Strategy Editor

In this document we will explain how to use the MillBox Strategy Editor solution, an easy way to manage and control your milling strategy.

NOTE: Strategy Editor is a module and needs to be enabled on the dongle.

INTERFACE

Excluding the Buttons - We can divide the interface into 8 main sections:

1 - Machine list

In the machine list, you will find the list of machines that are installed within MillBox. These machines may appear duplicated, but these are the different toolsets and fixtures available for use by the CAM.

The main machine will be the first name, if a fixture call for a different machine, for instance BLOCK or C CLAMP, you will see that in parenthesis, and for last the toolsets available, in our case, SHORT or LONG tools:

NOTE: IF you have trouble reading the names of the toolsets, you can click the undock button next to the header of the table to pull these machines up in a floating window that you can re-size and expand to view the full names:

NOTE: The machine and toolset you have selected in this area, is the machine that is going to be updated considering the changes being done.

2 - Material list

The material list will display the materials available for the specific selection of the machine under the Machine list (1).

It may vary according to the machine, fixture and toolset selected.

NOTE: The material you have selected in this area, is the ONLY material that will be updated with any changes made.

3 - Restoration Type

At this area, it is a filter to select among the several Restoration types we have enabled inside MillBox.

Here you can select the Restoration type you would like to modify its strategy regarding the Machine (1) and Material (2) you have selected.

You can click on the icon and select other object types.

NOTE: The restoration you have selected in this area, is the restoration type that is going to be updated considering the changes being done.

4 - Strategy Filter

In this window, all available Group options for the selected Restoration Type (4) are displayed.

Upon clicking a group, the Options (7) window will show only the operations specific to the selected group. If "all groups of strategy" is chosen, the Options (7) will display all operations available for the selected Restoration Type.

You can easily observe if the software has identified any warnings related to one or more operations within that group. If all operations within the group are correct, a "correct" green icon (A) will be visible. Otherwise, an "warning/exclamation point" orange icon will appear, signaling potential issues.

The warning messages on the groups can mean that some operations inside that group contains some irregularities like:

1. Operations not configured
2.  Operations assigned with tools not presented on the tools archive
3.  Operations assigned with tools that does not contain the required machining parameters

5 - Summary

In this section, you'll find a summary of active operations for the selected restoration type (3), taking into account both the chosen machine (1) and material (2). You can review the summary using the Execution Order (A) or the Group Order (B).

The Execution Order reflects the actual order of operations. It is recommended for checking unnecessary tool changes during configuration. You can review each operation individually and attempt to minimize tool changes by selecting different operations, for instance, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd operations. Note: Refer to the strategy operations document for further clarification on each operation.

The Group Order categorizes operations into groups like Roughing, Test Material, Semi-Finishing, Finishing, etc.

Clicking on one of the operations displayed in the Summary will directly navigate you to the specific Group, facilitating the identification of that particular operation.

6 - New Parameters Never Edited

In this window, operations that have never been configured will be displayed (If any are available). The not configured operations will be displayed in black and the groups will show a warning icon, informing there is something that needs to be checked. Any operations that has not been configured or acknowledged by the user will not be used and won't be displayed during calculation.

To eliminate warning messages and clear the New Parameters Never Edited window, it is necessary to configure those operations. However, if you prefer not to include the new operations in your configuration, you can double click on one of the "visible" or "value" columns of the new operation. This action removes the warning but keeps the operation unselected or invisible in your configuration.

NOTE: If you have configured or double clicked a new operation and the operation group still shows the warning message, consider checking if there are other new operations in that group.

7 - Strategy Information

In this area we can find information regarding the strategy and our configuration.

A - Information about which is the strategy we are using (Strategy_X_default.CFG), this area is also a button and when clicked it opens the folder where the strategy and configuration are located

B - Information regarding the version of the strategy you have installed, if a new strategy is available you will see an update button, if it contains the latest version, you will see the updated icon.

C - Clicking on this button it will open the Strategy Release Notes.

D - Information regarding the last change applied on this strategy configuration.

8 - Options specific for "Restoration Type"

In this window, it will display the options / operations related to the selected Restoration Type (3) and the Group on the Strategy Filter (5).

If something is wrong (warning / exclamation point on the Strategy Filter), it will be possible to check in this window and fix it.

1. Operations not configured will be shown with a black background

2.  Operations assigned with tools not presented on the tools archive will have a Yellow color and information in parenthesis

3. Operations assigned with tools that does not contain the required machining parameters will have a Yellow color and information in parenthesis

BUTTONS

In order to apply the changes on the Strategy Editor, it is necessary to understand what each button does.

1 - Copy Machine Strategy

With this button, it is possible to import, export and copy the Strategy Configuration to an specific machine or to other machines.

Copy complete configuration to another installed machine

Allows you to replicate the strategy configuration from one machine to another. When you choose this option, you will be prompted to decide whether you want to copy the entire configuration, overwriting the existing configuration on the target machine, or if you prefer to configure only new operations on the target machine. This feature streamlines the process of aligning strategy configurations across different machines.

It is possible to hold the click and select several at once or with Ctrl button hold, select several machines.

