Version 14 : September 2020

VoluMill
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Modified: Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:00 PM
Contents
INTRODUCTION 5
Welcome 5
Save a Copy — Warning 5
Installation 6

USING VOLUMILL 6
Quick Start 6

INTERFACE 12
Predrilling 13
Controls on the VoluMill Page 13
Controls for Side-Mill 16
Plus-or-Minus Material Amounts 18
Repositioning Parameters 18
Wireframe Only 19
Depths Diagram 19
Z Step 20
Flats 20
Plunge Controls 21
Climb or Conventional; Back and Forth 23
Minimum Toolpath Radius / Minimum Feedrate 23
Coolant / Pattern / Machining CS 24
Stock Options 25
Controls on the Mill Feature Page 26
Controls on the Solids Page 27
Controls on the Rotate Page 30

TROUBLESHOOTING 32

OPENSSL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND

LICENSE 33

CONVENTIONS 37
Text 37

3
 Graphics 37

LINKS TO ONLINE RESOURCES 38

4
 Introduction

Introduction
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the VoluMill™ Getting Started Guide. This document is designed to get you
started using VoluMill within the GibbsCAM® system. This guide can be used to jump right into
using the software, or it can be read cover-to-cover.

l “Quick Start” on page 6

l “Interface” on page 12
l “Troubleshooting” on page 32

VoluMill is an optional product module for GibbsCAM. VoluMill is a high‐performance toolpath

engine developed by Celeritive Technologies. It is designed to be used in place of traditional
pocketing methods when it is a priority to reduce cycle times, extend tool life, and reduce the stress
on machine tools.
VoluMill is a roughing technology, and it is assumed that a finish pass will follow.
A VoluMill toolpath is designed to never exceed a defined Material Removal Rate during the entire
program. It does this by dynamically adjusting the axial depths of cut and feedrates, where
necessary, as it drives the tool along a highly efficient path. See http://www.volumill.com for more
information on the engine and its toolpath.
Celeritive Technologies maintains a permanent presence on the World Wide Web:

The Celeritive Technologies website contains company news, product information, e-mail links,
user forums and much more. It is the preferred means of connecting to Celeritive Technologies
electronically. The Celeritive Technologies website is located at www.celeritive.com or
http://www.volumill.com. The site contains useful files available for downloading.

Save a Copy — Warning

For parts with VoluMill or VoluTurn toolpath at this release:

WARNING: We recommend against using Save a Copy to GibbsCAM 12 or

earlier. This type of toolpath from the current release may not be preserved by
Save a Copy, and so you may be unable to Redo, render, or post the part in the
earlier release.

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 Using VoluMill

Installation
VoluMill is included in GibbsCAM14, version 14.0. The most recent version of GibbsCAM can be
obtained from your local authorized GibbsCAM Reseller or downloaded from the Gibbs website at
online.GibbsCAM.com (requires username and password).

Using VoluMill
Quick Start
This chapter is a quick start to using VoluMill. It is assumed that you are already familiar with how to
use processes in GibbsCAM.
When the VoluMill product option is enabled, a VoluMill process tile is available on the CAM palette:

1. Define the appropriate tool for your part. VoluMill supports Type 1 milling tools
(Rough/Finish/Ball Endmills).
2. Create a VoluMill process by dragging the tool to the Process List and the VoluMill process tile
on top of it.
3. Enter a spindle RPM, Feedrate, desired Z step, and Cut Width for best-case machining conditions.
• How do I know the best-case machining conditions?
A straight-line cut.
Traditionally you have programmed the spindle RPM, feedrate, desired Z step, and cut width to
account for the worst-case machining conditions, which are when the tool is driven into a corner
or moves from one cut to another by slotting at full width.
With VoluMill you do not have to worry about the worst-case machining conditions. Program
your spindle RPM, Feedrate, desired Z step, and Cut width for the best machining conditions: a
straight-line cut.

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 Using VoluMill

Program for a straight-line cut

Since VoluMill toolpaths do not contain sharp corners or require full slotting cuts when moving
from the end of one cut to the beginning of the next, you can use machining parameters that are
suitable to straight-line cuts for the entire toolpath, regardless of the shape of the part.
4. Enter a High Feedrate.
• What is a "High Feedrate"?
The fastest interpolating feedrate (not rapid) that your machine is capable of.

When VoluMill completes a cut, it often must reposition for the next cut by moving the tool
through an area that has already been machined. Instead of lifting the tool all the way to the Z
Clearance Plane or dragging the tool over an already-machined floor of the part (see Enter a
Floor Clearance.), VoluMill keeps the tool down in the machining area. To increase efficiency,
this move to the next cut is at the highest feedrate possible.

Tool moving to the next cut at the High Feedrate

5. Enter a Ramp Feedrate and Angle.

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 Using VoluMill

• I understand what ramping is. What should I know about ramping in VoluMill?
VoluMill uses the defined Ramp Feedrate and Angle when getting down to the desired depth of
cut. It is also important to note that the ramp does not contain any sharp changes in direction.
You may see VoluMill ramp in other places within the toolpath, but these are done when the tool
is not in the cut, and they are at the programmed High Feedrate.

