Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for Machine Tool Techology 81B
SURFCAM
Catalog Description:
81B – Surfcam
(May be repeated 3 times)
3 units
The fundamentals of Surfcam CAD/CAM manufacturing software as it pertains to machine shop use
and requirements. Instruction includes theory and laboratory practice on the use of the Surfcam
software environment to create 2 1/2 and 3 axis, lathe, and wire edm tool paths. Instruction includes
part drawing, dimensioning, importing electronic files (DXF, IGES, Sldprt, and Dwg), lathe and mill
tool path construction, geometry and tool path transformations, tool path editing, and post
processors. Strongly recommended: Machine Tool Technology 71A. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours
laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 35, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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draw basic 2D geometry from engineering prints;
create dimensions and notes for part features;
create custom views and coordinate systems
3d wire frame and surface construction;
import and export electronic files;
create point to point drilling and tapping tool paths;
create 2/12 milling contour tool paths;
create 3 axis surface milling tool paths;
create basic 2 axis lathe tool paths;
create engraving tool paths;
create basic two and four axis wire edm tool paths;
edit existing tool paths;
create tool paths from imported electronic files;
generate geometry transformations;
generate tool path transformations;
modify Mpost post processors;
verify mill and lathe tool paths with built in the verify functions;
create tool paths following process plans;
create machine tool G code programs from the created tool path operations.
Course Content (Lecture):
1. Introduction to Surfcam
a. 2D geometry
b. Dimensions
c. Layers
2. 2 1/2 axis contouring
a. Spot drilling, drilling and tapping
b. Contouring
c. Verification
d. G code part programs
3. Operations Manager
a. Cut and paste tool paths
b. Set up sections
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81B - page 2
Fall 2010
4. Geometry Transformations
5. Pocketing and Engraving
a. Pocketing options
b. Pilot holes
c. Pocket entry options
d. Truemill
e. Text machining
6. C view machining
a. View and Cview
b. Creating new views
c. Machining with custom views
7. Tool path transformations
8. Two axis lathe tool paths
9. Electronic files
a. Importing DXF , DWG, and IGES files
b. Importing SolidWorks files
c. Imported file geometry modification
d. Exporting electronic files
10. Machining Solid Models
a. Tool paths from 3D solid models
b. Tool paths from 2D and 3D wire frame files
11. Creating wire frame surfaces
a. Cross section surfaces
b. Drive curve surfaces
c. Offset surfaces
d. Surfaces of revolution
e. Extruded surfaces
f. Trim planes
g. Surface editing
12. 3d surface machining
a. Cut
b. Plunge rough
c. Auto rough
13. 3d surface machining (continued)
a. Z rough and Z finish
b. Planer
c. Steep / shallow
d. Pencil cutting
14. 3d surface machining (continued)
a. Rest machining
b. 3D offset
c. Flat Surface
15. 3d surface machining (continued)
a. Projecting tool paths onto surfaces
16. Three axis Truemill and SRM
17. Post Processors
a. MPost
b. Spost
18. Wire EDM two and four axis tool path operations
Course Content (Laboratory):
1. Techniques:
a. Create geometry from engineering part prints
b. Create and move geometry on and between layers
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81B - page 3
Fall 2010
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Create dimensions and notes
Edit existing geometry and features
Create customized views and operation processes
Create and verify spot drilling and drilling operations
Create and verify contour operations
Use the tool path editor to make minor changes in tool path operations
Generate G code part programs
Create and verify pocketing operations with pilot holes and helical / ramp entries
Create and verify engraving operations
Create and verify Truemill 2D and 3D tool path operations
Transform and copy geometry
Create and verify tool paths using C view machining
Create and verify tool path operations using solid models
Generate G code programs from imported electronic files
Export electronic files
Make, save, and reuse common machining processes
Create and verify lathe operations and generate G code
Create common wire frame surfaces
Create, edit, and verify 3D surfacing operations
Project 2D tool paths on 3D surfaces
Create and edit a simple Mpost post processor
Create and verify two axis and four axis basic wire edm tool path
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture, informal with student questions encouraged
2. Powerpoint presentations, videos, instructor created movies, and overhead transparencies
3. Demonstrations
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Create the geometry and dimensions for the Bullet Plate milling project from the engineering
drawing. Print out the geometry and the dimensions on separate sheets and turn them in.
b. Create the geometry and dimensions for the Adapter Plate project from the engineering
drawing. Write a process plan and get it approved by the instructor. Create the tool path
operations outlined in your process plan. Verify the tool path operations, create a part
program G code file. Print out the geometry, the dimensions, the Surfcam setup sheets, and
the G code part program file and turn them in.
c. Import the Mill2ax_3.sldprt solid model. Create dimensions on a dimension layer. Create a
process plan to machine the part and have it approved by the instructor. Create the tool path
operations outlined in your process plan. Verify the tool path operations, create a part
program G code file. Print out the dimensions and the Surfcam setup sheets and turn them
in. Do NOT print the G code part program!
d. Using the provided wire frame geometry create the Tea Pot surfaces. Match the color of
each surface to each of the provided wire frame entities. Trim the surfaces at each surface
intersection. Duplicate and mirror the top half surfaces to create the bottom half of the Tea
Pot on a separate layer. Print out a picture of the completed Tea Pot , with your name layer
visible and turn it in.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Assigned lab projects
b. Written lab reports / drawings on each part project
Chabot College
Course Outline for Machine Tool Technology 81B - page 4
Fall 2010
c. Quizzes
d. Midterm examinations
e. Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
None
Special Student Materials:
1. Sharp EL-531W scientific calculator
2. USB drive – 1gb minimum
3. Headphones – 1/8” stereo jack
Revised: 9/29/09;
Ashley Long/Mike Absher