Defining the Cycle References, Variables, and Prompts
Before you start building the cycle statement syntax, you have to define the geometric references and variables that will be used within the cycle statement:
• Each geometric reference represents a certain height along the hole axis.
There are two reserved reference names: start surface and end surface. Start surface is mandatory; it has to be instantiated every time the cycle is placed. Start surface and end surface (if needed) are defined automatically if the cycle is placed with Auto depth option. The cycle designer can define additional geometric references.
When placing the cycle, you can instantiate a reference by selecting a surface, a datum point, or a quilt. If you select a slanted or non-planar surface as a reference, the height is determined at the point of intersection of the surface with the hole axis. You can also type the Z-offset with respect to the NC sequence coordinate system.
• User-defined variables can include cycle motion dimensions or any other values that can influence the cycle statement output.
When placing the cycle, you can instantiate a variable by typing its value.
If you want a variable to be calculated as a linear combination of NC sequence parameters and constants, define it as an expression at the time of cycle design.
During cycle design, you have to supply a description for each reference and variable that you add. During the cycle placement, this description will be shown as a prompt to the end user when the reference or variable has to be instantiated.