define the modification parameters of the geometry
and to choose which geometry chains are active in the operation (in
case of multiple chain geometry). The chain geometry of the profile
is displayed on the model with the chain direction indicated and
a circle representing the tool relative to the geometry.
In this case, the default Left option meets the requirements

of climb milling. Click the Geometry button to check the
tool position.
Click the OK button in the Modify

Geometry dialog box. The Profile
Operation dialog box is displayed again.
InventorCAM enables you to perform the rough and finish machining of the profile
in a single Profile operation.
56
Define the parameters of the Profile roughing. Select the Rough check box. Define
the Step down parameter for roughing.
Step down Step down

Upper
Profile roughing is performed in level
constant Z-passes. The Step down
parameter defines the distance
between each two successive Profile
Z-levels. depth
Set the Step down to 5. With this value, InventorCAM

performs two cuts at the following Z-levels: -5, -10; the last
cut is performed at the Z-level defined by Profile depth.
Now you need to define the wall offset that will remain after the roughing passes.
Offsets
The Wall offset and Floor offset parameters enable you to define the
allowances that remain on the walls and the floor of the machined part
till the profile finish machining. These allowances can be removed with
the finish passes in the same Profile operation or in an additional Profile
operation with another tool.
Step down
Wall offset
Profile depth
Floor offset
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0.5. The
allowance of 0.5 mm will be left on the model walls during
the profile roughing. This allowance will be removed with
a separate finishing cut in the end of the profile machining.
57
Select the Finish check box to perform the finishing of the
profile.
15. Define the Lead in and Lead out
Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog box.
This page enables you to define the way the tool approaches the profile and retreats
away.
Profile Lead in and Lead out
The lead in movement is necessary to prevent vertical entering of the

tool into the material. With the lead in strategies the tool descends to the
machining level outside of the material and then horizontally penetrates
the material with the lead in movement. The lead out strategy enables you
to perform the retract movements outside the material.
• None
The tool leads in to and out from the milling

level exactly adjacent to the start point of the
profile.
58
• Normal
The tool leads in to and out from

the profile from a point normal Normal
Length
to the profile. The length of the
normal can be set in the Normal Tangent
Extension
length field. The distance between
the normal and material is set in
the Tangent extension field.
• Arc
The tool leads in to and out

Radius
from the profile with a tangential
arc. The arc radius can be set in
the Radius field. The length of Tangent
Extension
the extension can be set in the
Tangent extension field. The arc
angle is set in the Arc angle field.
• Tangent
The tool leads in/out on a line Length

tangent to the profile. The length
of the tangent can be set in the Tangent
Extension
Length field. The distance to the
material can be set in the Tangent
extension field.
• Point
The tool leads in/out from a

user-defined position. From this
position, the tool moves on a
straight line to the start point Tangent
of the profile. When you select Extension
this option, the Pick button is

activated so that you can select
a position directly on the solid
model. The distance between the
point and material is set in the
Tangent extension field.
59
• User-defined
The tool leads in/out from a user-defined position. When you select
this option, you can define a geometry of the tool approach to the
material.
When the Same as lead in check box is selected, the strategy and
parameters defined for Lead in are used for Lead out.
Under Lead in, choose the Arc option from the list
and set Tangent extension to 5 and Radius to 2.
Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check
box.
The definition of the basic technological
parameters of profile milling is finished.
16. Calculate the Tool path
Click the Save & Calculate button. The Profile operation data is saved and the tool
path is calculated.
17. Simulate the operation
Click the Simulate button in the Profile Operation dialog

box. The Simulation control panel is displayed. Switch to
the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the Play
button.
When the simulation is finished, play the it step

by step using the button.
Switch to the Host CAD simulation mode and
click the Play button.
60
The Host CAD simulation mode enables you to display the tool path directly
on the model in the Autodesk Inventor window. Since all the View options
of Autodesk Inventor are active during the simulation, you can see the tool
path from different perspectives and zoom on a certain area of the model.
Close the simulation with the Exit button. The Profile Operation dialog box is
displayed.
18. Add a Pocket operation
The Pocket operation is used for the internal

pocket machining. Right-click the last defined
Profile operation and choose Pocket from the
Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.
61
The geometry for a Pocket operation is generally represented by closed chains. In this
exercise, you have to define a chain using the solid model edges.
Click in the Geometry page

to start the geometry definition.
The Geometry Edit dialog box is
displayed.
Using the Loop option, define the
chain as shown.
Confirm the geometry definition by
clicking the Finish button.
The Pocket Operation dialog box is
displayed.
20. Define the Tool
Switch to the Tool page and click the Select button.

Click to start the tool definition. The Tool type table is displayed.
In this Profile operation, an End mill of Ø8 will be used.
62
Choose the End mill tool for the operation. In the Part Tool Table dialog box, set the
Diameter value to 8.
Click the Select button to confirm the tool parameters and choose the tool for the
operation.
21. Define the Milling levels
Switch to the Levels page of the Pocket

Operation dialog box and define upper and
lower level of machining the directly on the
solid model.
Define the Upper level as shown. The Upper
levelvalue (0) is determined.
Define the Pocket depth by clicking the pocket bottom face as shown. The Pocket
depth value (8) is determined.
Set the Step down value to 4 to perform the pocket machining in two equal steps.
63
Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation

dialog box. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset
and the Floor offset values to 0.2. These offsets remain
unmachined during roughing and are removed with the
further finishing.
In the Finish area, select the Wall and Floor check boxes.
These options enable you to perform finishing of the Wall
offset and Floor offset that remain after the roughing.
Define the machining strategy. Make sure that the default

Contour option is chosen in the Technology section. When
the Contour strategy is chosen, the tool moves on offsets
parallel to the pocket contour.
Switch to the Contour tab to display the Contour

parameters. This page enables you to define the
parameters of the Contour strategy.
64
Contour parameters
Start from
• Inside
This option allows you to work in a pocket area starting from the
middle of the pocket and cutting towards the outside border of the
pocket.
• Outside
This option allows you to work in a pocket area starting from the
outside border of the pocket and cutting towards the middle of the
pocket.
Corner
• None
The tool path is formed with sharp corners

between one direction and the next.
• Fillet
This option connects each direction with

a given radius allowing for a smoother
transition between path directions.
The Min. corner radius option enables you
to define the minimal value of the corner
radius.
If the given radius is too large for

a specific corner, it produces the
largest possible radius at that point.
Sometimes the fillet option might leave some material. This
particularly happens if the given radius is large.
65
• Loop
This option ensures that the connecting

points on the path are cleaned using a
smooth transition. The tool path forms a
loop in the corner, preventing an abrupt
change of direction.
• Sharp
This option ensures that using a short and

simple movement cleans the connecting
points on the path. Although this produces
a sharp movement by the tool, the path
itself is slightly shorter than the smooth
corner option. This can help cut down on
machining time.
This option is not recommended

for high-speed cutting.
Direction
This option enables you to choose climb or conventional milling for

the roughing operation.
Climb milling Conventional milling
66
Adjacent passes connection
This option enables you to choose the method of the tool movement
within the pocket from one tool path pass to the next one.
• Linear
The tool performs normal approach from

one tool path pass to the next one.
• Rounded
The tool performs an arc movement from

one tool path pass to the next one. The radius
of the arc is half the distance between the
tool path passes.
• Smooth
The tool performs a smooth movement from one tool path pass to
the next one.
67
Exit material
This option controls the tool movements between the working areas.
Exit material check box not Exit material check box

selected selected
When the tool moves from one The tool exits the material
working area to the next, it moves and travels rapidly above the
through the full material around material to the next working
the island to get to the next area as shown above. The lead
working area as shown above. in path is the Lead in you define.
Connect islands
This option enables you to keep the

same cutting direction (conventional or
climb milling) throughout the entire tool
path where possible. This is particularly
important in high-speed cutting.
23. Define the Ramping strategy
Switch to the Link page of the Pocket Operation dialog

box. Define the strategy with which the tool is plunging
into the material during the pocket roughing.
68
The following Ramping strategies are available for rough machining of

pockets:
• None
The tool enters the material vertically at the pocket start point chosen
automatically by the InventorCAM pocket algorithm.
• Vertical
The tool enters the material vertically at a user-defined position. From

this position, the tool moves to the pocket start point calculated by the
pocket algorithm. Click the Data button to specify the position where
the tool plunges into the material.
• Angle
The tool moves to the pocket start point at a specified ramp angle. The
start point must be selected using the Data button. Enter the ramping
angle value into the Angle edit box of the Angle ramping dialog box.
InventorCAM does not check the ramping movement against the
pocket contour. Check the tool path simulation to make sure that the
tool does not gouge the pocket walls or islands.
• Helical
The tool descends from the safety distance above the Upper level to
the material in a circular motion until the step down is reached using
the user-defined radius. When the tool reaches the step down depth, it
machines all the material at the step down depth. Click the Data button
to set the helical ramping parameters.
• Linear
The Linear ramping follows the same rules as the Helical ramping. The
difference is that the descent is performed in a linear zigzag fashion
rather than in a circular one.
69
Choose the Helical option and click the Data button.
The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define
the ramping position and the related parameters for each chain used in the Pocket
operation.
Helical ramping parameters
The Tool step down parameter defines the

distance between each two adjacent turns of
the tool helical movement.
The Angle parameter defines the ramping
angle.
The Radius parameter defines the radius of
the descending helix.
Center cutting
If your tool has center cutting capabilities,

select the Center cutting check box. In the
Angle field, enter the descent angle that
you would like the tool to follow. In the
Radius field, enter the radius of the tool
path helix.
70
The working order is as follows:

• The tool descends from the safety distance above the Upper
level to the material in a circular motion until the step down is
reached using the user-defined radius.
• When the tool reaches the step down depth, it machines all the
material at the step down depth.
• When the machining is completed at this depth, the tool goes up
to the Clearance level.
• At this stage, the tool repositions itself at the Z safety distance
above the previous step down depth and repeats the Helical
Lead in to the next working depth.
• This process repeats itself until the final depth has been
machined.
If the tool does not have center cutting capabilities, do not select the
Center cutting check box. In the Tool step down field, enter the depth
of the step down of the tool. The result of this action is the same as
with a center cutting tool except for the following differences:
• The tool descends from the safety distance above the Upper
level to the material in a circular motion up to the Tool Step
down.
• At this point, the tool clears a circular path. Then it descends to
the next Tool step down.
• This is repeated until the tool reaches the CAM-Part step down
depth.
• When the tool reaches the step down depth, it machines all the
material on that step down depth.
• When the machining is completed at this depth, the tool goes up
to the Clearance level.
• At this stage, the tool repositions itself at the Z safety distance
above the previous step down depth and repeat the Helical Lead
in to the next working depth.
• This process repeats itself until the final depth has been
machined.
71
Chains
This section displays the list of all geometry chains defined for the
operation. All the chain entries are displayed under the Chains header.
You can select chain entries in the list.
When the Chains header is selected, InventorCAM displays the tool
path and default ramping positions for all of the chains. The circles
represent the default helical ramping movement defined for each chain.
When a chain entry is selected, InventorCAM displays the tool path
and the default ramping position for this chain. This position is
automatically defined at the start position of the tool path segment
relevant for the current chain. You can change this position by picking
a point on the model or by entering the new position coordinates into
the X, Y, Z dialog box. The schematic circle facilitates the definition of
the position.
When the position is picked, it is marked on the model with a
cyan dot. The coordinates of the picked point are displayed in the
X, Y, Z dialog box. The start position of the tool path is marked on the
model with a yellow dot. The circle of the tool path color represents
the helical movement of the tool plunging.
Tool path start position Ramping position
When the ramping position is defined, the tool descends into the
material at the specified ramping position with helical movements
according to the defined parameters. When it reaches the level of the
first cutting pass, it moves to the start position of the tool path and
performs machining of the pocket.
72
Ramping position
The Set default button enables you to replace the currently defined
ramping position for the selected chain by the default ramping position
located at the tool path start position.
The Auto next button provides you with the selection mode that
enables you to define the ramping positions for all of the chains one
by one.
Confirm the dialog box with the OK button.
24. Define the Lead out
The Lead out strategies are used for defining the horizontal retreat of the tool from the
geometry in the finish machining of the part walls.
Pocket Lead out
The following Lead out strategies are available for pocket machining:
• None
The tool leads in to and out from the

milling level exactly adjacent to the start
point of the geometry.
• Normal
The tool leads in and out at the last point

of the geometry with a movement normal
to the pocket contour.
73
• Arc

geometry with a circular motion, tangent
to the last entity of the pocket contour.
• Tangent

pocket wall in a movement tangent to the
last profile entity.
Under Lead out, choose the Arc option from the list and set the Radius value to 2.
25. Calculate the Tool path
Click the Save & Calculate button. The Pocket operation data is saved, and the tool
path is calculated.
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify and

Host CAD simulation modes.
74
27. Add a Drilling operation
This Drilling operation is used to perform

the preliminary center drilling of the four
holes in the corners of the model.
Right-click the last Profile operation in
InventorCAM Manager and choose Drilling
from the Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is
displayed.
28. Define the Drill geometry
In the Geometry area, click .

The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to
select the geometry for drilling directly on the solid model.
75
InventorCAM enables you to select the drill centers using the following
options:
• Pick position
You can define drill centers one by one

directly on the solid model.
• 3 Points on circumference
Usually, all curves and arcs of imported

models are converted into splines by the
exporting CAD system. Due to the nature
of spline curves or surface boundaries,
you cannot pick a center position like you
could on a circle or an arc. InventorCAM
calculates the center position of an arc
defined by three points positioned on the
spline edges. This facilitates selecting drill
centers on spline surfaces.
• Multi-positions
You can select the model face.

InventorCAM automatically recognizes all
arcs/circles located on the selected face and
selects the center points as drill positions.
• All circle/arc centers
InventorCAM searches the solid model for arcs and circles and
adds all center points as drill positions to the geometry.
Choose the All circle/arc centers option and click the corresponding button.
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Four drill positions are selected. Their

coordinates are displayed in the Drill
Geometry Selection dialog box.
Click the Finish button to confirm

the geometry selection. The Drilling
Operation dialog box is displayed.
29. Define the Tool
Switch to the Tool page of the Drilling Operation dialog

box and click the Select button.
Click to start a new drilling tool definition. From the

Drilling Tools section, choose the Spot drill tool for the
operation.
Spot drill
This tool type is used for center drilling and chamfering in Drilling
operations. A tool of this type is defined with the parameters shown
in the image.
Arbor Diameter
Diameter
Total Outside
Length Holder
Shoulder
Length
Length
Angle
Cutting Length
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A Spot drill of Ø6 is used in this operation.
Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
Click the Data tab.
Define the spin and the feed for the operation.
• Set the Spin Rate to 1200;
• Set the Feed Z to 200.
30. Define the center drilling depth
Switch to the Levels page of the Drilling

Operation dialog box. Click the Drill depth button
and select the upper face of the model. The Drill
depth value (0) appears in the relevant edit box.
To perform the drilling till the specified diameter of the tool, use the Depth type
option.
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Depth type
This option enables you to deepen the drilled hole in order to obtain
a given diameter at the specified drill depth.
Drill Drill
Drill
depth depth
depth
Diameter
value
Cutter tip Full diameter Diameter value
• Cutter tip
The drill tip reaches the defined drill depth.

• Full diameter
The drill reaches the defined drill depth with the full diameter.
• Diameter value
The drill reaches the defined drill depth with the drill cone diameter
specified in the edit box.
The Diameter value can vary from 0 all the way up to the drill tool
diameter. A value greater than the drill tool diameter is automatically
decreased to the drill tool diameter.
Choose the Diameter value option and set the value to 5.