Tool ramping at the Ramp Feedrate and Angle

6. Enter a Floor Clearance.

• What is a "Floor clearance"?
The amount the tool lifts when repositioning to the next cut.
This parameter is used in combination with the “High Feedrate” described earlier. When
VoluMill completes a cut, it often must reposition for the next cut by moving the tool through an
area that has already been machined. Instead of lifting the tool all the way to the Clearance
Plane, VoluMill keeps the tool down in the machining area. To prevent dragging the tool across
the already-machined floor, the tool lifts by the Floor Clearance value along a helix.

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 Using VoluMill

Tool moving to the next cut at the Floor Clearance height

above the pocket floor

7. Optionally, select zero or more options under Slot/Side Mill Overrides.

• What are the “Slot/Side Mill Overrides” for?
The Side-Mill Cut Width option enables you to specify a smaller cut width when milling in tighter
areas.
The Max. Slot Depth and Slot Feedrate options override the automatically calculated Slot Feedrate
and/or Max. Slot Depth values during slotting cuts to maintain the rate of material removal.
The feedrate, desired Z step, and cut width parameters you specify dictate the rate of material
removed in cubic inches/cm per minute. When VoluMill makes a full slotting cut to enter a new
area, it will not exceed the rate of material removal dictated by the specified parameters.
Depending on the specified parameters, VoluMill will reduce the feedrate and/or axial depth of
cut to compensate for the increased radial depth of cut and thereby maintain a constant rate of
material removal.

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 Using VoluMill

Desired Z step and Feedrate automatically modified to not

exceed cubic inches/cm of volume removal, moving to the
next cut at the Floor Clearance height above the pocket floor

8. Specify the 2D and/or 3D items you want to machine:

- 2D (geometry). In the workspace, select one or more closed chains of geometry. If multiple
chains are selected, the outer chain is used as the pocket and all other shapes are used as
islands to be avoided. As with other processes, you can select geometry and/or shapes
created by slicing through a solid model using the GibbsCAM Profiler. The VoluMill process
also supports the use of Air/Wall features to enable the machining of open‐sided pockets.
- 3D (solids, sheets, or facet bodies). In the workspace, select one or more bodies to be
machined. As needed, set further values and options in the “Solids Only” section of the
VoluMill process dialog.
9. Press Do It; you will see this VoluMill progress dialog.

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 Using VoluMill

That’s it! You have created a VoluMill toolpath that should dramatically reduce your roughing cycle
times.

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 Interface

Interface
When you create a new VoluMill process or double‐click a VoluMill process tile, the system opens a
process dialog containing two to four tabs.
VoluMill: See “Controls on the VoluMill Page” on page 13 below.
Mill Feature: See “Controls on the Mill Feature Page” on page 26
Solids (available only if you are licensed for VoluMill Solids): See “Controls on the Solids Page
” on page 27
Rotate (available only if the current MDD defines a rotary axis): See “Controls on the Rotate
Page” on page 30

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 Interface

Predrilling
If a Holes process is added before a VoluMill operation, the Pre-Mill tab of the Holes process
becomes available. This enables predrilling, where VoluMill will determine the location of the
start hole(s). For more details, see "Pre-Mill tab" in the Mill guide.

The tool used for the Holes process should be a larger diameter than the tool used for the VoluMill
process.

Controls on the VoluMill Page

Technology Expert
Because VoluMill operations generate a different type of toolpath, values for feeds and speeds and
other parameters can be fine-tuned using Technology Expert.

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 Interface

Instead of using the standard Materials dialog to suggest RPM and feedrate, you can calculate
recommendations for up to ten parameters — not just spindle speed and feedrate, but also depth of
cut, stepover, and speed/feed/angle for ramp or helix plunge types. Recommendations are
calculated based on not just material type but also hardness, current tool values, tool coating and
holder choice, how well the part is held, the degree of taper. After you choose a machining style
(conservative or aggressive) and calculate the recommendations, you can choose to apply some or
all of the recommendations to your VoluMill process.

Chip Control
Clicking the Chip Control button displays the Active Chip Thickness Control dialog. Active Chip
Thickness Control (ACTC) is a calculator designed specifically for use with VoluMill toolpaths. It lets
you calculate the value of one chip control parameter based on values you supply for the others,
and includes the maximum chip thickness (MCT) in the parameter calculations.
Calculate the:
On the dropdown menu, choose which cutting parameter to calculate. The choices are: Speed;
Feed; Cut Width; and Chip Thickness . Chip Thickness is the default.

Making a choice here makes some parameters available for you to enter values (which will be
used in the calculation) and makes other parameters unavailable (the ones whose values will be
calculated).
Speed parameters: RPM and SFM/SMM
RPM is the spindle speed for the toolpath, in revolutions per minute. The default value is inherited
from the VoluMill toolpath dialog. A corresponding value for surface speed (SFM for English
units, SMM for metric units) is also displayed.

