2D CAD Tutorial

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PC20e February, 2003

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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED 1-1
How to Use This Manual................................................................................. 1-2
Installing Learning Files ............................................................................ 1-2
Steps to Draw a Part ........................................................................................ 1-3
Step 1: Study the Print................................................................................ 1-4
Step 2: Insert Each Graphic Entity............................................................ 1-4
Step 3: Save the Part ................................................................................. 1-9
Step 4: Exit to a CAM System ................................................................ 1-10
Trimming Entities.......................................................................................... 1-11
CHAPTER 2 USING SNAP COMMANDS 2-1
Specifying X,Y Coordinates............................................................................ 2-2
Picking the Endpoint of an Entity.................................................................... 2-3
Picking the Midpoint of an Entity ................................................................... 2-4
Picking the Double Intersection ...................................................................... 2-5
Inserting an Entity Tangent to a Circle............................................................ 2-6
Inserting an Entity at the Center of a Circle .................................................... 2-7
CHAPTER 3 INSERTING GRAPHIC ENTITIES 3-1
Points ............................................................................................................... 3-2
Circles.............................................................................................................. 3-3
Inserting a Circle with a Known Center..................................................... 3-3
Inserting a Circle at the Endpoint of a Line ......................................... 3-4
Inserting a Circle at the Midpoint of a Line ......................................... 3-4
Inserting a Circle at the Intersection of Two Lines .............................. 3-5
Inserting a Circle with an Unknown Center............................................... 3-5
Trimming Circles ....................................................................................... 3-6
Trimming with the Trim to Keep Modifier .......................................... 3-6
Trimming with the Trim to Cut Modifier............................................. 3-7
Fillets ............................................................................................................... 3-8
Inserting a Fillet with Automatic Trimming .............................................. 3-8
Inserting a Fillet with No Trimming .......................................................... 3-9
Chamfers........................................................................................................ 3-10
Inserting a Chamfer with Automatic Trimming....................................... 3-10
Inserting a Chamfer with No Trimming .................................................. 3-11
Arcs................................................................................................................ 3-12
Inserting an Arc with a Known Center and Radius ................................. 3-12
Using the Direction Modifiers ................................................................. 3-12
Inserting an Arc with an Unknown Center .............................................. 3-13

i
Table of Contents

Lines .............................................................................................................. 3-14

Inserting Horizontal and Vertical Lines................................................... 3-14
Inserting a Line of a Specified Length..................................................... 3-14
Inserting a Parallel Line ........................................................................... 3-15
Inserting a Line at a Specified Angle....................................................... 3-16
Inserting a Line a Distance Off a Line..................................................... 3-18
Polygons ........................................................................................................ 3-21
Inserting a Polygon with Known Corners................................................ 3-21
Using the Inscribed and Circumscribed Modifiers .................................. 3-21
Changing the Number of Sides ................................................................ 3-22
Changing the Angle ................................................................................. 3-22
Using the Length Modifier....................................................................... 3-23
Splines ........................................................................................................... 3-24
Inserting a Parametric Spline ................................................................... 3-24
Inserting Splines From a File ................................................................... 3-25
Text................................................................................................................ 3-27
Inserting Linear Text................................................................................ 3-27
Picking Text ............................................................................................. 3-28
Inserting Text Around and Arc ................................................................ 3-28
For More Practice .......................................................................................... 3-30
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD1................................................................... 3-30
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD2................................................................... 3-31
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD3................................................................... 3-32
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD4................................................................... 3-33
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD5................................................................... 3-34
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD6................................................................... 3-35
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD7................................................................... 3-36
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD8................................................................... 3-37
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD9................................................................... 3-38
CHAPTER 4 MANIPULATING GRAPHIC ENTITIES 4-1
Editing Entities ................................................................................................ 4-2
Changing the Color of Entities .................................................................. 4-2
Changing the Line Type of Entities and the Text Font.............................. 4-3
Changing the Location and Size of Entities............................................... 4-3
Mirroring ......................................................................................................... 4-5
Mirroring and Copying Entities ................................................................. 4-5
Mirroring the Original Entities .................................................................. 4-6
Using Midpoint Snap to Mirror Entities .................................................... 4-6
Rotating ........................................................................................................... 4-8
Rotating Entities......................................................................................... 4-8
Rotating Entities Multiple Times............................................................... 4-9

ii
 Table of Contents

Moving........................................................................................................... 4-10
Moving and Copying Entities .................................................................. 4-10
Moving Copies to Multiple Locations ..................................................... 4-11
Scaling ........................................................................................................... 4-13
Scaling Entities ........................................................................................ 4-13
Grouping and Ungrouping............................................................................. 4-14
Grouping and Ungrouping Entities .......................................................... 4-14
Breaking and Exploding ................................................................................ 4-15
Breaking an Entity.................................................................................... 4-15
Breaking Text into Line Entities.............................................................. 4-16
Removing Doubles ........................................................................................ 4-17
Removing Duplicate Entries .................................................................... 4-17
Capturing Information ................................................................................... 4-19
Capturing a Horizontal Location.............................................................. 4-19
Combining Drawings..................................................................................... 4-21
Inserting a Part File .................................................................................. 4-21
Healing Geometry.......................................................................................... 4-22
Healing a Part Automatically................................................................... 4-22
Healing a Part Interactively...................................................................... 4-23
For More Practice .......................................................................................... 4-24
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY1 ........................................................... 4-24
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY2 ........................................................... 4-25
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY3 ........................................................... 4-26
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY4 ........................................................... 4-27
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY5 ........................................................... 4-28
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY6 ........................................................... 4-29
Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY7 ........................................................... 4-30
CHAPTER 5 WORKING WITH PARTS 5-1
Using Layers.................................................................................................... 5-2
Selecting Layers ......................................................................................... 5-2
Creating a New Layer ................................................................................ 5-3
Using Pick Layers On / Off........................................................................ 5-3
Using the Measure Utility to Show the Layer............................................ 5-4
Moving Entities to a Different Layer......................................................... 5-4
Setting a Pick Mask ......................................................................................... 5-5
Setting and Using a Pick Mask .................................................................. 5-5
Using the Pick Mask Library ..................................................................... 5-6
Changing Picking Options............................................................................... 5-8
Cross Hatching ................................................................................................ 5-9
Inserting Cross Hatching............................................................................ 5-9
Using the Break Utility Before Cross Hatching....................................... 5-10

iii
Table of Contents

3D Viewing.................................................................................................... 5-13
Extruding a Flat Part ................................................................................ 5-13
Projecting a 3D View into a 2D Part........................................................ 5-14
Extruding a Part with Multiple Z Heights................................................ 5-15
Showing the Z Heights Attached to an Entity.......................................... 5-16
Adjusting the Surface Mesh..................................................................... 5-16
Viewing a Round Part in 3D .................................................................... 5-17
Changing Axis Options for Turn Parts .......................................................... 5-19
Changing the Axis Display, Labels and Mode......................................... 5-19
For More Practice .......................................................................................... 5-20
Skill-Builder Exercise Turn1 ................................................................... 5-20
Skill-Builder Exercise Turn2 ................................................................... 5-21
Skill-Builder Exercise Turn3 ................................................................... 5-22
CHAPTER 6 DIMENSIONING 6-1
Inserting Dimensions....................................................................................... 6-2
Chained Dimensioning............................................................................... 6-2
Inserting Dimension Notes......................................................................... 6-6
Inserting an Angle Dimension ................................................................... 6-6
Setting the Number of Decimal Places and Text Size ............................... 6-6
Using Baseline Dimensioning.................................................................... 6-7
Turning Extension Lines On and Off......................................................... 6-8
Using Coordinate Dimensioning................................................................ 6-9
Setting Dimension Attributes ........................................................................ 6-11
Changing Linear and Angular Attributes................................................. 6-11
Changing Center Attributes ..................................................................... 6-12
Changing Dimension Arrow Styles ............................................................... 6-14
Changing Arrow and Tick Sizes .............................................................. 6-14
Customizing Dimension Text ........................................................................ 6-15
Changing Dimension Text Options.......................................................... 6-15
Dimensioning Turn Parts............................................................................... 6-16
INDEX

iv
Chapter 1 Getting Started

ProCAM uses the graphical user interface of Microsoft Windows® to provide an intuitive,
efficient work environment for designing and drafting parts and generating NC code. This
manual assumes you are already comfortable navigating in the Windows graphical
environment.
IMPORTANT! The ProCAM & ProCAM II Installation & Quick-Start Guide explains the
basics of working in ProCAM and the exercises in this manual assume that you have read
this guide and have an understanding of how to use ProCAM.

Getting Started 1-1

How to Use This Manual

How to Use This Manual

This manual is a tutorial. It is designed to guide you through the basic functions and
commands of ProCAM 2D CAD and introduce you to the advanced features. Since the
concepts increase in difficulty and the exercises utilize functions introduced in previous
sections, we recommend you read the chapters and do the exercises in the order they are
presented.
• The information and exercises in Chapter 1 introduce you to the basic procedure for
designing and drafting parts.
• The exercises Chapters 2 through 6 provide an opportunity to learn how to use the
features and functions of the 2D CAD system.
• If you want more information about a particular feature or function, see the applicable
topics in the online Help system: select Help on the ProCAM menu bar, then select CAD
Help Topics.
Did You Know ...
The Manuals folder on the ProCAM CD contains a complete set of ProCAM manuals.
When you install ProCAM II from the ProCAM CD, the manuals are copied into the
Procad\Manuals\ProCAM II folder on your PC. These files are in Adobe Portable
Document Format (PDF) and can be viewed, searched and printed using the Acrobat
Reader. If you do not have the Reader, you can install it from the ProCAM CD or
download it from the Adobe web site.

Installing Learning Files

Sample parts are provided for the exercises in this manual. When you installed ProCAM, the
Setup program automatically created a \procad\parts\learn folder containing the learning part
files (.prt). For more information on installing ProCAM, see the ProCAM & ProCAM II
Installation and Quick-Start Guide.

1-2 Getting Started

 Steps to Draw a Part

Steps to Draw a Part

The following steps are used to draw a part:

1. Study the print to determine the origin location and the geometry that is required.
2. Insert each graphic entity to draw the part geometry:
• Click an insert button on the CAD toolbar.
• Select modifiers to give ProCAM specific information about the entity.
• Click a button on the Snap toolbar to define the location of the entity.
• Optionally, use the Utility toolbar functions to manipulate the entity (move, trim,
etc.).
3. Save the part drawing in a .prt file.
4. Exit to a CAM system to generate an NC program for cutting the part.

The next series of exercises show you how to follow these steps to draw a simple 2D part.
When you select commands and enter information in these exercises, you may not completely
understand what you are doing or why. These exercises are intended to introduce you to the
CAD system. The specifics are explained in subsequent chapters.
In addition to drawing parts in the 2D system, you can also import files that are in the
following formats:
− AutoCAD® Drawing Interchange File (DXF™)
− AutoCAD® Drawing File format (DWG™)
− Initial Graphics Exchange Standard (IGES)
− CADKEY® Advanced Design Language (CADL)
For more information, see the online Help.

Getting Started 1-3

Steps to Draw a Part

Step 1: Study the Print

• Check the units on the print.

If the units are not what you typically use, you can set the units in ProCAM so that you
can draw the part from the print, then change the units when the drawing is finished.
ProCAM converts units automatically. For more information, see Specifying Units of
Measurement in Chapter 2.
• Determine the location of the origin or datum (0,0).
This is the location that most of the dimensions reference. If the datum of the drawing is
not what you want for the machining 0,0, draw the part according to the print and you can
move the entities later.
• Determine the geometry that you need to draw (circles, lines, etc.) and the absolute
location (where the entity is located in relation to 0,0).

Step 2: Insert Each Graphic Entity

Generally, it is easier and more efficient to draw the outside of the part first, then the internal
areas. The following are suggested guidelines for drawing the outside of the part and internal
pockets and holes:
1. First, look for arcs and circles with known centers and known radii/diameters and insert
circles at the locations of the arcs and circles (the arcs can be trimmed later). Make sure
you determine the geometry that would be fillets and chamfers, which are inserted later.
In the print on this page, the corners would be considered fillets, not arcs, and are inserted
using the Fillet command.

1-4 Getting Started

 Steps to Draw a Part

2. Next, draw the lines between known start and end points. The endpoints of filleted lines
are created from the apex of the fillet arc.
3. Add fillets and chamfers.
4. Finally, trim circles and lines as needed.
In the next series of exercises, you draw the part. The procedure is basically the same for
each entity:
− Select an insert button on the CAD toolbar.
− Select modifiers.
− Define the location of the entity with a Snap command.
− Optionally, use Utilities to manipulate the entity (move, trim, etc.).

EXERCISE Generally, it is easier and more efficient to draw the outside of the part first, then the internal
areas. In this exercise, you insert a 6"x6" square to define the general outside shape.
If you have points in the work area from the previous exercise, you need to clear the work
area before beginning this exercise.
1. Select New on the File menu.
If you have entities in the work area, a message box displays asking if you want to save
the changes. Click No.
2. Point to the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar and click
mouse BUTTON 1 (left button).
The modifier toolbar displays the options that allow you to
specify how to complete the current command.
3. Make sure the Corner Points modifier is highlighted.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for box start.
DIGITIZE is the prompt line indicator that means you need
to click the appropriate Snap command.
Any time you are not sure what information ProCAM is
looking for or what you should do next, READ THE
PROMPT LINE.

Getting Started 1-5

Steps to Draw a Part

4. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

This command allows you to enter X,Y data from the keyboard. You can
input known dimensions from the print.
The InfoBar displays the parameters.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X value for box start.

5. Press ENTER to accept the 0 value for X start.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y value for box start.
6. Press ENTER to accept the 0 value for Y start.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X value for box end.
7. Type 6 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y value for box end.
8. Type 6 and press ENTER.

9. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the window.
You can also zoom up selected portions of a drawing in the work area by holding down
the right mouse button and window picking the entities.
The polygon displays in the work area.

EXERCISE Put fillets on the sharp corners.

1. Click the Fillet button on the CAD toolbar.

− The modifier toolbar displays. You do not have to change the modifiers for this
exercise.
− The Radius parameter displays in the InfoBar.
2. Double-click the Radius text box in the InfoBar.
3. Type .5 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st entity for filleting.

1-6 Getting Started

 Steps to Draw a Part

4. Pick Line 1 shown in the figure.

− The line is highlighted.
− The prompt line changes to: PICK 2nd entity
for filleting.
5. Pick Line 2.
ProCAM inserts a fillet on the sharp corner.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st entity for filleting.
6. Pick Line 2, then pick Line 3.
ProCAM inserts a fillet on the sharp corner. Line 1 Line 3
7. Continue picking lines to put fillets on the Line 2
remaining two corners.

EXERCISE When drawing internal areas, look for arcs and

circles with known centers and known radii/diameters and insert circles at the locations of the
arcs and circles (the arcs can be trimmed later). In this exercise, you insert the circle in the
lower left of the square.

1. Click the Circle button on the CAD toolbar.

2. Make sure the Known Center modifier is highlighted.

3. Click the Diameter modifier to highlight it.

The prompt line reads: ENTER circle diameter.
In the InfoBar, the Diameter text box is highlighted.
4. Type .75 and press ENTER.

5. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap

toolbar.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for
circle center.
6. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER Y coordinate for
circle center.
7. Type 1 and press ENTER.
The circle is inserted.

Getting Started 1-7

Steps to Draw a Part

EXERCISE Move and copy the circle to the upper right corner.

1. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar.

2. Click the Move/Copy modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to move (button 2 when done).
3. Click anywhere on the circle.
The circle is highlighted.
4. Click BUTTON 2 (the middle mouse button).
Make sure the pointer is in the work area whenever you click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate to move from.
Did You Know ...
The middle mouse button (BUTTON 2) tells ProCAM you are finished with a particular
function and you want to go on to the next entity or select a different command. This
button also tells ProCAM to accept the input or execute a command.

5. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

This Snap command is used when the coordinate location is the center of an existing
circle or arc.
6. Pick the circle again.
A cross displays in the center of the circle.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin to move to.

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

You use this Snap command because you want to indicate the X,Y coordinates of the new
circle.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate to move to.
8. Type 5 (for X to) and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y coordinate to move to.
9. Type 5 (for Y to) and press ENTER.
The circle is inserted.
10. Click BUTTON 2 several times until the circle returns to the original color.

1-8 Getting Started

 Steps to Draw a Part

EXERCISE Next, draw the line between known start and end points. First, you change the color ProCAM
is using to insert entities.

1. Click the down arrow next to the color selection box on the system bar and select a
different color.

2. Click the Insert Line button on the CAD toolbar.

The modifier toolbar displays.

3. Click the Angle modifier button to highlight it.

The prompt line read: ENTER angle of line.
4. Type 45 and press ENTER.

5. Click the Length modifier button to

highlight it.
6. Type 2 and press ENTER.

7. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap

toolbar.
8. Type 2.2929 (for X start) and press ENTER.
9. Type 2.2929 (for Y start) and press ENTER.
ProCAM inserts the line.

Step 3: Save the Part

You have completed the drawing and the next step is to save the part in a file.
Save frequently! You can save what you have drawn at any time. Frequent saves prevent
having to redo a time-consuming drawing or operation (in the CAM system).
Did You Know ...
The Screen Display dialog box contains the Save Preview Bitmap option. If this option
is checked, a small graphic of the part is saved when you save the part file. The graphic
will display in the Preview area of the Open, Insert and Delete File dialog boxes when
you select the file.

Getting Started 1-9

Steps to Draw a Part

EXERCISE 1. Click File on the menu bar.

2. Click Save As on the File menu.
The Save As dialog box displays.
3. If the current folder is not \procad\parts\learn, change the folder.
4. Type ex1 in the File name text box, then click Save.
− You do not have to type the extension. ProCAM automatically adds a .prt extension to
the file name.
− ProCAM saves the part.
− If you are running ProCAM in Demo mode, please note that files saved in Demo
mode cannot be opened in a licensed version. Also, NC code generated during post
processing cannot be saved.
Step 4: Exit to a CAM System
The CAM button on the CAD toolbar exits from the CAD system to a CAM system. The
procedure for defining tool paths, post processing, and generating NC code for a part
depends on the CAM system (e.g., turn, punch, wire EDM) and is explained in the
applicable manuals and online help.