In this manner, the drilling is performed till the tool
diameter of 5 mm is reached at the depth of 0.
Drill depth (0)
Diameter value (5)
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In accordance with these parameters, Diameter value Centering depth
InventorCAM calculates the centering
α
depth using the following formula:
Diameter value/2
Centering depth =
tan(α/2)
If Diameter value is 5 mm, and α is 90°, the centering depth is calculated as follows:
5/2
Centering depth = = 2.5
tan(90/2)
31. Calculate the tool path
Click the Save & Calculate button. The Drilling operation data is saved and the tool
path is calculated.
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify

simulation mode.
Add another Drilling operation to perform

the through drilling of the holes.
Right-click the last Drilling operation and choose Drilling from the Add Milling
Operation submenu. The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
This operation is using the geometry that was defined in

the previous center drilling operation. Choose the Drill
geometry from the list in the Geometry area.
Each geometry defined in InventorCAM has a

unique name. When the geometry is being defined, it is assigned a default
name that can be changed in InventorCAM settings. Using this name, you can
choose the geometry for the specific operation.
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35. Define the Tool
Define a new Drill tool of Ø4 for this operation.
Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click the Data tab in the Tool page.
Define the spin and the feed for
the operation.
• Set the Spin Rate to

3000;
• Set the Feed Z to 360.
Now the tool parameters are

defined.
36. Define the drilling depth
The overall height of the model is 10 mm plus the 5

mm bottom offset defined for the stock. The drilling
has to be performed deeper than this depth in order
to enable the tool to exit from the material and
perform the through drilling.
Switch to the Levels page.
Height
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Define the Upper level button by clicking on the top face of the model as shown.
Define the Drill depth. Rotate the model and select the bottom face as shown.
Since the Z- offset defined for the

stock model is 5 mm, set the Delta
value to -5.
To perform the through drilling,
choose the Full diameter option in the
Depth type area. With this option, the drilling is
performed until the full diameter is reached at the
specified drill depth. This means that the conical
part of the tool exits from the material.
37. Define the Drilling type
InventorCAM enables you to use a number of drill canned cycles supported by your
CNC-controller. In this operation, the pecking canned cycle is used for chip breaking.
With this cycle, the chip breaking is accomplished by slight retracts of the tool during
the drilling process.
Switch to the Technology page and click the Drill cycle type button. Available drill
cycles are displayed.
Click the Peck button. The cycle is chosen for the operation.
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Click the Data button to define the pecking parameters. The Drill Options dialog box
is displayed. Set the Step down to 1.5 in order to define the depth of each pecking
movement. Confirm the data with the OK button.

The Drilling operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify simulation mode.
Since in the previous operation the drilling diameter was greater than that in
this operation, the drilling results in a chamfer on the drilled holes.
Now you have successfully finished the exercise.
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In this exercise, a number of InventorCAM 2.5D operations are used for the cover part machining.
The cover is machined on the 3-axis milling CNC-machine using the machining vice. The part is
machined using two positionings.
At the first stage, the workpiece is positioned in the vice as shown below.
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The highlighted faces are machined.
At the next stage, the rest of the cover faces are machined with the second positioning.
85
Load the Exercise3.ipt model that is located in the Exercises folder.

This model contains a number of features forming the solid body of the cover.
To activate InventorCAM, click the InventorCAM 2013 item in the main menu of
Autodesk Inventor and choose Milling from the New submenu.
InventorCAM is started and the New Milling Part dialog box is displayed.
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Confirm the default Directory, CAM-Part Name and Model name by clicking the OK
button in the New Milling Part dialog box. The CAM-Part is defined.
4. Choose the CNC-controller
When the CAM-Part is defined, the Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
Select the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the CNC-Controller area to
display the list of post-processors installed on your system.
In this exercise, you use a 3-axis CNC-machine with

the AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller. Choose the
AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller from the list.
In this exercise, you have to define the Stock model before

you define the Coordinate System in order to use the
workpiece for the CoordSys definition.
Click the Stock button in the Stock &Target model area to
start the definition process. The stock Model dialog box is
displayed.
87
When the Coordinate System is not defined, InventorCAM enables you to
use only the Box method of the Stock model definition.
InventorCAM generates the stock box surrounding the model with the specified
allowances. In the Expand box at section, set the value of the Z- parameter direction
to 5. This allowance is used for the first clamping. Set the value of 2 for the rest of the
directions.
Click on the model. The model is highlighted, and the box surrounding the model is
displayed.
Click the Add box to CAD model button. The stock model box is added into the CAM
component of the CAM-Part assembly as a 3D Sketch feature.
Confirm the Model dialog box with the Finish button. The Milling Part Data dialog box
is displayed.
6. Define the Coordinate System
Click the Define button in the CoordSys area to start the

Coordinate System definition.
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The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
In the Define CoordSys Options list, choose the Define option.
This mode enables you to define the

Coordinate System by picking three points
on the solid model. At first, you have
to define the Coordinate System origin
location and then the points for the X- and
Y-directions.
Pick the origin point in the stock box
corner as shown.
89
Click on the stock model edge as
shown to define the X-axis of the
Coordinate System.
Click on the stock model edge as

shown to define the Y-axis of the
Coordinate System.
When a point is selected, the next button is automatically activated. If you

miss the selection, you can at any time select the button you want to define
and continue automatically to the next button.
Confirm the Coordinate System

definition with the Finish button. The
model is rotated, and the Coordinate
System is displayed.
90

Define the Part Lower level directly on the solid model. This parameter defines the
lower surface level of the part to be milled.
Click the Part Lower level button.
Rotate the model and select the lower face that is milled with the first positioning as
shown.
The Z-coordinate of the face (-12) is

displayed in the Pick Part Lower level
dialog box.
Confirm this dialog box with the OK
button.
Confirm the CoordSys Data dialog box
with the OK button.
The icon of the defined Coordinate
System is displayed in the CoordSys
Manager dialog box.
Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog

box with the Finish button. The Milling
Part Data dialog box is displayed again.
Click the Target button in the Stock & Target area of

the Milling Part Data dialog box.
The target Model dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to define a 3D model for
the Target.
91
Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.
Confirm the Model dialog box with the Finish
button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.
8. Save the CAM-Part data
In the Milling Part Data dialog box, click the

Save & Exit button.
The Milling Part Data dialog box is closed, and InventorCAM Manager is displayed. The
defined CAM-Part is saved.
At this stage, the definition of the CAM-Part is finished.
At the next stage, you have to define several operations to machine the cover part.
Using the first defined Coordinate System (first clamping), you have to perform the
following operations:
Upper face machining
Upper profile machining
Lower profile machining
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Hole pads machining
Then the part has to be rotated and clamped again. With the second clamping, the
following operations are performed:
Upper face machining
Pocket machining
Slot machining
Holes machining
93
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click the Operations header and choose Face from the
Add Milling Operation submenu. The Face Milling operation is used for the upper face
machining.
94
10. Define the Face Milling geometry
Click in the Geometry page. The Face Milling Geometry dialog

box is displayed.
Using the default Model option, click the Define button. The 3D
Geometry dialog box is displayed. Click on the solid model to select
it. Confirm the 3D Geometry dialog box with the Finish button.
In the Face Milling Geometry dialog box, define the 3 mm offset to machine over the
stock edges. In the Modify section, set the Offset value to 3.
Confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box by clicking the Finish button. The
geometry is defined for the operation.
11. Define the Tool
Define a new Face mill of Ø40 for this operation and edit the following parameters:
• Set the Shoulder length to 15;
• Set the Cutting length to 10.
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InventorCAM enables you to define a variety of tool holders to help you check and
prevent all possible collisions between the tool holding system and the workpiece. This
feature also enables you to see a more realistic simulation in the SolidVerify simulation.
Switch to the Holder page in the Part Tool Table.
The Global holders table is supplied within InventorCAM. This table contains
a number of frequently used tool holder components. The Global holders
table can be modified by the user.
Click the Global holders table tab to choose a holder from the Global holders table.
The InventorCAM tool holder Tool adaptor

is defined by combining
two components. The first
component is the tool adaptor
mounted on the spindle unit
of the milling machine.
The second component can
consist of various types of
extensions and reductions like
collet chucks, arbors, shanks
and other components that
Extensions and reductions
you may have.
InventorCAM enables you to define the Tool adaptor in the *.vmid file
under Devices > Spindle > Stations.
96
In the Global holder table, choose the BT40 ER32×60 collet chuck. This collet chuck is
suitable for the chosen tool diameter (40 mm).
Choose the defined tool for the operation by clicking the Select button. The Face
Milling Operation dialog box is displayed.
12. Define the Face depth
Switch to the Levels page of the Face Milling

Operation dialog box. Click the Face depth button
in the Milling levels area and select the model face
as shown.
The Face depth (2) is calculated.
97
Technology section, choose the Hatch option.
Hatch machining technology
The machining is performed in a linear

pattern.
The Hatch page enables you to define the hatching parameters.
98
• Hatch angle
When the Automatic optional angle option is chosen, InventorCAM

automatically calculates the optimal angle of hatching to expedite the
machining. The tool path always follows the length of the face no
matter what angle the machined surface is facing.
The Delta from optimal parameter enables you to change the hatching
angle.
Delta angle
Optimal direction
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When the User-defined angle option is chosen, you can determine the
angle of the tool path.
Angle
• Cutting direction
The One way option enables you to create the tool path with only one-
directional movements.
The Zigzag option enables you to create the tool path with bi-
directional movements.
One way Zigzag

• Extension
During face milling, the tool path is extended over the edges of the
machined face. The Extension section enables you to define the
extension both along the tool path (the Along section) and across the
tool path (the Across section). The extension can be defined either by
percentage of the tool diameter (the % of tool diameter option) or by
value (the Value option).
Extension across
the tool path
Extension along
the tool path
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• Corner
When the None option is chosen, the tool path is

formed with sharp corners between one direction
and the next.
The Fillet option connects each direction with

a given radius allowing for a smoother transition
between path directions.
Click the Hatch tab to define the

machining parameters.
In the Hatch angle section, select the
Automatic optimal angle option.
Switch back to the Technology tab.
Notice that in the Min. Overlap section the % of tool

diameter option is chosen and the value is set to 30, and
the Equal step over check box is selected.
Overlap
This section enables you to define the tool overlapping between two
successive passes. This option can be defined as Percentage of the tool
diameter or as a Value.
0.5D 0.2D
Overlap 0.5D Overlap 0.2D
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Equal step over
This option enables you to generate

the hatch tool path spaced evenly
with the automatically calculated
Overlap value, which is nearest to
the specified Min. Overlap value but
not smaller than this value. Overlap Overlap
When this check box is not selected,

the distance between the last pass
and the one before it can be smaller
than that between all of the other
passes.
When this check box is selected,
the evenly spaced hatch tool path is
generated. The overlap between two
Overlap Overlap
successive passes is not smaller than
the specified Min. Overlap value.
This option is available only for the Hatch strategy.
Define the roughing offset that remains on the floor of the face. This offset is left
unmachined during the rough face machining and removed during the face finishing.
In the Offsets section, set the Floor offset value to 0.2.
Select the Finish check box to perform finishing of the
face in this operation. This check box enables you to
remove the remaining offset with the last cutting pass.
Switch to the Link page of the Face Milling dialog box to define the way the tool
approaches the material and retreats away.
In the Lead in section, choose the Tangent option. This option enables the tool to
approach the material on a line tangent to the profile. In the Tangent extension field,
set the length of the tangent to 5.
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In the Lead out section, select the Same as Lead in check box.

The Face Milling operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
16. Simulate
Click the Simulate button in the Face Milling Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the button.
Close the simulation with the button. The Face Milling Operation dialog box is
displayed. Close this dialog box with the
Exit button.
103
17. Add a Profile operation
At this stage, you have to define a Profile operation in order to machine the upper
profile of the cover.
In InventorCAM Manager, add a new Profile operation.
Click in the Geometry area of the Profile Operation dialog box. The Geometry
Edit dialog box is displayed.
Click the Add button in the Multi-chain section.
The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

enables you to pick a number of chains from the model by
selecting the model elements. InventorCAM automatically
creates chains from the selected elements.
Click on the top face of the model as shown.
104
The face is selected, and its boundary is highlighted. Click the Build Chains button
to choose the selected chain as the geometry. The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Confirm the geometry definition with the Finish button. The geometry is defined for
the operation.
19. Define the Tool
Add a new End mill tool of Ø16 for the operation.
Choose the tool holder. Switch to the Holder page and click the Local holders table tab.
The Local holders table contains the tool holders that were already
used in the current CAM-Part. When a new holder is chosen from the
Global holders table, it is copied to the local table to make a further
use easier.
105
Choose the BT40 ER32×60 Collet chuck from the Tool Holders dialog box and click the
check box to confirm your choice.
Confirm the Tool Table by clicking the Select button.
20. Define the Profile depth
Switch to the Levels page. In the same manner as explained in previous steps, define
the Profile depth by clicking on the model face as shown below.
106
Switch to the Technology page. In the

Modify section, set the Tool side to Right.
Click the Geometry button to check the
tool position relative to the geometry.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box
with the OK button.
Now you have to define the roughing
and finishing parameters. InventorCAM
Profile operation enables you to perform
the rough and finish machining in the
single operation.
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down value to
3.5.The profile is machined in two equal Z-steps.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor
offset to 0.2. These allowances are removed during the
finish machining.
Select the Clear offset check box. Set the Offset value to 5
and the Step over value to 2.5.
Clear offset
This option generates several concentric profiles with a constant depth

that start from the defined clear offset distance from the profile and
finish up to the geometry of the profile, thus clearing the area around
the profile.
The Offset defines the distance from the geometry at which the
milling starts. The Clear offset value should be equal to or larger than
the Wall offset value. The tool starts milling the profile at the distance
defined by the Clear offset and finishes at the distance defined by the
Wall offset; the overlap of the adjacent tool paths is defined by the
Step over parameter.
107
The Step over defines the overlap of adjacent tool paths. It determines
the offset between two successive concentric profiles.
Geometry
Wall offset
Step over
Clear offset
In the Finish section, set the Step down value to 7. The

0.2 mm allowances that remain after the roughing are
removed in one step.
Switch to the Link page. In the Lead in

section, choose the Tangent option. With
this option, the tool approaches the
material tangentially to the geometry in
the start point. Set the Tangent extension
value to 12.

The Profile operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
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24. Simulate
Click the Simulate button in the Profile

Operation dialog box. The Simulation control
panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the
simulation with the button.
The SolidVerify simulation mode enables you to measure distances

directly on the solid bodies in the SolidVerify window. This feature
enables checking the linear dimensions of the part during simulation.
Click the Measure button on the toolbar. The Measure Distance dialog box is
displayed.
Click the top face of the cover and then

on the horizontal face machined in the
current operation.
The coordinates of the pocket points and the result distance are displayed in the
Measure Distance dialogbox.
InventorCAM displays the measured distance value and Delta
values for the X-, Y- and Z-axes. In this case, the Delta Z
parameter displays the depth of the machined face relative to
the cover top face (5).
Close the simulation with the button. The Profile Operation

Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.
109
At this stage, you have to define a Profile operation

in order to machine the lower profile of the cover.
In InventorCAM Manager, add a new Profile
operation.
Click in the Geometry page. The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Click on the workpiece edge as shown to define the first entity of the chain.
In the Auto-select section, choose the Auto-Constant Z option. The closed chain is
automatically selected.
Confirm it with the Yes button.
Confirm the geometry with the Finish button.
110
27. Define the Tool
In this operation, use the same tool as in the previous operation (Ø16 End mill).
Click the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed. Choose the
previously defined Tool #2 and click the Select button.
You have to define a new Upper level for the operation taking into account the already
machined faces. Switch to the Levels page and click the Upper level button in the
Milling levels area.
Define the Upper level by clicking the model face as shown.
Confirm the definition of the Upper level with the OK button.
111
In the same manner as explained in the
previous steps, define the Profile depth by
clicking the model vertex as shown.
Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box. In the Modify
section, set the Tool side to Right. Click the Geometry button to check the tool position
relative to the geometry.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the Cancel button.
Now you have to define the parameters of profile roughing and finishing.
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down value to
2.5.The profile is machined in two equal Z-steps.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0.5. This
allowance is removed during the finish machining.
Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to
5. The 0.5 mm allowance that remains after the roughing
is removed in one step.
112
Switch to the Link page of the Profile

Operation dialog box. In the Lead in
section, choose the Arc option. The tool
approaches the material tangentially to
the geometry at the start point. Set the
Tangent Extension value to 12.
In the Lead out section, select the Same

as Lead in check box.

The Profile operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
32. Simulate
Click the Simulate button in the Profile

Operation dialog box. The Simulation
control panel is displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the
simulation with the button.
Close the simulation with the button.

The Profile Operation dialog box is
displayed. Close the Profile Operation
dialog box with the Exit button.
At this stage, you have to define a new Profile

operation to machine four hole pads.
In InventorCAM Manager, add a new Profile
operation.
113
In the Geometry page, click the Define button.

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Click on the model edge as shown.
Click on the next model edges as shown below to
complete the chain.
Click the Accept chain button to confirm the chain selection.