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 Interface

These values mutually calculate: a change in RPM will update the value for SFM/SMM, and vice
versa.
Feed parameters: IPM/MMPM and IPT/MMPT
IPM/MMPM is the feedrate for the toolpath. The default value is inherited from the VoluMill
toolpath dialog. A corresponding value for feed-per-tooth (IPT for English units, MMPT for metric
units) is also displayed.
These values mutually calculate: a change in IPT/MMPT will update the value for FPT/MMPT,
and vice versa.
Stepover parameters: Cut Width and % of Tool Dia.
Cut Width is the maximum width of cut for the toolpath (except for plunging motion and in some
cases when the Side Mill Only checkbox is unchecked). The default value is inherited from the
VoluMill toolpath dialog. A corresponding value expressing the Cut Width as a percentage of
tool diameter is also displayed.
These values mutually calculate: a change in Cut Width will update the value for % of Tool Dia.,
and vice versa.
Chip Thickness
The displayed value is the maximum thickness of the chips that the toolpath will produce, based
on the current values for speed (RPM or SFM/SMM), feed (IPM/MMPM or IPT/MMPT), and
stepover (Cut Width or % of Tool Dia.), along with the diameter and number of flutes of the
current cutting tool. Initially, this value is grayed out because Chip Thickness is the default option
from the Calculate the: dropdown list at the top of the dialog.
Calculate
Clicking the Calculate button updates the values for the parameter(s) selected in the Calculate
the: dropdown, based on values of the other parameters. Pressing the Tab keys can also trigger
the calculation.
Material Removal Rate:
This is an informational value showing the in-cut material removal rate, in cubic inches or cubic
centimeters per minute, that will result from the current parameter values.
Apply Parameters
Clicking the Apply Parameters button closes the ACTC dialog and updates the affected
parameters in the VoluMill process dialog with the newly calculated values.
Cancel
Clicking the Cancel button closes the ACTC dialog and makes no changes to the parameters in
the VoluMill process dialog.
?
Clicking the ? button in the upper right-hand corner opens a new window that provides detailed
help for the ACTC functionality, including background information, examples, and
recommendations for getting the best results.
Speed: RPM
The value entered is the rate of the spindle measured in revolutions per minute. Clicking the button
will load a recommended speed from the Material Database based on the part material and tool
composition.

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 Interface

Feedrate
This is the feedrate at which the tool will travel while engaged in the material. VoluMill automatically
adjusts this feedrate downward in concave arcs in order to maintain a constant rate of material
removal. Pushing the button will load a recommended speed from the Material Database based on
the part material and tool composition.
The Ramp Feedrate will also be updated to 50% of the calculated feedrate.
The concept of VoluMill is to generate toolpaths that never exceed a given rate of material removal
when machining. It does this by dynamically adjusting the feedrates and depths of cut. To achieve
reduced cycle times, you should program the Spindle speed and Feedrate for optimal cutting
conditions, such as a straight-line cut described above. VoluMill will adjust the feedrate and/or
depth of cut to maintain the optimal cutting conditions regardless of the shape of the part.
Cut Width
This input field specifies the width of cut for the toolpath. This is an actual distance, rather than a
percentage of the tool diameter. The width of cut will never exceed this value unless you have
chosen to allow slot milling (see Max. Slot Depthand "Slot Feedratebelow). With VoluMill, any
value that is less than the diameter of the flat portion of the tool can be used without fear of
leaving uncut stands of material behind.

Controls for Side-Mill

Side-Mill Only
VoluMill achieves its superior cutting performance by striving to maintain a constant rate of
material removal throughout the toolpath, regardless of the shape of the geometry.
Two strategies are considered when milling in confined areas: Side Milling and Slot Milling. If
this checkbox is unchecked, VoluMill will automatically choose the strategy that produces the
lowest cycle time using the current feedrate and distance traveled. Depending on the shape of
the part, both methods may be used.
In some cases VoluMill will use a progressive milling method wherein the tool is never fully
engaged in the material; this is referred to as Side Milling.

Side Milling

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In some cases VoluMill will fully engage the cutting tool; this is referred to as Slot Milling. During the
slotting cuts, VoluMill will reduce the feedrate and/or use multiple depths-of-cut to maintain the
same rate of material removal that is in effect during the rest of the toolpath.

Slot Milling

To force the system to only use the Side Milling strategy, which is especially beneficial in harder
materials, check this checkbox.
Overrides
Up to two or four overrides can be specified, depending on which strategy is in effect (Side Milling or
Slot Milling). Options are as follows.
Side-Mill Cut Width
When the toolpath Side Mills, it never exceeds the defined Cut Width value. To use a smaller
width of cut when side milling in tight areas, check this checkbox and enter the desired distance.
The entered value must be less than or equal to the Cut Width value.
Max. Slot Depth
This parameter determines the number and depth of any slotting cuts. VoluMill uses the entered
value as a not-to-exceed value, meaning that the slotting depth-of-cut may be adjusted
downward from the entered value as needed to ensure that each such cut removes the same
amount of material. Since these slotting cuts are invariably at a greater effective stepover (radial
depth-of-cut) than the non-slotting cuts of the toolpath, it is necessary to reduce the axial depth-
of-cut, which this parameter controls, and/or reduce the slotting feedrate (see the "Slot
Feedrate"parameter below) to maintain the material removal rate during these cuts.
If this checkbox is not checked, VoluMill will automatically set this parameter, in conjunction with
the Slot Feedrate parameter feedrate to maintain the same material removal rate while slotting
that is in effect for the rest of the toolpath. The value that VoluMill calculates will be shown in
gray in the input field.
This override is not available if the Side-Mill Only checkbox is checked.
Slot Feedrate
This is the feedrate used for the slotting cuts. Since these slotting cuts are invariably at a greater
effective stepover (radial depth-of-cut) than the non-slotting cuts of the toolpath, it is necessary

