Online Class Descriptions

Online Classroom Training includes all the benefits of live training in a small class environment (maximum of 6 students), while adding the convenience of letting you participate from your own location. We provide the cutting-edge WebEx software. You simply connect to the Internet and join the class via conference call with the instructor.

Classes are 3 hour sessions; High Speed Internet is required and communication is via conference call. The cost is currently $150 per person/per session and payment must be received before training begins.

Please note: The (200, 300 and T Series) of classes are designed and meant to be taken in sequence. Starting in the middle of a series is not recommended; as procedures and projects are in progress and in all fairness to you and others there is no time to catch up, review basics or repeat that which has been covered in previous classes. The (300 Series) REQUIRES prior 2.5D milling skills.

Following is a list of offered classes with descriptions:

2.5D Milling

(201) Beginning FeatureCAM

A core class for anyone using FeatureMILL2.5D or FeatureMILL3D. This class or its concepts are prerequisite for all other FeatureMILL classes. Includes these topics: How to Start FeatureCAM, Purpose of FeatureCAM: Simple-Effective-Automatic, Minimum Input-Maximum Code, Starting a New File, Stock, Geometry, Curves, Features, Simulate, Results and Saving Your Work.

(202) FeatureMILL2.5D Geometry and interface

Learn to work with the drafting and drawing capabilities of FeatureCAM. Included are these topics: FeatureCAM Interface, Geometry, Curves, Modifying Geometry & Curves, and Importing Geometry.

(203) Basic FeatureMILL2.5D Features

Learn how to create and control basic 2.5D milling and drilling features to create Tool Paths and machine code. Included are these topics: Introduction to Features, Attributes, Drilled Features, Milled Features, Drilled Attributes, and Milled Attributes.

(204) FeatureMILL2.5D Customized Manufacturing

Learn how to customize FeatureCAM by telling it the tools, feeds & speeds, and common machining practices that you use in your shop. Included are these topics: Machining Attributes, Virtual Tool Cribs, Feeds & Speeds Tables, and Configure the Post Processor.

(206) FeatureMILL2.5D Advanced Features and Interface

This class will teach you to customize your FeatureCAM environment for enhanced productivity. More complex 2.5D features are also explored along with combining 2.5D features to create more complex milled shapes. Included are these topics: Custom Toolbars and Interface, Colors, Viewing, Simulation Options, Results Shortcuts, Dimensioned Features from Geometry, Walls with Draft, X-Section, and Combination Features.

(207) FeatureMILL2.5D 4th Axis Indexing & Wrapping

Users of FeatureMILL2.5D will learn to create part programs that utilize the 4th axis indexing and wrapping capabilities of their machines.

(209) FeatureRECOGNITION

Anyone that will be using the groundbreaking FeatureRECOGNITION module with FeatureCAM will get a lot out of this class. We will explore the entire process from importing the 3D model to recognizing the features to simulating the Tool Paths and generating code. Included are these topics: Importing 3D Parts, 3D Models, 2.5D Tool Paths, Hole Recognition, Milled Feature Recognition, Select Sides, Horizontal Surface, Automatic Recognition, and Chain Wall Curves.

3D Milling

(301) 3D Introduction to Features

This class will introduce you to 3D surface milling for both solid and surface models. Learn how to import files, use FeatureCAM’s automated 1-2-3 method and the first applications of 3D tool paths. Introduction to 3D objects in both surface and solid models. Included are Import and alignment processes, General 3D Attributes and Automatic and interactive 3D.

(302) 3D Roughing and Boundary Control

This class will cover various roughing capabilities in FeatureCAM. You will be introduced to basic rough milling techniques and learn their controls and applications for different 3D models. Learn to control boundaries, machining areas and the use of smart automatic boundaries. Apply Boundaries and Limits. Use the Surface Milling Wizard. Roughing strategies - Z-Level – Parallel – Plunge.

(303) 3D Finishing Strategies (1)

This is the first of three classes for finish milling strategies with model examples. Parallel - Z-level - 2D Spiral – 3D Spiral - Radial.

(304) 3D Finishing Strategies (2)

This is the second of three classes for finish milling strategies with model examples. Corner Remachining – Pencil - 4th Axis.

(305) 3D Finishing Strategies (3)

This is the third of three classes for finish milling strategies with model examples. Flowline – Isoline – Swarf – Including undercut strategies.

