This collection of instructional videos shows all the different
holemaking strategies available in Prospector.
2D Holemaking Machining Strategies
Introduction to Holemaking - Finding Features in the Part Data, Path Optimization
and Canned Cycles (G81-G89)
In this lesson you'll learn about the Feature Finder page in the New 2D Program wizard for holemaking. This page finds
features in the part data that are suitable for a holemaking strategy. You'll see why it's so advantageous to use a solid
model for holemaking because tool selection and depth parameters can be determined automatically. We'll also see how
to use a 2D drawing as part data and how Prospector determines which elements of the drawing are actually features.
You will learn how to set the path taken when machining multiple holes to suit your preference. Finally we'll show you
how to use Send to Control to generate either canned cycle output (typically G81-G89) or non-canned cycle output depending
on the capabilities of your CNC and/or your own preference.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making - 3D Sample Holes
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making - 2D Sample Holes
Center Drill
Center drilling is a technique to provide a starting hole for a
larger-sized drill bit. You will see how you can choose either a
center drill tool or conventional drill tool for this operation.
You'll see how to choose between a G81 or G82 canned cycle depending on
the dwell setting.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Cylinder Plate
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Spacer Plate
Drilling
Conventional drill operation is covered by this video. You'll see how to choose the feature to be
machined and how to set the depth of a hole by using full-diameter depth or specifying the distance
the tool should advance into the hole.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Cylinder Plate
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Spacer Plate
Counterbore and Countersink
This video demonstrates how to create a counterbore and countersink program. The specific tools and
program parameters are discussed. You will also see why it is advantageous to use a solid model
as your part data for 2D holemaking in order make it a snap to find these features.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Cylinder Plate
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Spacer Plate
Tapping and Thread Milling
This video will cover how to create a program to tap holes. We'll also look at thread milling.
Thread milling is machining strategy for creating threaded holes by using a helical path to mill the
threads using a thread mill tool. You'll see how to adjust the circular lead in/lead out and optionally
how to take multiple passes to form the threads in very hard materials.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Cylinder Plate
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Spacer Plate
Peck Drilling
Peck drill is a machining technique useful for drilling deeper holes. The drill feeds into the hole an incremental
distance, then retracts to break the chip, then feeds back into the hole to a deeper depth, retracts and so forth until
the full depth is achieved. Typically this is achieved on the CNC with a G83 canned cycle.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Cylinder Plate
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Spacer Plate
Gun Drilling
Gun drilling is a machining technique for drilling very deep holes typically for water circuits in molds. In this video
you'll learn about the proper techniques to gun drill programming in order to modulate the spindle speed and feed rates
to ensure proper tool engagement and extraction of the tool from the hole.
Job/Project: 200 - Hole Making / Gun Drill
Bore Cycles
This video covers use of the boring strategies (G85 through G89). Boring allows the use of boring bar tools
or reamers.