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to reduce the slotting feedrate, which this parameter controls, and/or reduce the axial depth-of-
cut (see the "Max. Slot Depthparameter above) to maintain the material removal rate during
these cuts.
If this checkbox is not checked, VoluMill will automatically set this parameter, in conjunction with
the Max slot depth parameter to maintain the same material removal rate while slotting that is in
effect for the rest of the toolpath. The value that VoluMill calculates will be shown in gray in the
input field.
This override is not available if the Side-Mill Only checkbox is checked.
Plunge Spindle RPM
This is the spindle speed used for the Plunge motion.
If this checkbox is not checked, VoluMill will use the Spindle speed. In softer materials this may
be acceptable. However, for harder materials it is recommended that the Plunge spindle speed be
reduced to sync with the Ramp Feedrate.
Note: It is important that the post processor be configured to support spindle speed changes not
associated with tool changes.
Dwell After Plunge
When Plunge Spindle RPM is in effect, you can also specify a value for Dwell After Plunge to force a
dwell after the tool has completed the plunge motion. Some machines will not pause to begin
feeding until the programmed spindle speed is reached. For these machines the dwell will give
the machine time to do so.
Note: It is important that the post processor be configured to support dwell output with spindle
speed changes. The value entered is not interpreted by VoluMill as either a length of time in
milliseconds or revolutions. It is up to the post processor to interpret and output the value
accordingly.

Plus-or-Minus Material Amounts

Pocket Stock ±
This is the amount of material that the toolpath will leave on the walls of the pocket.
Z Stock ±
This is the amount of material that the toolpath will leave on the floor of the pocket.

Repositioning Parameters
Plunge Clearance
This parameter establishes a distance above the top of the part, in Z, at which the tool stops moving
at RAPID and begins to move at the feedrate.
Floor Clearance
The value entered here establishes the Z-component of a helical move that is used when entering
or exiting a cut. Only non-negative values are allowed. If a positive value is entered, repositioning
moves between cuts will take place above the already-machined floor. If zero is entered, the tool
will drag across the already-machined floor during these moves. In this case, set the High Feedrate

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 Interface

parameter to be no greater than the cutting feedrate to help ensure more consistent tool marks on
the floor.
High Feedrate
This is the feedrate at which repositioning moves within the toolpath occur, other than those that
take place at Rapid above the part. Since VoluMill drives the tool in a manner that controls the
material removal rate, it is typically necessary to reposition the tool from the end of one cut to the
beginning of the next by moving it through an already-machined area. Setting this value higher than
the programmed cutting feedrate helps minimize cycle time.
It is recommended that this value be set to the fastest non-Rapid feedrate at which the machine can
interpolate linear and circular moves.

Wireframe Only
The controls in the Wireframe Only section apply to 2D machining only.
Cleanup After Previous Tool
This checkbox activates a set of parameters for generating cleanup milling toolpaths (sometimes
called rest, reference, or material-only milling). These toolpaths are used to remove material left
behind where a larger tool could not fit.
Previous Tool Dia
The diameter of a larger tool used on a previous operation.
Previous XY Stock
The amount of stock that the previous operation left on the boundary. Usually this value will be
the same as the XY stock to leave for the current operation.
Prev Min Toolpath Radius
The Min Toolpath Radius used on a previous operation.

Depths Diagram
The items in this section of the dialog define the clearances and depths for the toolpath.

1. Entry Clearance Plane

Entry Clearance Plane specifies the location the tool will make a rapid move to before feeding to
the start point of the toolpath.
2. Exit Clearance Plane
The Exit Clearance Plane specifies the location the tool may rapid to after completing the
toolpath.
3. Surface Z

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 Interface

The Surface Z specifies the top level of the material.

4. Floor Z
The Floor Z specifies the final depth of the toolpath.

Z Step
Desired / Actual / # Passes
This is the depth of cut per slice of the toolpath. If the entered value is greater than or equal to the
total depth, the pocket will be machined to depth in a single pass. If the entered value is less than
the total depth, the VoluMill toolpath will consist of multiple passes in Z. (The number of passes
appears in the # Passes field.) The value that will be used is adjusted downward to ensure that each
pass removes the same amount of material. This adjusted value is displayed in the Actual field.
Depth First
This option specifies how multiple pockets with more than one Z Step are to be machined.
Checking Depth First will machine each pocket to the final Z Depth and then move onto the next
one. If Depth First is unchecked, all selected pockets are machined at each Z Step. The process is
then repeated until all the pockets are machined.
Prefer Subs
This checkbox lets you use subprograms in the posted code. Activating this item produces shorter
G-code output.

Flats
Hit Flats
This menu offers different strategies for machining flat surfaces, as follows.
Do not hit flats
Flat surfaces will only be machined if the Z Step, +/- any stock, is coincident with the flat surface.