1-10 Getting Started

 Trimming Entities

Trimming Entities
You can use the Trim utility to shorten or lengthen entities such as lines, arcs, or circles. To
trim entities, you select the modifier for the type of trimming (Trim to Keep or Trim to Cut),
then you select a trim method modifier (e.g., Continuous or Trim One Entity) and pick the
entities to be trimmed.
EXERCISE Open an existing part file and remove the portion of line 1 between 2 and 3.
1. Select Open on the File menu.
2. In the Open File dialog box, change the folder to \procad\parts\learn.
3. Select TRIM.PRT in the file list, then press ENTER or click the Open button.

4. Click the Trim button on the Utility

toolbar.

5. Click the Trim to Cut modifier.

6. Click the Multiple Trim modifier.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to trim
(button 2 when done).
7. Pick line 1, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK intersection location to trim from.
8. Pick line 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK intersection location to trim to.
9. Pick line 3. Line 1 is trimmed between line 2 and line 3.
EXERCISE The Continuous (Profile Trim) modifier trims/extends entities in a continuous chain by
selecting each entity in order one after the other. Depending on the selection of the Trim to
Keep or Trim to Cut modifier, the portion of the entity picked is either kept or discarded.
This is the most frequently used trim method.
Use the Continuous modifier to trim around the part:
1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Trim to Keep modifier.

Getting Started 1-11

Trimming Entities

3. Click the Continuous modifier.

The prompt line reads: PICK first entity to trim.
4. Pick line 6.
The prompt line reads: PICK second entity to
trim.
5. Pick the large circle near the location of the 7
in the figure.
The prompt line continues to read: PICK
second entity to trim.
6. Pick segment 1, then 2, 3, 4, circle 5 (near the
5 in the figure) and line 6 again, then click
BUTTON 2.
The part should look like the figure on the
right.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you use the Trim One Entity modifier.
1. Open the part file TRIM.PRT again.
Do not save the changes to the part currently
in the work area.

2. Click the Trim button on the Utility

toolbar.

3. Click the Trim to Keep modifier.

4. Click the Trim One Entity modifier.

5. Pick line 1, then pick line 2.
ProCAM trims line 1 at the intersection of
line 2 and leaves line 2 unchanged.

1-12 Getting Started

 Trimming Entities

EXERCISE Use the Trim Two Entities modifier to trim two lines:
1. Open the part file TRIM.PRT again.
Do not save the changes to the part currently in the work area.

2. Click the Trim button on the Utility

toolbar.

3. Make sure the Trim to Keep modifier is

highlighted.

4. Click the Trim Two Entities modifier.

5. Pick line 1, then pick line 2.
ProCAM trims both lines.

Getting Started 1-13

Trimming Entities

1-14 Getting Started

Chapter 2 Using Snap Commands

The Snap toolbar provides a number of commands for defining specific geometry cases for
entities that are being inserted or changed. For example, you can insert a line tangent to a
specified circle, or insert an arc through the midpoint of a line.
Throughout this manual, you use a Snap command to select a coordinate or location. When
you draw a part, you can use a combination of these commands. For example, you can start a
line with X,Y coordinate input using the Keyboard Snap command and end it with the
Endpoint Snap, or start with the Endpoint Snap and end with the Midpoint Snap.
The exercises in this chapter show you how to use the Snap commands.

Using Snap Commands 2-1

Specifying X,Y Coordinates

Specifying X,Y Coordinates

The Keyboard Snap command allows you to enter X,Y data from the keyboard. You can
input known dimensions from your part drawing.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file SNAP.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for line start and the X start text box is
highlighted in the InfoBar.
4. Type 3.45 (for X start) and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y coordinate for line start and the Y start text box is
highlighted in the InfoBar.
5. Type -6.125 (for Y start) and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER X coordinate for line end and the X end text box is
highlighted in the InfoBar.
6. Type 2.7 (for X end) and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y coordinate for line end.
7. Type .735 (for Y end) and press ENTER.
The line is inserted.
After you have entered the end points for the
line, the prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate
for line end. ProCAM assumes the next line starts
at the end of the previous line (the small cross).
8. Type -1.9 (for X end) and press ENTER.
9. Type 5 for Y end and press ENTER.
Your part should look similar to the figure on
the right.
10. Click BUTTON 2 twice.
The first BUTTON 2 exits the InfoBar. The
second tells ProCAM you are finished with this line. If you had more X,Y coordinates on
your part, you would continue to input them while still in Keyboard Snap mode.

2-2 Using Snap Commands

 Picking the Endpoint of an Entity

Picking the Endpoint of an Entity

The Endpoint Snap command allows you to pick the endpoint of an entity for geometric
definition. For example, you may want to draw a line from the endpoint of a line already in
the work area to the endpoint of another line. Snap commands work with all entities.
Endpoint means the endpoint of an entity, not just the endpoint of a line.
EXERCISE Insert a line starting at the endpoint near 1 to the endpoint of the line you inserted in the
previous exercise:
1. Continue using the part in the work area (SNAP.PRT).

2. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

Pick endpoint
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line start. for line end
3. Position the pointer anywhere above the
midpoint of the line between 1 and 2 and pick the
line with BUTTON 1.
A small cross displays at the endpoint and the
prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line end.
ProCAM determines which end to snap
according to which side of center you pick. If
you pick the wrong side of center and ProCAM
snaps to the wrong end, click the Oops button
and start again.
4. Pick the upper half of the other line. ProCAM
inserts a line between the two endpoints.
EXERCISE Insert a line from the endpoint near 6 to the endpoint near 3:
1. Remember to tell ProCAM you are finished with
the previous line by clicking BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for line start.
2. On the line between 6 and 5, position the pointer
left of center near 6 and click BUTTON 1.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for New line
line end.
3. On the line between 3 and 2, position the pointer
left of center near 3 and click BUTTON 1.
ProCAM inserts a line inserted between 6 and 3.
4. Click BUTTON 2.

Using Snap Commands 2-3

Picking the Midpoint of an Entity

Picking the Midpoint of an Entity

When you use the Midpoint Snap command, you can pick anywhere on the entity. ProCAM
finds the midpoint automatically. In the case of a circle, the start of the circle is always at a
location that corresponds to 3 on a clock and the midpoint corresponds to 9.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (SNAP.PRT).
2. Select a different color by clicking the down arrow next to the color selection box on the
system bar on the top right of the ProCAM window.

3. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

− The prompt line should read: PICK midpoint for line start.
− If the prompt line does not read correctly, click BUTTON 2.
Insert a line from the midpoint of the line between 5 and 6 to the midpoint of the line
between 2 and 3:
4. Position the crosshair anywhere on the line
between 6 and 5 and pick it with BUTTON 1.
The prompt line changes to: PICK midpoint for
line end.
5. Position the crosshair anywhere on the line
between 3 and 2 and pick it with BUTTON 1.
ProCAM snaps a line between the midpoints.
6. Insert a line from the endpoint of the line near 4
to the midpoint of the line between 3 and 2.
7. Click BUTTON 2.

2 lines added
Midpoint Do not use the Midpoint Snap command to find the center
of a circle or arc. If you use the Midpoint Snap command
on a circle or arc, ProCAM finds the midpoint along the
arc or circle as shown.
Use the Entity Origin Snap command to find the center of
a circle or arc (the center of a circle or arc is an origin).

2-4 Using Snap Commands

 Picking the Double Intersection

Picking the Double Intersection

The Double Intersection Snap command allows you to pick the intersection of two entities
for geometric definition.
EXERCISE Insert a line from the intersection of the two lines marked as 9 in to the intersection of the
two lines marked as 10:
1. Continue using the part in the work area (SNAP.PRT).

2. Click the Double Intersection button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK 1st intersecting entity for line start.
3. Position the crosshair anywhere on the line
between 3 and 6 and pick it with BUTTON 1.
The prompt line changes to: PICK 2nd intersecting
entity for line start. 9
4. Position the crosshair anywhere on the line
between 7 and 8 and pick it with BUTTON 1.
A small cross displays at the intersection of the
two lines and the prompt line reads: PICK 1st
intersecting entity line end.
10
5. Pick the line 3 and 2.
The prompt line changes to: PICK 2nd intersecting
entity for line end.
6. Pick the line between 4 and 5. ProCAM inserts a line between the two intersections you
defined as shown in the figure.
EXERCISE ProCAM also has the ability to find theoretical intersections.
1. Click BUTTON 2 so you can start a new line.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st intersecting entity for line start.
2. Pick the line that you just added.
3. Pick the line between 1 and 2.
A small cross displays at the theoretical intersection point. Even though these lines do not
actually touch, they intersect theoretically and ProCAM finds the intersection point.

4. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

5. Pick near the 7 on the line between 7 and 8.
6. Try inserting more lines using different the Snap commands for the start and end points.
For example: start at the Endpoint and end at the Midpoint.

Using Snap Commands 2-5

Inserting an Entity Tangent to a Circle

Inserting an Entity Tangent to a Circle

The Tangent to Snap command allows you to draw an entity tangent to a circle or arc.

EXERCISE In the following exercise, you draw lines tangent to circles. However, you can use the
Tangent To command to draw a circle tangent to another circle or tangent to an arc and a
line, etc.
1. Continue using the part in the work area (SNAP.PRT).
2. Select Set Layers on the View menu.
3. In the Layers dialog box, turn on Layer 1 and make it the current Layer, turn off Layer 0,
then click OK.

4. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

5. Click the Tangent to button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK tangency location for line start.
6. Pick the top of the circle near #1 with BUTTON 1.
To insert a line tangent, you need to pick the
circle somewhere near where you want the line.
You do not have to be to close, just on the
correct side of center.
The prompt line reads: PICK tangency location
for line end.
7. Pick anywhere at the top of the small circle to
the right with BUTTON 1.
ProCAM inserts a tangent line between the two
circles.
Notice that the prompt line is again asking for
line end.
8. To insert the second line along the bottom of
the circles, click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you
are finished with the previous line.
9. Insert a tangent line at the bottom of the circles.

2-6 Using Snap Commands

 Inserting an Entity at the Center of a Circle

Inserting an Entity at the Center of a Circle

You can use the Entity Origin Snap command to insert an entity at the center of a circle or
arc without having to type in the X,Y coordinates.
For example, you may want to insert a line starting at the endpoint of an entity and ending at
the center of a circle.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (SNAP.PRT).
You should have Layer 1 turned on and current. Layer 0 should be turned off.

2. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for line start.
− Remember to click BUTTON 2 if the prompt is not correct.

The prompt means to actually pick the circle, not the center of the circle. This is a Snap
command and by picking the actual entity, ProCAM automatically snaps to the center.

3. Pick the big circle at the bottom center of the

screen.
− The small cross displays in the center.
− The prompt line changes to: PICK entity
origin for line end.
4. Pick the small circle above 8.
ProCAM inserts a line between the centers of
the two circles.
5. Insert more lines between centers.

Using Snap Commands 2-7

Inserting an Entity at the Center of a Circle

2-8 Using Snap Commands

Chapter 3 Inserting Graphic Entities

The CAD toolbar is used to create and insert all CAD graphic entities. This chapter explains
how to use the commands to insert points, lines, arcs, circles, fillets, chamfers, polygons,
splines and text.

Point Line

Arc Circle

Fillet Chamfer

Text

Polygon

Spline

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-1

Points

Points
The Point command on the CAD toolbar is used to insert a single point at a coordinate. A
point is a graphic entity at a single X,Y location. This command can be used to make a
single hit or drill hole at a location.
The Point command work in two modes:
• insert point
or
• insert shape
The active mode is determined by the On/Off switch on the system bar. If the system bar
switch is set to Off, this command inserts points. If the switch is set to On, this command
inserts the active shape.
EXERCISE 1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Point button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for point and the X origin text box is highlighted
in the InfoBar.
4. Type 3.45 and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y coordinate point and the Y origin text box is
highlighted in the InfoBar.
5. Type 6.125 and press ENTER.
ProCAM inserts a point at the specified location.
6. Type 4.3 (for X origin) and press ENTER.
7. Type 4 (for (for Y origin) and press ENTER.
A second point is inserted.
8. Click BUTTON 2.

3-2 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Circles

Circles
The Circle command on the CAD toolbar is used to insert circles. When you insert a circle,
the midpoint of the circle is at the 9:00 position on a clock and the endpoint is at the 3:00
position.
In the following exercises, you use the Diameter modifier. However, when you are working
with your own prints and the information is given as radius, use the Radius modifier. Always
try to avoid doing math.

Inserting a Circle with a Known Center

EXERCISE In this exercise, you insert circles with known centers and known diameters.
1. Open the part file SNAP.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save any entities in the work area from previous exercises.

2. Click the Circle button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Leave the Known Center modifier button highlighted.

4. Click the Diameter modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER circle diameter and the Diameter text box is highlighted in
the InfoBar.
5. Type 1.218 and press ENTER.

6. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for circle center.
7. Type 4 and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y coordinate for circle center.
8. Type 1.25 and press ENTER.
− A circle is drawn above line 8 (labeled A in the figure on the next page). If the circle
does not display in the work area, click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner.
− Notice that the prompt line again reads: ENTER X coordinate for circle center.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-3

Circles

9. For the second circle (labeled B), repeat

steps 7 and 8 using -1.2 for X and 4 for Y,
then press ENTER to use the same diameter.
ProCAM works this way so that you can
insert all the circles without having to select
the Diameter or Radius modifier each time
you have a different size circle. You can
continue entering the X,Y coordinates for
multiple circles.
10. For the third circle (labeled C), use 0 for X, -
5 for Y and 2 for the Diameter.

Inserting a Circle at the Endpoint of a Line

EXERCISE Insert 2 circles: one at the endpoint of the line near 1 and one at the endpoint of a line near 5.

1. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

Make sure the Diameter modifier is still highlighted.

Make sure the Known Center modifier

is still highlighted.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for
circle center.
2. Pick the end of the line near the #1.
Remember that you do not have to pick the
exact endpoint.
A 2" diameter circle is inserted at the end of
the line (labeled D).
3. Pick close to the end of the line near #5.
A 2" diameter circle is inserted at the end of
the line (labeled E).
Inserting a Circle at the Midpoint of a Line
EXERCISE Insert a circle at the midpoint of the line between 7 and 8:

1. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

2. Pick anywhere on the line between 7 and 8. A circle is inserted at the midpoint of the line
(labeled F in the figure).

3-4 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Circles

Inserting a Circle at the Intersection of Two Lines

EXERCISE Insert a circle (labeled G) at the intersection of lines 3 to 2 and 4 to 5 using the Double
Intersection Snap:

1. Click the Double Intersection button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK 1st intersecting entity for circle center.
2. Pick anywhere on the line between 3 and 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2nd intersecting entity for circle center.
3. Pick anywhere on the line between 4 and 5. ProCAM inserts the circle.

Inserting a Circle with an Unknown Center

One of the features of ProCAM is the ability to insert circles and arcs without knowing where
the centers are. This can be done with the Tangent To Snap command.
EXERCISE 1. Pick a different color.

2. Click the Center Unknown modifier button.

3. Click the Tangent To button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK tangency location for 1st location on circle. ProCAM is asking
you to pick the first entity you want the circle to be tangent to.
4. To insert the first circle (labeled H in the figure below), pick the line between 7 and 8 for
the first entity to be tangent to. Be sure to pick the line on the side closest to 8.
The prompt line changes to: PICK tangency location for 2nd location on circle.
5. Pick the line between 1 and 2. Be sure to
pick the line near the 2.
ProCAM determines where to put the circle
tangent based on which end of the line you
pick. If your circle is not like the one in
labeled H in the figure, click Oops and try it
again.
EXERCISE Insert the circle labeled I tangent to the line
between 4 and 5 and tangent to the circle at the
endpoint of that line:
1. Pick anywhere on the line between 4 and 5
for the first tangency location.
2. Pick the circle at the endpoint of the line (5)
on the left side. Be sure to pick the circle
near where you want the tangency.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-5

Circles

EXERCISE Insert the circle labeled J in the figure on the previous page tangent to the two circles:
1. Pick the circle on the left near the tangency point you want.
2. Pick the circle on the right near the tangency point.

3. If the circle displays on the opposite side from what you expected, click Oops and
pick tangency points closer to the true tangency points.
ProCAM determines where to put the circle based on which side of an entity you select
for the tangency.
4. Continue inserting circles using the different modifiers and Snap commands that have
been covered up to this point until you feel comfortable with them. Then go on.

Trimming Circles
Trimming with the Trim to Keep Modifier
EXERCISE Follow the steps in this exercise to trim the perimeter of the part to look like the figure on
page 3-7.
1. Open the part file UTILITY.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Trim button on the Utility toolbar.

Make sure the Trim to Keep modifier is highlighted.

This modifier keeps or extends the portion of the entity or entities selected.

3. Click the Continuous modifier.

This modifier trims/extends entities in a continuous chain by selecting each entity in order
one after the other. This is the most frequently used trim method.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st entity to trim.
4. Pick the top left on circle #1.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2nd entity
to trim.
5. Pick the vertical line.
The prompt line continues to read: PICK 2nd
entity to trim.
6. Pick the lower left on circle 2.
7. Continue picking around the part: the bottom
line, circle 3, the right vertical line,
circle 4, the top line and circle 1.
The perimeter should look like the figure on the next page.

3-6 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Circles

Trimming with the Trim to Cut Modifier

EXERCISE In the following exercise, you trim circle 5 to look like the figure on this page.
1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Trim to Cut modifier button.

This modifier removes the portion of the entity or entities selected.

3. Click the Trim Multiple Entities modifier button.

This modifier trims/extends one or more entities between two defined locations.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to trim (button 2 when done).
4. Pick circle 5, then click BUTTON 2.

5. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint to trim from.
6. At the top of the circle, pick the right line close to the circle.
The prompt line changes to: PICK endpoint to trim to.
7. Pick the left line near the circle.
With the Trim to Cut modifier active, picking in a counterclockwise direction removes
the section of the circle between the two selected trimming entities.
8. To remove the bottom section, pick the left
line near the bottom of circle 5, then pick the
right.
When you make a mistake and trim an entity
the wrong way, you do not need to click Oops.
If you have not clicked BUTTON 2, you can
just pick the lines the correct way. If you have
clicked BUTTON 2, you must click Oops and
trim again.
9. Click BUTTON 2.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-7

Fillets

Fillets
The Fillet command on the CAD toolbar allows the insertion of a radius between any two
intersecting entities. Fillets are smooth blends between intersecting entities. Intersections
may be real or theoretical. Real intersections physically intersect on the drawing. Theoretical
intersections occur when two entities would intersect if they were extended out.
Once they are inserted, fillets are arc entities and may be modified as arcs. You can insert
fillets between intersecting lines, arcs, circles, and splines. Fillets can be trimmed
automatically or left untrimmed.

Inserting a Fillet with Automatic Trimming

EXERCISE Insert .5" fillets:
1. Open the part file FILLET.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Fillet button on the CAD toolbar.

Leave the Trim modifier button highlighted.

3. To change the radius to .500, double-click the Radius text box or hold down BUTTON 1
and move the I-beam cursor
across the text box to highlight
1.000, then release the button.
4. Type .5 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK
1st entity for filleting.
5. Pick the bottom horizontal
line.
The prompt line changes to:
PICK 2nd entity for filleting.
6. Pick the bottom vertical line on
the left.
The lines are trimmed
automatically.
Fillet the other end of the bottom line:
7. Pick the bottom line.
8. Pick the vertical line on the right.

3-8 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Fillets

Inserting a Fillet with No Trimming

In the previous exercise, ProCAM automatically trimmed the lines when you inserted the
fillet. When you do not want ProCAM to trim the lines, you can use the No Trim modifier.

EXERCISE 1. Click the No Trim modifier button.

2. Double-click the Radius text box in the InfoBar.
3. Type .75 and press ENTER.
4. Insert a fillet between the two lines in the upper right corner.
This time ProCAM inserts a fillet between the lines, but does not trim them to the radius.

5. Oops out the fillet.

6. For more practice, change the modifier back to Trim and insert the fillets shown in the
figure on the preceding page.
When you are finished, DO NOT choose the Save command on the File menu to save the
part. This part is used in the exercises for inserting a chamfer in the next section and you
do not want to save the part with the fillets.
7. If you want to save the part, you can use the Save As command on the File menu. This
command allows you to save the modified part with a different name. The original part
file is retained.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-9

Chamfers

Chamfers
The Chamfer command on the CAD toolbar allows you to insert a chamfer of any angle and
length between any two intersecting lines.
Chamfers can be inserted at both real and theoretical intersections. Real intersections
physically intersect on the drawing. Theoretical intersections occur when two entities would
intersect if they were extended out.
The Chamfer command is similar in operation to the Fillet command and uses the same
Trim modifiers.

Inserting a Chamfer with Automatic Trimming

EXERCISE Insert the two .250 x 45 degree chamfers at the bottom of the part (see the figure on the next
page).
1. Open the part file FILLET.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
You used this part in the Fillet exercises and the modified part may still be in the work
area. Do not save the changes.

2. Click the Chamfer button on the CAD toolbar.

Leave the Trim modifier highlighted.

3. Double-click the Length text box in the InfoBar to highlight the text.
You can also hold down BUTTON 1 and move the I-beam cursor across the text box.
4. Type .25 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st edge for chamfer.
5. Pick either the vertical or horizontal line on the bottom left of the part.
The prompt line changes to: PICK 2nd edge for chamfer.
6. Pick the second line.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to insert the second chamfer on the bottom right.

EXERCISE Insert the 30 degree x 1.000" chamfer at the top right of the part.
1. Highlight the Angle text box in the InfoBar.
2. Type 30 and press ENTER.
3. Type 1 (for the Length) and press ENTER.
ProCAM determines which way to put the 30 degree angle based on which line you
pick first.

3-10 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Chamfers

4. Pick the vertical line. 1.000 x 30 degrees

5. Pick the horizontal line.

6. To see how it would look the other

way, click Oops, then select the lines in
reverse order.

.250 x 45
Typ 2 places

Inserting a Chamfer with No Trimming

The Chamfer modifiers are identical to the Fillet modifiers. If you do not want the lines
trimmed automatically, you can use the No Trim modifier.

EXERCISE 1. Oops out the last chamfer.

2. Click the No Trim modifier.

3. Insert the chamfer again.
This time the lines are not trimmed.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-11

Arcs

Arcs
The Arc command on the CAD toolbar allows you to insert arcs with known or unknown
centers. You can also insert arcs with known radii and diameters.

Inserting an Arc with a Known Center and Radius

EXERCISE In this exercise, you draw the arc on the right side of the part. This arc has a known center
location and known start and end points.
1. Open the part file ARC.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Arc button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Make sure the Known Center modifier button is highlighted.

4. Make sure the Counterclockwise modifier button is highlighted.

The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for arc center.

5. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The X,Y coordinates for the arc center are given in the figure.
6. Type 4.625 (for X center) and press ENTER.
7. Type 0 (for Y center) and press ENTER.

8. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap

toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for arc
start.
9. Pick the endpoint of the top 45 degree line
(indicated by Start in the figure).
The prompt line changes to: PICK endpoint for
arc end.
10. Pick the endpoint of the other 45 degree line
(indicated by End in the figure).
Using the Direction Modifiers
In the previous exercise, you defined the arc counterclockwise, starting at the top and ending
at the bottom. The Direction modifiers determine which way the arc is inserted. In the
following exercise, the same arc is inserted in a clockwise direction.

EXERCISE 1. Click Oops to delete the arc you just inserted.

3-12 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Arcs

2. Click the Clockwise modifier button.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

4. Press ENTER to accept the values for X center and Y center.

5. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

6. Pick the endpoint of the lower 45 degree line (indicated by End in the figure on the
preceding page), then pick the top 45 degree line (indicated by Start in the figure).

Inserting an Arc with an Unknown Center

In this exercise, you draw the arc on the left side of the part as shown in the figure on page 3-
13. Since there is no information given about this arc, except that it is tangent to the three
lines, you use the Center Unknown and Counterclockwise modifiers. The Counterclockwise
modifier is the default. You should get in the habit of defining arcs this way.
EXERCISE 1. Make sure the Radius and Diameter modifiers are not highlighted.

2. Click the Center Unknown modifier button.

3. Click the Counterclockwise modifier button.

4. Click the Tangent To button on the Snap toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK tangency location for arc start.
− Remember that you are defining the arc in a counterclockwise direction.
5. Pick the bottom line for the arc start.
6. Pick the top line for the arc end.
The prompt line reads: Pick tangency location
for 3rd location on arc.
In order to calculate the arc size, ProCAM
needs a third point. This point is the line on
the right.
7. Pick the line on the right, which is the radius
(see the figure).
The arc is inserted.

If you wanted information on the arc (e.g., radius, X start and end, Y start and end, length),
you could use the Measure Utility.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-13

Lines

Lines
The Line command on the CAD toolbar inserts a line entity by defining the start and end of
the line.

Inserting Horizontal and Vertical Lines

EXERCISE 1. Click New on the File menu.

2. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start.
3. Position the pointer anywhere on the left side of the work area and click BUTTON 1.
A cross displays to mark the location and the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for
line end.
4. Move the pointer to the right side of the work area and click BUTTON 1.
A horizontal line displays and the cross moves to mark the end of the line.
5. Move the pointer to a different location to the right of the line and click BUTTON 1.
The line keeps moving horizontally along the line you just inserted. When drawing
horizontal and vertical lines, be careful if you try to insert another line from the endpoint
of the one you just inserted. The line will keep moving along the same path until you click
BUTTON 2.
6. Click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you are finished.
7. Select a different color.

8. Click the Vertical Line modifier button.

9. Position the pointer anywhere at the top of the work area and click BUTTON 1.
A cross displays to mark the location and the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for
line end.
10. Move the pointer to the bottom of the work area and click BUTTON 1. A vertical line
displays.
11. Practice inserting horizontal and vertical lines.
Inserting a Line of a Specified Length
The Length modifier allows you to specify the length of the line to be inserted. You can use
this modifier in combination with all the other Line modifiers except the Orthogonal
modifier.
EXERCISE 1. Pick a different color.
2. Make sure the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start. If it does not, click
BUTTON 2.

3-14 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Lines

3. Click the Length modifier button.

− Leave the Vertical modifier button highlighted.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER length of line and the Length text box is highlighted in
the InfoBar.
4. Type 2.5 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start.
5. Move the pointer near the middle of the work area and click BUTTON 1.
Because there are two ways to draw a vertical line at a given distance from a point,
ProCAM draws a vertical line up and down from where you digitized.
The prompt line reads: PICK proper direction of line.
6. Move the pointer on the top part of the line and click BUTTON 1.
ProCAM erases the bottom half of the line, leaving only the 2.5 inch vertical
line.

7. Click the Length modifier button twice to change to a different length.

− The first click turns it off, the second turns it back on.
− ProCAM displays the same prompt and InfoBar as in step 3.
8. Change the length and insert another line.
9. Click BUTTON 2 when done.
Inserting a Parallel Line
The Parallel Line modifier inserts a line parallel to an existing line through a given point.
EXERCISE 1. Select a different color.

2. Click the Parallel Line modifier button.

3. Click the Length modifier button to turn it off.

The prompt line reads: PICK a line to be parallel to.
4. Pick a line by positioning the pointer over a line and clicking BUTTON 1.
− ProCAM highlights the line briefly, then restores the original color.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line start.
5. Position the pointer anywhere in the work area and click BUTTON 1.
− The position also determines the distance off the original line.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for line end.
6. Move the pointer a distance away from the start point and click BUTTON 1.
ProCAM inserts a line parallel to the original line.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-15

Lines

7. Click BUTTON 2 to start a new line.

8. Insert a line by digitizing the start and end points. Remember to read the prompt line.
As long as the Parallel modifier is on, any line you insert is parallel to the line you
originally picked when you started this exercise.
9. Insert a line parallel to a different line:
− Click the Parallel modifier twice: once to turn it off, then again to turn it back on.
− Follow the prompts.
Inserting a Line at a Specified Angle
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file LINE.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Line button.

3. Click the Angle modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of line.
4. Type 300 and press ENTER.
You do not have to type the degree symbol (^).

5. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for line start.
6. Pick the circle for line start.
The prompt line changes to: PICK entity origin for line end.

7. Click the Digitize button on the Snap toolbar.

8. Position the pointer outside the circle in approximately
the same location as the line shown in the figure and
click BUTTON 1.
9. Click BUTTON 2.
Change the angle and insert the line again:
10. Pick a different color. Position pointer here
and click BUTTON 1.

11. Click the Angle modifier button twice.

− The first time turns it off, the second time turns it back on.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of line.
12. Type -60 and press ENTER.

13. Use the Entity Origin Snap command again and pick the circle for the entity origin
for line start.

3-16 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Lines

14. For the end, use the Digitize Snap command.

15. Position the pointer inside the circle in approximately the same location as the line
inserted in the previous exercise and click BUTTON 1.
16. Click BUTTON 2.
The line is drawn at the
same angle. The only
difference is the way the
angle was defined.
Depending on how a
print is dimensioned, you
may find it easier to
define angles as negative
numbers as shown in the
figure.
Counterclockwise Clockwise
Positive Numbers Negative Numbers

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-17

Lines

Inserting a Line a Distance Off a Line

For this part, the
1.000" x 4.000"
rectangle is drawn at
a 30 degree angle 0,0
with one corner
defined and the
length and width
given. In this
exercise, you draw
the two lines that are
at the known X,Y
position first, then
you use the Distance
Off Of modifier to
insert the other two
lines.

EXERCISE First, you draw the outside box and insert the four circles:
1. If you have a part in the work area, choose New on the File menu to clear the work area.
Do not save the current part.

2. Click the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

4. Press ENTER twice to accept the default (0) for X start and Y start.
5. Type 10 (for X end) and press ENTER.
6. Type -10 (for Y end) and press ENTER.

Based on the datum of the print, the Y dimensions are input as negative
numbers.

7. Click the Zoom All button if the entire square does not display in the work area. Note that
you will learn more about inserting polygons in the next section.

8. Use the Circle command on the CAD toolbar to insert the circles at the locations
shown on the print.

3-18 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Lines

EXERCISE Next, draw the right side of the 1.000x4.000 rectangle:

1. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

2. Click the Angle modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of line.
3. Type -60 and press ENTER.

4. Click the Length modifier button.

5. Type 4.00 and press ENTER.

6. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

7. Type 3.866 (for X Start) and press ENTER.
8. Type -3.375 (for Y Start) and press ENTER.
EXERCISE Draw the top line:

1. Click the Angle modifier button twice.

5. Type 210 for the angle and press ENTER.

6. Click the Length modifier button

twice.
7. Type 1.000 and press ENTER.
8. Enter the position for the start of the line
using either of these methods:
Use the Keyboard Snap and type the X,Y
coordinates: X=3.866, Y=-3.375.
Use the Endpoint Snap and pick the endpoint
of the top of the first line.
EXERCISE Complete the rectangle:

1. Click the Length modifier button to turn it off.

2. Click the Distance Off Of modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK an entity for off of.
3. Pick the 4.000" line.
The prompt line reads: ENTER distance off of line.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-19

Lines

4. Type 1.000 and press ENTER.

When you are inserting lines using the Distance Off Of modifier, you can use any of the
Snap commands.

5. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

6. Pick the endpoints of the 4.000 line (labeled 1
and 2 in the figure) for the start and end of the
line.
ProCAM inserts two lines. Each line is 1" off
of the line you picked.
The prompt line reads: PICK proper side of line.
Remember, if there is more than one solution
to what you have asked ProCAM to do, all the
solutions are displayed and you are asked to
pick the correct one.
7. Pick the line on the left, then click BUTTON 2.

8. Click the Distance Off Of modifier button

to turn it off.

9. Use the Endpoint Snap and pick the endpoints at the bottom of the two lines to
insert the bottom line of the rectangle, then click BUTTON 2.

10. Click the Fillet button on the CAD toolbar and insert the .25 radius fillets to
complete the rectangle.

3-20 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Polygons

Polygons
The Polygon command on the CAD toolbar allows you to draw boxes, rectangles, octagons,
etc. A polygon can have from three sides up to whatever number of sides you need. The
most common use for this command is to draw squares and rectangles.

Inserting a Polygon with Known Corners

The Corner Points modifier allows you to insert a polygon by defining two points at opposite
corners. These corners can have known X and Y positions or you can use any of the Snap
commands to define the corners. Typically, this modifier is used for inserting squares and
rectangles.
EXERCISE Insert a simple rectangle with known X,Y coordinates:
1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar.

The Corner Points modifier button is highlighted. This is the default.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X value for box start.
4. Type 0 and press ENTER.
The prompt line changes to: ENTER Y value for box start.
5. Type 0 and press ENTER.
6. Type 3 for the X value for box end and press ENTER.
7. Type 2 for the Y value for box end and press ENTER.
A 3" by 2" rectangle is inserted.

Using the Inscribed and Circumscribed Modifiers

EXERCISE 1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Circle button on the CAD toolbar and insert a 2" diameter circle at X0,Y0.

3. Click the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar.

4. Click the Center Known modifier button to highlight it.

5. Make sure the Inscribed modifier button is highlighted.

6. Click the Diameter modifier button to highlight it.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-21

Polygons

The prompt line reads: ENTER polygon diameter.

7. Type 2 and press ENTER.

8. For the location of the polygon, click the Entity Origin Snap command to put the
polygon at the same center as the 2" circle.
9. Pick the circle. ProCAM inserts the polygon inside the
defined diameter.

10. Click the Circumscribed modifier button.

11. Pick the circle again to insert another polygon at the same
center. ProCAM inserts the second polygon outside the
defined diameter.

Changing the Number of Sides

EXERCISE 1. Continue using the geometry in the work area.

2. Leave the Circumscribed modifier highlighted.

3. In the InfoBar, highlight the # Sides text box.
The prompt line reads: ENTER number of sides.
4. Type 3 and press ENTER.
5. Pick the circle again for the Entity Origin.
A triangle is inserted at the same location as the circumscribed four-sided polygon.

Changing the Angle

The Angle parameter determines where the first corner of the polygon is located. The default
value is 45 degrees.
EXERCISE 1. Select New on the File menu and clear the work area.

2. Click the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Center Known modifier button.

4. Click the Diameter modifier button.

The prompt line reads: ENTER polygon diameter.
5. Press ENTER to accept the 2.0000" diameter.
6. Double-click the # Sides text box in the InfoBar to highlight it.
7. Type 6 and press ENTER.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of 1st vertex.
− The first vertex is the angle of the first corner of the polygon.

3-22 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Polygons

8. Type 35 and press ENTER.

9. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

10. Press ENTER twice to accept the default (0.0000") for X center and Y center.
A six-sided polygon is inserted with sides at a 35 degree angle.
11. Click the Zoom All button.
Insert another polygon at a different angle:
12. Click BUTTON 2.
13. Change the color.
14. Double-click the Angle text box in the InfoBar.
15. Type 25 and press ENTER.

16. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

17. Press ENTER twice to accept the default (0.0000") for X center
and Y center.
Another polygon is inserted at the same location with sides at a
25 degree angle.

Using the Length Modifier

The Length modifier refers to the length of the polygon sides.
EXERCISE 1. Select New on the File menu and clear the work area.

2. Click the Polygon button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Center Known modifier button.

4. Click the Length modifier button.

5. Type 2 and press ENTER.
6. Highlight the # Sides text box in the InfoBar.
7. Type 6 and press ENTER.
8. Click BUTTON 2.

9. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar and insert the polygon at X0,Y0.
ProCAM inserts a six-sided polygon with each side 2" in length.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-23

Splines

Splines
The Spline command on the CAD toolbar allows you to insert a spline entity by locating
spline nodes or by reading spline node coordinates from a file. A spline is a smooth curve
through a set of at least three points called nodes. A spline can have a maximum of 125
nodes (points).
There are many types of splines. Each type gives a different approximate fit through the
nodes. ProCAM uses two types of splines: Bezier and parametric. Once a spline is inserted, it
is treated just like any other entity. For example, you can edit, move and mirror a spline.

