Summary

This article explains when the Graphic Part Face Distance field is available, how it changes the on-screen spacing between opposed spindles, and why the part origin can move when Z Max changes. The field is a display adjustment for supported two-spindle configurations; when it is unavailable, GibbsCAM uses the distance defined in the Machine Definition Document (MDD).


Table of Contents


Before You Begin

  • Confirm that the active machine has exactly two spindles and that the spindles are aligned and opposed.

  • Use the field only to improve the graphic layout of a multiple-spindle part; it is not a substitute for correct MDD geometry or machine setup data.

  • Verify that geometry and solids are associated with the correct main-spindle or subspindle coordinate system before evaluating toolpath or posted coordinates.

  • Record the original value before making a display adjustment so the view can be restored easily.

Important: Do not modify an MDD only to make the graphic view look better. Request an MDD correction only when the machine definition itself contains an incorrect part-face distance.


Procedure

Step 1 - Confirm That the Field Is Available

  1. Open the Document Control dialog (DCD) and locate Graphic Part Face Distance in the document settings.

  2. Confirm that the machine has exactly two spindles. The field is not available for a one-spindle machine or a machine definition with more than two spindles.

  3. Confirm that the two spindles are aligned on the same axis and face one another. Both conditions are required for the field to appear.

  4. If the field is not displayed, continue to Step 3; GibbsCAM is using the part-face distance stored in the MDD.

Step 2 - Adjust the Graphic Display Distance

  1. Note the current Graphic Part Face Distance value.

  2. Enter a shorter Graphic Part Face Distance value when the opposed spindles are too far apart to view comfortably on screen.

  3. Apply the change and run Op Simulation, or use Flash CPR where applicable, to view both spindles together.

  4. Adjust the value again if the view remains too wide or if the displayed spindle areas overlap and become difficult to interpret.

  5. Confirm that the change produces only the intended graphic arrangement. Review toolpath and posted output normally before machining.

Step 3 - Handle an Unavailable or Incorrect Distance

  1. When Graphic Part Face Distance is absent, use the displayed spindle spacing as defined by the active MDD.

  2. Verify that the correct MDD is active and that the machine really meets the two-spindle, aligned, opposed requirements.

  3. If the MDD-based distance is incorrect for the physical machine or prevents a usable display, document the machine, MDD name, expected distance, and observed result.

  4. Send the documented correction to the person responsible for machine definitions or CAMCO Post Support. Do not edit machine-definition geometry without the required approval and knowledge.

Step 4 - Interpret Origin Movement After Changing Z Max

  1. Treat a change to Z Max as a change to the modeled part length, not as a Graphic Part Face Distance adjustment.

  2. Expect the origin response to depend on the machine type and the way the part is located in the MDD.

  3. On a Swiss machine, the part normally starts fully retracted against the bar stop. Increasing the part length can therefore move the origin farther back, deeper inside the machine.

  4. After changing Z Max, verify the stock, part position, coordinate systems, spindle assignment, and simulation result before regenerating or posting operations.


Expected Result

For a machine with exactly two aligned, opposed spindles, Graphic Part Face Distance provides a more practical on-screen separation in Op Simulation or Flash CPR. If the field is unavailable, GibbsCAM uses the MDD value. Origin movement from a Z Max change is evaluated separately according to machine type and modeled part position.


Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The Graphic Part Face Distance field is not displayed.

Possible Causes

  • The active machine does not have exactly two spindles.

  • The two spindles are not aligned or are not opposed in the MDD.

  • The wrong MDD is active for the part.

Resolution

Confirm the active MDD and spindle configuration. If the machine does not meet all three requirements, GibbsCAM uses the MDD distance. When that stored distance is incorrect, capture the expected and observed spacing and request an approved MDD correction.

  • Problem: The part origin moves after Z Max is changed.

Possible Causes

  • The machine model locates the part from an end, stop, or retracted position that changes when the modeled length changes.

  • On a Swiss machine, increasing part length moves the origin farther into the machine while the part remains located at the bar stop.

Resolution

Treat the movement as machine-model behavior, not a Graphic Part Face Distance error. Verify the stock, part position, coordinate systems, and MDD setup before continuing.

  • Problem: Changing Graphic Part Face Distance appears to change toolpath or posted coordinates.

Possible Causes

  • Geometry or solids are associated with the wrong main-spindle or subspindle coordinate system.

  • The active MDD, post processor, or machine configuration contains an error.

Resolution

Restore the original value and verify that affected geometry uses the correct spindle coordinate system. If posted coordinates still change, send the part, MDD, post name, and comparison to CAMCO Post Support.



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Keywords

Graphic Part Face Distance, Opposed Spindles, Subspindle, Op Simulation, Z Max, Swiss Machine, Part Origin, MDD