(306) Solid Modeling

Solid Modeling can be added to both FeatureMILL2.5D and FeatureMILL3D. This class will teach you about the various solid modeling tools available to create 3-dimensional geometry for FeatureCAM to display and create machine code from. Includes these topics: Surfaces From Curves, Shape Modifiers, Manufacturing, and From Surfaces/Primitives.

(307) Surface Modeling

FeatureMILL3D comes with many surface-modeling tools. This class will teach you about the various surface-modeling tools available to create 3-dimensional geometry for FeatureCAM to display and create machine code from. Included are these topics: Primitive Surfaces, Surfaces from Curves, Surface Modifiers, and Multiple Surface Interaction.

5 Axis Milling

(501) 5Axis Positioning

(Pre-requisite – 2.5D Milling, time limited, no review of basics)

This class will introduce how 5-axis positioning provides a convenient method of manufacturing parts that require milling on multiple faces by minimizing setups. With 5-axis positioning, an entire 5 sided part can be milled with a single program. The machine tool to be used must be capable of executing 5 Axis positioning through a combination of table and or head movement along with an appropriate Post Processor.

You will learn how to position the part on the table, create a setup for each face, apply features and simulate the machining cycle. (FeatureCAM’s optional machine simulation may be used).

We will use both single and fixture offset coordinate systems, various machine types and you will learn both the default and alternative 5-axis position to orient the axis to the face.

(502) 5Axis Simultaneous

(Pre-requisite – 2.5D and 3D Milling, time limited, no review of basics)

This class will introduce how 5-axis simultaneous provides a convenient method of manufacturing complex parts that require a simultaneous 5-axis machine and or table movement to produce parts with shapes that can not be achieved with standard 2.5D, 3D or 5-axis positioning. With 5-axis simultaneous all surfaces of a part may be reached including undercuts. The machine tool to be used must be capable of executing 5 Axis movement through a combination of table and or head movement along with an appropriate Post Processor.

You will learn how to position the part on the table, create the setup, apply features and simulate the machining cycle. (FeatureCAM’s optional machine simulation may be used).

You will apply various features to examples and learn swarf and trim methods of milling unique to 5-axis simultaneous, also how to use lead and lean to orient the tool to achieve tool and holder clearance to prevent gouging.

Turning

(T01) Beginning FeatureTURN

This is a core class for anyone using FeatureTURN. This class or its concepts are prerequisite for all other FeatureTURN classes. Includes these topics: How to Start FeatureCAM, Purpose of FeatureCAM - Simple, Effective, Automatic Minimum Input, Maximum code, Starting a New File, Stock, Geometry, Curves, Features, Simulate, Results and saving your work. Learn to work with the drafting and drawing capabilities of FeatureCAM. Included are these topics: FeatureTURN Interface, Geometry, Curves, Modifying Geometry & Curves, and Importing Geometry.

(T02) FeatureTURN Geometry and interface

Learn how to create and control basic turning and drilling features to create Tool Paths and machine code. Included are these topics: Introduction to Features, Attributes, Drilled Features, Turned Features, Drilled Attributes, and Turned Attributes. Learn how to customize FeatureTURN by telling it the tools, feeds & speeds, and common machining practices that you use in your shop. Included are these topics: Machining Attributes, Virtual Tool Cribs, Feeds & Speeds Tables, and Configure the Post Processor.

(TM01) FeatureTURN/MILL Live Tooling Support for the Turret (prerequisite: FeatureTURN)

Learn combinations of turning and milling features on lathes with powered rotary tools along with XZ turning support. You will also learn how to use the C axis (and Y if your machine supports it). We will also cover sub spindle features to allow control of your spindles (main and sub). Use rotary (live) tooling for X-axis & Y-axis with rotary tools for unwrapped milling on OD and wrapped milling on OD (around Z axis). FeatureCAM creates X/Z/C/Y commands from a 2.5 or 3-axis feature also Y-axis shift to make walls perpendicular to centerline.

Wire EDM

(W01) FeatureWIRE Interface and 2 & 4axis Features

An introductin to FeatureWIRE and how it applies to manufactured dies, punches and various other component parts.

This class will teach Fundamentals of Wire EDM, Industry Applications, Settings and Controls, Types of Operations, Feature Creation, Post Processors and Simulation.