Inserting a Parametric Spline

EXERCISE In the following exercise, you use the Keyboard Snap to enter the spline points listed in the
table, then finish drawing the part.
Spline Points
X Coordinate Y Coordinate
1.000 0
1.7322 -.3669
2.3062 -.8333
2.8085 -1.5329
3.0238 -2.367
2.8982 -3.3985
2.4856 -4.3671
2.5215 -5.6407
3.1134 -6.6453

The points shown in the figure are for clarity only. These points do not display when you
define a spline.

1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Spline button on the CAD toolbar.

3-24 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Splines

Make sure the Parametric Spline modifier is highlighted.

The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for spline point.
3. Input the X,Y coordinates from the table on the preceding page.
4. Draw the rest of the part.

Inserting Splines From a File

You can insert a spline from an ASCII text file. Each spline must be in a separate file. The
format for the text file is X coordinate, comma, Y coordinate (e.g., 1.7322,-.3669). Do not
include the letters X and Y in the file.
EXERCISE 1. Select New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Click the Spline button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the From a File modifier button.

The Open Spline File dialog box displays with a list of text files.
4. Select SPLINE.TXT in the list, then click OK.
− The default folder for spline text files is \procad\txt.
− ProCAM displays points at the locations of the X,Y coordinates listed in the file.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for spline point.
− If there were more points for the spline, you could input them now.
5. Click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you are finished entering spline points.
ProCAM inserts the spline.
6. Select a different color.

7. Click the Bezier Spline modifier button.

8. Click the From a File modifier button.

9. In the Open Spline File dialog box, select the same file,
SPLINE.TXT.
The same points display.
10. Click BUTTON 2.
Notice that each type of spline gives a different fit through
the nodes.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-25

Splines

After a spline has been inserted, you can view and edit the nodes using the Edit utility.

11. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity to be edited.
12. Pick anywhere on one of the splines.
− The nodes display.
− The prompt line reads: PICK edit point.
13. Pick one of the nodes.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for new point.
You can select a Snap command to specify a location. For this exercise, use the Digitize
Snap.
14. Pick a location in the work area.
The spline is redrawn to go through the new node position.

3-26 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Text

Text
The Text command on the CAD toolbar allows you to insert text in the work area. A font is
a style of text. You can select from 18 different TekSoft fonts or from any of the TrueType
fonts installed on your PC. An NC program can be generated for any text in the work area.

TrueType fonts are recommended when you insert text for engraving. TrueType fonts are
composed of splines, which will generate smooth cuts with few retracts. TekSoft fonts will
not produce the same results.

Inserting Linear Text

The Linear Text modifier allows you to insert text along a line at any angle.
EXERCISE 1. Choose New on the File menu to clear the work area.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Select Text on the menu bar, then select Fonts on the menu.
The dialog box displays either the TekSoft or the TrueType font choices.
3. Select a font and click OK.

4. Click the Text button on the CAD toolbar.

The Linear Text modifier is highlighted. This is the default modifier.

The prompt line reads: ENTER text.
5. Type ProCAM and press ENTER.
Notice that the default Angle is 0 degrees. With this setting, text is inserted on a horizontal
line.
6. Double--click the Height text box, type 1 and press ENTER.
7. Type 1 (for the Width) and press ENTER.
8. Press ENTER twice to accept the default 0.00 for the X origin and Y origin.
If the correct values are in the text boxes in the InfoBar, you can press ENTER to accept
these values instead of retyping them.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for text origin.
9. Click in the upper left of the work area.
The text is inserted on a horizontal line. The text is left justified, which is the default. The
justification determines where the text is inserted in relation to the defined position.
Before you insert text, you can change the justification on the Text menu.
10. In the InfoBar, double click the Angle text box.
11. Type 45 and click BUTTON 2.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-27

Text

12. In the work area, digitize a location to the right of the horizontal text.
The text is inserted at a 45 degree angle.
13. Change the Angle to 135 and digitize a location to the right of the 45 degree angle text.

0 degrees 45 degrees 135 degrees

Picking Text
When you use the Linear Text modifier to insert text, the text string that you type in the
InfoBar is inserted as one entity. When you pick the text entity to modify or cut it, you have
to pick only once. The complete text string is picked.

EXERCISE 1. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

2. Pick the horizontal ProCAM in the lower left corner of
the text.
The prompt line indicates the entity is text and the InfoBar displays information about the
angle, size and location of the text entity.
The X0,Y0 location is at the lower left corner. If you want to Move, Rotate, Scale, etc.,
pick this location when ProCAM prompts you to pick the entity. Even if you use right or
center justification, the text origin is still at the lower left corner of the text.

Inserting Text Around and Arc

When you use the Text Around an Arc modifier, you cannot specify a start angle, radius or
diameter. To insert text on a known radius or diameter and at a known angle, insert a circle
with a line at the correct angle as explained in this exercise.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file TEXT.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the text entities in the work area.

2. Click the Text button.

3. Click the Text Around an Arc modifier button.

− If you are continuing from the previous exercise, the prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
coordinate for arc center and ProCAM is the text in the InfoBar.
If you have exited ProCAM before doing this exercise, the prompt line reads: ENTER text
and you need to type ProCAM.

3-28 Inserting Graphic Entities

 Text

4. In the InfoBar, enter .187 for the Height and Width.

5. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for arc center.
6. Pick the circle.
The prompt line changes to: DIGITIZE coordinate for text origin.

7. Click the Double Intersection button on the Snap

toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK 1st intersecting entity for text
origin.
8. Pick the circle.
The prompt line reads: PICK 2nd intersecting entity for
text origin.
9. Pick the line.
The text is inserted. Note that each letter is inserted as a
separate entity.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-29

For More Practice

For More Practice

Before you go on to the next chapter, complete the following exercises. The parts you draw
in these exercises use the Insert commands, modifiers and Snap commands that you have
learned so far. If you need to refresh your memory, look back to the applicable section.
Skill-Builder Exercise CAD1
You are ready to try your
first part. This part is drawn
using the Keyboard Snap
command and entering the
X and Y coordinates for all
the lines. Insert the lines
first, then add the chamfers
and fillets.

• Choose New on the File

menu to clear the work
area.

• Click the Line

button on the CAD toolbar. Do not select any modifiers.

• Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

• Start entering the X,Y coordinates from the X0,Y0 position moving in a counterclockwise
direction.
Start the first line at X0,Y0 and end it at X0, Y-3. Then continue entering the X and Y
coordinates. The dimensions are to sharp corners. You will insert the fillets and chamfers
later.
Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the ProCAM window to position
the entire part in the viewing area.
• At the vertical line that is dimensioned 1.625, you can have ProCAM do the math to
calculate the end point: in the Y end text box, click BUTTON 1 after the -3, then type +1.625
and press ENTER.
Any mathematical equation can be entered at any prompt in the InfoBar.
• After you have inserted all the lines, insert the chamfers and fillets.
• When you finish the part, choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as CAD1 in
the \procad\parts\learn folder.

3-30 Inserting Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD2

• Select New on the File menu to clear the
work area.
• Start drawing the part shown in the
figure from the upper left corner as
X0,Y0 and draw counterclockwise.

• Use the Line command on the

CAD toolbar.

• Use the Keyboard Snap command

to enter the coordinates.

• When you get to the line at an

angle, click the Angle modifier.
Remember, you can have ProCAM do the math for you. To enter the angle, type
90 + 30 and press ENTER.

• To end the angled line, use the Digitize Snap command and make sure it extends
slightly beyond the top of the part, then click BUTTON 2.
• Draw the top horizontal line.

• Use the Horizontal Line modifier.

• Use the Endpoint Snap command to start the line in the upper left corner.

• Use the Digitize Snap command to extend the line beyond the line at an angle.

• Trim the top horizontal line and the angle line.

• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu. Make sure the
\procad\parts\learn folder is open.
• Type CAD2 for the file name and click OK.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-31

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD3

Draw the part:

• Clear the work area.
• Use the Polygon command with the Corner Points modifier and Keyboard Snap to insert
the square.
• Chamfer the four corners.
• Insert 8 circles with known X,Y positions (6 circles with .500 diameters and 2 circles
with .312 diameters).
Remember, when you insert circles using Keyboard Snap, ProCAM prompts you for the
radius or diameter at each position.
• Use the Line command with Tangent To Snap for the slot in the middle of the part. Draw
the two lines tangent to the circles.
• Trim the excess parts of the circles in the slot.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as
CAD3.

3-32 Inserting Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD4

Draw the part in the print shown above.

• Start by inserting a 1.5 radius circle at X0,Y0.
• In order to put in a radius that is not defined, you need to draw a construction line at X
6.25:
Draw a line that starts at X6.250 and Y1.000 and ends at X6.250 and Y-1.000.
• Draw the 10 degree lines starting
tangent to the 1.500 radius and
digitize the ends out beyond the
vertical construction line.
Your part should look like the
figure on the right.

• Draw the smaller arc using the Arc command with the No Known Center modifier.
Do not select either the Radius or Diameter modifier.
Pick the Tangent To Snap command.
Pick the bottom line for the arc start, the top line for the arc end, and the vertical line for
the third location.
Remember, in order to calculate a radius or diameter, ProCAM requires the arc touch 3
points.
• Trim the lines and the circle.
• Erase the construction line.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as
CAD4.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-33

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD5

• The way to approach a part like CAD5 is to insert all the circles first.
ProCAM prompts you for a circle radius at each location, so all you have to do is keep
entering the X and Y locations and then the circle radius.
• Insert all the lines tangent to the circles.
• Trim all the circles.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as
CAD5.

3-34 Inserting Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD6

• Start the drawing by inserting the five known circles.

• This part is similar to CAD5; however, all the lines are not tangent to known circles.
• The left vertical line is tangent to the .600 radius, but you do not know the end point
location.
− To insert this line: use the Vertical Line modifier with the Tangent Snap to start it.
Then, use Digitize Snap to end it somewhere beyond the top of the part.
− You can repeat this step for some of the other lines on the part.
− Remember, you can hold down BUTTON 1 to rubber-band the line to see where it will
end.
• After you have drawn all the lines, insert the fillets.
• Trim the entities that need trimming.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu and save the drawing as
CAD6.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-35

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD7

This drawing is similar to the previous two exercises.

• Start by drawing the circles with known centers.
• Insert the lines that are tangent to the circles.
• To insert the line that goes from the 1.125 radius up to the .500 fillet, use Tangent To and
Keyboard Snap commands.
Remember, you can always mix Snap commands for starting and ending locations.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the File menu and save the part as
CAD7.

3-36 Inserting Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD8

• Note where X0,Y0 is located on this drawing. All

dimensions are given from there.
• On this drawing there are two 3.000 radius arcs with
unknown centers.
• After you pick the tangency locations for the start and
endpoint of the arc, ProCAM draws two arcs as shown
in the figure on the right.
The prompt line asks you to PICK entity to keep. When
there is more than one solution, ProCAM displays the
solutions and then prompts you to pick the one you
want to keep. After you select the one you want, the
other one is deleted automatically.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on the
File menu and save the part as CAD8.

Inserting Graphic Entities 3-37

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise CAD9

• This drawing requires the use of construction lines

to define arcs and circles.
You need to draw two construction lines: the first so
you have two entities to be tangent to for the .200
radius circles and the second for the big unknown
radius at the right side of the part.
Remember, you need three points to calculate the
size of the arc.
• The big radius on the right side of the part is similar
to CAD4.
• When the drawing is finished, choose Save As on
the File menu and save the part as CAD9.

3-38 Inserting Graphic Entities

Chapter 4 Manipulating Graphic Entities

ProCAM provides a number of utilities for manipulating entities after you have drawn them.
The following commands on the Utility toolbar are discussed in this chapter: Edit, Mirror,
Rotate, Move, Scale, Group, Break and Erase.
This chapter also explains several features that help you complete your drawings quickly
including:
• The Capture Snap command to capture information about an existing entity to use when
inserting a new entity.
• The Insert command on the File menu to combine drawings.
• The Geometry Healer function to correct common problems encountered with CAD
geometry such as gap and overlap conditions between adjacent entities.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-1

Editing Entities

Editing Entities
The Edit Utility allows you to modify most entities after they are inserted.
The system bar at the top of the ProCAM window contains options that can be used with the
Edit utility to select a different color or line type and to move entities to a different layer (as
explained in Chapter 5).

Line Type Color Layer

Changing the Color of Entities

EXERCISE You can use the Color modifier to change the color of an entity in the work area.

1. Open the part file EDIT.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Color modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity to be edited (button 2 when done).
4. Click the down arrow next to the color selection box on the system bar and
select a different color.
You can select a color either before or after you pick the entities you want to
edit.
5. Pick an entity in the work area.
− You can also window pick entities.
− ProCAM highlights the selected entity to show you picked it.
6. Click BUTTON 2. The entity displays in the new color.
7. Pick a different color.
8. Pick the text entity ABC and click BUTTON 2. The text changes to the color you
picked.

4-2 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Editing Entities

Changing the Line Type of Entities and the Text Font

You can use the Fonts modifier to edit the line style of entities in the work area and to change
the font of text that has been inserted.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (EDIT.PRT).
2. Click the down arrow next to the Line Type selection box on the system bar
and pick the dashed line.
For all line types except a solid line, a dialog box displays to specify the length
of the segments and/or the space between segments.
3. In the Dash Line dialog box, type .2 for the Length and press TAB.
4. Type .2 in the Space text box, then click OK.

5. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

6. Click the Fonts modifier button.

7. Pick the top horizontal line, then click BUTTON 2. ProCAM changes the line from solid to
dashed.
8. Select Text on the menu bar.
9. Select Fonts on the menu.
The dialog box displays either the Font or TekSoft Fonts options.
10. Pick a different TrueType or TekSoft font, then click OK.

11. With the Fonts modifier still highlighted, pick the text ABC on the part, then click
BUTTON 2.
The text displays in the font you selected.

Changing the Location and Size of Entities

The Entities modifier allows you to change the location and size of entities. For text entities
that have been inserted using the Linear Text modifier, you can also change the angle.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Entities modifier button.

3. Pick the bottom horizontal line on the part.
− The InfoBar displays the X,Y start and end, the angle and the length of the line.
− ProCAM displays small crosses at each endpoint and at the midpoint of the line.
− The prompt line reads: PICK edit point. ProCAM needs to know which of the three
points you want to edit.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-3

Editing Entities

4. Pick the left endpoint.

5. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for new point.
6. Pick the bottom of the hexagon.
The line changes to that endpoint.

7. Click the Oops button to undo the line location.

8. Click some of the other Snap modifiers to see how the line can be modified.
9. Click BUTTON 2 when you are finished.
10. Pick the text entity ABC.
The InfoBar lists the current settings for Text, Angle, Height, Width, X origin, and Y
origin.
11. Double-click the Angle text box, type 30 and press ENTER.
12. Type .5 for the Height and press ENTER.
13. Change the Width to .5 and press ENTER.
14. Click BUTTON 2.
The angle and size of the text is changed.
15. Pick some of the other entities to see how they can be modified.

4-4 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Mirroring

Mirroring
The Mirror Utility is used to mirror-image entities about a selected axis. You cannot mirror
entities about a point or a circle.

Mirroring and Copying Entities

The Mirror/Copy modifier mirrors entities around a mirror axis. The original entities remain
in their original position.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you mirror the entities around the Y axis.
1. Open the part file MIRROR.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
The Axis display has been turned on in the Axis dialog box.

2. Click the Mirror button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Make sure the Mirror/Copy modifier is highlighted.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to mirror (button 2 when done).
4. Window pick the part, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for mirror axis start.

5. Click the Entity Select button on the Snap toolbar.

This modifier allows you to select an existing entity in order to insert a new entity. This
command cannot be used to insert a circle, line or arc. It is used in special cases such as
picking a line to mirror or rotate around.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity for mirror
axis.
6. Pick the Y axis line.
The entities are mirrored and copied.
7. Click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you are
finished with these entities.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-5

Mirroring

Mirroring the Original Entities

The Mirror Original modifier mirrors entities
around a mirror axis. The original entities are
mirrored from their original position and no
copies are created.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Mirror Original modifier

button.
3. Window pick the original entities and click
BUTTON 2.

4. Mirror the entities around the X axis.

Remember to follow the prompt line.

Using Midpoint Snap to Mirror Entities

EXERCISE In the following example, the axis lines are not in a place that you can mirror around. You
can use the Midpoint Snap command to mirror the part.
1. Continue using the part in the work area (MIRROR.PRT).
2. Select Set Layers on the View menu.
3. In the Layers dialog box, turn on Layer 1 and make it Current, turn off Layer 0, then click
OK.
4. Click the Zoom All button in the lower right corner of the window.

5. Click the Mirror button on the Utility toolbar.

Make sure the Mirror/Copy modifier button is highlighted.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to mirror around (button 2 when done).
6. Window pick the entities inside the rectangle, then click BUTTON 2.

7. Click the Midpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK midpoint for mirror axis start.

4-6 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Mirroring

8. Pick the left side vertical line of the

rectangle.
The prompt line reads: PICK midpoint
for mirror axis end.
9. Pick the right side line for mirror axis
end.
This creates a theoretical line from
midpoint to midpoint to mirror around.
10. Click BUTTON 2.
The entities are mirrored.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-7

Rotating

Rotating
The Rotate Utility is used to rotate entities around a point at a specified angle.

Rotating Entities
EXERCISE In this exercise, you use the Rotate Original modifier to rotate the small circle up 22.5
degrees and you do not want to leave the original entity.
1. Open the part file ROTATE.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
If this was a bolt circle that had the first hole rotated off
at 22.5 degrees, it would be much easier to put the first
hole at zero degrees using known X,Y coordinates than it
would be to calculate the X,Y coordinates at that angle.

2. Click the Rotate button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Make sure the Rotate Original modifier is

highlighted.
This modifier rotates entities by a specified angle. The
original entities are moved from their original position
and no copies are created.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to rotate (button 2 when done).
4. Pick the small circle, then click BUTTON 2.
All rotations are done around a point. In this part, the point of rotation is the center of the
big circle.

5. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin to rotate around.
6. Pick the big circle.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of rotation.
− In the InfoBar, the Angle text box is highlighted.
7. Type 22.5 and press ENTER.
The small circle should now be at 22.5 degrees.
8. Click BUTTON 2.

4-8 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Rotating

Rotating Entities Multiple Times

EXERCISE In this exercise, you rotate and copy the small circle so there are seven holes. Since it is not
easy to determine the angle, you can have ProCAM do the math for you.