In the same manner, define the geometry for the rest of the pads. Make sure that all
selected chains have the same direction.
Confirm the geometry definition by clicking the Finish button.
114
35. Define the Tool
In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, define a new tool for the
operation. Use an End mill of Ø8. Use the same BT40 ER32×60 tool holder.
In this operation, the machining starts at the Z-level of the already machined faces.
The Upper level has to be defined.
Define the Upper level by clicking the already machined model face as shown.
In the same manner as explained earlier,

define the Profile depth by clicking the pad
face as shown.
115
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down value to 3.
The profile is machined in one Z-step.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0.5. This
allowance is removed during the finish machining.
Select the Clear offset check box. Set the Offset value to 5
and the Step over value to 4.5.
Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to
3. The 0.5 mm allowance remaining after the roughing is
removed in one step.
Set the Arc option for Lead in. Set the Radius
value to 2. In the Lead out section, select the
Same as Lead in check box. The tool leads in/
leads out to the profile with a tangential arc.

The Profile operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
40. Simulate
Click the Simulate button in the Profile Operation

dialog box. The Simulation control panel is
displayed.
Switch to the SolidVerify page and
start the simulation by clicking
the button.
Close the simulation with the button. The
Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.
Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit
button.
At this point, the machining of the external cover faces is finished. At the next stages
you have to machine the internal faces.
116
41. Define a New Coordinate System
The machining of the internal model faces

requires another positioning. The part has to
be rotated and clamped in a vice as shown.
InventorCAM enables you to define the
second Coordinate System.
Double-click the CoordSys Manager header
in InventorCAM Manager. The CoordSys
Manager dialog box is displayed.
Right-click the MAC 1 item in the list and choose the Add option
from the menu. The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
In the Mac CoordSys number field, set the value to 2. Changing
of the Mac CoordSys number means that a new clamping is
used.
Make sure that the default Select Face mode is chosen.

When this mode is chosen, InventorCAM enables you to define a new Coordinate
System by selecting a planar face. In this case, the Z-axis of the Coordinate System is
normal to the selected face.
117
Rotate the model and click on its bottom face as shown below.
The Coordinate System origin is placed according to the Place CoordSys origin to
setting. Make sure that the Corner of model box option is chosen.
In this case, the box surrounding the model is calculated.
The upper plane of the model box is parallel to the XY-plane of the
defined CoordSys. The CoordSys is located in the corner of the model
box with the following coordinates: (XMIN, YMIN, ZMAX).
Now you have to move the origin of the Coordinate System from the automatically
defined position to the corner of the workpiece.
118
Click the Pick origin button.
Click the corner of the workpiece (stock model) as shown

to choose it for the origin. The origin is moved to the new
location.
Confirm the CoordSys dialog box by clicking the Finish
button.
InventorCAM automatically determines the Part Upper
leveland the Part Lower level parameters relative to the
Coordinate System location.

The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed.
Two Machine Coordinate Systems are listed in the CoordSys
Manager dialog box. Using them you can program operations for
different positions (clampings). The Machine Coordinate System
#2 is used for the machining of the back face and the internal faces.
Click the Finish button to confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog

box.
119
42. Add a new Face Milling operation
Add a new Face Milling operation to perform the back face milling.
Since this operation is performed with the second

Coordinate System position, choose the Machine
Coordinate System #2.
Choose MAC 2 from the CoordSys list in the Geometry

section.
Click to start the geometry definition. The Face Milling Geometry dialog box is
displayed.
In the Base Geometry section, use the default Model option for the Face Milling
geometry definition. Click the Define button. The 3D Geometry dialog box is displayed.
Click on the solid model to select it. The model is highlighted, and its icon appears in
the list. Confirm the 3D Geometry dialog box by clicking the Finish button. The Face
Milling Geometry dialog box is displayed again.
The rectangle is generated

surrounding the Target model at the
XY-plane.
Define the 3 mm offset to extend
the machined surface over the stock
edges. In the Modify section, set the
Offset value to 3.
Click the Finish button to confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box. The geometry
is defined for the operation.
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44. Define the Tool
Use the Ø40 Face mill used in previous operations.

Click the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table is displayed. Choose the
previously defined tool and click the Select button.
In this operation, the machining starts on the top face of the workpiece (Z=0 of the
Machine Coordinate System #2) and ends on the back face of the cover part (Z=-5 of
the Machine Coordinate System #2).
Define the Upper level directly on the solid model by
clicking the workpiece corner as shown.
Define the Lower level directly on the solid model by
clicking on the bottom face as shown below.
Set the Step down to 2.5.
Technology section, choose the Hatch option and click the Hatch tab.
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In the Hatch angle section, switch to the
Automatic optimal angle option.
Switch back to the Technology tab.

Notice that in the Overlap section the
% of tool diameter option is chosen and
the value is set to 30.
Define the roughing offset that remains
on the floor of the face. This offset is
being left unmachined during the rough
face machining and is removed during
the face finishing.
In the Offsets section, set the Floor offset value to 0.2.
Select the Finish check box to perform finishing of the
face in this operation. This check box enables you to
remove the remaining offset with the last cutting pass.
Switch to the Link page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box to define the way the
tool approaches the material and retreats away.
In the Lead in section, choose
the Tangent option. This option
enables the tool to approach
the material on a line tangent
to the profile. In the Tangent
Extension field, set the length of
the tangent to 5.

InventorCAM notifies you that the upper level chosen
for the operation is above the CoordSys Upper level.
Confirm this message with the Yes button. The
operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
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49. Simulate

mode.
The bottom face machining is finished. Now
you have to perform the pocket machining.
Pocket machining overview
The pocket is machined in several technological steps:

The rough machining of the upper
part of the pocket. The machining
is performed until the Z-level of
the pads is reached.
The rough machining of the pocket

with islands (pads). The machining
is performed from the upper face
of the pads till the pocket floor.
At this stage, two operations are
used to perform the machining
with two tools of big and small
diameter.
The finish machining of the outside
wall of the pocket.
The finish machining of the island

walls.
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The finish machining of the island
top face.
The finish machining of the pocket

floor.
Add a new Pocket operation to perform the rough machining of the upper part of the
pocket, down to the pads height.
Choose the Machine Coordinate System #2 for the operation and define the geometry
as shown below using the Auto-Constant Z option.
52. Define the Tool
Choose the already defined Tool #2 (Ø16 End mill) from the Part Tool Table for the
pocket rough machining operation.
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53. Define the Pocket depth
Define the Pocket depth directly on the

solid model. Use the top face of the
pads for the definition.
InventorCAM uses the constant-Z
passes for the Pocket generation. The
Step down parameter enables you to
define the distance between each two
successive Z-levels.
Set the Step down value to 2. The
pocket is machined in two Z-levels.
Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation

dialog box. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset
and Floor offset values to 0.2. These offsets remain
unmachined during roughing and are removed with the
further finishing.
Make sure that the default Contour option is chosen in the Technology section.
Switch to the Link page of the Pocket Operation dialog box.

In the Ramping section, choose the Helical option.
Click the Data button. The Helical ramping dialog box is
displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the ramping
position and the related parameters for each chain used in the
Pocket operation.
Set the Radius of the descent helix to 3 and confirm the
dialog box with the OK button.
125
In the Lead out section, choose the Arc option and set the Radius value to 2.
With a circular motion tangent to the last entity of the pocket contour,
the tool retreats from the profile. The radius of the arc must be
specified.
Radius

The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.
58. Simulate
Perform the simulation of the Pocket

operation in the SolidVerify mode.
During the simulation, notice the helical lead
in movement.
59. Add a new Pocket operation
Add a new Pocket operation to machine the bottom part of the pocket including two
islands (pads for the circuit board installing).
126
Choose the Machine Coordinate System

#2 for the operation.
In the same manner as explained in

the Step #18 of this exercise, define
the geometry by clicking on the pocket
bottom face as shown.
InventorCAM automatically determines
the edges of the selected face and
defines chains on them. The first chain is
the external boundary of the pocket. All
closed chains inside the first chain of each pocket are automatically treated as pocket
islands. Overlapping chains are milled as separate pockets, not as islands. To select
multiple pockets with islands, continue adding chains to the geometry.
61. Define the Tool
Choose the Tool #2 (Ø16 End mill) from the Part Tool Table for the operation.
The machining in this operation starts at the Z-level of the top faces of the pads and
ends on the bottom face of the pocket.
Define the Upper level by selecting the
top face of the pads as shown.
Define the Lower level by selecting the
bottom face of the pocket.
Set the Step down to 2.
127
In the Offsets section of the Technology page, set the

Wall offset, Island offset and Floor offset values to 0.2.
These offsets remain unmachined during roughing and
are removed in the next finishing operations.
Wall offset – the roughing offset remaining on the wall of the pocket.
Island offset – the roughing offset remaining on the pocket’s islands.

Floor offset – the roughing offset remaining on the floor of the pocket.
Now you have to define the machining strategy. Make sure that the default Contour
option is chosen in the Technology section. When the Contour strategy is chosen, the
tool moves on offsets parallel to the pocket contour.
In the Ramping section of the Link page, choose the Helical option. Click the Data
button. The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed. Set the Radius of the descent
helix to 3 and confirm the dialog box with the OK button.
In the Lead out section, choose the Arc option. Set the Radius value to 2.

The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool path
is calculated.
67. Simulate
Perform the Pocket operation simulation in the

SolidVerify mode.
128
Notice that the pocket geometry is not completely machined because the tool is too
large to reach some model areas. In order to complete the machining, you have to
perform an additional Pocket operation with a tool of a smaller diameter in the areas
that were not machined in the current Pocket operation.
68. Add a new Pocket operation
Add a new Pocket operation. InventorCAM enables you to use the existing operations
as templates for new ones.
In this case, the last created Pocket operation is used to define a new Pocket operation
from the template.
In the Operation name section, choose the last defined
operation name (P_contour4) from the list.
All the parameters of the chosen operation are copied to
the current one.
69. Change the Tool
Define a new tool for the operation.

Click the Select button in the Tool page. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box displays the parameters of the currently active Tool #2 (Ø16 End mill).
Since this tool is used in several operations, its parameters cannot be edited.
Click (Add Milling Tool) button to define a new tool.
The Tool type dialog
box is displayed.
Choose the End mill
tool.
A new Tool #4 is
added with the default
parameters.
129
Choose the tool holder. In the Holder page, click
the Local holders tab.
Choose the BT40 ER32×60 collet chuck from the
list.
In the current dialog box, click the Select button
to choose the defined tool (Ø6 End mill) for the
operation.
70. Define the Rest material parameters
In the Rest Material/Chamfer section of the Technology page,

choose the Rest option from the list.
During the machining, when a large tool is used, the tool leaves
material in areas that it cannot enter.
Unmachined area Machined area
Geometry
The Rest Material option enables you to remove the material from
these areas without defining a new geometry.
The new Rest tab appears and opens the page automatically.
Notice that the Separate areas option is chosen by default in the Milling type box.
When this option is chosen, InventorCAM performs machining only in the areas that
were not machined with the previous tool.
130
Define the diameter of the end mill that was used in the
previous operation. Click the Previous tool diameter
button. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed with all
the tools used in the operations of the current CAM-Part.
Choose the Ø16 End mill used in the previous operation
and click the Select button.
In the Previous wall offset field, set the value of 0.2. This offset was defined in the
previous Pocket operation.
Define the Extension/Overlap parameter – the overlap distance that you would like to
start and end from the previous larger end mill. Set the Extension/Overlap value to 1.
In the Ramping section of the Link page, choose the Helical

strategy to define how the tool enters into the material. Click
the Data button. The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed.
Set the Z-entry helix Radius to 3. Confirm the dialog box
with the OK button.
With the defined parameters, the tool machines all the areas
that were not machined by the previous tool. The 0.2 mm
allowance remains for the further finishing. The machining
area is extended on 1 mm to overlap with the previously
machined area.
The Pocket operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
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73. Simulate
Play the simulation of the Pocket operation in the

SolidVerify mode.
Notice that the machining is performed only in

areas that were not machined in the previous
operation. At this stage the rough machining of
the pocket is completed and you have to program
the finishing operations.
A Profile operation is used for the finish machining of

the pocket walls.
In the Geometry page, click the button to view the

geometries defined for the current Coordinate System.
The Browse Geometries dialog box is displayed with a list
of geometries defined for this CAM-Part associated with
the current Coordinate System. You can click entries in
the list to display the corresponding geometries on the
model.
Choose the contour4 geometry from the list.
Confirm the Browse Geometries dialog box by clicking the Finish button.
132
76. Define the Tool
Choose the already existing Tool #4

(Ø6 End mill) from the Part Tool Table.
Define the Profile depth by clicking the

bottom face of the pocket.
78. Define the step down
In this operation, use the Equal step down option to keep an equal distance between
all Z-levels.
Equal step down

Max.
This option enables you to perform Step down
all cuts at an equal Z-level distance
one from the other. InventorCAM
automatically calculates the actual
step down to keep an equal distance
between all passes.
When the Equal step down check box
is selected, Step down is replaced by
Max. Step down. This value is taken
into account during the calculation of
the actual step down so that it is not Actual Step down
exceeded.
Select the Equal step down check box. Select the Finish
check box and set the Max. Step down value to 3.
In the Depth Type area, choose the Helical option.
133
The Helical milling option enables you to enhance the productivity
of profile machining by avoiding lead in/out movements at each
Z-level and avoiding unnecessary rapid movements.
With the Helical option, the tool

performs spiral movements around
the geometry with continuous
lowering along the Z-axis. For
each turn around the geometry, the
tool moves downward along the
Z-axis according to the step down
value. When the Profile depth is
reached by the spiral movements,
InventorCAM performs the last
cut with the constant-Z movement
at the Profile depth.
Step down
Choose the Arc option in the Lead in section of

the Link page and set the Radius value to 2. In
the Lead out section, select the Same as Lead in
check box. The tool approaches the material with
the arc movement tangential to the geometry and
retreats in the same way.

The Profile operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated.
134
81. Simulate
Play the simulation in the SolidVerify mode.
Add a new Profile operation to machine the

walls of the islands.
Choose the Machine Coordinate System #2 for the operation and click in the
Geometry page. The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.
Select the edge of the island as shown below.
Make sure that the chain direction

is clockwise. Such direction enables
you to perform the climb milling of
the profile.
In the Auto-select section, choose
the Auto-constant Z option. The
chain is automatically completed.
135
Confirm it by clicking the Yes button. The first chain is defined.
Select the edge of the other island as shown below.
Make sure that the chain direction is clockwise. Such direction enables you to perform
the climb milling of the profile.
In the Auto-select section, choose the Auto-constant Z option. The chain is
automatically completed and the confirmation message is displayed. Confirm it by
clicking the Yes button.
The first selected entity in the geometry chain defines the approach location
for the whole chain. In this case, the internal edges of the pads are chosen
in order to prevent the collision between the tool and pocket wall during the
lead in movement.
Confirm the Geometry definition with the Finish button.
84. Define the Tool
Choose the Tool #4 (Ø6 End mill) for the operation.
136
Define the operation Upper level directly on the solid model by clicking the top face
of the pad as shown below.
Define the Profile depth by clicking the bottom face of the pocket.
In the Technology page, make sure the Finish check box is selected and set the Step
down value to 4.
In the Depth type area, set the Helical option.
Choose the Arc option in the Lead in section and set the Radius value to 2. In the Lead
out section, select the Same as Lead in check box. The tool approaches the material
with an arc movement tangential to the geometry and retreats in the same way.
137

The Profile operation data is saved, and the tool
path is calculated.
89. Simulate
Add a new Face Milling operation to machine the

top faces of the pads.
91. Define the geometry
In the Geometry page, choose the Coordinate System #2 (MAC 2) and click to
define the geometry for this milling operation. The Face Milling Geometry dialog box
is displayed.
Choose the Faces option in the Base Geometry section and then
click the Define button.
The Select Faces dialog box is displayed.
138
Click on the surfaces of the tow pads and confirm your selection
by clicking the Finish button.
The Face Milling Geometry dialog box is displayed again. In order

to machine the two faces separately, click the Separate button.
Two chain areas are created.

Confirm the geometry definition by clicking the
Finish button.
92. Define the tool
Choose the Tool #3 (Ø8 End mill) from the Part Tool Table.
Define the operation Upper level directly on the

solid model by clicking the top face of the pad.
Define the Face depth value by clicking the same
face.
In the Technology page, use the default Hatch strategy.