Export configuration (only current toolset)

This option enables you to create a backup of all configurations specific to a particular machine and toolset. This exported file can serve as a backup or be used to replicate the same configuration in another instance of MillBox. This feature provides a convenient way to safeguard and duplicate machine and toolset configurations as needed.

Import Configuration

With this option, you can import configuration files into your machine. Additionally, you have the flexibility to choose whether you want to overwrite all current configurations with the new ones or if you prefer to only add the new operations configuration. This feature allows for easy integration of configurations from external files into your MillBox setup.

Import Configuration (only for current material selection)

With this option, you can import configuration files into your machine, and the changes will be applied specifically to the selected material without affecting others. You also have the flexibility to choose whether you want to overwrite all current configurations with the new ones or if you prefer to only add the new operations configuration. This feature provides a targeted and controlled way to update configurations for a particular material in your MillBox setup.

Import Configuration (only for current material and object selection)

This allows you to import configuration files into your machine, and the changes will be applied specifically to the selected material and restoration type (object), without affecting others. You also have the flexibility to choose whether you want to overwrite all current configurations with the new ones or if you prefer to only add the new operations configuration. This feature provides a precise and selective way to update configurations for a particular material and restoration type in your MillBox setup.

2- Copy Material Strategy

This button allows you to copy the configuration to another material. Similar to copying configurations for several operations, here you can also choose whether you want to overwrite the existing information or simply add the new operations configuration.

To utilize this feature, start by selecting the material you want to copy. Then, choose the material(s) that should receive the new configuration. This process enables you to efficiently replicate or update configurations across different materials in your MillBox setup.

It is possible to hold the click and select several at once or with Ctrl button hold, select several options.

3 - Copy Object Strategy

This button allows you to copy the Restoration Type (Object) configuration to another Restoration Type. Similar to copying configurations for several operations, you can choose whether you want to overwrite the existing information or simply add the new operations configuration.

To use this feature, begin by selecting the restoration type you want to copy. Then, choose the restoration type(s) that will receive this configuration. This capability facilitates the efficient replication or updating of configurations across different restoration types in your MillBox setup.

You can select all configurations or only specific groups' configurations to copy to other restoration types. This filtering capability can be beneficial if you want to apply a change only to a particular group and extend this configuration to other restorations without impacting other groups of options. It allows for a more targeted and controlled transfer of configurations across restoration types in your MillBox setup.

As last step, you can select one or more objects types you would like to copy the configuration to.

After that, the software will copy the configuration and it might take a few minutes.

4 - Assign Tool to the Operation

This button enables you to assign a specific tool to the selected operation within the "Options Specific for Restoration Type" area.

To use this feature, start by choosing the desired operation, such as "First Drilling of a Possible Hole" (A), and then click on the button to assign the tool (B). This functionality streamlines the process of associating tools with specific operations for more precise and customized configurations in MillBox.

After clicking on the 'Assign tool to the operation' button, a new window will appear. In this window, the available tools from your tools archive will be displayed. The archive already contains machining parameters relevant to the selected operation.

To select a tool, simply click on it (A) and then confirm your selection (B). This process allows you to efficiently choose tools with the appropriate parameters for the selected operation, streamlining the tool assignment in MillBox.

If you would like to check or change the machining parameters, you can click on the gear button correspondent to your tool.

It will open a window and here you are able to check / adjust the machining parameters regarding this operation and material.

If the tool you want to use is not displayed in the tools selection window, it may be because the tool lacks the specific machining parameters relevant to the selected operation. 

To view all tools available in your tools archive, you can click on the "plus" button (A). This action allows you to access and explore the complete list of tools in your archive, ensuring you have the flexibility to choose the most suitable tool for the selected operation in MillBox.

Upon clicking the "plus" button, you will now see all tools available in your tools archive related to the specific material you have selected. 

Tools with a black gear icon already contain the necessary machining parameters, while those with a red gear icon do not. To add the machining parameters to a tool, you can click on the gear icon. This provides a clear visual distinction between tools with and without specific parameters, making it easier for you to manage and configure tools in MillBox.

In this window, you can define all machining parameters. You have the option to manually enter the information or, if you prefer, you can use the "folder" button (B) to copy parameters from another existing machining parameter within this tool. 

This feature allows you to input them manually or leverage parameters from an existing configuration for efficiency and consistency in MillBox.

The specific codes means the following:

Spindle Speed (Rounds) - Rotations per Minute (RPM) of the spindle
XY Feedrate - Feedrate on XY axes (mm/min)
Z Feedrate - Feedrate on Z axis (mm/min)
Feedrate XY full material - Feedrate on XY axes when there is material all around the tool (usually lower values than XY Feedrate) (mm/min)
Movement without material* - Rapid movements
% Feedrate for small radius* - Percentage of the feedrate to be used when the toolpath finds an specific radius
% Feedrate for corner* - Percentage of the feedrate to be used when the toolpath finds a corner
Tool life* - Tool life management
Coolant* - Coolant code of the machine/material
Length corrector* - Value to be adjusted on the tool length
Radius corrector* - Value to be adjusted on the tool radius
Z Engagement Angle - Angle of the ramp between the Z step (degrees)
XY Maximum removal - Lateral pass toolpath in XY (mm or % of the tool radius)
Z Maximum removal - Toolpath Z step (mm)
Oversize - Material to be left by the toolpath (usually added on Roughing and Rest Material)
Dynamic Profile* - Tolerance of the toolpath
Optional codes* - Strategy magic words to be used inside the tool

* These options are used only in specific cases

You can now select a similar operation and copy the machining parameters from it to your selected operation, if necessary you can adjust and apply changes after it is copied.