1. Click the Rotate/Copy Repeat modifier button.

2. Highlight the Angle text box in the InfoBar.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER angle of rotation.
− The Angle text box still displays 22.5 degrees (or 22^30” ).
Whatever angle you input while you are in Rotate mode remains in the InfoBar until you
change it. Always be sure the angle is correct before you rotate entities.
3. Type 360/7 in the Angle text box and press ENTER.
− This tells ProCAM to divide 360 degrees by the 7 holes.
− The Angle text box now displays 51.4286 (or 51^25’43” ).
4. For the Repeat, type 6 and press ENTER.
Because you have the Rotate/Copy Repeat modifier selected, you want to tell ProCAM to
repeat the rotation 6 times. The 6 repeats plus the original give you the 7 holes.
5. Click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to rotate (button 2
when done).
6. Pick the small circle, then click BUTTON 2.

7. Make sure the Entity Origin Snap button is

highlighted.
8. Pick the big circle for the entity origin to rotate
around.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-9

Moving

Moving
The Move Utility is used to move entities or copies of entities to a new location.

Moving and Copying Entities

EXERCISE Rather than draw the two filleted rectangles and all the slots in this part, you can draw one
rectangle and one slot, then move and copy them to the correct locations.
1. Open the part file
MOVE.PRT in the
\procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Move button

on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Move/Copy

modifier button.
The prompt line reads: PICK
entities to move (button 2 when
done).
4. Window pick the filleted rectangle on the lower tab, then click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate to move from.
Since both rectangles are in the same position relative to the tabs, you can use Endpoint Snap
to move it:

5. Click the Endpoint button on

the Snap toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK
endpoint to move from.
6. Pick this endpoint on the lower tab.
The prompt line changes to: PICK
endpoint to move to.
7. Pick the endpoint on the upper tab
indicated by the arrow.
The rectangle is copied to the
upper tab.
8. Click BUTTON 2.

4-10 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Moving

Moving Copies to Multiple Locations

EXERCISE To insert the 9 slots in each row, you can move and copy the slot once to the row above, then
move and copy the two slots across the rows.

1. Leave the Move/Copy modifier button highlighted.

2. Pick the slot to move, then click BUTTON 2.
− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint to move from.
− The prompt says endpoint because this is the last Snap command you were using.

3. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

You use this Snap command to move the slot from the center of the bottom arc.
The prompt line changes to: PICK entity origin to move from.
4. Pick the arc (indicated by the arrow).

5. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate to move to.
6. Press ENTER, since you are only moving the slot up in the Y axis.
7. Click after .5 in the Y to text box, then type + 4.750 and press ENTER.
This moves and copies the slot to its
correct position in the row above.
8. Click BUTTON 2.
You can now move and copy the 2 slots to
have 9 slots in each row:

9. Click the Move/Copy Repeat

modifier button.
10. Pick both slots to move.

11. Click the Entity Origin button on

the Snap toolbar.
12. For the entity origin to move from, pick the same arc that you picked in step 4.

13. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate to move to.
− In the InfoBar, the X to text box should read 11.75" (which is the coordinate of the
arc).
14. Click to the right of the 11.75", then type -.75 and press ENTER.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-11

Moving

15. You do not want to move the slot in the Y axis, so press ENTER for the Y axis move to
position.
The prompt line reads: ENTER X increment. This is the distance to move the slot in the X
axis. The X increm text box in the InfoBar should read -.750, which is the amount you told
ProCAM to move the slot.
16. Press ENTER to accept this value and the
Y axis increment.
17. At the prompt to enter number of
repeats, type 8 and press ENTER.
− This is a REPEAT command. You
already have 1 slot and you want to
repeat this slot 8 more times, giving
you a total of 9.
− Your part should look like the
figure on the right.

4-12 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Scaling

Scaling
The Scale Utility is used to scale entities around an X,Y coordinate location.

Scaling Entities
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file UTILITY.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Scale button on the

Utility toolbar.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to
scale (button 2 when done).
3. Window pick the entities in the center
of the part and click BUTTON 2.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE
coordinate to scale around.

4. Click the Entity Origin button on

the Snap toolbar.
5. Pick circle 5.
− The prompt line reads: ENTER scale
factor.
− Scale factors of less than 1 make the entities smaller; scale factors greater than 1 make
the entities larger. Scale factors equal to 1 make the entities the same size.
6. Type 1.5 and press ENTER.
7. Press ENTER to accept 1 for the Repeat count.
The entities are enlarged in the work area.
8. Click a blank toolbar button, then click the Scale button again.
9. Repeat steps 3 through 7 using .5 for the scale factor.
This time the size of the entities is reduced.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-13

Grouping and Ungrouping

Grouping and Ungrouping

The Group Utility is used to define an associated relationship between graphic entities that
are grouped together. Any type of graphic entity can be included in a group. Once grouped,
if one member of a group is picked, the entire group is picked. However, entities within a
group can be picked and modified separately when using functions that allow windowing,
such as the Edit, Measure, and Mirror Utilities and Insert Dimension.
Grouping and Ungrouping Entities
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file UTILITY.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Group button on the Utility

toolbar.

The Group modifier is highlighted.

This is the default.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities to group
(button 2 when done).
3. Pick circles 1 and 2, then click BUTTON 2.
The two circles now comprise a group.

4. Click the Erase button on the Utility

toolbar and pick circle 1.
Both circles are erased because you have grouped them.

5. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar.

6. Click the Group button again.

7. Click the Ungroup modifier button.

8. Pick the same circles, then click BUTTON 2.
The circles are now ungrouped.

9. Erase circle 1.
Only that circle is erased.

4-14 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Breaking and Exploding

Breaking and Exploding

The Break Utility allows you to break an entity into multiple entities or to explode patterns
or text into multiple entities.

Breaking an Entity
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file UTILITY.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
If this part is already open in the work
area, do not save the changes.

2. Click the Break button on the

Utility toolbar.

The Break modifier is

highlighted.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity to
break.
3. Pick the top horizontal line.
ProCAM highlights the line.

4. Click the Midpoint Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK midpoint for break location.
5. Pick the line again.
A small cross displays at the break location.
6. Click BUTTON 2.
Breaking an entity leaves no gaps between the two resulting entities, although one is
shown graphically until the screen is redrawn. The small gap is shown graphically to
indicate that the Break command has been carried out.
Break circle 5 at the intersections of the lines:
7. At the prompt, PICK entity to break, pick the circle.
ProCAM highlights the circle.

8. Click the Single Intersection Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK intersection for break location.
9. Pick one of the lines that intersects circle 5.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-15

Breaking and Exploding

10. Break the circle at the other 3 lines by picking each line.
Follow the prompt line.
11. Click BUTTON 2 when you are finished.
The circle is broken in four places and the entities are now arcs.

12. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

13. Pick anywhere on circle 5.
The prompt line identifies the entity as an arc.

Breaking Text into Line Entities

When you insert text, it is treated as one entity. The Explode modifier allows you to break up
text into multiple entities. If you use a TekSoft font, text is broken into only line entities. If
you use a TrueType font, text is broken into line and spline entities.
TrueType fonts are recommended if you are inserting test for engraving. TrueType fonts are
composed of lines and splines, which will generate smooth cuts with few retracts. TekSoft
fonts will not produce the same results.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file BREAK TEXT.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Pick the text in the work area.
The prompt line identifies the entity as text.

4. Click the Break button on the Utility toolbar.

5. Click the Explode modifier button.

6. At the prompt to pick entity to explode, pick the text.
7. Click BUTTON 2.

8. To see that the text is no longer one entity, click the Measure Utility button and pick
any line on the screen.
The prompt line identifies the entity as a line.

4-16 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Removing Doubles

Removing Doubles
When you are inserting entities, you use the Erase Utility frequently to correct mistakes.
You can also use this utility to erase identical entities that have been inserted on top of each
other.
Remove If a section of your drawing is out of the current drawing area, you may inadvertently draw
Doubles multiple entities one on top of the other. You can use the Erase Utility Remove Doubles
modifier to have ProCAM quickly locate and remove these multiple entities. If you are not
sure whether there are double entities in your part, use this modifier to check the part and
remove them.

Removing Duplicate Entries

EXERCISE The part used in the following exercise has five 2.000" diameter circles drawn at X0,Y0.
However, it is impossible to see the five circles when you look at the part.
Typically, this would not be a problem from a CAD point of view. If you plotted or printed
this part, the five circles would print one on top of the other.
To machine a part like this would be a problem because ProCAM would drill the hole five
times.
1. Open the part file DUPLICATES.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Leave the Entity Select button highlighted on the Snap toolbar.

4. Pick the 2.000" circle to erase.
The circle disappears.

5. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar.

− The circle displays again.
− What you are actually seeing is the second circle in the stack of five. Whenever you
draw an entity on top of another entity, they are actually in a stack. If the five circles
were drawn in different colors, each time you erase one and redraw the screen, you
would see a different color circle.
− If you continued to use the Entity Select command, you would have to erase and
redraw 3 more times to remove all but one of the circles.

6. Click the Remove Doubles modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to remove duplication.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-17

Removing Doubles

7. Window pick the circles, then click BUTTON 2.

− You must use window pick.
− ProCAM looks for any entities that are identical and on top of each other, and
removes the duplicates. When ProCAM finishes, there is only one circle at X0,Y0.

8. Click the Entities modifier button and pick the circle.

The circle is removed from the work area.

9. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar.

The circle does not display. This indicates that ProCAM has removed all doubles.

10. Click Oops.

The circle displays again.

4-18 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Capturing Information

Capturing Information
The Capture Snap command allows you to capture information about an entity that can be
used to input other entities.
Capture can be used only when ProCAM is prompting you to input information. If nothing
is highlighted in the InfoBar, Capture does not work.

Capturing a Horizontal Location

EXERCISE In Skill-Builder Exercise CAD4, you inserted an arc with no known center and no known
diameter. In this exercise, the same part has a circle dimensioned from the center of that arc.
You can use the Capture Snap command to input the location.
1. Open the part file CAPTURE.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Insert Circle button on

the CAD toolbar.

3. Make sure the Known Center

modifier button is highlighted.

4. Click the Diameter modifier

button.
5. Type .875 and press ENTER.

6. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: ENTER X coordinate for circle center.

7. Click the Capture button on the Snap toolbar.

The Capture modifiers display in place of the Snap toolbar buttons. In this exercise, you
need to capture the X location of the circle, which is the horizontal location.

8. Make sure the Capture Horizontal modifier button is highlighted.

9. Click the Entity Origin modifier button.

The prompt line continues to read: ENTER X coordinate for circle center. ProCAM does not
prompt you to pick anything to capture.
10. Pick the small arc at the right side of the part.
The Capture modifiers are replaced by the Snap toolbar. In the InfoBar, the X coordinate
of the arc you captured is in the X center text box (5.7482).

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-19

Capturing Information

11. Click after the numbers in the X center text box, type -3.500 and press ENTER.
The .875 diameter circle you want to insert is 3.500" to the left, so in this step you
subtract this amount from the X location of the arc.
12. Type 0 (for Y) and press ENTER.
The circle is inserted.

4-20 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Combining Drawings

Combining Drawings
When you have a configuration that is repeated in multiple parts, you can draw the entities
once, save them in a file, and then insert the file into any other part.
The Insert command on the File menu allows you to combine files to make one part.

Inserting a Part File

EXERCISE This part is a cutout for a DB25 connector, which
is found on the back of your PC. This part could be
inserted into any other part at a specified location,
angle and scale.
1. Draw a rectangle in the work area that starts at X0,Y0 and ends at X6.00,Y4.00.
2. Choose Insert on the File menu.
3. In the Insert File dialog box, select CONNECTOR.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder,
then click Open.
The modifier toolbar displays two modifiers:

Maintain Original Layers inserts the entities in the file on the same layers as the
original part.

Insert on Current Layer inserts the entities in the file on the current layer.
4. Leave the Insert on Current Layer modifier highlighted.
ProCAM prompts you to digitize a location for the inserted entities.
5. Use a Snap command such as Endpoint or Midpoint to give X,Y locations.
After you give a location, you can also specify the angle and a scale factor.
6. Click BUTTON 2 when you are done inserting the part.
You have to click BUTTON 2 before you can go on to anything else.
7. Try inserting the part at different locations, scale factors, and angles.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-21

Healing Geometry

Healing Geometry
The Geometry Healer provides automated and interactive methods to correct common
problems encountered with CAD geometry such as gap and overlap conditions between
adjacent entities. This function is useful to heal the entities in parts imported from
DXF/DWG files that are meant to define a closed boundary.

Healing a Part Automatically

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file GEOMETRY HEALER.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
The red circles identify entities that have gaps; the blue rectangle identifies duplicate
entities and the green circles identify overlapping entities.
2. Right click in the Layer selection box on the system bar.
3. In the Layers dialog box, click the All Off button, then click OK.

4. Click the CAM button on the CAD toolbar.

5. Select a Controller Type and click OK.

6. Click the Boundary button.

You can insert boundaries to help identify the entities that need repairing.

8. Click the Single Boundary modifier button, then click the Open Boundary modifier
to display the Closed Boundary modifier.
9. Window pick all the entities in the work area and click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM inserts boundaries only on closed entities.

10. Click the Oops button to remove the boundaries.

11. Click the Redraw button.

12. Select Setup on the menu bar, then select Geometry Healer.
The Geometry Healer dialog box displays. ProCAM fixes gap and overlap conditions
within the specified set of tolerances in this dialog box. You can use the defaults for this
exercise.
13. Click the Heal Part Now button.
ProCAM processes all the entities in the part and the Healer Summary dialog box displays
the results.
14. Click OK to close the dialog box.
15. To verify the results, insert the boundaries again.

4-22 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 Healing Geometry

Healing a Part Interactively

In addition to automatically repairing all closed entities in a part, you can use the Geometry
Healer to repair only selected entities.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file GEOMETRY HEALER.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.

2. Click the Trim button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Click the Geometry Healer modifier button.

The prompt line reads: SELECT entities to heal (press button 2 when done).
4. Window pick the group of entities on the bottom right and click BUTTON 2.
ProCAM fixes the gaps within the specified set of tolerances in the Geometry Healer
dialog box. The Healer Summary dialog box displays the results of the healing process.
5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-23

For More Practice

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY1

• The dimensions are in metric. Before you begin drawing, choose Units on the Setup menu
and change the Units Type to metric in the Units dialog box.
• Choose Axis on the Setup menu and turn on the axis lines so you can mirror the rectangle,
the 45 degree line, and the 3.40mm radius circle.
• Use the Arc command with the Known Center and Unknown Radius modifiers to put the
arcs at the end of the slot. Use the Tangent To Snap command.
• You need a construction line to put in the radius at the top of the 45 degree line.
Remember, you need three points to determine an unknown arc.
• Use the Polygon command to draw the rectangle.
• When the drawing is complete, save it as UTILITY1.PRT.
• Change the Units back to decimal and turn off the axis display.

4-24 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY2

• Draw only the tab that is at zero degrees. Draw it completely including all the fillets.
• Use the Rotate Utility with the Rotate/Copy modifier to rotate the tab to 45 degrees.
• Use the Rotate/Copy Repeat modifier for the other 3 tabs that are at 90 degree increments.
The angle stays in the InfoBar. You have to change it by clicking the Angle text box and
entering the new angle.
• Use the Trim to Cut modifier to remove the sections of the 1.000 radius circle in between
the fillets.
• When the drawing is complete, save it as UTILITY2.PRT.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-25

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY3

In this exercise, you use many of the commands you have learned up to this point.
• Start this drawing by inserting all the lines that you can.
• Then, insert the circles.
• Use the Rotate Utility for the bolt circle.
• Insert the fillets and chamfers last. You can have any angle in chamfers, so the 60 degree
by .500 angles can be input with the Insert Chamfer command.
• Save the part as UTILITY3.PRT.

4-26 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY4

• For the bolt hole circle holes on this part, draw 1 hole, then rotate and copy for the rest of
the holes. Remember, you can use the Entity Origin Snap command for the location to
rotate around.
• Draw 1 hole each for the .250 and 1.000 diameter holes at the location given on the print.
Then move and copy for the rest of the holes.
• Use the Entity Origin Snap command for the location to move from, then press ENTER to
get to the end of the number and add or subtract the distance to move to.
• Save the part as UTILITY4.PRT.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-27

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY5

• To start this drawing, draw the cutout shape and holes first at X0,Y0.
You want to draw the cutout first because you can draw it using X0,Y0 as its center.
This allows you to move it using the Keyboard Snap command to move from and to, and
the .500 radius at the corner of the outside will not be in the way when you are picking
the entities to move.
• Move and copy the cutout and holes to the X,Y locations.
• Rotate the cutouts to the correct angle.
• Draw the outside using the Polygon command with the Corner Points modifier. Input the
known X,Y coordinates.
• Fillet the corners.
• Save the part as UTILITY5.PRT.

4-28 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY6

• The key thing to note about this print is the .406 Typical all surfaces. This means all the
dimensions not given are assumed to be .406 from the given dimensions.
• Start the part by drawing a 2.187 diameter circle at X0, Y0.
Draw another circle at the same location that is .812 smaller. Remember: .406 All
Surfaces.
• Draw a vertical construction line at X3.0935 (half of the 6.187). You need this for the arc
on the right.
• Draw the 10 degree lines on the right tangent to the top and bottom. End them to the right
of the vertical construction line.
• Insert a circle tangent to the two 10 degree lines and the vertical line.
• Click the Radius modifier.
At the prompt, ENTER circle radius, click the Capture Snap and then click the Capture
Radius modifier. In the work area, pick the circle on the right to capture the radius
information. The Circle Radius size displays in the Radius text box in the InfoBar.
• Type -.406 and press ENTER. This gives you the size of the circle to insert.
• Click the Entity Origin Snap button and put the circle at the same center as the existing
circle.
• Click the Line command and the Line Off Of modifier buttons.
Draw a line off of the 10 degree lines top and bottom. Digitize the start and endpoints.
The fillets will automatically trim them.
• Insert the 1/8 fillets.
• Trim the 10 degree lines.
• Trim the circles so the part looks like the figure.
• Mirror the part.
• Finish trimming the big circle.
• Save the part as UTILITY6.PRT.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-29

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise UTILITY7

After you have
completed a
drawing, you may
need to draw a side
view. The easiest
way to accomplish
this is to use the
information already
on the screen with
the Snap
commands.