Select the Finish check box to perform the finish machining of the top faces of the
pads.
139

The operation data is saved and tool path is
calculated.
96. Simulate

At the next stage you have to machine the
pocket floor.
Define a new Pocket operation to perform the

finish machining of the pocket floor.
98. Define the geometry
Use the already defined geometry contour4.
99. Define the tool
Define the operation Upper level directly on the bottom face of the pocket. Define
the Pocket depth value by clicking the same face to perform the machining in a single
Z-level.
140
Make sure that the default Contour strategy is chosen in the Technology page.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and Island offset values to 0.1. Such offset
prevents the contact between the tool and the already finally machined wall and island
surfaces during the floor machining.
Choose the Arc option from the Lead out list. Set the Radius value to 2.
Click the Save & Calculate button. The

Profile operation data is saved and the tool
path is calculated.
104. Simulate
105. Add a Slot operation
Add a new Slot operation to machine the slot on

the bottom face of the cover model.
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click the
Operations header and choose the Slot item from
the Add Milling Operation submenu.
The Slot Operation dialog box is displayed.
141
Choose the Machine Coordinate System #2 for the operation and define the geometry
for slot as shown.
Make sure that the chain direction is clockwise to perform the climb milling.
107. Define the Tool
Define a new tool in the Part Tool Table (Ø1.5 End mill).
Define the following tool parameters:
• Set the Total tool length to 20;
• Set the Outside holder length to 15;
Choose the BT40 ER16×70 collet

chuck from the Global holders
list for the operation.
142
In the upper left corner, make sure that the default Constant
option is chosen in the Technology section.
In the Tool side area, choose the Right option to machine the slot at the right side of
the selected geometry.
In the Slot levels area, click the Depth button to define
the slot depth directly on the solid model.
Click the bottom face of the slot and confirm the
definition with the OK button.
The Slot depth (1.5 mm) is determined.
Set the Step down value to 0.5.
Click the Save & Calculate button. The Slot operation data is saved and the tool path
is calculated.
110. Simulate
Play the simulation in the SolidVerify

mode.
At the final stage of the cover part, you have to perform several operations to machine
the holes located on the bottom face and pads.
143
111. Define a Drilling operation
Define a new Drilling operation for the center drilling of the

holes located on the bottom face of the cover.
In the Geometry page, choose the Machine Coordinate

System #2 for the operation and click the Define button to
start the definition of drill positions.
The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed.
Choose the Multi-positions option in the Select centers by
section.
Click on the bottom model face as shown below.
All the circular edges located on the selected face are collected and the drill positions
are determined. Confirm the geometry selection with the Finish button.
In the Tool page, click the Select button. The Part Tool Table is displayed.
In the drilling operations of this exercise, the tools imported from an external tool
library are used. The Exercise3_Drill_Tools library contains several drilling tools
required for this exercise.
144
In the Part Tool table, click the Import ( ) button to import the tool from the
previously defined tool library.
The Import from Tool Table dialog box is displayed. Click the Browse button and
choose the location of the Exercise3_Drill_Tools tool library. Set it in the Library name
list.
Click the Import All Tolls button ( ) located in the left bottom part of the dialog
box.
The tools are imported into the Part Tool Table.
145
Click the OK button to exit from the tool library.
In the Part Tool Table, choose the Tool #6 (Ø6 Spot drill) for the operation.
Confirm the tool definition by clicking the Select button.
The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.
114. Define the Drill depth
In the Milling levels area, set the Drill depth to 0.

To perform center drilling, use the Depth type option. In the Depth type section,
choose the Diameter value option and set the value to 5.5 mm.
The center drilling operation is performed until
the specified diameter is reached at the upper level
(the top face of the model). The upper diameter
of the center drilling cone is greater than the
drilled hole diameter; this means that the chamfer
of 0.25 mm is performed at the hole edge.
path is calculated.
116. Simulate
Play the simulation of the center drilling in the SolidVerify mode.
146
In InventorCAM Manager, add a new Drilling operation to drill the holes center-drilled
at the previous stage.
Choose the same Drill geometry used in the previous operation.
Choose the Tool #7 (Ø5 Drill) from the Part Tool Table.
118. Define the Drilling depth
In the Levels page, define the Upper level by clicking

the model upper face. Define the Drill depth by clicking
the model face as shown.
Set the Delta value to -1.
To perform through drilling, use the Depth type option. In the Depth type section,
choose the Full diameter option. The drilling is performed until the given diameter is
reached at the specified Drill depth. This means that the conical part of the tool exits
from the material.
Click the Save & Calculate button. The

Drilling operation data is saved and the tool
path is calculated.
120. Simulate
Play the simulation of the drilling in the

SolidVerify mode.
At the next stage, you have to perform a number of drilling operations (center drilling,
drilling, tapping) for eight holes located on the pads top faces.
Add a new Drilling operation to perform the center drilling of the pad holes.
147
In the same manner as explained in

Step #112, define the geometry for
the drilling.
Use the Machine Coordinate
System #2 for the operation.
Choose the Tool #6 (Ø6 Spot drill) from the Part Tool Table for the operation.
124. Define the Drilling depth
In the Levels page, define the Upper level by clicking the top face of the pad.
Set the Drill depth value to 1.
path is calculated.
Add a new Drilling operation to perform the drilling of the pad holes.
In the Geometry area, choose the Drill1 geometry defined in Step #122.
Choose the Tool #8 (Ø1.6 Drill) for the operation. This tool enables you to perform
preliminary drilling for the M2 tapping.
148
In the Levels page, define the Upper

level in the same manner as explained in
Step #124.
Define the Drill depth directly on the solid

model. Pick the lower vertex of the hole cone
as shown to define the depth.
128. Define the Drill cycle type
Click the Drill cycle type button. The Drill Cycle

panel is displayed.
Choose the Peck type to perform the pecking
canned cycle.
Click the Data button to define the pecking
parameters.
The Drill options dialog box is displayed. Set the Step down value for the pecking to
0.5.
Click the Save & Calculate button. The Drilling operation data is saved, and the tool
path is calculated.
149
Add a new Drilling operation to

perform the tapping of the pads
holes.
In the Geometry area, choose
the Drill1 geometry defined in
Step #122.
Choose the Tool #9 (Ø2 Tap) for

the operation.
Tap tool
This tool is intended for the machining of internal threads in Drilling

operations.
The tool consists of two parts: cylindrical and conical, and is defined
by the following major parameters presented on the illustration.
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Holder
Length
Chamfer Cutting
Length Length
Tip Diameter
Diameter
When the Tap tool is used in the operation, the Tapping

Drill cycle is chosen automatically.
150
In the Levels page, define the Upper level in the same manner as explained in
Step #124.
Set the Drill depth to 4.
path is calculated.
133. Simulate
Click the Simulate button. The Simulation control panel is displayed.

InventorCAM enables you to simulate several operations together. Select the last three
operations in InventorCAM Manager (center drilling, drilling and tapping for the pad
holes) and play the simulation.
At this stage, programming of
the machining operations is
completed. Now you have to
generate the GCode to send it to
the CNC-machine controller.
151
134. Generate the GCode
InventorCAM enables you to generate the GCode for several operations or for the
complete CAM-Part.
Right-click the Operations header in InventorCAM Manager and choose the
Generate command from the GCode All submenu.
The GCode is generated for the complete

CAM-Part. The generated GCode is
displayed in the Notepad window.
At this stage, the exercise is completed.
152
Exercise #4: Bracket Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of

the bracket presented on the illustration on a Milling CNC-
machine.
This exercise reinforces the following skills:
• CAM-Part definition
• Face milling
• Pocket machining
• Profile machining
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Bracket (Exercise4.ipt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to reach the final CAM-Part:
1. Define the CAM-Part
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller, the Machine
Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
The AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller has to be chosen for this exercise.
2. Machine the top face
Define a Face Milling operation to machine the

top face of the bracket.
3. Machine the side faces
Perform the Profile rough and finish machining

of the bracket side faces.
153
4. Machine the open pockets
Define a Profile operation to perform the machining

of the open areas as shown.
5. Machine the pocket
Define a Pocket operation to perform rough and

finish machining of the pocket located on the top
face of the bracket.
6. Pre-machine the cylindrical hole
Define two Drilling operations to perform the center

drilling and preliminary drilling for the further Pocket
operation.
7. Machine the cylindrical hole
Perform two Pocket operations to machine the faces

of the through hole.
Use the pre-drilled hole to perform the safe lead in
movement of the tool into the material.
8. Machine the holes
Perform center drilling and drilling of the holes.
9. Machine the bottom face
Define a Pocket operation to machine the bottom

face of the bracket.
This operation requires different clamping, so define
and use a new Coordinate System with the Z-axis
oriented normally to the bottom face.
154
Exercise #5: Electronic Box Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for machining of the

electronic box presented on the illustration on Milling CNC-
machine.
• Face milling
• Rest material machining
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Electronic box (Exercise5.ipt) is located in the Exercises
folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to obtain the final CAM-Part:
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-controller (AWEA1000-
Fanuc), the Machine Coordinate System, the Stock model and the Target model.
2. Top face machining
Define a Face Milling operation to machine the top face of the electronic box part with
the Hatch strategy.
155
3. External rough machining
Define two Profile operations to perform the rough machining of external faces.
4. Pocket rough machining
Define two Pocket operations to perform the rough machining of the internal pocket
faces with a tool of a large diameter.
5. Pocket finish machining
Define a number of Pocket operations to perform the finish machining of internal

pocket faces. Choose the Tool according to the minimal radius of the model fillets.
During the wall finish machining, use the Rest material strategy to remove the bulk of
material in the corners.
156
6. Finish machining of the external faces
At the first stage, perform the rest material machining of the corner faces to remove
the bulk of the material.
Define a number of Profile operations to machine external faces.
7. Holes machining
Define a number of Drilling operations to perform

the center drilling, drilling, and tapping of the
holes. Use a Pocket operation for counterboring
of the holes.
8. Bottom face machining
Define a Face Milling operation to machine the

bottom face of the electronic box part using the
Hatch strategy.
This operation requires different clamping, so

define and use a new Coordinate System with the
Z-axis oriented normally to the bottom face.
157
Exercise #6: Clamp Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the clamp part presented on the
illustration on Milling CNC-machine.
• Multi-sided machining using 2.5-axis CNC-machine
• Open pocket machining
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Clamp (Exercise6.ipt) is located in the Exercises folder.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to obtain the final CAM-Part:
At this stage you have to define the CAM-Part, the CNC-

controller (AWEA1000-Fanuc), the Machine Coordinate
System, the Stock model and the Target model.
Make a note that the workpiece used for this part is the
box exactly surrounding the clamp model without an
offset.
158
2. Holes machining
Perform several Drilling operations to machine

the holes.
Use the appropriate Machine Coordinate System
defined for the positioning shown below.
3. Open pocket machining
Define the Machine Coordinate System for the

positioning shown below to machine the open
pocket.
159
Add a new Pocket operation. In this
operation, the open pocket machining
strategy will be used.
Select the open pocket geometry chain as
shown.
Click the Accept chain button to confirm
the selected chain. The Close chain
Close chain dialog box
This dialog box is displayed when you confirm an open chain definition
in the Geometry Edit dialog box.
When you confirm this dialog box with the Yes button, the chain is
closed with a line that connects the start and the end points of the
chain. The Mark line as open edge check box enables you to mark the
connecting line as open edge to perform open pocket machining.
When you click the No button, InventorCAM returns to the geometry
definition and enables you to close the chain manually by the model
element selection.
Select the Mark line as open edge check

box and confirm the dialog box with the
Yes button. The open edge is marked.
Confirm the Geometry Edit dialog box by

clicking the Finish button.
Choose the Tool #4 (Ø6 End mill) for the
operation.
Select the upper face of the model as the
Upper level and the pocket floor as the
Pocket depth.
160
In the Technology page, use the default Contour machining

strategy. Switch to the the Open pocket tab to define the
parameters of the open pocket machining.
Define the extension of the tool path beyond the open
edge.
Extension
This section enables you to define the overlapping between the tool
and the open edges. The overlapping can be defined as percentage
of the tool diameter (the % of tool diameter option) or as a value (the
Value option).
Open edge
Extension
Use the default Extension value (10% of the tool diameter). Since the diameter of the
tool used in this operation is 6 mm, the tool path is extended to 0.6 mm over the open
pocket edge.
Select the Use profile strategy check box.
161
Use profile strategy
This option enables you to perform

the open pocket machining in a
Profile manner. The tool path at a
specific Z-level consists of several
equidistant profiles starting from
outside the model at the distance
defined by the Extension parameter.
The tool moves on offsets parallel to
the pocket geometry.
The following options enable you to
define the tool path direction and linking:
• When the One way option is
chosen, the tool finishes one
profile pass, then rapidly moves
(G0) to the safety distance
and then to the start of the
next cutting pass. The cutting
direction (either climb or
conventional) is preserved for
each cutting pass.
• When the Zigzag option is

chosen, the tool finishes one
profile pass and then moves
directly to the next pass. The
machining is performed without
leaving the material, thus
constantly switching between
climb and conventional milling.
Use the default One way option.

Select the Approach from outside check box.
162
Approach from outside
This option enables the tool to approach from outside of the material
in the open pocket areas, if possible. Such approach enables you
to decrease the tool loading when plunging into the material. This
option enables you to perform the approach movement from the
automatically calculated point outside of the material. The tool moves
to the required depth outside of the material and then plunges into
the material.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor offset to 0.2. To remove these
offsets with the finishing cut, select the Wall and Floor check boxes in the Finish section.
4. Hole machining
Define two Drilling operations to perform

drilling and center drilling machining of
the hole located at the bottom of the open
pocket. Use the same Machine Coordinate
System (positioning) as in the previous
operation.
163
5. Step machining
Define a Profile operation to machine the step.

Define the Machine Coordinate System for the
positioning shown below.
Use the Point to Point option in the Geometry Edit dialog box to define the geometry.
Point to Point mode
This option enables you to connect the specified points. The points are
connected by a straight line. This option is useful when it is impossible
to define the geometry using the model edges.
In this exercise, it is impossible to define the straight geometry for
the Profile Milling using the model edges. The Point to Point option
enables you to define the geometry by two points located on the model
vertices.
164
Use the Zigzag cutting type to connect the successive Z-level passes directly from the
end of a pass to the beginning of the next pass.
Depth cutting type
When the One way option is

chosen, the cutting passes are
oriented in the same direction,
and the connection between
them is performed through the
Operation Clearance level. At
the end of each pass the tool
performs a retreat movement to
the Operation Clearance level,
a horizontal movement at rapid
feed to the start point of the
next pass and then descends to
the Z-level of the next pass. The
same cutting direction (climb or
conventional) is kept along the
whole tool path.
When the Zigzag option
is chosen, the tool path is
performed in a zigzag manner,
with the tool path direction
changing from one pass to
the next. The passes located
at two successive Z-levels are
connected directly from the end
of one pass to the beginning of
the next pass.
The Zigzag option cannot be used together with the

Clear offset technology.
165
Exercise #7: Basic Part Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the

basic part presented on the illustration on Milling CNC-machine.
• Face milling
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Basic part (Exercise7.ipt) is

located in the Exercises folder.
2. Upper cusp machining
Define two Profile operations to remove the bulk of material and perform the rough
and the finish machining of the cusp.
166
3. Step machining
Perform the rough and finish machining of the

step faces using the Profile operation.
4. External contour machining
Define a Profile operation to perform the rough

and finish machining of the external model faces.
5. Connector opening machining
Define a Pocket operation to perform the rough

machining of the connector opening faces.
6. Connector pocket machining
Define a number of Pocket and Profile operations

to perform the roughing and finishing of the
connector pocket.
167
7. Connector opening finish machining
Use the Pocket rest material strategy to perform

the finish machining of the connector opening
faces.
8. Machine screw head areas
Use a Profile operation to perform the rough and

finish machining of the screw head areas.
Use the Face milling Hatch strategy to perform

the rough and finish machining of the top face.
Use the Face milling Hatch strategy to perform

the rough and finish machining of the bottom
face of the Cover part.
Note that this operation and the following ones
use a new positioning and therefore you have to
define a new Machine Coordinate System.
168
11. Pocket rough machining
Use a Pocket operation to perform the rough machining of highlighted faces.
12. Wall finish machining
Define two Profile operations to perform the

finish machining of the wall faces of the pockets.
13. Bottom pocket machining
Perform the rough and finish machining of the

bottom pocket with the island.
14. Hole machining
Define a number of Drilling operations to

machine holes located on the cover part faces.
169
Machine the hole and the chamfer on the pre-machined cover

part presented on the illustration on Milling CNC-machine.

• 3D contour machining
The part file (Exercise8.prz) is located in the Exercises folder.