Hit flats by adding passes

After performing a regular depth cut (Z Step), the tool will add one or more Z Steps to machine
flat surfaces after they are newly exposed by the cut.

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Hit flats after each pass

A Z Step will be added to machine each flat.

Plunge Controls
Plunge Type
This menu offers three types of entry motion that VoluMill can use to machine to the desired depth
of cut.
Helix
This plunge type uses a helical entry to machine to the desired depth of cut. This is the default
plunge type and is recommended for harder materials.

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Helical motion to the desired depth of cut

Ramp
This plunge type uses a special ramping motion to machine to the desired depth of cut. VoluMill
calculates the optimal position and shape of the ramp to create a transition area. This transition
area is then used to connect from the end of one cut to the next while disengaged from the
material at the High feedrate. This plunge type is recommended for softer materials.

Ramping motion to the desired depth of cut

Ramp Feedrate
This is the feedrate used for the initial ramp entry into the material.
Plunge Angle
This parameter establishes the rate of descent, in degrees, at which the tool enters the material
from the top, as is required when machining completely enclosed areas (pockets). VoluMill uses
the entered value as a not-to-exceed value, meaning that the actual ramp angle may be
adjusted downward from the entered value as needed to fill the ramping area. VoluMill
automatically calculates the location, length, and orientation of the ramp based on the shape of
the selected geometry. The feedrate for the ramp entry is determined by the Ramp Feedrate
parameter.

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 Interface

Climb or Conventional; Back and Forth

Climb
Sets the preferred direction. When this checkbox is selected, the tool will start and end its motion in
a direction that is climb milling; when the checkbox is cleared, it will start and end in the conventional
milling direction.
Back and Forth
This checkbox indicates whether the tool is permitted to use both climb and conventional direction
of motion. The system will attempt to minimize cutting time and travel distance, according to these
criteria:

l The first and last cut will use the preferred direction.
l Short distances might use a single direction, because each change in direction requires
some overhead time to lead out, to change direction, and to lead in. This applies especially
when the feedrate for the nonpreferred direction is slower than for the preferred direction.
l The system will look ahead for maximum efficiency. For example, if the nonpreferred
direction is most efficient on cut #3, cuts 1 and 2 will both be in the preferred direction.

Conventional Feedrate %
When Back and Forth has been chosen, you can specify how much to reduce [or, rarely, to
increase] the feedrate when the tool motion direction uses conventional milling direction.

Minimum Toolpath Radius / Minimum Feedrate

Min. Toolpath Radius
This is the minimum radius the tool will traverse when cutting. To machine into sharp corners or
tight areas, VoluMill has to make small moves that may be more effectively accomplished using a
smaller tool in a clean-up operation. The optimal and default value for Min Toolpath Radius is 45% of
the tool diameter. At this value, VoluMill can reach velocities that can dramatically reduce cycle
times. However, it may leave areas uncut.

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A large Min Toolpath Radius may leave uncut A small Min Toolpath Radius may enable the
material tool to machine tight areas

Using a smaller value may enable the tool to machine more material. This, however, may be less
efficient than switching to a smaller tool and using another VoluMill toolpath to machine the
remaining material.
The smallest value allowed is 5% of the tool diameter. VoluMill is designed to never make sharp
directional changes while in the cut. This means that if your part has a fillet in the corner that is equal
to the tool radius, a small amount of material will be left in the corners, even if the Min Toolpath
Radius value is set to the minimum allowed.
VoluMill is a roughing technology, and it is assumed that a finish pass will follow.
Min. Feedrate
A feedrate that is too small can damage the tool or the part. To prevent this, you can specify a
minimum feedrate.

Coolant / Pattern / Machining CS

Coolant
This checkbox indicates whether coolant is turned on in a process. Flood is the standard coolant
option. Additional coolant options are available with custom post processors.
Use Pattern
When Use Pattern is on, the process will create identical toolpaths in different locations on the part.
The toolpath generated will be cut once for each point in the selected pattern workgroup. The
pattern workgroup, which is selected from the adjacent pop-up menu, contains unconnected, plain
points that serve as origin points for the toolpath created by the process. The original toolpath
created will NOT be cut unless the origin point for that toolpath is included in the pattern workgroup.

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Posted output will create one subprogram for the primary toolpath and call that subprogram once
for each point in the pattern workgroup.
Machining CS
This menu allows you to specify which coordinate system the operation will be created from. By
default, the XY plane is selected. All coordinate systems that have been created will be available.

Stock Options
At the bottom left of the VoluMill page is an array of three option button: Ignore Stock, Cavity Only, and
Use Stock . Each of these choices is explained below.

Ignore Stock
When Ignore Stock is selected, the stock definition is ignored. Roughing a solid will machine all
selected faces. In this case, a pocket can be machined by simply selecting the floor (if the pocket’s
floor is flat).
Cavity Only
This option should be used when machining a cavity from material having a flat top surface. The
benefit of using this option is that stock need not be defined separately.

Cavity with flat surface

If the Cavity Only machining option is used on a core or a shape that does not have a flat top
surface, the toolpath will begin machining at a level where it can create a closed area. This can
create a situation where the first depth of cut is too deep. To avoid this, use a stock definition
appropriate for the part shape.

