Each machining operation is separated into a different layer in the part XML files. Synchronize toolpath generation with the XML files by mapping each layer to the correct toolpath strategy. This is the core step for defining automatic toolpaths.
For example, a layer could be named CUTOUT, and it would contain the part perimeter. In the layer tab, a routing offset would be associated with the CUTOUT layer. All parts loaded into the ATP with a CUTOUT layer would have a routing offset applied to geometry in the CUTOUT layer.
Layers can either be added one at a time, or they can be automatically imported from the loaded files using the Use Parts button. The next step is to map toolpath strategies to each layer from the saved strategy templates which can be created from each toolpath strategy through the Strategy Dialogue.
Actions
| Add Layer | Add a new layer mapping |
| Remove Layer | Remove the selected layer mapping |
| Clear Layers | Remove all layer mappings |
| Use Active | Populate the layers from the active EnRoute drawing |
| Use Parts | Populate the layers from the parts loaded in the Parts tab |
Layer Parameters
| Map Layer Name | Layer name that corresponds to a machining operation layer in the part |
| Strategy | Toolpath strategy assigned to the layer |
| Small Part Strategy (Optional) | Toolpath strategy assigned to the layer to be used when cutting small parts |
| TP - Toolpath | Create toolpaths for this layer, usually checked. |
| NT - Nest Together | Include this layer with the part defined by the DXF when nesting. When processing files from supported applications, this option should always be checked. |
| OP - Output | Include this layer with the part in the toolpath output. Usually checked. If unchecked, the geometry information for that layer will not be included in the output. |
| FL - Flip | The geometry on the selected layer is for the flip side of the material when utilizing 2 sided processing. |
Design Depth and Use Depth
When Use Depth is checked, the depth of the geometry in the part file will be used to generate toolpaths. If Use Depth is unchecked, the toolpaths for the layer geometry will be generated at the strategy depth.
Design Depth specifies the nominal depth the selected strategy was designed for. If the strategy was created to cut 0.75" thick material, Design Depth should be set to 0.75 and similarly, if the strategy was created to cut 0.5" material, Design Depth should be set to 0.5.
If a strategy is designed to cut a material that is 0.75" thick but the strategy depth is set to 0.77" to allow for 0.02" extra cut depth to cut through the entire material, Design Depth would still be set to 0.75. If the same strategy is applied to a part with thickness 0.25", the Design Depth is set to 0.75", and Use Depth is checked, the toolpaths will be output to a depth of 0.27". The strategy depth was designed for nominally 0.75" material but with 0.02" additional depth to create a complete cut. When the same strategy is applied to 0.25" thick material, the ATP interprets that because the strategy depth was designed with 0.02" additional depth, the same additional depth should be applied to the 0.25" material.
Using the Design Depth and Use Depth parameters allows for creating fewer strategies that can be applied to different depths of geometry. Otherwise, leaving Design Depth set to 0.0 and Use Depth checked will generate toolpaths at the geometry depth specified in the part file.
Default Strategy
The default strategy applied to layers without a strategy assigned.
Sheet Trim Strategy
The strategy used to trim the sheet edges when processing 2 sided cuts.