This file contains the defined CAM-Part. The model used
for the part definition contains two iPart members: Default
(model with the hole and chamfer features) and Stock (hole
and chamfer features suppressed).
Default Stock
Open the Exercise8.prz file located in the Exercises folder.
2. Add a Contour 3D operation
Add a new Contour 3D operation to

perform machining of the hole on the
upper face of the part.
The Contour 3D Operation dialog box is
displayed.
170
A through hole located on a convex surface can be machined in several

methods, such as Profile machining and Contour 3D machining. Profile
milling used for machining of such holes results in a great number
of tool path passes with unavoidable air cutting, because it yields a
planimetric tool path parallel to the XY-plane. Contour 3D machining
enables you to generate a curved tool path in three-dimensional space.
Therefore, in this exercise the Contour 3D operation is used for
hole machining to optimize the tool path and avoid redundant tool
movements.
Profile machining
Contour 3D machining
Define the geometry chain on the upper edge of the hole as shown.
171
4. Define the Tool
Add a new Ø10 End mill tool for the operation.
In the Modify section, click the

Geometry button to check the
position of the tool relative to the
geometry.
In this case, the default Left
option set for Tool side meets the
requirements of the climb milling.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog
box by clicking the OK button.
In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0.2. The allowance of 0.2 mm will
be left on the hole wall during the roughing. This allowance will be removed with
a separate finishing cut in the end of the machining.
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down to 2. The hole will be machined in three
equidistant rough passes.
Select the Finish check box. Set the Step down to 6. The finishing will be performed
in a single pass.
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For Lead in, choose the Arc option and use the default Radius value of 2. For Lead out,
select the Same as Lead in check box.
Perform the simulation of the operation in the SolidVerify mode.
8. Add a Contour 3D operation
Add a new Contour 3D operation to perform chamfering of the upper face of the
cover.
Define the geometry chain on the upper edge of the face as shown.
173
10. Define the Tool
Add a new Ø10 Spot drill tool for the operation.
In the Levels page, set the Depth to 0.
174
In the Modify section of the Technology page, set the Tool side to Right. Click the
Geometry button to check the tool position relative to the geometry.
Close the Modify Geometry dialog box by clicking

the OK button.
Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down
to 0.
In the Chamfer section, select the check box and
switch to the Chamfer tab.
Set the Cutting diameter value to 2.
Cutting Profile depth

diameter (Chamfer length)
For Lead in, choose the Arc option and use the default Radius value of 2. For Lead out,
select the Same as Lead in check box.
175
176
Exercise #9: Mounting Base Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the mounting base presented on the
illustration on a 4-axis vertical milling CNC-machine.
• Profile machining with angled walls
• T-slot milling
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Mounting base (Exercise9.ipt) is located in the Exercises
folder.
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, CNC-controller (AWEA1000-Fanuc),

Machine Coordinate System, Stock model and Target model.
177
2. Contour machining
Define a Profile operation to machine the mounting base

external faces.
Define a Face Milling operation to machine the top face

of the mounting base.
4. Pocket machining
Define a Pocket operation to perform rough and finish

machining of the pocket faces.
Use the lower edges of the islands for chain

definition, because the walls are angled.
Use a bull nose tool of Ø8 with Corner Radius value equal

to 0.2 for machining the pocket.
5. Profile machining with draft angled walls
Define a Profile operation for two angled walls of the islands.

Define the geometry as shown.
Use the bull nose tool of Ø8 already defined in
step 4.
Select the Finish option in the Technology page
and set the Step down value to 0.5.
178
Switch to the Advanced tab and click the Wall draft angle button.
The Wall Draft Angle dialog box is displayed. Select this

option in the first line.
Set the External wall angle value to 8 for both profiles.
Wall Draft Angle
When this check box is selected, the inclined wall machining is performed.
• External wall angle
This parameter defines the draft angle of the wall measured from the
Z-axis direction as shown.
179
For the inclined wall machining, each cutting pass located at a specific
Z-level is generated according to the specified External wall angle value.
• External corner type
This option enables you to define how the cutting passes are connected
during the external corners machining. There are three ways to connect
between the cutting passes:
Sharp corner: the tool path is calculated to perform the machining of
a sharp corner. This option affects only the machining of geometry
sharp corners.
Geometry
Conical fillet: the

tool path is calculated to perform the machining of
the corner with a conical fillet; the radius of the tool path rounding
increases from one pass to the next. This option affects only the
machining of sharp geometry corners.
Geometry
180
this option affects the machining of both of sharp

Cylindrical fillet:
and filleted corners of the geometry. The machining of sharp corners
is performed similar to the Conical fillet option. For the filleted
corners, the tool path is calculated to perform the machining of the
corner with a cylindrical fillet; the radius of the tool path rounding is
the same for all the cutting passes.
Geometry
6. T-Slot machining
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click

the Operations header and choose
T-Slot from the Add Milling Operation
submenu.
The T-Slot Operation dialog box is

displayed.
181
Define two geometry chains as shown below. Make sure the direction of the chains
geometry is the same as on the illustration.
Add a new Slot mill tool from the Part Tool Table.
Slot mill
This tool is used in a variety of applications from simple 2.5D undercut

profiles all the way up to machining cavities in Simultaneous 5 Axis
operations. The parametric definition of a slot mill also enables you
to define a cylindrical tool with a tool shank with a relieved diameter.
A tool of this type is defined with the parameters shown in the image.
Arbor
Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Holder
Length
Corner Cutting
Radius Length
Diameter
182
Edit the tool parameters as

follows:
• Set the Diameter to 36;
• Set the Corner Radius to 0;
• Set the Cutting Length to 3.
Add the BT40 ER32x60 tool
holder.
Confirm the tool definition by
clicking the Select button.
In the Tool page, click the Data
tab.
Select the Offsets and Top tool offset number option.
Top tool offset number
This parameter defines the register number of the upper cutting face
offset, in the offset table of the CNC-machine. This option enables
SolidCAM to automatically take into account the minor size differences
between the defined tool and the one actually used for cutting the
workpiece, if there are any.
183
Define the Upper level for slot machining by clicking on the ceiling as shown.
Confirm the value (-4.5) displayed in the Pick

Upper level dialog
box.
Define the T-Slot depth by clicking on the model
face as shown. The depth value calculated in the
Milling levels area is 6.

Define the rough machining parameters in the Technology page. To perform roughing
of the slot, select the Rough check box.
To perform the rough machining of the slot, you have to specify offsets on the slot
geometry. These offsets are removed with the finishing cut.
The Wall offset option defines the offset that remains on the slot wall
after roughing.
Wall offset
184
The Ceiling offset option defines the offset that remains on the slot
ceiling after roughing.
Ceiling
offset
The Floor offset option defines the offset that remains on the slot
floor after roughing.
Floor
offset
Set all of the offsets to 0.2.
Now you have to define the finish machining parameters.

Select the Finish check box. Note that the Ceiling, Wall
and Floor check boxes are selected by default. These
check boxes define the offsets (Ceiling, Wall and Floor,
respectively) to be removed with the finishing pass. Set the
Cutting depth overlap value for finishing to 2.
185
Cutting depth overlap
This parameter defines the overlap of each two adjacent tool paths in
both rough and finish machining of the slot.
Cutting depth
overlap Cutting depth
overlap
For Lead in, choose the Tangent option and set the Tangent Extension value to 12. For
Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.
Perform the simulation of the operation

in the SolidVerify mode.
11. Holes machining
Define several Drilling operations to perform the

machining of the countersink holes located on the top
face of the mounting plate.
186
Exercise #10: Support Machining
Machine the threads on the pre-machined support

part presented on the illustration on a Milling CNC-
machine.
• External threading
• Internal threading
The part file (Exercise10.prz) is located in the Exercises folder. This file contains the defined CAM-
Part.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to perform the internal and external threading:
Open the Exercise10.prz file located in the Exercises folder.
2. Add a Thread Milling Operation
Add a new Thread Milling operation to perform threading of the internal surface of
the part.
The Thread Milling Operation
187
Define the geometry by clicking on the internal

surface of the part.
The thread milling position is selected, and its
coordinates are displayed in the Drill Geometry
Selection dialog box.
4. Define the Tool
Switch to the Tool page of the Thread Milling Operation dialog box and click the Select
button.
Click the Add Milling Tool ( ) button to start a new threading tool definition. The
Tool type pane is displayed. Choose the Thread Mill tool for the operation.
Thread Mill
This tool type is used for threading in Thread Milling operations. A

tool of this type is defined with the parameters shown in the image.
Arbor
Diameter
Outside
Holder Total
Length Length
Shoulder
Length
Thread
Cutting
Cutting Diameter Length
188
In the Pitch/Standard area under Tool

parameters, click the Choose Standard
table button and select the Metric (ISO)
option.
The Threading type: Metric (ISO) dialog
box is displayed.
Select the M36 x 4.0 standard from the
list and click OK.
Define the following parameters:
• Set the Cutting diameter value to 25;
• Set the Number of teeth to 4;
• Set the Arbor diameter to

20;
• Set the Total length to

120;
• Set the Outside holder to

70;
• Set the Shoulder length to

40;
• Set the Number of flutes

to 1.
189
Define the operation Upper level directly on the solid model by clicking on the top of
the part.
In the Depth definition area, define the Thread depth by clicking on the bottom face of
the part. Set the Delta value to -4.
In the Technology page,

make sure the default
Internal type is chosen
in the Thread Data area.
Set the Major thread
diameter value to 64.
190
7. Define the Lead in
Switch to the Link page. Under Lead in/out arc, clear the Start
from the center check box.
Start from the center
This option enables you to start threading from the center of the
geometry. When this option is cleared, the tool starts machining from
a safety distance, which allows to avoid air cutting and save machining
time.

in the Host CAD mode. Set the CAM-
Part in the Top view to observe that the
tool approaches the material not in the
center.
191
Add a new Thread Milling operation to perform small internal threads.
Define the geometry by clicking on the upper surface of the model containing the
holes.
11. Define the Tool
Define a new Thread mill selecting the M14x1.5 standard from the Metric (ISO) table.
Define the operation Upper level directly

on the solid model by clicking on the
small pocket surface as shown.
Define the Thread depth by clicking on
the model bottom face.
In the Technology page, make sure the default Internal type is chosen in the Thread
data area. Set the Major thread diameter value to 14. In the Cut from section, select Top
to bottom.
14. Define the Lead in
Switch to the Link page. Under Lead in/

out arc, make sure that the Start from
the center check box is selected.

192
Add a new Thread Milling operation to perform threading of the external surface of
the part.
Use the drill geometry defined in the previous operation.
18. Define the Tool
Define a new Thread mill. In the Tool parameters area, under Pitch / Standards, select
User and set 3 for the Pitch value. From the list, select the ISO FINE standard.
• Set the Cutting diameter to

45.3333.
Define the operation Upper level directly on the

solid model by clicking on the top face of the part
as shown.
Define the Thread Depth by clicking on the model
surface as shown.
193
In the Technology page, choose the External type in the Thread Data area. Set the
Nominal value to 86.
In the Cut from area, choose the Top to bottom option.
194
Indexial
4-Axis Milling 4
InventorCAM enables you to perform indexial 4-axis milling on vertical or horizontal CNC-
machines with a 4th axis rotary table.
The 4th axis rotation is used for positioning of a part. When the part is positioned to the required
orientation, the 4th axis is locked and the machining is performed using 3-axis movements.
For each clamping, InventorCAM enables you to define a Machine Coordinate System with X-axis
(for vertical machines) or Y-axis (for horizontal machines) parallel to the revolution axis of the
rotary table.
Machine
Coordinate Y
Machine
Coordinate System
X
Z System
Z
Y
196
Within one clamping (Machine Coordinate System), InventorCAM enables you to define a number
of positions around the revolution axis. For vertical machines the X-axis of these positions is
parallel to the X-axis of the Machine Coordinate System.
Machine Coordinate System
Z
Y
Positions
Z Z
Y Y
Z Y
X X
X
For horizontal machines, the Y-axis of these positions is parallel to the Y-axis of the Machine
Coordinate System.
Y
X Z
Positions
Y Y
Y
X Z X Z
X Z
197
For each position, InventorCAM automatically determines the Shift and the Rotation parameters
relative to the Machine Coordinate System.
Machine
Coordinate Rotation X
System
Z Y'
Z Y Z' Y
Y'
X Position
Z' X'
Shift Z X
Shift X X'
Shift Y
The Shift components (Shift X, Shift Y and Shift Z) describe the shifting of the position relative to
the Machine Coordinate System.
The Rotation components (Rotation around X, Rotation around Y and Rotation around Z) describe
the axis orientation of the position relative to the Machine Coordinate System.
Positions can be defined only around the revolution axis. For vertical machines only positions
around X-axis can be added, so the Rotation around Y and Rotation around Z values are 0. The
Rotation around X parameter can be different from 0. For horizontal machines only positions
around Y-axis can be added, so the Rotation around X and Rotation around Z values are 0. The
Rotation around Y parameter can be different from 0.
Machine Coordinate Systems and their positions are used for the geometry definition. Before the
geometry definition, you have to choose the Coordinate System position. The geometry has to be
located in the plane parallel to the XY-plane of the chosen CoordSys.
198
Exercise #11: Frame Machining
In this exercise, indexial 4-axis operations are used for the frame part machining.
The frame is machined from the pre-machined stock on a vertical 4-axis milling CNC-machine
using a special jig.
The jig with the clamped workpiece is placed on the rotary table of the machine. Such clamping
enables you to machine four sides of the model using the rotation of the 4th axis.
The tail used for the part clamping is removed in

a separate operation using a 3-axis CNC-machine.
199
1. Change default settings
First, you have to cancel automatic definition of the stock and target models, which is
set in the preferences by default.
In the InventorCAM menu, click the CAM Settings button.
The InventorCAM Settings dialog box is

displayed. From the left menu, choose
Automatic CAM-Part definition.
Clear the Definition of Stock and

Definition of Target check boxes. From
now, the stock and target models will not
be defined automatically for each CAM
part you create.
Load the Exercise11.ipt model located in the Exercises folder.

The model contains three iPart members:
• Default
The original design model without changes.
200
• Stock
The stock model that is used for the InventorCAM stock definition.
• Machining
The machining model with a tail that was not removed. This iPart member is
used for the InventorCAM geometries definition.
You can switch between these iPart members by double-clicking their subheaders
under the Table header of the Model elements tree.
To start InventorCAM, click the InventorCAM 2013 field in the main menu of Autodesk
Inventor and choose Milling from the New submenu. InventorCAM is started and the
New Milling Part dialog box is displayed.
Confirm the New Milling Part dialog box by clicking on the OK button. The Milling Part
Data dialog box is displayed.
201
5. Choose a CNC-controller
Choose a CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the CNC-Machine section to

display the list of post-processors installed on your system.
In this exercise, use a vertical 4-axis CNC-machine with the Fanuc CNC-controller.
Choose the AWEA 1000-FANUC CNC-controller from the list.
6. Define the Machine Coordinate System
Click the Define button in the Coordinate System section of the Milling Part Data
dialog box to start the Coordinate System definition.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.
InventorCAM assigns the first Position

number to the Machine Coordinate
System by default.
Make sure that the default Select Face

option is chosen.
Click on the model bottom face as

shown.
The face is highlighted. The Machine

Coordinate System #1 is automatically
defined in the corner of the model box.
Click the Finish button.
202
InventorCAM automatically determines the Shift and Rotation values. For the
first Position related to a new Machine Coordinate System, the Shift and Rotation
parameters values are always 0.
Close this dialog box with the OK button. The CoordSys Manager dialog box is
displayed.
7. Define the CoordSys positions
Now you have to define a number of Positions around the

Machine Coordinate System #1.
In CoordSys Manager, right-click the Position #1 item and

choose the Add command from the menu.
The CoordSys dialog box is displayed again.
InventorCAM assigns the next sequential number to the

position.
Click on the model face as shown.