EXERCISE In this exercise you draw the part first, then the side view.
1. Draw the part shown on the left in the figure above and save it as UTILITY7.PRT.
To draw the side view, the first line to insert is the left side line of the side view. This line is
2" away from the top view.

7. Click the Line button on the CAD toolbar.

8. Click the Line Off Of modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK an entity for off of.
9. Pick the right side vertical line on the part.
10. Type 2 for the distance off of line and press ENTER.

11. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap

toolbar.
12. Pick the top endpoint of the right vertical line
for the line start.
13. Pick the bottom endpoint of the right vertical
line for the line end.
Two lines are inserted.
The prompt line reads: PICK proper side of line.
14. Pick the line on the right to keep.
15. Click BUTTON 2.

4-30 Manipulating Graphic Entities

 For More Practice

EXERCISE The next line to insert is the 1" depth of the pocket.

1. Click the Line Off Of modifier button twice.

The first time turns it off; the second time turns it on again so you can pick a different line
to draw off of.
16. Pick the line you just inserted for the line
to be off of.
17. Type 1 (1.000") for the distance off and
press ENTER.
18. Pick the endpoints of the line for start and
end.
19. Pick the line to the right.
20. Click BUTTON 2.

EXERCISE Draw the right side line of the side view:

1. Click the Line Off Of button twice.

21. The prompt line reads: PICK an entity for off of.
22. Pick the 1.000" line, then type .5 (.500") for the distance and press ENTER.
23. Pick the endpoints.
24. Pick the line to the right, then click BUTTON 2.
EXERCISE Draw the top and bottom horizontal lines:

1. Click the Line Off Of button to

turn it off.

25. Use Endpoint Snap to draw the

lines.
Your part should look like the figure.
26. Click BUTTON 2.

EXERCISE Draw the through holes in the side view:

1. Click the Horizontal Line modifier button.

27. Click the Tangent To Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK tangency for line start.
28. Pick the top of the 3/8" hole as shown in the figure.

Manipulating Graphic Entities 4-31

For More Practice

29. Click the Single Intersection Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK intersection for line end.
30. Pick the right side line of the side view and click BUTTON 2. A line is drawn from the
circle to the line.
31. Draw the horizontal lines at the bottom of this hole and the 3/8" hole at the bottom of the
part using the same method. Remember to click the Tangent To button to start.

Endpoint Start (step 9) Tangent Start (step 3)

Single Intersection End
(step 5)

Endpoint End (step 9)

Single Intersection End

(step 8)

Tangent Start (step 8)

32. Use the same procedure to draw the horizontal lines from the 1.500" circle to the 1.000"
depth line.
You could also use Endpoint Snap for
the line end. Because you have the
Horizontal Line modifier picked,
ProCAM would draw a horizontal line
to the intersection of the endpoint.
This would accomplish the same thing
as using the Single Intersection
endpoint of the pocket near the fillets
to the 1.000" depth line in the side
view.

33. Use Endpoint Snap to insert the horizontal lines from the endpoint of the pocket
near the fillets to the 1.000" depth line in the side view.

34. Trim the lines so the part looks like the figure.
35. Save the part as UTILITY7.PRT.

4-32 Manipulating Graphic Entities

Chapter 5 Working with Parts

ProCAM provides a number of features that make viewing and working with parts easier.
This chapter explains how to use the following features:
• Layers
• Pick Mask
• Picking Options
• Cross Hatching
• 3D View
• Axis Options (display, labels and mode)

Working with Parts 5-1

Using Layers

Using Layers
ProCAM allows you to insert entities on different layers. These layers can be turned on and
off so that you can easily view and pick entities. ProCAM has 256 layers. There are no
restrictions on what can be on a layer.
When you use layers, you have a choice of using the Auto Layers option or setting up your
own layers.
• If you are using ProCAM mostly for NC program generation and not design, using the
Auto Layers command on the View menu may work best for you. The Auto Layers
command allows you to define three layers that are assigned to specific entity types
(CAD, CAM and dimensions).
• If you are using ProCAM for design work and NC program generation, you should use
the Set Layers command on the View menu and create your own layers.
Selecting Layers
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file LAYERS.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Right click in the Layer selection box on the system bar.

The Layers dialog box shows the entities in this part are on seven layers. Layer #1 is the
current layer and all the layers are turned on.
You can also press CTRL + L or select Set Layers on the View menu to display the Layers
dialog box.
3. Click the On check box for Layer 4 to remove the check mark, then click OK.
The 45 degree cross hatching no longer displays.
4. Display the Layers dialog box again, turn off the 135 degree cross hatch, then click OK
and notice the difference in the part display.
5. Display the Layers dialog box and click the All Off button to turn off all layers.
Layer 0 remains on. You cannot turn off all the layers. There will always be one layer
turned on. This is called the current layer. If you want to turn off the current layer, first
pick a different layer to be the current layer.
You can also change the current layer using the Layer selection box on the system bar.
The current layer (0) is shown in the box. To change the layer, click the down arrow next
to the box and choose a different layer number.

5-2 Working with Parts

 Using Layers

Creating a New Layer

EXERCISE In this exercise, you insert .437 counterbores on a new layer.
1. Continue using LAYERS.PRT in the work area.
2. If the Layers dialog box is not displayed, right click the Layer selection box on the system
bar.
3. In the empty Layer # text box below layer 7, type 8 and press TAB.
Notice that Layer 8 becomes the Current layer. When you create a new layer, it
automatically becomes the current layer.
4. Type Counterbores in the Description text box.
5. Click the All Off button.
6. Click the check box for Layer 7 (1/4-20 screws) to turn it on, then click OK.
Turning off all the layers, then selecting the ones you want on may be easier than turning
off individual layers.

7. Click the Circle button on the CAD toolbar.

8. Click the Diameter modifier button.

9. Type .437 for the circle diameter and press ENTER.

10. Click the Entity Origin button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for circle center.
11. Pick the ¼" holes, then click BUTTON 2.

Using Pick Layers On / Off

EXERCISE 1. Continue using LAYERS.PRT in the work area.
2. Display the Layers dialog box and turn on all the layers.
3. On the View menu, choose Pick Layers Off.
The prompt line reads: PICK entity (button 2 when done).
4. On the left side of the part where the purple cross hatch extends beyond the green bottom,
pick the purple cross hatch.
The layer containing this cross hatch is turned off and the cross hatch is removed from the
work area.
5. Pick the same area of the part, then click BUTTON 2.
6. Display the Layers dialog box and notice that the status of these layers is now off.
7. On the View menu, choose Pick Layers On.
All entities that are currently off are displayed and entities that are currently on are
temporarily turned off. This is so you can pick easily from the entities that are off.

Working with Parts 5-3

Using Layers

8. Pick one of the cross hatches, then click BUTTON 2.

All entities that were on before are turned back on and the cross hatch you picked also
displays.

Using the Measure Utility to Show the Layer

You can use the Measure Utility to show what layer an entity is inserted on.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using LAYERS.PRT in the work area.

2. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

3. Pick any line in the work area.
The InfoBar displays the layer number the entity is inserted on and the X,Y start and end
points, angle, and length.

Moving Entities to a Different Layer

EXERCISE In this exercise, you create a new layer and use the Edit Utility Layers modifier to move the
two hexagons in the part to the new layer.
1. Open the part file EDIT.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Right click the Layer selection box on the system bar.
In this part, each entity type was inserted on a different layer.
3. In the Layers dialog box, type 7 in the blank Layer # text box and press TAB.
4. Type Hexagon for the Description, then click OK.

5. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

6. Click the Layers modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entities to be edited (button 2 when done).
7. Window pick the hexagons and click BUTTON 2.
The hexagons are now on layer 7.
8. Display the Layers dialog box, click All Off, then click OK.
The hexagons should be the only entities in the work area.

5-4 Working with Parts

 Setting a Pick Mask

Setting a Pick Mask

The Set Pick Mask function allows you to set "masks" for picking entities in the work area. A
pick mask allows you to restrict entity picking by entity type, color, layer, font, and whether it
is a CAD or CAM entity. The pick mask restricts all picking in every command. Any
combination of these masking characteristics can be used to control which entities are picked.

The Pick Mask is operational only when the Pick Mask On command is selected on the
Options menu. When you are finished using the Pick Mask, make sure you select the Pick
Mask On command again to remove the check mark.
Pick Mask can be very helpful when you have numerous entities in the work area. You can
make your job easier if you do some planning before starting a complex part. Plan layers,
color, line fonts, etc., before you draw your part.

Setting and Using a Pick Mask

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file EDIT.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Choose Pick Mask on the Options menu or right click the Pick Mask button on the system
bar.
The Pick Mask dialog box displays the CAD entities.
3. Click the CAM button.
The dialog box changes to show the CAM entities
that can be masked.
4. Click the Color button.
The dialog box changes to show the colors that can
be masked.
Click the All Off button.
Click the yellow color button. This sets the mask to
pick yellow.
5. Click the CAD button.
6. Click the All Off button.
7. Click circles.
8. Click OK to exit the dialog box.
The pick mask is now set to pick only yellow circles.

Working with Parts 5-5

Setting a Pick Mask

9. On the Options menu, choose Pick Mask On or left click the Pick Mask button on the
system bar.
When the Pick Mask is on, the Pick Mask button is highlighted.

10. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and window pick the entire part.
The yellow circles are the only entities that are erased.

11. Click Oops to put the circles back in the work area.
12. Choose Pick Mask on the Options menu.
13. Click the All On button to turn on all CAD selections.
14. Click the Color button, then click the All On button.
15. Click the Line button.
The dialog box displays the line types.
16. Turn off all line types, then click the dashed line to turn it back on.
17. Click OK.
18. Window pick the entire part.
Only the dashed lines are erased.

19. Click Oops to put the lines back in the work area.
20. Click a blank toolbar button to exit the Erase utility.

Using the Pick Mask Library

After you have created a pick mask, you can use the Pick Mask Library to save the setup.
You can retrieve and use a mask that is saved in the library, which eliminates the need to re-
set the mask for operations you perform repeatedly. Any configuration of masks can be set up
and saved.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using EDIT.PRT in the work area.
2. Choose Pick Mask on the Options menu.
3. Click the Color button, turn off all colors, then select red.
4. Click the Line button.
Leave the dashed line turned on (from the previous exercise).
5. Click the Library button.
6. In the Pick Mask Library dialog box, type RED DASH and click Save.
Note that if the RED DASH pick mask is already saved and listed in this dialog box, you
can continue with step 7.
7. Click OK to exit the Pick Mask Library dialog box.
8. Click OK to exit the Pick Mask CAD dialog box.

5-6 Working with Parts

 Setting a Pick Mask

9. Open EDIT.PRT again.

Do not save the changes.
10. Double-click the Pick Mask button on the system bar.
Double-clicking this button turns on the Pick Mask and displays the Pick Mask dialog
box.
11. Click the Library button.
12. In the Pick Mask Library dialog box, pick RED DASH and click Open.
13. Click OK.
14. Click OK to exit the Pick Mask dialog box.

15. Click the Erase button on the Utility toolbar and window pick the entire part.
Only the red dashed entities are erased.
16. Before you continue, click the Pick Mask button on the system bar to turn it off.
The Pick Mask On option should not be checked on the Options menu.

Working with Parts 5-7

Changing Picking Options

Changing Picking Options

The Picking command on the Options menu allows you to customize the way entities are
picked in the work area, the pick distance and the color of the selection window.
When you window picked entities in previous exercises, all the entities inside the selection
window were picked. This is the default setting. You can change this option to pick all
entities outside the selection window.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file PICKING.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
2. Choose Picking on the Options menu.
The Picking dialog box displays options to change the color of the selection window, the
pick distance and the way entities are picked.
The Pick Distance is set to .100" which means you can pick an entity within a .100"
radius. This distance is usually sufficient on most parts. If the parts are exceptionally
small and you find it difficult to pick an entity, try setting the pick distance to a smaller
amount.
3. Change the Rubber Band Color
to a different color.
4. Change Window Picking to
Outside Window, then click
OK.

5. Click the Erase button on

the Utility toolbar.
6. Window pick the entities
shown in the figure.
The prompt line reads: PICK is
set to window out. Continue?
In the InfoBar, Yes/No displays with Yes in the text box.
7. Click BUTTON 2 or press ENTER to select Yes.
8. All entities outside the window are erased.
9. Change the Window Picking back to Pick Inside Window.

5-8 Working with Parts

 Cross Hatching

Cross Hatching
The Cross Hatch command on the CAD toolbar allows you to insert cross hatching into a
drawing. Cross hatching is a pattern of lines designed to give an effect of shading or
highlighting to an area. Any enclosed area of a drawing can be cross hatched, including
circles, polygons and triangles. You can use cross hatching to designate cut-away sections
and different parts or materials in a CAD drawing.

Inserting Cross Hatching

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file CROSS HATCH.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Cross Hatch button on the CAD toolbar.

− The prompt line reads: PICK entities to cross hatch (button 2 when done).
− Distance and Angle display in the InfoBar. These are the cross hatch parameters.

3. Click the Pattern modifier.

The Pattern dialog box shows the selection of patterns.
The first pattern is the default.
4. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

5. Leave the Every Other Island modifier

highlighted.
This modifier cross hatches every other island that is
encountered (like a donut and hole). The outermost
selected entities, excluding the first level of internal
entities are cross hatched.
6. Double click the Distance text box, type .250 and press
ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER cross hatch angle.
7. Press ENTER to accept the default 0.000.
With an angle of 0 degrees, the pattern will be inserted as shown
in the Pattern dialog box.
8. Click BUTTON 2.
9. Window pick all the entities and click BUTTON 2.
The cross hatching is inserted on the part.

10. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar.

After you click BUTTON 2, you can click Oops to remove the cross hatching until you
select another command.

Working with Parts 5-9

Cross Hatching

11. Click the Ignore Inside Islands modifier.

This modifier inserts cross hatching that ignores all inside islands.
All selected entities, including all internal entities, are cross
hatched.
12. Click BUTTON 2. You did not have to pick the entities again
because they remain picked after you click Oops.
The cross hatching is inserted as shown in the figure on the right.

13. Click Oops.

14. Click the Outermost Entities modifier.

This modifier cross hatches only the outermost entities that are
encountered. Only the area between the outermost boundary and
the first encountered island are cross hatched.
15. Click BUTTON 2.
The cross hatching is inserted as shown in the figure on the right.

16. Click Oops.

17. Click the Pattern modifier.

18. In the Pattern dialog box, select a different pattern and click OK.
Shortcut: You can double-click the pattern.
19. Try inserting the cross hatch with different patterns.
20. When you are finished, change the Pattern back to the default (the first pattern) as shown
in the Pattern dialog box on the previous page.

Using the Break Utility Before Cross Hatching

EXERCISE In this exercise, you cross hatch a side view. To cross hatch this part, some of the lines need
to be broken.
1. Continue using the part in the work area (CROSS HATCH.PRT).
2. Select Set Layers on the View menu.
3. In the Layers dialog box, turn on Layer 1 and make it Current, turn off Layer 0, then click
OK.

5-10 Working with Parts

 Cross Hatching

4. Click the Cross Hatch button on the CAD toolbar.

5. Set the Distance to .125 and use the default 0 degree angle.

6. Leave the Every Other Island modifier highlighted.

7. Window pick the part and click BUTTON 2.
The cross hatch looks like the figure on the right. ProCAM finds
the places to insert the cross hatch across every other entity. To
avoid this, you can break the lines. Then, you select only the
entities you want to be cross hatched.

8. Click the Oops button on the Utility toolbar.

9. Click the Break button on the Utility toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity to break.
10. Pick the left horizontal line.
The prompt line reads: PICK intersection for break location.
11. Pick each of the horizontal lines as shown in the figure.
12. Click BUTTON 2.
13. Pick the right vertical line.
14. Pick the horizontal intersections, then click BUTTON 2.

15. Click the Cross Hatch button on the CAD toolbar.

16. Window pick the lines shown in the figure on the right, then click
BUTTON 2.
The cross hatching is inserted.
17. Window pick the same lines at the bottom, then click BUTTON 2.

Working with Parts 5-11

Cross Hatching

18. Pick the lines shown as dotted in the figure on the right.
In this step, you pick individual lines. These lines form a boundary
within which the cross hatch is inserted.

Do not pick
these 2 lines

19. Click BUTTON 2.

The part is cross hatched as shown in the figure on the right.

5-12 Working with Parts

 3D Viewing

3D Viewing
The 3D Viewing function of the CAD system can be used to create a 3-dimensional view
through either extruding a flat part or creating a surface of revolution for a round part.

Extruding a Flat Part

An extrusion is a plane part (in the X,Y plane) that has a depth added by projecting the part
in the Z axis. The two planes are connected at each entity start and end location by lines. The
entities at the Z top are the original selected entities. The entities at the Z bottom are exact
copies of those at the Z top. Note that extrusion entities are for viewing only and cannot be
machined.
EXERCISE The Extrusion modifier is used to give a flat part depth (in effect extruding it). You input the
top and bottom locations of the part you are going to extrude.
1. Choose New on the File menu to clear the work area.

2. Insert a 2" square in the work area.

3. Click the 3D View button on the CAD toolbar.

4. Leave the Extrude modifier highlighted.

The prompt line reads: ENTER the extrusion Z top amount. This is the Z coordinate of the
top of the extrusion.
5. Type 1.000 and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: ENTER the extrusion Z bottom amount. This is the Z coordinate of
the bottom of the extrusion.
6. Type 0 and press ENTER.
ProCAM prompts you to pick the entities to
extrude.
7. Window pick the square, and click BUTTON 2.

8. Click the Isometric View modifier button.

The part displays at an angle. Using this modifier
usually provides a good view of the part. The Top,
Right Side and Front View modifiers provide
additional views.
You can also change the view interactively by holding down BUTTON 1 and moving the
pointer in the work area to rotate the axis in the lower left corner of the work area. When
you release the mouse button, the display is updated to correspond to the axis.