25
 Interface

Cavity with curved surface

Use Stock
When Use Stock is selected, toolpath will be confined to the current stock definition even if the part
extends past the stock.
Material Only
Material Only calculates toolpath for all remaining material left by prior operations only.
Remaining material is stored for 2D operations including contouring, roughing and drilling.
Remaining material is not stored for 3D operations including Lace, Surface Flow , and 2 Curve Flow
cuts. Material Only supports custom stock definitions, sharp/bullnose/tapered/ball endmills and
most form tools. Undercutting tools are not supported. Material Only can be used as a single
operation or as part of a multiple process group.

Controls on the Mill Feature Page

The Mill Feature tab provides access to items in the Depths Diagram that can be controlled
through attribute values.

26
 Interface

For more information see the Mill guide.

Controls on the Solids Page

The Solids tab, found in process dialogs if you are licensed for VoluMill Solids, provides controls for
machining solid bodies.

27
 Interface

Depths From Feature / Depths From Tool / Desired Z Step

See “Depths Diagram” on page 19.
Cutting Tolerance
This is the tolerance of the toolpath, also referred to as the chordal deviation. This is the accuracy of
the toolpath to the surface to be cut. Small values create more accurate toolpath but can take longer
to calculate. Larger values can be used where a rough pass that leaves stock is being performed.
Fixture Clearance
This value is the additional distance the toolpath will be offset from the fixture.
Surface Stock
The Surface Stock value specifies the amount of material that will be left by the toolpath on any sheet
or solid machined by the process. The toolpath will be offset by the Surface Stock amount in X, Y and
Z. Contrast this with the Stock ± amount, which adds stock only in the cutting plane (machining CS
X,Y).
Avoid Holder/Shank Collisions
When this checkbox is cleared, then checking is not done for near-collisions with the tool holder or
tool shank, thus reducing the processing time for calculating toolpath.
When this checkbox is selected, you can specify values for Holder Clearance and Shank Clearance.
The toolpath must clear the tool holder, tool shank, or both.
Wall Cleanup / Step Height
Use this option to control the height of the steps that will remain. If the checkbox is cleared, the tool
will use a shallow depth of cut across the entire part in order to leave smaller steps. If the checkbox
is selected, the tool will first take a large step, using up to the full flute-length, and then automatically

28
 Interface

work its way back up to leave smaller steps using the value specified for Step Height. Using this
option, the tool can remove the bulk of material most efficiently and still leave smaller steps for a
semi-finish or finish toolpath.

When Wall Cleanup is selected, large primary

depth cuts are refined by smaller steps

The tool begins by machining the part using the Desired Z Step value. After each primary depth is
machined, the tool reduces the step using the Step Height value.

Rendered part cut with Wall Cleanup selected

29
 Interface

Controls on the Rotate Page

The Rotate tab, found in process dialogs when a 4-axis or 5-axis MDD is being used, provides
access to machining functions that require a 4th or 5th axis.

The items found on this allow you to create toolpath that is rotated into a position, rotated into
position and duplicated (set a number of times and angle to repeat) or create rotary toolpath. When
the operation is generated, the toolpath will be duplicated in a direction as set by the input angle
(positive or negative). The functions found in the Rotate tab are available when working in the Level
2 interface and either the Mill, Mill/Turn, Advanced CS, or Multi-task Machining (MTM) module is
enabled. Additionally, the MDD currently in effect must define at least one A-axis, B-axis, or C-axis.
Position
Select this option to perform a simple rotary positioning move from the selected Machining CS.
Angle
Available with any 4-axis or 5-axis MDD. This determines the position of the angle of the first
pass relative to A0, the normal top view of the XY plane. The range of angles may be negative.
Polar & Cylindrical Milling
The Polar & Cylindrical Milling option is an add-on option that enhances the Mill functionality. The
Polar & Cylindrical Milling option allows for continuous A- or B-axis rotation when programming
milling operations. This is often referred to as wrapping. The more general term rotary milling is also
sometimes used.
When a 4-axis Vertical Mill machine is chosen in the Document Control dialog, the system will allow
for A-axis rotation. When a 4-axis Horizontal machine is chosen, the system will program for B-axis
rotation.
Duplicate
If your positioning or rotary toolpath is to be duplicated, you can set the parameters here.

30
 Interface

Times
The number of additional toolpaths to generate. By entering a value of 3, a toolpath will be made
a total of 4 times: the original and 3 repetitions. If you are simply setting a machining coordinate
system, not positioning the toolpath, make sure to set this value to "0" to avoid duplicating the
toolpath. If the value is "1" and an incremental value is set, the toolpath will be generated at that
angle.
Angle
Each additional repetition of the toolpath will be set at this angle value from the last toolpath. If
you are simply setting a machining coordinate system, not positioning the toolpath, make sure to
set this value to "0" to avoid setting the toolpath at an angle.

