Multi-Spindle Machining Enhancements

Updated Geometry Algorithms for Parallel Surface Chain GCDs

To support planned future enhancements related to choosing setup axes (directions) for machined parts, aPriori 2023 R1 SP2 provides updated Geometry recognition algorithms for Parallel Surface Chain GCDs.

Parallel Surface Chain GCDs are comprised of a set of adjacent wall surfaces that all are parallel to a common direction. Historically, the chain of surfaces had to form a closed loop to be recognized as a parallel surface chain. aPriori now optionally allows Parallel Surface Chains to consist of a set of adjacent parallel wall surfaces that do NOT form a closed loop.

A new site variable, parallelSurfaceChainAlgorithm, was added in the Stock Machining, 2-Model Machining, and Multi-Spindle process groups. In aPriori 2023 R1 SP2, it is set to Closed loop by default to maintain historical behavior and should not be changed.

Additionally, Parallel Surface Chain GCDs now have a new GCD property, Is Loop, which is set to true if the Parallel Surface Chain forms a closed loop, and false if it consists of an open chain of surfaces. In aPriori 2023 R1 SP2, this property value will always be true if the site variable noted above is set as instructed.