Associativity: an associated link between two different components of a CAD system. When a change is made to a feature, a related feature is also updated. For example, a 3D model can be associated with drawings so that a change in the model is reflected in the drawings. Bi-directional associativity is a function where an update can occur both way. A change in either the model or drawing will be associated to the corresponding component. For Ex. from function A to function B as well as function B to function A.
Axis: A spatial direction along which the path of motion. There are three primary axes, X, Y and Z. Each primary axis has a relative axis along that axis; A, B and C.
A-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the X-Axis.
B-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the Y-Axis.
Boolean– a 3d modeling function used to modify or create a solid body by combining, subtracting, or intersecting more than one body.
Boundary: a geometric parameter of constraint used to confine or exclude a toolpath.
Boundary Representation ( B-Rep) : a method used in solid modeling to define geometry that’s represented by edges, faces, and vertices.
CAD: Computer Aided Design; The use of computers to assist in the design process.
CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing; The use of computers to assist in manufacturing.
Cartesian Coordinates: A three dimensional system used to represent a position, location, or direction of motionin space.
C-Axis: The axis of motion that revolves along the Z-Axis.
Circular Interpolation– A toolpath that moves along a circular arc. Circular interpolation is defined by: an endpoint
- an endpoint
- a feed rate
- a center point or arc center
- a radius
- a direction of movement
Cloud of points: a set of data points generated from a 3D scanner or digitizer that is used to define xyz coordinates. The data is used to represent or map out a solid body or surface.
Constraints: Spacial parameters or boundries that are used to define relationships within within geometry. Constraints may be used to associate parametric or variational geometry within a CAD system.
Constructive Solids Geometry (CSG): a 3d modeling method using primitives to build more complex models and Boolean operations of add, subtract, and intersection.
Cutter Diameter Compensation (CDC) : A programming method used to alter a toolpath to compensate tool diameter wear.
Cutter Offset: The axial distance from the cutting tool center to the cutting tool diameter (Tool Radius).
Cycle: The sequence of operations and repeated processes that a CNC executes within a program. also see Cycle Time.
DWG: A 2d CAD drawing file format commonly used in Autocad.
DXF (Drawing Exchange Format): a common file format for 2d CAD drawings and geometry used to transfer CAD data from one CAD system to another.
Interpolation: A CNC function where generated data points control movement to a given coordinate position.
Linear Interpolation: A CNC function where generated data points control movement to a given coordinate position to allow simultaneous motion to one or more axes in a linear path.
Lofted surface: A surface created by fitting a shape to a series of 2D cross-sections.
Loop: A programming method used for continuous repetitive operations where the operator will input the needed number of repetitive tasks.
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