Every machining operation needs a coordinate system: where zero is, and how far above the part the tool is allowed to travel. RockCAM generates one MCS per setup automatically, and this page is where you change what it picked.
A setup is what RockCAM calls an OP — the first setup is OP1, the second OP2, and so on. Each one gets its own MCS.
How RockCAM picks the setups #
RockCAM reads the part shape and decides how many setups it needs, and which way each one faces. By default it works in the order of the work coordinate system: the face the WCS is aligned to first, then the opposite face, then a side.
That heuristic is usually right. When it is not — on an awkward part, or when you already know how the job will be fixtured — you override it.
Forcing the first setup to use the WCS #
If the workpiece is already aligned the way you want to machine it, tick use the work coordinate system (WCS) as the first MCS. The first setup then takes the current WCS instead of RockCAM choosing a face.
The MCS settings with “use WCS as the first MCS” ticked.
This is the usual fix when RockCAM starts on the wrong face.
Where the origin sits #
RockCAM places the MCS origin in one of three positions:
- Centred on the part.
- Top-left corner.
- Top-right corner.
A part shown with the origin centred, at the top-left and at the top-right.
Centred #
The MCS placed at the centre of the part.
Top-left corner #
With the origin at the top-left, the long direction of the part is X and the short direction is Y.
The MCS placed at the top-left corner, with X along the long side.
Safe height #
The safe height is stored with the MCS, and it is what RockCAM retracts to between operations. Set it high enough to clear the clamps and any stock you have left on the blank, and no higher than it needs to be.