Code File Header Information

Code File Header Information

It is very useful if a code file begins with information about such things as the size and material of the billet and details of the tooling required to machine the part.
Not all code generating software allows the user include this information and the user can be left a week later wondering just what sort of cutter T16 happens to be.

AlphaCAM can be configured to give a generous amount of information. This is a typical header in a WELmill code file created by AlphaCAM:

*Date - 27 MAR 03
*Designer - PETER
*Teacher - FRED
*Teaching Group - 4Z
*Name of Part - OVALS
*Material - MDF
*Billet Length X - 60
*Billet Width Y - 60
*Billet Depth Z - 12
*Estimated Machining Time - 3min11sec
*ENTER TOOL NUMBERS, DIAMETERS & TYPES,
*for example: T6 6mm slot drill
*
*First tool - T3 3MM SLOT DRILL HSS
*Second tool -
*Third tool -
*Fourth tool -
*Fifth tool -
*Sixth tool -

Where code generating software does not produce code files with headers, you are strongly advised to open the WELmill WMC file in Notepad, or some other text editor, as soon as the file has been created. Do not leave it for a few days as you will have forgotten the vital information! Add a header according to the pattern above. Note that all header lines must begin with *

When you come to machine the part in WELmill, the header information is displayed and will assist in ensuring that the part is machined in the right material with the correct tools.

X, Y, Z Origin
This is usually located at the top, left-hand, front corner of the billet.

If some other location for the machining origin is to be used, include this information in the header file.

If machining starts from a misplaced origin, serious damage to the tooling and machine could result.

CNC File Specification for WELmill
Code-generating Software
Setting the Origin for Machining