31
 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
l Corners not completely machined? To avoid sharp directional changes and maintain smooth
motion, VoluMill, by default, will not generate the sharp moves required to machine corners
that are less than or equal to the tool radius. Reduce the Min Toolpath Radius to make the tool
machine farther into corners.

l Once the VoluMill progress dialog is shown, it should take a few seconds to create the
toolpath. Complex shapes may take a little longer. It is possible that the specified tool cannot fit
into the selected geometry within VoluMill’s motion requirements, which results in no toolpath
being generated.

l Narrow areas uncut? To avoid sharp directional changes and maintain smooth motion,
VoluMill uses a dynamically calculated minimum radius in the toolpath. This can result in
material not being machined in areas where the tool can fit. Reduce the Min Toolpath Radius
to make the tool machine further into narrow areas. Please note, however, that if a smaller
tool will subsequently be used, it may be more efficient to leave the Min Toolpath Radius at a
higher value and let the smaller tool remove the uncut material.

l Depth First may not function as desired when the pockets are open and the distance between
the open edges are equal or less than the tool radius. This is a design limitation.

32
 OpenSSL Acknowledgment and License

OpenSSL Acknowledgment and

License
OPENSSL LICENSE
---------------
/* ====================================================================
* COPYRIGHT (C) 1998-2007 THE OPENSSL PROJECT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
*
* REDISTRIBUTION AND USE IN SOURCE AND BINARY FORMS, WITH OR WITHOUT
* MODIFICATION, ARE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS
* ARE MET:
*
* 1. REDISTRIBUTIONS OF SOURCE CODE MUST RETAIN THE ABOVE COPYRIGHT
* NOTICE, THIS LIST OF CONDITIONS AND THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER.
*
* 2. REDISTRIBUTIONS IN BINARY FORM MUST REPRODUCE THE ABOVE COPYRIGHT
* NOTICE, THIS LIST OF CONDITIONS AND THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER IN
* THE DOCUMENTATION AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED WITH THE
* DISTRIBUTION.
*
* 3. ALL ADVERTISING MATERIALS MENTIONING FEATURES OR USE OF THIS
* SOFTWARE MUST DISPLAY THE FOLLOWING ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
* "THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY THE OPENSSL PROJECT
* FOR USE IN THE OPENSSL TOOLKIT. (HTTP://WWW.OPENSSL.ORG/)"
*
* 4. THE NAMES "OPENSSL TOOLKIT" AND "OPENSSL PROJECT" MUST NOT BE USED TO
* ENDORSE OR PROMOTE PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM THIS SOFTWARE WITHOUT
* PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION. FOR WRITTEN PERMISSION, PLEASE CONTACT
* OPENSSL-CORE@OPENSSL.ORG.
*
* 5. PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM THIS SOFTWARE MAY NOT BE CALLED "OPENSSL"
* NOR MAY "OPENSSL" APPEAR IN THEIR NAMES WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN

33
 OpenSSL Acknowledgment and License

* PERMISSION OF THE OPENSSL PROJECT.

*
* 6. REDISTRIBUTIONS OF ANY FORM WHATSOEVER MUST RETAIN THE FOLLOWING
* ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
* "THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY THE OPENSSL PROJECT
* FOR USE IN THE OPENSSL TOOLKIT (HTTP://WWW.OPENSSL.ORG/)"
*
* THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE OPENSSL PROJECT ``AS IS'' AND ANY
* EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
* IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
* PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE OPENSSL PROJECT OR
* ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
* SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT
* NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES;
* LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
* HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT,
* STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
* ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED
* OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
* ====================================================================
*
* THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES CRYPTOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE WRITTEN BY ERIC YOUNG
* (EAY@CRYPTSOFT.COM). THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES SOFTWARE WRITTEN BY TIM
* HUDSON (TJH@CRYPTSOFT.COM).
*
*/
ORIGINAL SSLEAY LICENSE
-----------------------
/* COPYRIGHT (C) 1995-1998 ERIC YOUNG (EAY@CRYPTSOFT.COM)
* ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
*
* THIS PACKAGE IS AN SSL IMPLEMENTATION WRITTEN

34
 OpenSSL Acknowledgment and License

* BY ERIC YOUNG (EAY@CRYPTSOFT.COM).