The origin is automatically placed
in the corner of the model.
The Z-axis is directed outwards
normally to the selected face.
The X-axis direction is the same
as the direction of the X-axis of
the Machine Coordinate System
(Position #1).
203
Click the Finish button to confirm the position location. The CoordSys data dialog
box is displayed.
The Part upper level (0) and the Part

lower level (-100) are automatically
determined on the model.
The Shift and Rotation parameters are

defined automatically for the Position #2.
The Shift Z is -35; the Shift X and Shift Y
are 0. The Rotation around X is -90; other
Rotation values are 0.
Z Position #1
Rotation X X
-90° Y
Shift Z
35 Position #2
Z X
204
In the same manner, define Position #3 and Position #4 using the model faces as
shown.
Position #3 Position #4
Shift (0,100,-35) Shift (0,100,0)

Rotation (180,0,0) Rotation (90,0,0)
Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box with the Finish button.
Switch from InventorCAM Manager to the Model elements

tree. Switch to the Stock iPart member. Expand the
Table component and double-click the Stock item in the
list of the iPart members. The model is displayed in the
configuration ready for the stock definition.
205
Click the Stock button in the Stock & Target model area. The Model dialog box is
displayed.
In the Defined by list, select the 3D Model option. This option enables you to define the
stock model by picking solid bodies. Click on the model to select it for the stock model.
Close the Model dialog box with the Finish button.
In the Model elements tree, double-click on the

Machining iPart member that describes the model after
the machining. The model is changed.
In the Milling Part Data dialog box, click the Target button. The Model dialog box is
displayed.
Click on the model to select it. Set the Facet tolerance value to 0.01.
Close the Model dialog box with the Finish button.
10. Save the CAM-Part
Click the Save & Exit button to save the CAM-Part data and close the Milling Part Data
dialog box.
The InventorCAM Manager dialog box is displayed.
206
11. Define the Fixture
InventorCAM enables you to define Part fixtures such as clamps, vises, jig plates, etc.
This feature enables you to get a more realistic picture during the simulation and check
possible collisions between cutting tools and fixtures.
At first, you have to add the model of the clamping device to the CAM-Part assembly.
It is recommended to copy your clamp model files into the CAM-Part folder
before insertion into the CAM-Part assembly.
In the Assemble menu of Autodesk Inventor, click Place.
The Place Component dialog

box is displayed.
Choose the Clamp.ipt file.
This file contains the model of the clamping device.
Confirm the component insertion with the OK button. The model is added.
207
Align the model as shown.
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click the Fixtures

header and choose the Define Fixture command
from the menu.
The Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

enables you to define the fixture by selecting solid
bodies of the CAM-Part assembly components.
Click on the clamping device model.
Confirm the Model dialog box with the Finish button.
To choose this new fixture for future operations, right-

click the Operations header and choose the Machine
Setup command from the menu.
208
The Machine setup dialog box is displayed.
Until now, no fixture has been chosen for operation, therefore

the Fixture cell in the table contains the None field. Double-
click this field and choose the clamping_fixture option for the
fixture that you have defined earlier. Click OK.
The Setup subheader is now displayed under the Operations

header.
12. Define a Pocket operation

machining of the highlighted faces.
Choose the Coordinate System Position #1 in the

Geometry page of the Pocket Operation dialog
box.
Define the Geometry as shown.
209
Define a new End mill tool of Ø10 and choose it for the operation. Choose the
appropriate tool holder.
Define the Pocket depth using the top face of the pad as shown below.
Set the Wall offset and the Floor offset values to 0.2 to leave allowance for the next
finishing operation.
Use the Helical Ramping strategy. Set the Radius value to 5.

The Coordinate System Position #1 has to be

chosen in the Geometry page of the Pocket
Operation dialog box.
210
Define the Upper level for the

operation using the top face of the
pad (used in the previous operation
for the Pocket depth definition).
Define the Pocket depth using the
bottom face as shown.
Set the Wall offset and the Floor

offset values to 0.2 to leave allowance
for the further finishing.
Use the Helical Ramping strategy.

Set the Radius value to 5.


Geometry page of the Pocket Operation dialog
box.
211
Define the Upper level for the operation using the bottom face of the previously
machined pocket. Pick the Pocket depth as shown.
Set the Delta value to -1 to perform the through

pocket machining.
Set the Wall offset value to 0.2 to leave allowance for

the further finishing.
Use the Helical Ramping strategy. Set the Radius

value to 5.
15. Define a Profile operation
Define a Profile operation to perform the finish


Geometry page of the Profile Operation dialog
box.
Use the geometry defined in Step #12.

operation.
Use the same milling levels that were defined in Step #12.
Choose the Arc strategy for Lead in and select the Same as lead in check box under
Lead out.

box.
212

Use the same milling levels used in Step #13. Set the Clear offset and the Step over
parameters to perform the machining of the bottom face in several concentric profiles.
Lead out.

box.
operation.
Use the same milling levels used in Step #14.
Lead out.
In the same manner as explained in Step #12,

define a Pocket operation to perform the rough
Use the Coordinate System Position #3 for the
operation.
213

define a Pocket operation to perform the
rough machining of the highlighted faces.
Use the Coordinate System Position #3 for

the operation.

define a Profile operation to perform the
finish machining of the highlighted faces.
the operation.

define a Profile operation to perform the
finish machining of the highlighted faces.

the operation.

operation.
Set the Clear offset and the Step over values to perform the machining of the bottom
face in several concentric profiles.
214
Define a Pocket operation to perform the rough and

finish machining of two connector openings.

operation. Define the geometry as shown.
Define a new End mill tool of Ø6 for the operation. Choose the appropriate tool
holder.
Define a Pocket operation to perform the rough and

finish machining of the highlighted pocket faces.

operation. Define the geometry for the operation as
shown.
215
In the Finish section of the Technology page, select the Wall and the Floor check
boxes to perform finishing of the walls and the floor of the pocket.
Pocket wall finishing
Wall finishing can be performed in a single cut at the whole depth or

in a number of cuts at each step down.
• Total depth
When this option is chosen, the wall finishing is performed in

a single cut at the whole depth.
Finish pass
• Each step down
When this option is chosen, the wall finishing is performed in

several successive cuts at each step down.
Finish passes
216
The options of the Depth section are available only

when the wall finishing is performed in the operation
(the Wall check box is selected).
When the Wall draft angle option is used in the operation,

the Depth options are disabled and the wall finishing is
performed in a number of successive cuts at each step
down.
Under Depth, choose the Each step down option.
24. Perform the holes machining
Define several Drilling operations to perform

center drilling, drilling and threading of the holes.
Using the Coordinate System Position #1,

perform the machining of the M3 holes.
Use a Ø6 spot drill (with 90° tool tip angle), a Ø2.5

drill and a Ø3 tap tool. Choose the appropriate
tool holders.
Using the Coordinate System Position #2,

perform the machining of the M6 holes.
Use the Ø6 spot drill (with 90° tool tip angle);

a Ø5 drill and a Ø6 tap tool. Choose the appropriate
tool holders.
25. Perform the chamfer machining
At this stage, you have to define a Profile

operation for the 0.5 mm chamfer
machining.
Choose the geometry defined in Step

#12 for the operation. This geometry is
defined using the Coordinate System
Position #1.
217
Define a Chamfer drill tool of Ø6 for the operation.
Chamfer drill
This tool is used for chamfering. A tool of this type is defined with
the parameters shown in the image.
Arbor Diameter
Total
Length Outside
Shoulder
Holder
Length
Length Cutting
Length
Angle
Diameter
For the chamfer machining, set the value

of the chamfer depth in the Profile depth
field. In this case, set the value of 0.5.
Cutting Profile depth
In the Rest material/Chamfer section, diameter (Chamfer length)
choose the Chamfer option from the list.
A new page under the Chamfer tab is
displayed.
Define the Cutting diameter, which is the

diameter of the tool coincident with the
geometry at the chamfer depth.
Set the Cutting diameter value to 2.
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In the Link section of the Profile Operation dialog box, choose the Arc strategy for
Lead in and select the Same as lead in check box under Lead out.
In the same manner, define a new Profile operation to machine another chamfer of
0.5 mm using Coordinate System Position #3.
26. Simulate the Tool path
Simulate the CAM-Part using the SolidVerify simulation mode.
InventorCAM displays the fixture and checks the possible gouges during the simulation.
In the SolidVerify simulation, the tool is shown going around the part (rather than
rotating the part as it actually occurs in the CNC-machine). Therefore, for all CNC-
machine types, the simulation looks the same.
At this stage, you have completed the exercise.
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Exercise #12: Mounting Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for the machining of the mounting part shown below on the
4-axis vertical milling CNC-machine.

• Face milling
• Drilling
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Mounting part (Exercise12.ipt) is

The mounting is machined from the stock pre-machined by turning.
The following steps have to be implemented in order to obtain the final
CAM-Part:
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, CNC-controller (AWEA 1000-Fanuc),
Machine Coordinate System, Stock model and Target model.
Machine Coordinate System definition
In this exercise, the Machine Coordinate

System has to be defined in the center of the
revolution face as shown.
220
Using the Flip options in the CoordSys

dialog box, rotate the Coordinate System
so that the X-axis is collinear with the
revolution axis and the Z-axis is directed Z
upwards as shown.
Y
Define an additional Machine Coordinate X
System #2 to machine the back faces of
the mounting part.
Define the Stock and the Target models using the iPart members defined in the original
Autodesk Inventor model.
2. Face milling
Define a Face Milling operation with the Hatch strategy to

machine the shown face.
Use the Machine Coordinate System #1 (Position #1) for

the machining.
3. Holes machining
Define three Drilling operations to perform center drilling,

drilling and threading of the M6 holes.
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4. Define the operation pattern
Now you have to define a circular pattern of the operations around the revolution axis
(4th axis) of the CAM-Part in order to machine all the sides.
In InventorCAM Manager, select all the defined operations holding the Shift or Ctrl
keys. Right-click one of the selected operations and choose the Transform option from
the menu.
The Operation Transformations dialog box is displayed.
This dialog box enables you to perform various transformations such as rotating,
translating, and mirroring of the selected operations.
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Operation transformations
This section offers you the choice of whether the original operation will
be transformed or its copy will be added for transformation and, in the
latter case, enables you to define the placing of the new operation in the
InventorCAM Manager tree.

• Edit operation transformations
This option enables you to perform transformation of the

selected operation.
• New operation (add at current position in operations tree)
This option enables you to add a copy of the selected operation

and apply the transformation to the copied operation, without
effect on the original operation. The transformed copy is inserted
immediately after the original operation in the InventorCAM
Manager tree. The original operation can be suppressed by
selecting the appropriate check box in the Options section.
• New operation (add at end of operations tree)
This option also enables you to add a copy of the selected

operation and apply the transformation to the copied operation,
without effect on the original operation. The transformed copy
is inserted at the end of the operation list in the InventorCAM
Manager tree. The original operation can be suppressed by
selecting the appropriate check box in the Options section.
In the Operation transformations section, use the default Edit operation

transformations option.
In this exercise, you need to define a circular pattern of the selected

operations around the 4th axis. Click the 4 Axis button.
The Rotate List dialog box is displayed.
223
Select the Include original operation check box. When this
check box is selected, the original operation tool path is
included in the transforming action.
In the Angle field, type the value of 120°. This parameter

defines the rotation angle for each pattern instance. In the
Steps field, enter 2 for the number of instances to add.
Click the Insert button. The specific value of the rotation

angle is calculated for each instance of the pattern.
Confirm the Rotate List dialog box with the OK button.
The operations to be transformed appear in the Operation Transformations dialog box.
Confirm this dialog box with the OK button.
Notice that the icons of the transformed operations are marked with the icon.
This icon means that the operations were patterned using the 4th axis.
224
5. Simulate the transformed operations
Play the simulation of the transformed operations in the SolidVerify mode.
6. Remove the clamping tail
Define a Face Milling operation with the Hatch

strategy using the Machine Coordinate System #2
to remove the clamping tail that was necessary for
the part clamping in the 4th axis operations.
7. Machine the back side
Machine the pocket faces on the back side of the

mounting.
Define several Pocket operations to perform

rough and finish machining of the pockets.
Use the Machine Coordinate System #2 for the

operations.
225
226
Indexial
5-Axis Milling 5
InventorCAM enables you to perform indexial 5-axis milling using either vertical or horizontal
5-axis CNC-machines.
The 4th and 5th axis rotation is used for positioning

of the part. When the part is positioned to the
necessary orientation, the 4th and the 5th axes are
locked and machining is performed with 3-axis
movements.
For each clamping, InventorCAM enables you to

define a Machine Coordinate System.
Machine
Coordinate
System
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For each clamping (Machine Coordinate System), InventorCAM enables you to define a number
of related positions around the Machine CoordSys. Take care of the machine limitations (angles or
undercuts).
Z
Y
Z Y
Positions
Z Z
Y Y
X X
229
For each position, InventorCAM automatically determines the Shift and Rotation parameters
relative to the Machine Coordinate System.
Shift X
Machine
Coordinate Z Y
System
Shift Z
X'
Position
Y' Z'
Shift Y
Machine Coordinate Systems and X'

Machine Z
their positions are used for geometry Y Position
Coordinate
definition. Before the geometry Z'
System Y'
definition, you have to choose the
Coordinate System position; the X
geometry has to be located in the plane
Rotation:
parallel to the XY-plane of the chosen
X= 0
CoordSys.
Y= -90
Z= 180
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Exercise #13: Clamp Machining
Define the CAM-Part and operations for machining of the clamp shown below on the 5-axis
vertical milling CNC-machine.
• Face milling
• Drilling
• Indexial 5-axis machining
The Autodesk Inventor model of the Clamp (Exercise13.ipt) is located in the Exercises folder. The
model contains two Autodesk Inventor iPart members:
• Machining
This iPart member represents the model after the machining.

• Stock
This iPart member represents the pre-machined

workpiece before machining. The dovetail is pre-
machined to perform simple clamping of the part during
the machining.
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, CNC-controller (Fanuc5a), Machine
Coordinate System and its Positions, Stock and Target models.
231
Coordinate System definition
Define Machine Coordinate Systems #1 and #2 and related positions

using the previously defined Stock model.

#1
Position #1

#1
Position #2

#1
Position #3

#1
Position #4
232

#1
Position #5

#2
Position #1
Define the Stock model using the Stock iPart member of the CAM-Part assembly.
Define the Target model using the Machining iPart member of the CAM-Part assembly.
Define a Face Milling operation with the Hatch strategy

to machine the top inclined face of the clamp. Use the
Machine Coordinate System #1 (Position #2) for the
operation.
3. Back face machining

to machine the back inclined face of the clamp. Use
the Machine Coordinate System #1 (Position #3) for
the operation.
233
4. Front face machining

to machine the front inclined face of the clamp. Use
the operation.
5. Openings machining
Define a Profile operation to machine two openings

located on the front inclined face of the clamp. Use
the operation.
6. Slot machining
Define a number of operations to machine the slot

faces located on the top inclined face of the clamp.
Use the Machine Coordinate System #1 (Position #2)
for the operations.
7. Hole machining
Define a number of operations to machine the inclined

counterbore hole located on the top inclined face of
the clamp. Use the Machine Coordinate System #1
(Position #5) for the operations.

to machine the bottom inclined face of the clamp. Use
the operation.
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ToolBox 6
ToolBox sub-operations are a set of 2.5D Milling operations, each intended for a specific machining
case. For example, some operations cover different strategies of the counterbore machining. Each
sub-operation provides you with a specific machining strategy optimal for a particular machining
case.
These operations are combined in a single dialog box as sub-operations.
InventorCAM offers you the following types of ToolBox Cycles:
ToolBox Cycles
Spiral Open Slot Spine Slot Ruled Surface
Spiral Open Slot Wide Four Nubs Cycle O-Ring
Spiral Closed Slot Wide Flattened Surface

Simple Corner
on Cylinder
Additional ZigZag Slot Broaching Flattened Surface

on Corner
Simple Slot Simple Multi Bosses Simple Boss
Closed Slot One Side Open Slot Spiral Pocket
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6. ToolBox
Spiral Open Slot

This strategy enables you to perform the machining of open slots.
The geometry consists of two chains. The machining is performed
in a spiral manner.
Spiral Open Slot Wide

This strategy enables you to perform the machining of wide open
slots. The first cutting pass is performed in the spiral manner along
the determined spine of the slot, and then the machining of the slot
walls is performed by a number of profiles equidistant to the slot
geometry.
Spiral Closed Slot Wide

This strategy enables you to perform the machining of wide closed
slots. The first cutting pass is performed in the spiral manner along
the determined spine of the slot, and then the machining of the slot
walls is performed along the slot geometry.
Additional Zigzag Slot

This strategy enables you to machine long slots. The tool path starts
from the slot center approaching it in a zigzag movement and goes
toward the walls.
Simple Slot
This strategy enables you to perform the one-pass machining of
the slots with the width equal to or smaller than double diameter
of the tool.
Closed Slot
This strategy enables you perform the machining of a closed
slot with the width equal to the tool diameter. The machining is
performed in the zigzag manner; the last cut is horizontal to clean
the slot floor.
237
Spine Slot
This strategy enables you to perform the machining of a slot opened
from one side. SolidCAM automatically determines the spine of the
slot and performs the machining according to the spine’s shape. In
this sub-operation, the tool approaches the material along the spine
and then machines the walls of the slot.
Four Nubs Cycle
This strategy enables you to machine the profile of a pocket while
preserving the rest of the material fixed to the wall using small thin
bridges. Inner material will be hammered for shorter machining
time.
Simple Corner
This strategy performs the machining of open corner area. The
machining is performed in a number of equidistant cutting passes.
Broaching
This strategy enables you to perform broaching of holes.
Simple Multi Bosses

This strategy enables you to perform the machining of several
bosses starting from one face. The machining is performed in a
number of equidistant Clear Offset passes parallel to the selected
bosses geometry. The cutting passes are generated for the whole
geometry combined from the initial bosses.
One Side Open Slot
This strategy enables you to machine an one-sided slot using two
chains: a main chain and a drive chain. A spiral tool path is generated
during this sub-operation.
238
6. ToolBox
Ruled
This strategy enables you to perform the machining of an analytical
ruled surface defined by two open contours. The cutting passes are
evenly distributed between the defined contours.
O-Ring
This strategy enables you to machine O-Ring slots.
Flattened Surface on Cylinder

This strategy enables you to perform machining of the flattened
surface on a cylinder.
Flattened Surface on Corner

This strategy enables you to machine an angled plane using a
defined working area in order to prevent air cuts.
Simple Boss
This strategy enables you to perform machining of a boss located
on a model face. The closed geometry chain for the boss and closed
chain for the initial model face from which the boss starts should
be defined. The machining is performed in a number of equidistant
cutting passes parallel to the boss geometry.
Spiral Pocket
This strategy enables you to perform machining of the closed pocket
areas using spiral techniques. With this strategy, the tool penetrates
into the material in the automatically calculated point inside the
pocket with a helix. Then the tool performs the spiral cutting pass
morphing from the penetration point to the closed area walls.
239
Exercise #14: Standard Cycles Machining
In this exercise, you use the Standard Cycles

Plate to machine eighteen Standard ToolBox
operations.
The Autodesk Inventor model of the
Standard Cycles Plate (Exercise14.ipt) is
At this stage, you have to define the CAM-Part, CNC-controller (AWEA1000-Fanuc),

Machine Coordinate System, the Stock and Target models.
2. Spiral open slot machining
In InventorCAM Manager, right-click the Operations header and select Add Milling
Operation > ToolBox Cycles.
240
6. ToolBox
The ToolBox cycles operation dialog box is displayed.
Make sure the default Spiral open slot strategy is chosen in the top left corner under
Technology.
Click to define a new geometry.

