| A-Axis |
The axis of
circular motion of a machine tool member or slide about the X-axis. Values along the
A-axis are degrees of rotation about the X-axis. |
| Axis |
A principal
direction along which the relative movements of a tool or work piece occur. Three linear
axes, occurring at 90 degree angles from each other, named X, Y and Z. The plural form of "axis" is Axes pronouced [ak-seez] |
| Backlash |
A relative
movement between interacting mechanical parts as a result of looseness. |
| B-Axis |
The axis of
circular motion of a machine tool member or slide about the Y-Axis. |
| Bezier Curve |
Polynomial
used to describe complex curves and surfaces. The location of midpoints controls the shape
of a Bezier curve. |
| Cartesian
Coordinates |
A three
dimensional system whereby the position of a point can be defined with reference to a set
of axes at right angles to each other. |
| C-Axis |
The axis of
circular motion of a machine tool member or slide about the Z-axis. C-axis values are
degrees of rotation about the Z-axis. |
Cloud of
Points
aka Point Cloud |
A set of x-y-z
coordinates obtain from a 3D scanner or digitizer. The data can then be turned into a
continuous surface and used in a 3D model. Often used in reverse engineering applications. |
| Computer Aided
Design (CAD) |
The use of
computers to assist in the creation and modification of a design, most commonly, designs
with a heavy engineering content. Usually refers to drafting and modeling software. |
| Computer Aided
Engineering (CAE) |
The use of
computers in design, analysis, and manufacturing of a product, process, or project.
Sometimes refers more narrowly to the use of computers only in the analysis stage. |
| Computer Aided
Manufacturing (CAM) |
The use of
computers to assist in the creation or modification of manufacturing control data, plans,
or operations. Sometimes refers more specifically to the programming of numerical
controlled (NC) machines. |
| Cutter
Diameter Compensation (CDC) |
A system in
which the programmed tool path may be altered to compensate for cutter diameter
differences. |
| CNC |
Computerized
Numerical Control. |
| Cutter Offset |
The distance
from the part surface to the axial center of a cutter (the radius of the cutter). |
| Cutter Path |
The path
defined by the center of the cutter. |
| Downtime |
Time during
which equipment is inoperable because of faults. |
| Dots/inch
(dpi) |
The resolution
of a hardcopy device or graphics display. |
| Drawing
Exchange Format (DXF) |
A file format
for CAD drawings used to transfer CAD data from one system or program to another,
especially those files created by Autodesk Inc. |
| Dwell Time |
A timed delay
of programmed or established duration used in specific machining operations. |
| DWG format
(DWG) |
The file
format for native AutoCAD drawing files |
| Feed Rate |
A programmed
or manually established rate of movement of the cutting tool into the work piece for the
required machining operation. |
| Feed Rate
Override |
A variable
manual control function that allows the control system to increase or reduce programmed
feed rates. |
| G Code |
Active
Preparatory Function-An NC word addressed by the letter G and followed by a numeric value,
G Codes are flags that when executed by the machine control unit, initiate axis motions,
plane changes, feed rate changes, etc. |
| Hewlett-Packard
Graphics Language (HPGL) |
A format for
graphics printing, especially of CAD data, developed and used by Hewlett-Packard Co. And
emulated by many others. This format is sometimes used to exchange CAD data among systems. |
| Interpolation |
A function of
a control whereby data points are generated between given coordinate positions. |
| Jig |
A device used
most often for machining operations to hold a base part in a specified orientation or
position relative to a known point. |
| Jog |
A control
function that momentarily operates a drive into the machine. |
| Mirror Image |
The reversal
of plus and minus values along an axis. Mirror imaging is used to make a left-handed part
from a right-handed tool path. |
| Numerical
Control (NC) |
The technique
of controlling a machine or process by using command instructions in coded numerical
format. |
| Offset |
A displacement
in the axial direction of the tool equal to the difference between the actual tool length
and the programmed tool length. |
| Parametric |
A capability
of 2D and 3D modeling systems in which the user defines dimensions and constraints to
which the model must conform. Alterations are then automatically reflected in related
areas. Strictly speaking, parametrics work in only one direction, i.e., altering entity A
will affect entity B, but not vice-versa. In practice, however, most systems allow the
changes to operate in either direction. |
| Pixel |
For
"picture element," the smallest definable dot of graphics data. Typically used
in the description of graphics processors, displays, and monitors. |
| Plug In |
A software
extension for programs that adds specific functionality. Often a means for 3rd party
developers to add functions to an existing software product. |
| Point Cloud |
A set of x-y-z
coordinates obtained from a 3D scanner or digitizer. The data from an "ordered"
point cloud can then be turned into a continuous surface and used in a 3D model. Often
used in reverse engineering applications. |
| Rapid
Prototyping (RP) |
Various
manufacturing processes that accept 3D CAD files, slice the data into cross-sections, and
construct layers from the bottom up, bonding one on top of the other, to produce physical
prototypes for engineering purposes, prototypes; and patterns for hard tooling. |
| Raster |
A method of
defining 2D graphic data with black-and-white or colored dots as opposed to vector data.
Raster data resolution is typically defined by the number of pixels or dots/inch. |
| Stereolithography
(SL) |
A rapid
prototyping (RP) process. A Stereolithography machine focuses an ultraviolet (UV) light
onto the surface of a vat filled with liquid photopolymer. The light beam, moving under
computer control, draws each layer of an object onto the surface of the liquid. Wherever
the beam strikes the surface, liquid changes to solid. 3D parts are built from the bottom
up, one layer at a time; when the part is finished, it is exposed to UV light for curing. |
| Surface
Modeling |
A 3D modeling
method of describing geometry by its surfaces. Typically used where surface shape is
critical, for example, automobile body panels. Surface modeling software generally
provides many functions for creating, editing, and evaluating surfaces. |
| Tool Path |
The path the
tool travels through in order to work material |
| Vector |
A method of
defining 2D or 3D graphics by lines, arcs, circles, etc. in contrast to raster data. |
| Wire Frame |
A geometric
model that describes 3D geometry by outlining its edges, similar to a "stick
figure." |