* THE IMPLEMENTATION WAS WRITTEN SO AS TO CONFORM WITH NETSCAPES SSL.
*
* THIS LIBRARY IS FREE FOR COMMERCIAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE AS LONG AS
* THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE AHEARED TO. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS
* APPLY TO ALL CODE FOUND IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, BE IT THE RC4, RSA,
* LHASH, DES, ETC., CODE; NOT JUST THE SSL CODE. THE SSL DOCUMENTATION
* INCLUDED WITH THIS DISTRIBUTION IS COVERED BY THE SAME COPYRIGHT TERMS
* EXCEPT THAT THE HOLDER IS TIM HUDSON (TJH@CRYPTSOFT.COM).
*
* COPYRIGHT REMAINS ERIC YOUNG'S, AND AS SUCH ANY COPYRIGHT NOTICES IN
* THE CODE ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED.
* IF THIS PACKAGE IS USED IN A PRODUCT, ERIC YOUNG SHOULD BE GIVEN
ATTRIBUTION
* AS THE AUTHOR OF THE PARTS OF THE LIBRARY USED.
* THIS CAN BE IN THE FORM OF A TEXTUAL MESSAGE AT PROGRAM STARTUP OR
* IN DOCUMENTATION (ONLINE OR TEXTUAL) PROVIDED WITH THE PACKAGE.
*
* REDISTRIBUTION AND USE IN SOURCE AND BINARY FORMS, WITH OR WITHOUT
* MODIFICATION, ARE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS
* ARE MET:
* 1. REDISTRIBUTIONS OF SOURCE CODE MUST RETAIN THE COPYRIGHT
* NOTICE, THIS LIST OF CONDITIONS AND THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER.
* 2. REDISTRIBUTIONS IN BINARY FORM MUST REPRODUCE THE ABOVE COPYRIGHT
* NOTICE, THIS LIST OF CONDITIONS AND THE FOLLOWING DISCLAIMER IN THE
* DOCUMENTATION AND/OR OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED WITH THE DISTRIBUTION.
* 3. ALL ADVERTISING MATERIALS MENTIONING FEATURES OR USE OF THIS SOFTWARE
* MUST DISPLAY THE FOLLOWING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
* "THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES CRYPTOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE WRITTEN BY
* ERIC YOUNG (EAY@CRYPTSOFT.COM)"
* THE WORD 'CRYPTOGRAPHIC' CAN BE LEFT OUT IF THE ROUINES FROM THE LIBRARY
* BEING USED ARE NOT CRYPTOGRAPHIC RELATED :-).
* 4. IF YOU INCLUDE ANY WINDOWS SPECIFIC CODE (OR A DERIVATIVE THEREOF) FROM

35
 OpenSSL Acknowledgment and License

* THE APPS DIRECTORY (APPLICATION CODE) YOU MUST INCLUDE AN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
* "THIS PRODUCT INCLUDES SOFTWARE WRITTEN BY TIM HUDSON
(TJH@CRYPTSOFT.COM)"
*
* THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY ERIC YOUNG ``AS IS'' AND
* ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
* IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
* ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE
* FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
* DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS
* OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
* HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT
* LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY
* OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
* SUCH DAMAGE.
*
* THE LICENCE AND DISTRIBUTION TERMS FOR ANY PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE VERSION OR
* DERIVATIVE OF THIS CODE CANNOT BE CHANGED. I.E. THIS CODE CANNOT SIMPLY BE
* COPIED AND PUT UNDER ANOTHER DISTRIBUTION LICENCE
* [INCLUDING THE GNU PUBLIC LICENCE.]
*/

36
 Conventions

Conventions
GibbsCAM documentation uses two special fonts to represent screen text and keystrokes or
mouse actions. Other conventions in text and graphics are used to allow quick skimming, to
suppress irrelevancy, or to indicate links.

Text
Screen text. Text with this appearance indicates text that appears in GibbsCAM or on your monitor.
Typically this is a button or text for a dialog.
Keystroke/Mouse. Text with this appearance indicates a keystroke or mouse action, such as
Ctrl+C or right-click.
Code. Text with this appearance indicates computer code, such as lines in a macro or a block of
G-code.

Graphics
Some graphics are altered so as to de-emphasize irrelevant information. A “torn” edge signifies an
intentional omission. Portions of a graphic might be blurred or dimmed to highlight the item being
discussed. For example:

Annotations on a graphic are usually numbered callouts (as seen above), and sometimes include
green circles, arrows, or tie-lines to focus attention on a particular portion of the graphic.
Faint green borders that outline areas within a graphic usually signify an image map. In online help
or a PDF viewer, you can click a green-bordered area to follow the link.

37
 Links to Online Resources

Links to Online Resources

Link URL Action / Description
Go http://www.GibbsCAM.com Opens the main website for GibbsCAM.

Opens a restricted website containing materials

available for download. Requires a GibbsCAM
Go https://online.gibbscam.com
Online Services account; to set up an account,
contact GibbsCAM Support.

Opens the website for the GibbsCAM Student

Go https://store.GibbsCAM.com
Store.

Opens a wiki containing documentation and

Go https://macros.gibbscam.com examples of GibbsCAM macros. Requires a
GibbsCAM account.

Opens a Knowledge Base article, Contour

Operations Using Thread Mill Tools, that
Go http://kb01.GibbsCAM.com
explains in detail the correct way to program
Contour processes using Thread Mill tools.

Runs your email client to create a new message

Go mailto:Support@gibbscam.com addressed to the CAMBRIO Technical Support
department for GibbsCAM.

Runs your email client to create a new message

Go mailto:Registration@gibbscam.com addressed to the CAMBRIO Registration
department for GibbsCAM.

Runs your email client to create a new message

Go mailto:Sales@gibbscam.com addressed to the CAMBRIO Sales department
for GibbsCAM.

Opens an external website that provides more

Go http://www.autodesk.com/inventor
information on Autodesk Inventor products.

Opens an external website that provides more

Go http://www.celeritive.com information on VoluMill Ultra High-Performance
Toolpath (UHPT) from Celeritive Technologies.

Opens an external website that provides more

Go http://www.predator-software.com information on a CNC editor and a virtual CNC
viewer from Predator Software, Inc.

38