Choose a pair of chains as shown.
Confirm the geometry by clicking Finish.
Add a new End mill of Ø10.
Select the Milling levels directly on the
model.
In the Technology page, under Offsets,
set Wall offset to 1. Under Extension, set
% of Tool Diameter to 30. Under Finish,
select the Wall finish option.
241
3. Wide Spiral Open Slot machining
In the manner as described in the previous step, define a new ToolBox Cycles operation.
Under Technology, select the Spiral Open Slot Wide strategy.
Define a new geometry, selecting a pair of chains

on the wide slot edges.
Use the same tool as in the previous operation.
In the Technology page, under Offsets, set Wall
offset and Floor offset to 0.2. Under Finish, select
the Wall finish and Floor finish options.
4. Wide Spiral Closed Slot machining
Define a new ToolBox Cycles operation.
Under Technology, select the Spiral Closed Slot Wide strategy.

Define a new geometry, selecting the open chain as shown.
242
6. ToolBox
5. Additional Zigzag slot machining
Under Technology, select the Additional Zigzag Slot strategy.

Define a new geometry, selecting the closed chain as shown.
6. Simple Slot machining
Under Technology, select the Simple Slot

strategy.
Define a new geometry, selecting a pair of chains
on the slot edges.
7. Closed Slot machining
Under Technology, select the Closed Slot strategy.
243
Define a new geometry, selecting the closed chain as show.
Use the previously defined Tool #1 of Ø10.
In the Closed Slot cycle, the tool diameter is equal to the slot width.
8. Spine Slot machining
Under Technology, select the Spine Slot strategy.

9. Four Nubs Cycle machining
Under Technology, select the Four Nubs Cycle strategy.
244
6. ToolBox
Define a new End mill of Ø10 for this operation and edit the following parameters:
10. Simple corner machining
Under Technology, select the Simple Corner strategy.

11. Broaching
Under Technology, select the Broaching strategy.
245
Define a new geometry, selecting the linear chains as shown.
For this operation, only a Broaching tool is available.
Broaching Tool
The tool of this type can only be used within the Broaching sub-
operation. It is not available for defining or choosing in any other
operation.
Arbor
Diameter
Total Cutting
Length Length Outside
Holder
Shoulder Length
Length
Width Depth
Corner Radius
12. Simple Multi Bosses machining

Under Technology, select the Simple Multi
Bosses strategy.
Define a new geometry, selecting the closed
chains as shown.
246
6. ToolBox
13. One Side Open Slot machining
Under Technology, select the One Side Open Slot strategy.

Define a new geometry, selecting a pair of open chains: the first one is considered
main, and the second one is the drive chain.
Use the same tool as in the previous operations.
14. Ruled Surface machining
Under Technology, select the Ruled strategy.

Define a new geometry, selecting a pair of open chains on the slot edges.
Use the same tool as in the previous operations.
15. O-Ring machining
Under Technology, select the O-Ring strategy.
247
Define a new geometry, selecting a pair of closed chains as shown. The first chain is
considered external and the second one – internal.
16. Surface Flattening on Cylinder
Under Technology, select the Flattened Surface on Cylinder strategy.

For this operation, define a new Coordinate System position with the origin located at
the cylinder revolution axis.
Define a new geometry, selecting the linear open chain as shown.
17. Surface Flattening on Corner
Under Technology, select the Flattened Surface on Corner strategy.
248
6. ToolBox
For this operation, define a new Coordinate System position with the origin located on
the flattened surface plane.
Define a new geometry, selecting a straight line chain.
In the Working area section, click the Define button to assign a triangle working area
to the selected line.
The Working area dialog box is displayed. Make sure the Start
angle and End angle are 45°.

Define the Upper level by clicking on the upper edge of the
flattened plane. Define the Depth by clicking on the lower
edge of the flattened plane.
18. Simple Boss machining
Under Technology, select the Simple Boss strategy.
249
In the Coordinate System #1, define a new geometry using the Multi-chain option.
A pair of closed chains is selected automatically, where the first chain is considered
external and the second one is internal.
19. Spiral Pocket machining
Under Technology, select the Spiral Pocket strategy.

250
6. ToolBox
Right-click the Operations header and choose Simulate to play simulation for all
ToolBox operations.
251
252
7
Automatic Feature
Recognition
This chapter covers the following types of 2.5D Milling operations performed using the Automatic
Feature Recognition module (AFRM) functionality:
Pocket Recognition Operation
This operation enables you to recognize the pocket features on the solid model and perform the
machining of these features.
Drill Recognition Operation
This operation performs powerful drill feature recognition and automatic Drill geometry creation.
This operation enables you to handle separate sets of Milling levels for each drill position. The
initial values of the Milling levels sets are automatically recognized from the model; they can be
edited by the user.
A Geometry for Drill Recognition and Pocket Recognition operations is determined automatically
by InventorCAM Automatic Feature Recognition functionality.
254
Exercise #15: Pocket Recognition
This exercise illustrates the InventorCAM functionality

of automatic pocket recognition and machining.
• Automatic pocket recognition and machining

The following steps have to be implemented in order to
reach the final CAM-Part:
Open the Exercise15.prz file located in the Exercises folder. This file contains the
pre-defined CAM-Part.
2. Add a Pocket Recognition operation
Right-click the Operations header in

InventorCAM Manager and choose
Pocket Recognition from the Add Milling
Operation submenu.
The Pocket Recognition Operation

255
In the Geometry page, click .
The Select Faces dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables
you to define the parameters of the pocket feature recognition
geometry.
First, you need to set the pocket recognition filters, and then the
mode of geometry selection.
Make sure that the Through Pocket check box is selected.
256
Through Pocket
When this check box is selected with the Selection mode set to Solid
body, the recognition of through pocket features is also performed.
Through pockets
Upper loop
Only the through pocket features where the

upper loop is identical to the lower loop are
recognized. The through pocket features
that cannot be machined with the current
CoordSys position cannot be selected. Lower loop
In the Circular Pocket diameter filter section, make sure that the Apply filter check box
is selected.
Circular Pocket diameter filter
When this check box is selected with the Selection mode set to Solid
body, circular pocket features can be selected according to their diameter.
All circular pocket features with the diameter greater than the specified
Min. Diameter value will be selected. Using this option, you can avoid the
machining of the drill features that are supposed to be machined in other
operations (Drilling, Drill recognition, etc.).
The Min. Diameter parameter defines the minimum diameter of the
pocket features. You can enter the value in the edit box or pick a cylindrical
surface or a circular edge on the solid model when the cursor is placed in
the Min. Diameter edit box.
When the Circular pocket check box is not selected, all recognized circular
pocket areas suitable for the current Coordinate System are selected.
257
Generally, all the through holes of this part are recognized
as circular pockets. In this operation, not all of these holes
will be machined, only four column holes located in the
corners of the top face.
Place the cursor in the Min. diameter edit box and then
pick the edge of the column hole on the solid model. The
circular edge diameter of 42 mm is displayed in the edit
box. Edit the diameter by setting the value to 40. All of the
holes with the diameter smaller than the specified value
will not be machined.
Define the mode of geometry selection.
Selection mode
This section enables you to set the mode of the geometry selection. The
following selection modes are available:
• Solid Body
This mode enables you to perform automatic recognition of pocket

features on the picked solid body. All planar faces are recognized
with the surface normal vector oriented parallel to the Z-axis of the
current CoordSys. The planar faces that cannot be machined with
the current CoordSys position (undercuts) cannot be selected (the
selection is rejected). All the through pocket areas are recognized
according to the Through pocket option.
Z
Selected faces
Undercut face
(selection rejected)
258
• Face
This mode enables you to pick single planar faces. When a face is
picked, InventorCAM checks the parallel relation between the surface
normal vector of the picked face and the positive direction of the
Z-axis of the current CoordSys. If they are not parallel, the face is
not selected. The undercut faces that cannot be machined with the
current CoordSys position are also not selected. The selection is
working in the toggling mode: the first click on a face selects it, the
next click on the selected face removes the selection.
• Through Pocket Chain
This mode enables you to select the through pockets by picking one
of the edges of the lower loop of the pocket area. When the edge is
picked, the complete geometry of the through pocket is automatically
selected. The lower loop is highlighted on the model. The selection
is working in the toggling mode: the first click on an edge selects the
loop, the next click on an edge of the already selected loop removes
the selection.
Under Selection mode, use the default Solid Body option.

Click on the solid model. InventorCAM generates the list of elements that suit your
filter settings.
Click the Solid1 element in the list. All the recognized model
features that participate in this geometry are highlighted.
The geometry includes all the planar faces, through pockets
of slots and circular through pockets of column holes. Each
model element is accompanied by its Z-level value enclosed in
parentheses.
Confirm the Select Faces

dialog box by clicking the Finish
button.
259
4. Define the Tool
Add an End mill of Ø16 for the operation. Define the tool parameters as follows:
• Set the Total length to 130;
Choose the tool for the operation.
5. Define the machining levels
Define the Upper level by clicking on the upper model face as shown.
The cutting depth is calculated automatically for each

recognized feature according to the solid model.
Set the Max. step down value to 5.
260
Switch to the Technology page. All the parameters in this

page are identical to those used in the Pocket operation.
Use the default parameters of pocket machining.
Since the recognized geometry contains open pocket areas,
the Open pocket tab is made available. Switch to the Open
pocket page and select the Approach from outside check
box. With this option, the approach to the open pocket
areas is performed from the outside of the material.
In the Link page, choose the Helical ramping strategy and set the Radius to 5. The
chosen ramping strategy affects the close pocket areas where the horizontal approach
from outside (defined in the previous step) is impossible.
Click on the Save & Calculate button.

mode.
Now you have successfully finished the
exercise.
261
Exercise #16: Mounting Box Machining
In this exercise, the InventorCAM functionality of

automatic pocket recognition and machining is used for
rough milling of the mounting box inner surfaces.
• Automatic pocket recognition and machining
The Autodesk Inventor model of the mounting box part (Exercise16.ipt) is located in the Exercises
folder.
2. External contour machining
Define a Profile operation to machine the

external contour of the part. Use an End mill
tool of Ø20.
3. Pocket roughing
Define a Pocket Recognition operation to

remove the bulk of material and perform the
rough machining of the part inner surfaces.
Use the End mill tool of Ø20 used in the
previous operation.
262
4. Pocket rest material machining
Define a Pocket Recognition operation

to perform the rest material machining of
the part inner surfaces. Use an End mill
tool of Ø10.
263
Exercise #17: Drill Recognition
This exercise illustrates the InventorCAM functionality

of automatic drill recognition and machining.
• Automatic drill recognition and machining
The following steps have to be implemented in order to

reach the final CAM-Part:
Open the Exercise17.prz file located in the Exercises folder. This file contains the
CAM-Part machined in Exercise #15.
2. Add a Drill Recognition operation
Add a new Drill Recognition operation

to perform center drilling of holes.
264
In the Geometry page, click .
InventorCAM parses the solid model and recognizes all of its hole
features. The model becomes transparent so that all of its hole
features are visible.
The HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed. This

dialog box enables you to specify the holes to be included in the
operation geometry.
In this operation, you will perform the center drilling of all the
holes that can be machined using the defined CoordSys position,
except for the column holes that were machined in the previous
operation as through pocket features.
265
In the Hole Type section, make sure that both the Through and Blind check boxes are
selected. In this operation, both through and blind holes will be drilled.
The HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box enables you to filter the hole features to
be machined by diameter, upper level and height.
Select the Hole Diameter check box.
Hole diameter (d)
When this section is activated, the hole features are filtered according
to the diameter of the hole. With this filter, only the hole features with
the Hole diameter value within the specified range are recognized.
The From and To values enable you to define the Diameter range
by entering the values or by picking on the solid model. When the
cursor is placed in the From/To edit box, you can specify the diameter
value by picking a specific cylindrical surface or a circular edge on the
solid model. When a cylindrical surface or a circular edge is picked,
its diameter is calculated and inserted into the corresponding edit
box replacing the previous value. The edit box becomes pink. When
you remove the automatically determined value, the edit box becomes
white.
Define the upper limit for the diameter range. Place the
cursor in the To edit box and pick the edge of the column
hole as shown. The diameter of the hole (42 mm) is
displayed in the edit box.
Edit the diameter by setting the value to 40.
266
In this operation, the holes will be machined irrespective of

their upper levels. Make sure that the Hole Upper level check
box is not selected.
Hole Upper level (u)
to the Upper level. With this filter, only the hole features with the
Upper level value within the specified range are recognized.
The From and To values enable you to define the Upper level range by
entering the values or by picking on the solid model. When the cursor
is placed in the From/To edit box, you can specify the Upper level
value by picking on the solid model. When a model point is picked,
the Z-value of the picked position is calculated and inserted into the
corresponding edit box replacing the previous value. The edit box
becomes pink. When you remove the automatically determined value,
the edit box becomes white.
In this operation, the holes of all heights will be machined.