After applying the machining parameters on your tool, you can now see the black gear related to it and it will be shown on the Tool selection first screen.

5 - Update

This button will update/refresh the information shown on the Strategy Editor.

6 - Options Preview

This button will show you a preview of the visible strategy options that will be available for you for this specific restoration type and material you have selected.

7 - Tools Archive

This button will grant you access to your tools archive, where you will be able to manage all of your tools. You can create new tools from scratch, copy it, move it, delete it and also import/export tools archives.

For more information about how to create a toolset, please check the "Creating a New Toolset" documentation.

8 - Check Strategy

The Check Strategy button is a helpful tool for analyzing your strategy configuration. When activated, this feature conducts a thorough examination of your configuration, and upon completion, it opens a new window presenting any potential issues (as indicated by the 3 warnings explained on the Strategy Filter).

The check is conducted for all Restoration Types concerning the selected Machine, Toolset, and Material. In the "Options to be fixed" window, you can address and resolve the identified issues in a single window, taking the necessary actions depending on the nature of each problem. This functionality streamlines the process of identifying and fixing potential configuration issues in MillBox.

1.  Operations not configured - Needs to be configured by assigning a tool or simply clicking twice at the Visible column to unselect the operation
2.  Operations assigned with tools not presented on the tools archive - Needs to assign a tool that is present on the tools archive
3.  Operations assigned with tools that does not contain the required machining parameters - Needs to add the machining parameter on the assigned tool or select another tool that contains such machining parameter

In order to fix missing machining parameters faster, it is possible to use the "Fix tools machining parameters" button (9), explained in the next item.

NOTE: This feature will specifically consider the issues present on the current machine and material selected. If there is a need to check for possible issues on another machine or material within the current machine, you must select it accordingly from the machine and material list. This ensures that the analysis is targeted and relevant to the specific configurations you are working with in MillBox.

9 - Fix tools Machining Parameters

This button performs a check for missing machining parameters in the selected configuration (Machine, toolset, material, and restoration type). It suggests a fix by copying parameters from a similar operation when available in the tool.

For instance, if you have a tool assigned to an operation that requires machining parameters for Finishing_3D but those parameters are not present in your selected tool, clicking this button will search for similar operations like Finishing_Zl, Finishing_Zz, Finishing_0, etc., and copy their parameters over to Finishing_3D. Importantly, it considers only the machining parameters within the same tool and material for safety reasons.

This feature streamlines the process of addressing missing parameters and ensures that the configuration is comprehensive and accurate in MillBox.

In certain cases, there may not be similar operations available for the feature to copy machining parameters from. In such scenarios, you will receive a message indicating the number of tools without machining parameters, and you will need to address them manually. When using this feature, it considers all tools that are selected on the operations, including those that are not selected and not visible. This ensures a comprehensive analysis of the tools involved, facilitating the identification and resolution of missing machining parameters in MillBox.

In order to fix those missing machining parameters, you can check for Groups with the warning icon or run a check strategy.

WORKFLOW EXAMPLES

In this area we will show some examples of workflow using Strategy Editor.

Updating the Strategy

In this video, we will show how to update to a newer version of the strategy. We'll explore how to manually configure new options and also guide you through the process of configuring new options by importing an existing configuration file. This video will focus specifically on the option of importing a pre-configured file for a seamless strategy update.

Manual configuring and importing already configured config file

Applying a change to other Restoration Types

In this video we will explain how you can copy a configuration from one restoration type to the other.

Applying a change to other Materials

In this video we will explain how you can copy a configuration from one material to the other.

It's important to note that when using this feature, you are transferring the configuration from one material to another. However, this process does not include the porting of tools or machining parameters. Therefore, it's essential to check the configuration on the new material afterward. 

Look for potential inconsistencies such as missing tools or machining parameters in the other materials, and address them accordingly. This precaution ensures that the configuration on the new material is thorough and accurate in MillBox.

Applying a change to other Machines

In this video we will explain how you can copy a configuration from one machine to the other.

Be aware that using this feature, you are porting the configuration from one machine to the other, this won't port the tools or machining parameters, so it will be necessary to check the configuration on the new machine later, looking for possible inconsistencies like missing tool / missing machining parameter on the machine / toolset.

Exporting and Importing configurations

In this video we will explain how you can export a configuration from one machine and import on another.

Be aware that using this feature, you are exporting the configuration from one machine and importing in another one, this won't port the tools or machining parameters, so it will be necessary to check the configuration on the new machine later, looking for possible inconsistencies like missing tool / missing machining parameter on the machine / toolset.