Working with Parts 5-13

3D Viewing

Note that ProCAM is a 2D system, so the view you are looking at on the screen is only
that - a view. These views cannot be used for any other purpose. Selecting any other
command causes the part to be shown in 2D.
Projecting a 3D View into a 2D Part
The Project 3D to 2D modifier allows you to save a 3D view by converting the 3D view to
2D CAD entities. Any 3D view can be projected. New 2D entities will be inserted in the
work area to represent the 3D view, but the original part is not changed. This modifier creates
a 3D view only, not a 3D part.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the entities in the work area from the previous exercise.

2. Click the Project 3D to 2D modifier button.

− The part display changes from the 3D Isometric view to the original 2D entities.
− The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for 1st window corner. ProCAM is asking
you to define a rectangular area where you want to insert the new 2D entities that
make up the 3D view.

3. Click the Keyboard button on the Snap toolbar.

4. Press ENTER twice to accept the 0 defaults for
X start and Y start.
5. Type 2 for the X end and press ENTER.
6. Type 2 for the Y end and press ENTER.
The 3D isometric view of the part is inserted
in the square.

7. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

8. Pick one of the entities that was converted from the
3D view.
The prompt line indicates the entity is a line. All
entities inserted using this modifier are lines. Even if
you project a circular 3D view, ProCAM converts it into lines.
Using this modifier may result in a very large part file because of the method ProCAM
uses to convert the 3D view to 2D entities.

5-14 Working with Parts

 3D Viewing

Extruding a Part with Multiple Z Heights

To extrude a part with multiple Z heights,
you input one Z height at a time, select the
entities that have that height, then change
the Z height in the InfoBar.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file 3D VIEW.PRT in the
\procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the entities in the work
area.
2. Select Surface Mesh on the Setup
menu.
3. In the Surface Mesh dialog box, change
the Number of Primary Lines to 6 and
the Number of Secondary Lines to 6,
then click OK.
The settings in this dialog box, which control the way surfaces display in 3D view, are
explained in the exercise on page 5-16.

4. Click the 3D View button on the CAD toolbar.

5. Leave the Extrude modifier highlighted.

6. Type 0 for the Z top and press ENTER.
7. Type -2 for the Z bottom and press ENTER.
8. Pick the outside four lines and the four .500" diameter holes to extrude to this height, then
click BUTTON 2.
9. Highlight the Z bottom text box in the InfoBar, type -1.375, then click BUTTON 2.
10. Pick the inside square and fillets, then click BUTTON 2.
11. Highlight Z top in the InfoBar, type -.625 and
press ENTER.
12. Type -1.375 for the Z bottom, then click BUTTON
2.
13. Pick the big circle, then click BUTTON 2.

14. Click the Isometric View modifier button.

Your part should look like the figure.

Working with Parts 5-15

3D Viewing

15. Click the Front View modifier.

Your part should look like the figure on the right.

Showing the Z Heights Attached to an Entity

EXERCISE The Measure Utility 3D modifier shows the top and bottom heights that have been attached
to an entity.

1. Click the Measure button on the Utility toolbar.

2. Click the 3D modifier button.

3. Pick any line in the part.
In the InfoBar, the Z top and Z bottom values display.

Adjusting the Surface Mesh

The Surface Mesh command on the Setup menu allows you to set the way surfaces display in
3D View mode. When the surface mesh display is on, a mesh of crossing horizontal and
vertical lines displays. You can define the method (Distance Along or Number of Lines) and
turn the surface mesh display on or off.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (3D VIEW.PRT).
2. Choose Surface Mesh on the Setup menu.
The Surface Mesh dialog box displays.
3. Change the Number of Primary Lines to 10.
4. Change the Number of Secondary Lines to 3, then
click OK.

5. Click the 3D View button on the CAD

toolbar.

6. Click the Isometric View modifier button.

The part is redrawn using the new parameters.
7. Choose Surface Mesh on the Setup menu.

5-16 Working with Parts

 3D Viewing

8. In the Surface Mesh dialog box, remove the check

mark from the Surface Mesh Display On check
box, then click OK.

9. Click the Redraw button.

When you turn off the surface mesh display, only
the top and bottom lines display.

EXERCISE Number of Lines was the Mesh Type used in the previous exercises. This option allows you
to determine the number of lines in the mesh. The Distance Along option allows you to
specify the distance between the mesh lines and provides a different surface mesh. When you
use Distance Along, make sure the distance along is less than half the circumference of the
smallest circle you are going to extrude.
1. Continue using the part in the work area (3D VIEW.PRT).
2. Choose Surface Mesh on the Setup menu.
3. In the Surface Mesh dialog box, select the
Surface Mesh Display On check box to turn the
mesh display back on.
4. Select Distance Along for the Surface Mesh
Type.
5. Type 2 for the Primary Distance.
6. Type .5 for the Secondary Distance, then click
OK.

7. Click the Redraw button. Notice the small

circles are actually squares.

Viewing a Round Part in 3D

A surface of revolution entity is a plane part (in the X,Y plane) that has been rotated about
the horizontal axis. The surface of revolution entity contains a start angle, end angle, and a
number of segments. The surface of revolution entities are for viewing only and cannot be
machined.
EXERCISE You can use the Surface of Revolution modifier to view a round part. Only half the part is
required to view a round part in 3D.
1. Continue using the part in the work area (3D VIEW.PRT).

Working with Parts 5-17

3D Viewing

2. Select Set Layers on the View menu, turn on Layer 1 and make it Current, turn off Layer
0, then click OK.

3. Click the Redraw button.

4. Move the pointer over the bottom of the vertical line at the face of the part and notice the
coordinate display at the bottom of the window. Since this is a turn part, it needs to be
moved so that the centerline is centered about turning axis Z. You will learn about
displaying the axis and changing axis options in the next section.

5. Click the Move button on the Utility toolbar and move the part from the bottom
endpoint of the vertical centerline to 0,0.
6. Click the Zoom All button.

7. Click the 3D View button on the CAD toolbar.

8. Click the Surface of Revolution modifier button.

9. Press ENTER twice to accept the default 0 for Start A (the
start angle) and 360 for End A (the end angle).
10. Type 20 for the number of segments and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: PICK entities for SOR (button 2
when done).
11. Window pick the part and click BUTTON 2.

12. Click the Front View modifier.

The part should look like the figure on the right.

13. Click the Isometric View modifier for a different

view of the part.

5-18 Working with Parts

 Changing Axis Options for Turn Parts

Changing Axis Options for Turn Parts

In all the drawings up to this point, you have been using X and Y coordinates. Since lathes
typically use X and Z coordinates and diameters instead of radial dimensions, the screen axis
labels and input need to be changed.
In Diameter mode, all lines drawn in the X vertical axis are automatically divided by 2. Since
a 1.000" diameter is actually .500" up from centerline, using Diameter mode saves you from
having to do the division yourself. This enables you to take dimensions directly off the print.
When drawing turn parts, you need to draw only half of the part. Then, you can mirror the
entities for viewing purposes only. You may find it easier to display the axis lines when
drawing turn parts to see the axis labels and to have an entity to mirror around.

Changing the Axis Display, Labels and Mode

EXERCISE 1. If you have the part from the previous exercise in the work area, click a blank button on a
toolbar to exit 3D view.
2. Choose Axis on the Setup menu.
The Axis dialog box displays.
3. Select one of the Z options for the Horizontal Axis Label.
4. Select one of the X options for the Vertical Axis Label.
The determination whether the axis input should be positive or negative depends on
your machine. If you specify a Z positive, all Z coordinates to the left of zero (looking
at the screen) will be negative. Specifying X positive makes all the X coordinates on the
top of center (looking at the screen) positive.

5. Select Diameter for the Axis Mode.

6. Select the Axis On option to turn on the axis display.
7. Click OK.
The axis displays with the Z and X labels you selected.

8. Click the Redraw button on the Utility toolbar if the axis does not display.

Working with Parts 5-19

For More Practice

For More Practice

These three Skill Builder exercises are turn parts.
Before starting, make sure you have the correct settings in the Axis dialog box as explained
in the previous exercise:
• Axis labels = Z for Horizontal, X for Vertical
• Axis Mode = Diameter
• Axis On = Checked
Skill-Builder Exercise Turn1

• Start the drawing with the Insert Line and Keyboard Snap commands.
• Start the first line at Z0, X0 and end at Z0, X1.000; end the next line at Z-.875, X1.000;
end the next line at Z-.875, X1.250. Continue inserting the rest of the lines using Z and X
coordinates.
• When you insert the first line starting at Z0, X0, and ending at Z0, X1.000, ProCAM
inserts a line .50" long. In Diameter mode, ProCAM automatically divides all X axis
inputs in half.
• Insert the chamfers and radius.
• After the top half is complete, mirror the part around the Z axis line so it looks like a
complete turn part.
• When the drawing is finished, save the part as TURN1.PRT.

5-20 Working with Parts

 For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise Turn2

• Draw Turn2 the same way as Turn1 with the same axis labels setting and the axis display
on.
• For the 1.250 radius, use the Insert Arc command with the Unknown Center and Known
Radius modifiers.
The arc starts at the endpoint of the line at Z-3.375, X2.250 and ends tangent to the 2.000
diameter.
• When the drawing is finished, save the part as TURN2.PRT.

Working with Parts 5-21

For More Practice

Skill-Builder Exercise Turn3

• Draw Turn3 the same way as Turn1 and Turn2.

• Draw only the top half of the ID the same as you would draw the OD.
• If you were drawing this part to create an NC program to cut it, the drill point would not
need to be drawn. In the CAM system, when you drill a hole, ProCAM asks you if you
want to drill the drill point or full diameter. In this case, you would drill to the full
diameter, 4 inches deep.

5-22 Working with Parts

Chapter 6 Dimensioning

After you have completed a drawing, you may need to use the dimensioning function to add
annotations to the drawing. This chapter explains how to insert dimensions and customize the
appearance of the dimensions.

Dimensioning 6-1
Inserting Dimensions

Inserting Dimensions
The Dimension command on the CAD toolbar allows you to place dimensions on a part.
The inserted dimensions can be linear (horizontal, vertical or aligned), angular, diametric, or
radial. You can also insert center lines and center marks into arcs and circles.
A series of dimensions can be:
• Chained (Incremental)
Each succeeding dimension is measured from the previous dimension.
or
• Absolute
Baseline dimensioning allows you to insert dimensions that are all referenced from a
single position without having to pick that location for each dimension. Each succeeding
dimension is inserted from the original baseline, not from the previous dimension.
Baseline dimensioning yields less tolerance accumulation between the first inserted
dimension and the last.
Coordinate dimensioning allows you to insert dimensions from a datum zero with a single
extension line.

Chained Dimensioning
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file DIMEN 1.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
2. Select Dimension Arrows on the Options menu.
3. In the Dimension Arrow dialog box, if the 2nd Arrow Size is set to 0.000, change the
value to 0.1800, then click OK.
You will learn more about the options in this dialog box in the exercise on page 6-14.

4. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

5. If the Horizontal modifier is not highlighted, click the button to turn it on.

The Entity Snap button is highlighted. This is the default Snap command for
dimensioning. It allows you to dimension an entity without having to pick its endpoints.
6. At the prompt, PICK entity for first extension line origin, pick the top line of the top view.
The prompt line changes to: DIGITIZE coordinate for dimension line location. ProCAM is
asking you where you want to place the dimension on the screen.
7. Position the pointer about .5" above the part and click BUTTON 1.
The dimension is inserted as shown in the figure on the next page.

6-2 Dimensioning
 Inserting Dimensions

The prompt line remains the same.

8. Position the pointer 1.500" above the part and
click BUTTON 1 again.
The dimension text is moved to that position.
Until you click BUTTON 2, you can continue to
move the text around the work area. In
addition, you can change the text options in
the InfoBar, including the text and the size of
the text.
9. Click BUTTON 2 when you are finished
positioning the text.

10. Click the Vertical modifier button.

11. Pick the left line.
12. At the prompt, DIGITIZE
coordinate for dimension line
location, position the pointer
about 2" away and click
BUTTON 1.
13. Click BUTTON 2.
Your part should look like the
figure.

You can use different Snap commands to insert dimensions. In this exercise, you dimension
the center pocket.

EXERCISE 1. Make sure the Vertical modifier is highlighted.

2. Click the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for 1st ext. line origin.
3. Pick the top horizontal line of the pocket nearest the left line.
The prompt line asks you to pick the second point.
4. Pick the bottom horizontal line nearest the left.
5. For the text location, position the pointer about .75" away and click BUTTON 1.
6. Click BUTTON 2 to finish.

Dimensioning 6-3
Inserting Dimensions

7. Click the Horizontal

modifier button.
8. Pick the left and right lines for
the endpoints to dimension.
9. Position the pointer about 1"
above the part and click
BUTTON 1.

EXERCISE Insert the .5000" dimension from

the end point of the left vertical line to the center of one of the small circles and dimension
between the two small circles at the bottom.

1. Make sure the Horizontal modifier is still highlighted.

2. Make sure the Endpoint button on the Snap toolbar is highlighted.

3. At the prompt to pick the entity for the 1st extension line, pick the left vertical line.

4. Click the Entity Origin

Snap button.
5. Pick the lower left circle for the
2nd extension line.
6. Position the pointer below the
part and click BUTTON 1.
7. Click BUTTON 2.

8. Use the Entity Origin Snap

command and pick each small
circle at the bottom of the part
for the extension lines.
9. Position the pointer about 1.5" below and click BUTTON 1, then click BUTTON 2.
EXERCISE Insert the .3125 dimension to the edge of the circle in the figure below. This information
could be used by a machine operator on the shop floor to give a quick check of the part.
Giving an operator this type of dimension can cut down on math errors when he is trying to
figure to the edge of a hole.

1. Click the Vertical modifier button.

2. Click the Tangent To Snap button.

6-4 Dimensioning
 Inserting Dimensions

3. Pick the top of the hole.

4. Click the Endpoint

Snap button.
5. Pick the end of the top line.
6. Position the pointer to the
right of the part and click
BUTTON 1.
7. Click BUTTON 2.

EXERCISE To finish dimensioning this part, you insert the diameter value and center line of the large
circle and the diameter value of the small circle as shown in the figure above.

1. Click the Diameter modifier button.

2. Pick the large circle in the center of the part.
Remember that the text is not locked in until you click BUTTON 2. If you do not like
where the text is located, move the pointer and click BUTTON 1 again.
3. Click BUTTON 2 when you have positioned the dimension.

4. Click the Center Line modifier button and pick the large circle.
A centerline is inserted as shown in the figure.
5. Click the Center Line modifier button to remove the highlighting.
6. Leave the Diameter modifier button selected and pick the lower right hole.
7. Move the text position to the desired location and click BUTTON 2.
Edit the dimension text for the small circle and add the additional text:

8. Click the Edit button on the Utility toolbar.

9. Pick near the first 0 in the dimension text for the small circle.
− If you pick incorrectly, click Oops and pick again.
− In the InfoBar, the text box for the Text parameter shows 0.3750".
10. Position the cursor at the end of the text and type -4 Places.
11. Press ENTER, then click BUTTON 2.
The dimension text is updated in the work area.
12. Click BUTTON 2 to accept the change.

Dimensioning 6-5
Inserting Dimensions

Inserting Dimension Notes

You can add dimension notes to a print using the Insert Text command.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area.

2. Click the Insert Text button on the CAD toolbar.

Parameters display in the InfoBar and the cursor is positioned in the text box for the Text
parameter.
3. Type NOTE: Break All Sharp Corners and press ENTER.
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for text origin.
4. Pick a location above the side view and click BUTTON 1.
The text is inserted.
5. Click BUTTON 2.

Inserting an Angle Dimension

EXERCISE The Angular modifier allows you to insert a dimension with the number of degrees enclosed
by an angle that is formed by two lines.
1. Open the part file DIMEN 2.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.
Do not save the part in the work area.

2. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the Angular modifier button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity for 1st ext. line start.
4. Pick the angle line on the upper right of the part.
The prompt line asks you to pick the 2nd entity.
5. Pick the vertical line.
6. Position your cursor above the part and click BUTTON 1.
− The text is inserted.
− Remember that you can move the text simply by re-
positioning the pointer and clicking BUTTON 1 again.
7. Click BUTTON 2 when you are finished positioning the
text.

6-6 Dimensioning
 Inserting Dimensions

Setting the Number of Decimal Places and Text Size

In the previous exercise, the angular dimension is inserted with one decimal place. You can
change the number of decimal places that display for dimensions. You can also change the
text size for the dimension text. After you select the entity or entities to be dimensioned, the
text size is shown in the InfoBar.
EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (DIMEN 2.PRT).
2. Choose Units on the Setup menu.
In the Units dialog box, the Decimal Places option is set to 4.
3. Type 1 in the Decimal Places text box, then click OK.

4. With the Angular modifier selected, pick the first and second extension lines for one
of the angles not yet dimensioned.
The Height and Width parameters display in the InfoBar.
5. Highlight the Height text box.
6. Type .3 and press ENTER.
7. Type .3 for the Width and press ENTER three times.
The dimension is inserted. Notice that the angular dimension has one decimal place and
the text is larger.
8. Change the Decimal Places option back to 4 in the Units dialog box.
9. Change the Height and Width back to .1800 in the InfoBar and dimension another angle.

Using Baseline Dimensioning

Baseline dimensioning allows you to insert dimensions that are all referenced from a single
position without having to pick that location for each dimension.
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file DIMEN 1.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

− You used this part in the previous exercises for chained dimensioning.
− Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Select Dimension Arrows on the Options menu.
3. In the Dimension Arrow dialog box, if the 2nd Arrow Size is set to 0.000, change the
value to 0.1800, then click OK.
You will learn more about the options in this dialog box in the exercise on page 6-14.

4. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

5. Click the More modifier button.

6. Click the Horizontal Baseline modifier button.

Dimensioning 6-7
Inserting Dimensions

7. Click the Endpoint Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for 1st ext. line origin.
8. Pick the upper left corner of the part.
− This is where all the dimensions will be taken from.
− The prompt line changes to: PICK endpoint for 2nd ext. line origin. This is the location
you want to dimension to from the first location.
9. Pick the upper right corner (#1 in the figure).
The prompt line reads: DIGITIZE coordinate for dimension line location. This is where you
want the text to be located.
10. Position the pointer about 2.25" above the part and click BUTTON 1.
11. Click BUTTON 2 once.
Be careful to click BUTTON 2 only once, otherwise the
original baseline will be turned off.
The cross remains in the upper left corner marking the
original Baseline location and the prompt line is asking
you to pick for the 2nd extension line.
With baseline dimensioning, after you have told ProCAM
where to take the dimensions from, all you have to do is
pick where you want to dimension to.

12. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.

13. At the prompt to pick the entity origin for second
extension line location, pick the .375 diameter circle. (#2
in the figure).
14. Position the pointer above the part as shown in the figure
and click BUTTON 1.
15. Click BUTTON 2 once.
16. Use Endpoint Snap and Entity Origin Snap to finish dimensioning the part as shown in
the figure.

17. To dimension the Y axis, click the Vertical Baseline Modifier and use the Snap
commands to select where you want to dimension to. The datum location remains locked
until you click BUTTON 2 twice.

Turning Extension Lines On and Off

In the previous exercise, each dimension that was inserted had a left and right extension line.
This means that the left extension line actually has 6 extension lines drawn one on top of the
other.

6-8 Dimensioning
 Inserting Dimensions

You can turn off one or both of the extension lines after the first dimension is inserted to
prevent extra lines.
To turn off extension lines, choose Dimension Attributes on the Options menu and click the
check box to remove the check mark for Right and/or Left Extension On.
For these exercises, you can leave the extension lines turned on.

Using Coordinate Dimensioning

Coordinate dimensioning allows you to insert dimensions from a datum zero with a single
extension line.
EXERCISE 1. Open DIMEN 1.PRT again.
Do not save the part in the work area.

2. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the More modifier button.

4. Click the X Coordinate Dimension modifier button.

5. Click the Endpoint Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for origin.
6. Pick the upper left corner of the part (#1 in the figure on the next page).
− A cross displays identifying the location as the datum. All dimensions will be
referenced from this single position. Each succeeding dimension will be inserted from
the datum, not from the previous dimension.
− The prompt line reads: PICK endpoint for dimension line start.
7. Pick the upper left corner of the part again.
The prompt line changes to: DIGITIZE coordinate for dimension text.
8. Position the pointer about .5" above the part and click BUTTON 1.
9. Click BUTTON 2 once.
− Coordinate dimensioning works the same as Baseline dimensioning. The datum stays
locked until you click BUTTON 2 twice.
− The datum is dimensioned as 0.00; however, the location that you pick for the datum
does not actually have to be at zero in the work area.

10. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.

The prompt line reads: PICK entity origin for dimension line start.

Dimensioning 6-9
Inserting Dimensions

11. Pick the .375 diameter circle (#2 in the figure).

ProCAM automatically puts the dimension at the
same height as the previous dimension.
12. To accept the dimension, click BUTTON 2 once.
If you wanted the text in a different position, you
would position the pointer in the new position and
click BUTTON 1. Then, click BUTTON 2. All
subsequent dimensions would be at the new height
until you change it again.
13. Dimension circles #3 and #4 the same way.

14. Use Endpoint Snap for #5, #6, and #7.

15. If you wanted to dimension the Y axis, you

would click the Y Coordinate Dimension modifier button and use the Snap commands to
select where you wanted to dimension to. The datum location remains locked until you
click BUTTON 2 twice.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you dimension the part using Entity Origin Snap to pick the datum location.
1. Open DIMEN 1.PRT again. Do not save the part in the work area.

2. Click the Insert Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Click the More modifier button.

4. Click the X Coordinate Dimension modifier button.

5. Click the Entity Origin Snap button.

6. Pick the 1.500" diameter circle.
7. Pick the circle again.
This means that the dimension line will start at the center of
the circle, which is the datum.
8. Position the pointer about .5" above the part and click
BUTTON 1 for the text location.
9. Click BUTTON 2 once.
10. Pick the upper left .375" diameter circle for the next dimension and click BUTTON 2.
Notice that the dimension has a minus sign. Coordinate dimensioning shows the actual
location from the datum zero.
11. Dimension the .375" circle on the right.

6-10 Dimensioning
 Setting Dimension Attributes

Setting Dimension Attributes

ProCAM allows you to customize the way the linear, center, and angular dimensions display
on a part. There are three selections for customizing attributes. Each one works basically the
same.
• Linear Attributes
If you want to change how the linear dimensions are inserted on a part, you can specify
different 1st and 2nd tolerances, offset and extension amounts.
• Center Attributes
When you dimension a circle or arc, you can insert either a Center Mark or a Center Line
at the center. If Center Mark is selected, you can specify the Mark Size.
• Angular Attributes
The options for Angular Attributes are identical to those for Linear Attributes.
Changing Linear and Angular Attributes
EXERCISE 1. Open the part file DIMEN 2.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

2. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

3. Make sure the Horizontal modifier button is highlighted.

If you are continuing from the previous exercise, the second set of modifiers may be
displayed and you will not see the Horizontal modifier. Click the More Modifiers button
to return to the first set.

4. Make sure the Entity Select Snap button is highlighted.

5. Choose Dimension Attributes on the Options menu.
The Dimension Attributes dialog box displays.
6. In the Linear Attributes section, change the following:
− Type .005 for the 1st tolerance.
− Type -.005 for the 2nd tolerance. Make sure you type the minus sign, otherwise the
dimension will have two plus values.
7. Click OK.
8. Dimension the bottom line.
DO NOT click BUTTON 2 yet. Only the 3.0000" dimension is inserted because the
Tolerances On or Limits On function has not been selected yet.
9. Choose Dimension Attributes on the Options menu.
10. Click the Tolerances On option to select it, then click OK.

Dimensioning 6-11
Setting Dimension Attributes

11. Position the pointer over the 3.0000" dimension and click BUTTON 1.
A dimension with the tolerances is inserted.
Remember, until you click BUTTON 2 to tell Dimension with
ProCAM you are done with a dimension, you can Tolerances On selected
continue to modify
the dimension text.
12. Choose Dimension Attributes on the Options
menu.
13. Click the Limits On option to select it, then click
OK.
14. Pick the same place on the part, then click
BUTTON 2.
The dimension should look like the figure on the
right.
15. Choose Dimension Attributes on the Options
menu.
16. In the Angular Attributes section:
Type 2.0000 for the 1st tolerance
Type -1.0000 for the 2nd tolerance
Dimension with Limits On selected
17. Click the Tolerances On option to select
it, then click OK.

18. Dimension the top right angle as shown in the figure.

Changing Center Attributes

EXERCISE 1. Continue using the part in the work area (DIMEN 2.PRT).
2. Choose Dimension Attributes on the Options menu.
3. Make sure the Tolerances On option is checked.
The tolerances in the Linear Attributes section should be set to .005 and -.005 from the
previous exercise.
4. In the Center Attributes section:
− Select Center Mark for the Type and use a Mark Size of .375
− Type .25 for the Extension
5. Click OK.

6-12 Dimensioning
 Setting Dimension Attributes

6. Click the Diameter modifier button.

7. Dimension the large circle in the center.
The dimension is inserted and a cross
displays in the center of the circle.
8. Dimension the circle using Limits On and
different Mark Sizes and Types.

Dimensioning 6-13
Changing Dimension Arrow Styles

Changing Dimension Arrow Styles

You can change the display of the arrows, ticks and circles on a part.

Changing Arrow and Tick Sizes

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file DIMEN 2.PRT again.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Choose Dimension Arrows on the Options menu.
3. In the Arrow Size section, double-click in the 1st text box.
4. Type .25 and press TAB.
5. Type .25 for the second size.
6. Click OK.

7. Insert some dimensions on the part.

8. Try dimensioning with different sizes for the arrows and ticks. An example is shown in
the figure below.

Line Type = Always Solid Arrows Out

Tick

Arrows In

Line Type =
Break

Circle

6-14 Dimensioning
 Customizing Dimension Text

Customizing Dimension Text

You can customize the text that displays when a dimension is inserted.

Changing Dimension Text Options

EXERCISE 1. Open the part file DIMEN 2.PRT again.
Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
2. Choose Dimension Text on the Options menu.
The Dimension Text dialog box displays. Dimension text options include where the text
is placed, how the text is aligned with the dimension line and whether the unit output
symbols and abbreviations are inserted or omitted.
3. Change the options, then insert dimensions on the part.
The figure below shows how each of the options affects the dimension display.

Text on Dimension, Unit Output On

Aligned to
Dimension Horizontal

Text in Dimension, Unit Output Off

Dimensioning 6-15
Dimensioning Turn Parts

Dimensioning Turn Parts

Dimensioning turn parts works basically the same as any other dimensioning. The exception
is that when you draw a turn part, you draw half the part, then mirror it. So most of the
diameter lines will be broken at the center. This requires using the Endpoint Snap command
instead of Entity Select Snap.
EXERCISE In this exercise, you dimension the turn part shown in the figure below.

1. Open the part file DIMEN TURN.PRT in the \procad\parts\learn folder.

− Do not save the changes to the part in the work area.
− The Auto Layers are already turned on.
2. Choose Units on the Setup menu.
3. Change the Decimal Places parameter to 3 and click OK.
4. Choose Dimension Text on the Options menu.
5. Click the Units Output check box to remove the check mark, then click OK.

6. Click the Dimension button on the CAD toolbar.

7. Click the Vertical Dimension modifier button.

6-16 Dimensioning
 Dimensioning Turn Parts

Insert the dimensions for the diameters:

8. Click the Endpoint Snap button.

9. To dimension the largest diameter, pick
the endpoint shown as #1 for the first
location.
10. Pick endpoint #2 for the second location.
11. In the InfoBar, highlight the Height text
box.
12. Type .125 and press ENTER.
13. Type .125 (for the Width) and press
ENTER.
14. At the prompt, DIGITIZE coordinate for
dimension line location, click BUTTON 2.
Since you are digitizing the next text
location, you can click BUTTON 2 to tell ProCAM you are finished entering information.
15. Position the pointer about .75" to the left of the part and click BUTTON 1 to place the
dimension text.
16. Click BUTTON 2.
To dimension the rest of the diameters, consideration has to be given to their locations. You
have to make sure you leave enough room for all the diameters.
The easiest way to do this is to dimension the smallest diameter first and position the text
close to the face of the part. Then, working from small to large, place the rest of the diameter
dimensions to the right.
17. Pick the endpoint #3 for the first location for the 1.000" dimension.
18. Pick #4 for the second.
19. Digitize a location for the
text.
Remember, you can pick a
new location until you
click BUTTON 2.
20. Dimension the rest of the
diameters as shown in the
figure on the right.

Dimensioning 6-17
Dimensioning Turn Parts

EXERCISE In this exercise, you dimension the rest of the diameters as shown in the figure at the bottom
of this page. You use Baseline dimensioning for the length dimensions and insert the
dimensions from the longest to the shortest.

1. Click the More

modifier button.

2. Click the
Horizontal Baseline
modifier button.

3. Make sure the

Endpoint Snap button is
highlighted.
4. For the 3.250 dimension,
pick the endpoint shown
as #1 in the figure for the
1st extension line origin.
5. Pick #2 for the second
extension line origin.
6. To make sure you leave
enough room for the rest of the dimensions, position the pointer down about 3.000" and
digitize the location for the dimension text.
7. Click BUTTON 2 once.
Remember, this is
baseline dimensioning
and you want the first
baseline to stay
anchored at endpoint
#1.
8. Insert the rest of the
dimensions the same
way.
When you are finished,
the part should look
like the figure on the
right.

6-18 Dimensioning
 Index

Index inserting at endpoint of line 3-4

.pdf, file extension for manuals 1-2 inserting at intersection of two lines 3-5
.prt 1-10 inserting at midpoint of line 3-4
3D view inserting with known center 3-3
adjusting surface mesh 5-16 inserting with unknown center 3-5
extruding flat part 5-13 trimming 3-6
extruding part with multiple Z heights 5-15 color
projecting 3D view into 2D part 5-14 changing existing entity 4-2
viewing round part 5-17 selecting 1-9, 4-2
construction lines 3-33
A/B
cross hatching, inserting 5-9
angle, inserting line at specified angle 3-16
arc D
inserting an entity at the center of 2-7 Dimension Arrows dialog box 6-14
inserting an entity tangent to 2-6 Dimension Attributes dialog box 6-11
inserting with known center/radius 3-12 Dimension Text dialog box 6-15
inserting with unknown center 3-13 dimensions
using direction modifiers 3-12 baseline 6-7
Axis dialog box 5-19 chained 6-2
axis options for turn parts 5-19 changing arrow and tick sizes 6-14
Axis, Setup menu 5-19 changing attributes 6-11
Break utility changing text options 6-15
breaking an entity 4-15 coordinate 6-9
exploding text 4-16 inserting notes 6-6
using before cross hatching 5-10 inserting on turn parts 6-16
setting number of decimal places 6-7
C
setting text size 6-7
CAD toolbar
turning extension lines on/off 6-8
3D View 5-13
Double Intersection Snap command 2-5
Arc 3-12
drawing, steps to draw a part 1-3
CAM 1-10
Chamfer 3-10 E
Circle 3-3 Edit utility
Cross Hatch 5-9 changing entity color 4-2
Dimension 6-2 changing entity location 4-3
Fillet 3-8 changing entity size 4-3
Line 3-14 changing font 4-3
Point 3-2 changing line type 4-3
Polygon 3-21 moving entities to different layer 5-4
Spline 3-24 Endpoint Snap command 2-3
Text 3-27 entities
Capture Snap command 4-19 changing color 4-2
chamfer, inserting 3-10 changing line type 4-3
circle changing location and size 4-3
inserting an entity at the center of 2-7 healing 4-22
inserting an entity tangent to 2-6 inserting 1-4
trimming 1-11

i
Index

Entity Origin Snap command 2-7 move/copy multiple times 4-11

Erase utility moving/copying entities 4-10
removing duplicate entities 4-17 O
exiting to CAM 1-10 On/Off option on system bar 3-2
F/G/H/I Open File dialog box 1-11
files Open Spline File dialog box 3-25
inserting 4-21 P
installing parts for exercises 1-2 part files
opening 1-11 importing 1-3
saving 1-9 inserting 4-21
fillet, inserting 3-8 installing for exercises 1-2
font opening 1-11
changing existing text 4-3 saving 1-9
using TrueType for engraving 4-16 parts used in exercises
Geometry Healer, Setup menu 4-22 3d view.prt 5-15, 5-17
grouping entities 4-14 arc.prt 3-12
Insert, File menu 4-21 break text.prt 4-16
K/L capture.prt 4-19
Keyboard Snap, specifying X,Y coordinates 2-2 connector.prt 4-21
layers cross hatch.prt 5-9, 5-10
creating new layer 5-3 dimen 1.prt 6-2, 6-7, 6-9, 6-10
moving entities to different layer 5-4 dimen 2.prt 6-6, 6-11, 6-12, 6-14, 6-15
selecting 5-2 dimen turn.prt 6-16
using 5-2 duplicates.prt 4-17
using Measure utility to show layer 5-4 edit.prt 4-2, 5-4, 5-5
using Pick Layers On/Off 5-3 fillet.prt 3-8, 3-10
Layers dialog box 5-2 geometry healer.prt 4-22
line layers.prt 5-2
inserting at angle 3-16 line.prt 3-16
inserting distance off another line 3-18 mirror.prt 4-5, 4-6
inserting horizontal and vertical 3-14 move.prt 4-10
inserting parallel 3-15 picking.prt 5-8
inserting specified length 3-14 rotate.prt 4-8
line type snap.prt 2-2, 2-6, 3-3
changing existing entity 4-3 text.prt 3-28
option on system bar 4-3 trim.prt 1-11, 1-12, 1-13
M utility.prt 3-6, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15
Measure utility Pick Layers On/Off, View menu 5-3
3D modifier 5-16 pick mask
showing layer 5-4 setting 5-5
Midpoint Snap command 2-4, 4-6 turning on 5-5
Mirror utility using library 5-6
mirroring original entities 4-6 Pick Mask, Options menu 5-5
mirroring/copying entities 4-5 picking
using Midpoint Snap 4-6 changing options 5-8
Move utility text 3-28

ii
 Index

Picking dialog box 5-8 Entity Origin 2-7

Picking, Options menu 5-8 Keyboard 2-2
point, inserting 3-2 Midpoint 2-4, 4-6
polygon Tangent to 2-6
changing angle 3-22 spline
changing number of sides 3-22 inserting from file 3-25
inserting with known cornersl 3-21 inserting Parametric 3-24
using inscribed/circumscribed modifiers 3-21 spline.txt 3-25
using length modifier 3-23 steps to draw a part 1-3
ProCAM Surface Mesh dialog box 5-16
installing exercise parts 1-2 Surface Mesh, Setup menu 5-16
setup program 1-2 system bar
R color 4-2
removing duplicate entities 4-17 line type 4-3
repairing geometry 4-22 On/Off 3-2
Rotate utility T
rotating multiple times 4-9 Tangent to Snap command 2-6
rotating original entities 4-8 text
S changing font 4-3
Save As, File menu 1-10 exploding into lines 4-16
scale entities 4-13 inserting around arc 3-28
side view, drawing 4-28 inserting dimensions notes 6-6
skill-builder exercises inserting linear 3-27
CAD1 3-30 picking 3-28
CAD2 3-31 Trim utility
CAD3 3-32 Healing geometry 4-23
CAD4 3-33 trimming circles 3-6
CAD5 3-34 trimming entities 1-11
CAD6 3-35 U
CAD7 3-36 ungrouping entities 4-14
CAD8 3-37 Units dialog box 6-7
CAD9 3-38 units of measure, converting automatically 1-4
Turn1 5-20 Units, Setup menu 6-7
Turn2 5-21 Utility toolbar
Turn3 5-22 Break 4-15, 5-10
Utility1 4-22 Edit 4-2
Utility2 4-23 Erase 4-17
Utility3 4-24 Group 4-14
Utility4 4-25 Measure 5-4, 5-16
Utility5 4-26 Mirror 4-5
Utility6 4-27 Move 4-10
Utility7 4-28 Rotate 4-8
Snap toolbar Scale 4-13
Capture 4-19 Trim 1-11
Double Intersection 2-5 X
Endpoint 2-3 X,Y coordinates, using Keyboard Snap 2-2

iii
Index

iv