Make sure that the Hole height check box is not selected.
Hole height (h)
to the Hole height. With this filter, only the hole features with the
Hole height value within the specified range are recognized.
The From and To values enable you to define the Hole height range
by entering the values or by picking on the solid model. When the
cursor is placed in the From/To edit box, you can specify the Hole
height value by picking on the solid model. When a model point is
picked, the Z-value of the picked position is calculated and inserted
into the corresponding edit box replacing the previous value. The edit
box becomes pink. When you remove the automatically determined
value, the edit box becomes white.
267
Click the Find Holes button. The hole features that match
the specified filter criteria are determined. These features are
listed in the Holes Tree section.
Click the Preview button. The hole features are highlighted

on the model.
Holes Tree
In this list, the recognized hole features are classified by Shapes

and Groups. A Shape contains all the hole features with the same
topology; within a Shape, the Groups include all the hole features
with the same parameter values (Upper Level, Height and Diameter).
For each Group, the Upper level (u) and Height (h) are displayed in
parentheses. When you select a Shape or a Group item in the list, the
hole features that belong to this Shape or Group are highlighted on
the model.
Confirm the HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box by clicking the Finish button.
268
4. Define the Tool
Add a new Spot drill tool of Ø16. Define the tool parameters as follows:
• Set the Total length to 70;
• Set the Shoulder length to 50.
Choose the tool for the operation.
5. Define the Levels
Click the Depth edit button in the Levels page.
269
The Depth Edit dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables
you to edit the Milling Levels parameters (Upper Level, Drill
Depth, Delta Depth) for each drill separately.
Note the list of drill instances displayed in the Holes Tree

section.
Holes Tree
This section displays the list of all drill instances chosen for the
geometry. All the drill instances in the list are structured into Groups
with the same Upper level, Drill depth, Delta depth and Depth type.
For each Group in the list, the drill instances data are displayed
in parentheses. Each drill instance in the list is accompanied by the
X- and Y-coordinates of the drilling position. Selecting the check boxes
next to each element in the list enables you to include the hole features,
Shapes or Groups into the geometry.
Do not confuse the Group classification in this dialog

box with that taking place at the stage of geometry
definition.
By default, the Depth Edit dialog box displays the parameter values recognized from
the solid model. Now you need to define the Upper Level, Drill Depth and Depth Type
parameters for each group of drill instances separately.
270
Select the Group1 item in the Holes Tree section. The drill instances that belong to this
group are highlighted on the model.
First, define the upper level for drilling.
Upper level (u)
This value can be applied to a single hole, a group or all holes.
The edit box displays the Upper level value of the selected item (a group
or a hole). You can enter the value or pick it directly from the model
(when the cursor is placed in the edit box). InventorCAM enables you
to pick planar faces parallel to the XY-plane of the Coordinate System,
model vertices and sketch points. When a model is picked, the Z-value
of the picked position is displayed in the edit box. The edit box has pink
background, which means that the parameter is defined associatively to
the solid model. When the edit box value is typed in, it is not associative
to the model; in this case the edit box has white background.
The Apply button enables you to apply the defined Upper level value to
the selected list item (a group or a hole). When a new Upper level value
is applied, InventorCAM checks the Holes tree items and reorganizes
them into groups according to the changed parameters. InventorCAM
checks all the groups to find a group with identical Upper level, Drill
depth, Delta depth and Depth type parameters. If such group is found,
InventorCAM adds the updated drill to this group. In case of absence
of a suitable group, a new group is created; the updated drill instance is
added to this group.
Leave the Upper Level value unchanged (-24).
271
Define the depth of the center drilling.
Drill depth (d)
This value can be applied to a single hole, a group or all holes.

The edit box displays the Drill depth value of the selected item (a group
or a hole). The edit box enables you enter the value or pick the value
directly from the model (when the cursor is placed in the edit box). You
can pick drill faces or edges. InventorCAM determines the depth of the
picked drill according to the defined Upper level and displays the value
in the edit box. The edit box has pink background, which means that
the parameter is defined associatively to the solid model. When the edit
box value is typed in, it is not associative to the model; in this case the
edit box has white background.
The Apply button enables you to apply the defined Drill depth value to
the selected list item (a group or a hole). When a new Drill depth value
is applied, InventorCAM checks the Holes tree items and reorganizes
them into groups according to the changed parameters. InventorCAM
checks all groups to find a group with identical Upper level, Drill
depth, Delta depth and Depth type parameters. If such group is found,
InventorCAM adds the updated drill to this group. In case of absence
of a suitable group, a new group is created; the updated drill instance is
added to this group.
Set the Drill depth value to 0 and click the Apply button.
Note that if you do not click the Apply button after editing values, the
change does not take effect.
Define the Depth type.
Depth type
This parameter can be defined for a single

hole, a group or all holes. You can define the
diameter on the conical part of the drilling
tool that will reach the specified drilling depth
during the machining. You can also deepen a
drilled hole in order to obtain a given diameter
at the specified drill depth.
272

• Cutter tip
The drill tip reaches the defined drilling depth.

• Full diameter
The drill reaches the defined drilling depth with the full diameter.
• Diameter value
The drill reaches the defined drilling depth with the drill cone
diameter specified by the Diameter value parameter.
The Apply button enables you to apply the defined Depth type to the
selected list item (a group or a hole). When a new Depth type is applied,
InventorCAM checks the Holes tree items and reorganizes them into
groups according to the changed parameters. InventorCAM checks all
groups to find a group with identical Upper level, Drill depth, Delta depth
and Depth type parameters. If such group is found, InventorCAM adds
the updated drill to this group. In case of absence of a suitable group,
a new group is created; the updated drill instance is added to this group.
Choose the Diameter value option for Depth type.

Place the cursor in the edit box and pick the upper
edge of one of the Group1 holes on the model.
The diameter of the hole (6.8 mm) is displayed in
the edit box.
Edit this value to add a 0.2 mm chamfer to the

holes. Set the Diameter value to 7.2 and click the
Apply button.
273
Select the Group2 item in the Holes Tree section.
Leave the Upper Level value unchanged (-24).

Set the Drill depth value to 0 and click the Apply button.
Under Depth type, choose the Diameter value option,
place the cursor in the edit box and pick the upper edge of
the hole. The value displayed in the edit box is 8. To add
a 0.5 mm chamfer to the holes, set the Diameter value to 9
and click the Apply button.
In the same manner, define the levels for the rest of the
groups.
For Group3, set the Drill depth to 0 and the Diameter value to 4.6 to add a 0.2 mm
chamfer. Click the Apply button.
274
For Group4, set the Drill depth to 0 and the Diameter value to 10. This value will not
result in a chamfer, because the diameter of the holes is greater, therefore only center
drilling will be performed. Click the Apply button.
For Group5, set the Drill depth to 0 and the Diameter value to 6.9 to add a 0.2 mm
chamfer. Click the Apply button.
Apply the changes and confirm the Depth Edit dialog box with the Finish button.
275
6. Define the sorting of drill positions
Switch to the Technology page. All the parameters in this page are identical to those
used in the Drilling operation.
Use the Advanced Sorting option to sort the drill positions of the geometry.
Under Sorting, choose the Advanced option and click .
The Advanced Sorting dialog box is

displayed. This dialog box enables you to
define the parameters of sorting of drill
positions for machining of linear and circular
drill patterns.
276
Linear sorting of drill positions
The Linear tab contains the sorting methods appropriate for machining
of linear drill patterns.
Linear pattern
According to linear sorting methods, the machining is performed either

by rows of drill positions with the same Y-coordinate or by columns
of drill positions with the same X-coordinate. The Tolerance parameter
enables you to define the tolerance that is used to determine if a drill
position belongs to the current row/column or to a different row/
column.
When the machining is performed by rows, InventorCAM determines
the first drill position for each row (the start position of the first row
is the start position of the whole pattern). For each next drill position,
InventorCAM determines the Y-coordinate and compares it with the
Y-coordinate of the first drill position of the current row. If the linear
deviation is within the specified Tolerance limit, InventorCAM considers
this position to belong to the current row. If the deviation exceeds the
Tolerance value, the drill position is rejected from the current row; later
this position will be checked again for belonging to next rows.
In the similar manner, when the machining is performed by columns,
the specified Tolerance value is used to determine whether a specific
drill position belongs to the current column. In this case, the deviation
of X-coordinates between the first drill position in the column and the
current drill position is compared with the Tolerance value.
Choose the option in the Linear tab of the

Advanced Sorting dialog box and set the Tolerance
value to 5.
277
When this option is chosen,
InventorCAM determines the
position with the minimal X- and
Y-coordinates and accepts it as the
start position of the drill sequence.
From this position, InventorCAM
continues the machining of the
drills with the same Y-coordinate;
the machining is performed
in the direction of increasing
X-coordinates.
When the last position of the current Y-coordinate is machined,
InventorCAM passes to the next Y-coordinate (in the increasing order)
and continues the machining of the next row from the position with the
maximal X-coordinate to the position with the minimal X-coordinate
(decreasing order), and so on. In such manner, the machining of two
successive rows is performed in the opposite order: each odd row is
machined in the direction of increasing X-coordinates, each even row
is machined in the direction of decreasing X-coordinates.
The rows are machined in the direction of increasing Y-coordinates.
Close the Advanced Sorting dialog box with the OK button.
Click the Show sorted button to preview the sorted drill positions on the solid model.
Close the Show Geometry

dialog box by clicking Exit.
278
Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode.
9. Machine the Ø6.8 holes
Add a new Drill Recognition operation to perform

drilling of the Ø6.8 holes.
In the HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box, activate

the Hole Diameter section. Place the cursor in the From
edit box and pick the hole edge as shown.
The diameter value (6.8) is displayed in both From and

To edit boxes defining the range for the Hole Diameter
filter.
279
Click the Find Holes button. The holes of the specified diameter are highlighted on
the model.
Confirm the HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box by clicking the Finish button.
Add a new Ø6.8 Drill tool.
Click the Depth Edit button in the Levels page. The Depth
Edit dialog box is displayed. Note that the values of the Upper
Level (-24) and Drill Depth (26.29) parameters are offered you
as defaults. These values are recognized automatically on the
model.
Confirm the Depth Edit dialog box dialog box by clicking the
Finish button.
280
In the Technology page, choose the Advanced

option under Sequence of drill positions and click
the button.
In the Linear tab of the Advanced Sorting dialog
box, choose the option.

InventorCAM determines the
Y-coordinates and accepts it as
the start position of the drill
sequence. From this position,
InventorCAM continues the
machining of the drills with the
same X-coordinate; the machining
is performed in the direction of
increasing Y-coordinates.
When the last position of the current X-coordinate is machined,
InventorCAM passes to the next X-coordinate (in the increasing
order) and continues the machining of the next column from
the position with the maximal Y-coordinate to the position with
the minimal Y-coordinate (decreasing order), and so on. In such
manner, the machining of two successive columns is performed in
the opposite order: each odd column is machined in the direction
of increasing Y-coordinates, each even column is machined in the
direction of decreasing Y-coordinates.
The columns are ordered in the direction of increasing X-coordinates.
281
Under Drill cycle, click the Drill cycle type button and
choose the Peck type from the Drill Cycle Type dialog box.
Click the Data button to define the pecking parameters.
In the displayed Drill Options dialog box, set the Step

down value to 2 and confirm the dialog box with the OK
button.
Save and calculate the operation.
10. Machine the Ø8 holes
Add a new Drill Recognition

operation to perform drilling of
the Ø8 holes.
In the HR Drill Geometry

Selection dialog box, activate the
Hole Diameter section. Define the
range for the Hole Diameter filter
as explained in the previous step.
The values of 8 mm are displayed
in the Hole Diameter section.
282
Add a new Drill tool. The diameter of the drilling tool must be smaller than the
diameter of the holes, because these holes will be reamed at the next stage.
You can define the diameter of the tool by clicking the entity to be machined
with this tool directly on the solid model. Place the cursor in the Diameter
edit box in the Topology page of the Part Tool Table and pick the edge of
the hole as shown.
The Diameter value (7.8) is displayed in the edit box.
In the Technology page, choose the Advanced

option under Sequence of drill positions and click
the button.
In the Linear tab of the Advanced Sorting dialog box,
choose the option, set the Tolerance value to 2 and

click the Show sorted button.
Under Drill cycle, choose the

Peck cycle type and set the Step
down value to 2.
283
Add a new Drill Recognition operation to perform drilling of the Ø4.2 holes.
In the HR Drill Geometry Selection dialog box, define the range for the Hole Diameter
filter as explained in the previous steps. The values of 4.2 mm will be displayed in the
Hole Diameter section.
Add a new Ø4.2 Drill tool.
In the Technology page, choose the Advanced sort option

under Sequence of drill positions and click the button.
In the Linear tab of the Advanced Sorting dialog box,
choose the option and click the Show sorted

button.
Under
Drill cycle, choose the Peck cycle type
and set the Step down value to 2.
284
In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, perform drilling of the set of
Ø13.5 holes.
Use the Default drill sorting option.
In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, perform drilling of the set of
Ø6.5 holes.
Use the option of Advanced drill sorting.
285
Inventor determines the
Y-coordinates and accepts it as
the start position of the drill
sequence. From this position,
InventorCAM continues the
machining of the drills with the
same Y-coordinate; the machining
is performed in the direction of
increasing X-coordinates.
When the last position of the current Y-coordinate is machined,

InventorCAM passes to the next Y-coordinate (in the increasing
order) and continues the machining of the next row from the
position with the minimal X-coordinate to the position with the
maximal X-coordinate (increasing order) and so on. In such manner,
the machining of the rows is performed in the same direction of
increasing X-coordinates.
The ordering of rows is performed in the direction of increasing

Y-coordinates.
286
14. Perform reaming of the Ø8 holes
Add a new Drill Recognition operation to perform reaming of the Ø8 holes.
Use the drill_r2 geometry defined in Step #10.
Add a new Ø8 Reamer tool.
Reamer
This tool is used to machine precise holes in Drilling operations.

A tool of this type is defined with the parameters shown in the image.
Arbor
Diameter
Total
Outside
Length
Holder
Length
Cutting
Length
Chamfer
Diameter Length
287
To define the depth, pick the model face as shown.
The Drill depth value (12) is displayed. Click the Apply button.
Define the sorting of drill positions as explained in Step #10.
15. Simulate the operations
Simulate the operations defined in Step #9 – Step #14 in the SolidVerify mode.
Now you have successfully finished the exercise.
288
Exercise #18: Electronic Box Machining
In this exercise, the InventorCAM functionality of

automatic drill recognition and machining is used for
rough milling of the electronic box hole features.
• Automatic drill recognition and machining
The electronic box part file (Exercise18.prz) is located

in the Exercises folder. This file contains the defined
CAM-Part. The model used for the part definition
contains two iPart members: Default (model with hole
features) and Stock (hole features suppressed).
Default Stock
1. Center drilling
Define a Drill Recognition

operation to perform center drilling
of all hole features. Use a Spot drill
tool of Ø2.5.
289
2. Drilling

the Ø1.2 holes. Use a Drill tool
of Ø1.2.
3. Drilling

of Ø1.8.
4. Drilling

of Ø2.2.
Congratulations!
You have successfully finished the 2.5D Milling part of the InventorCAM 2013 Milling Training
Course.
290
291
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®
InventorCAM + Inventor
Inventor
®
2013
Certified
The complete integrated Manufacturing Solution
2.5D Milling HSS (High-Speed Surface Machining) HSM (High-Speed Machining)
Indexed Multi-Sided Machining Simultaneous 5-Axis Machining Turning and Mill-Turn up to 5-Axis
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1.1 About this course.............................................................................................................................3

1.2 Basic Concepts.................................................................................................................................5

1.3 Process Overview............................................................................................................................5

Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition..............................................................................................9

3. InventorCAM 2.5D Operations

Exercise #2: Cover Machining...................................................................................................30

4. Indexial 4-Axis Milling

Exercise #11: Frame Machining..............................................................................................199

5. Indexial 5-Axis Milling

Exercise #13: Clamp Machining..............................................................................................231

Exercise #14: Standard Cycles Machining..............................................................................240

7. Automatic Feature Recognition

Exercise #15: Pocket Recognition...........................................................................................255

Document number: ICMTCENG12001

1.1 About this course

Using this training book

This book uses the following typographic conventions:

Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize InventorCAM

This style combined with the lamp icon is used

1.2 Basic Concepts

Every manufacturing project in InventorCAM contains the following data:

• Operation – An Operation is a single machining step in InventorCAM. Technology, Tool

1.3 Process Overview

InventorCAM enables you to define a number of milling operations. During an

Coordinate System definition

Stock model definition

Target model definition

• CNC-controller definition. Choosing a CNC-controller is a necessary step. The controller

Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition

This exercise illustrates the process of the CAM-Part

When you start to program a CAM-Part, you have to

In this exercise, the box stock is used. The

At the next stage, you have to decide on what

Load the Exercise1.ipt model located in the Exercises folder.

New Milling Part dialog box

Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically

Every time the CAM-Part is opened, InventorCAM

4. Choose the CNC-Controller

Select the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the

In this exercise, use a 3-axis CNC-machine with the AWEA1000-Fanuc CNC-controller.

5. Start the Coordinate System definition

Click the Define button in the CoordSys area to define the

To complete the CAM-Part definition, you need to define the Machine

The Z-direction of the Machine

For 3-axis CNC milling machines, each Machine Coordinate

Such coordinate system

InventorCAM enables you to define the CoordSys using the following

This method enables you to define a new CoordSys by selecting

This method enables you to define the Coordinate System by

Select Coordinate System

This method enables you to choose the Autodesk Inventor

Normal to current view

This option enables you to define the Coordinate System by selecting

6. Select the model face

With the Select Face method