Application Program Interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of a wide range of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and CNC machinists in the manufacture or prototyping of product components.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool.
Design part - see Target part.
Feed-rate optimization is used to maintain efficient feed-rates ensuring maximum machine life, tool life and a consistent surface finish.
Fixture solids are used to represent static objects within the machining environment that *normally are not to be machined. They might include items such as clamps and tables. *Some fixtures are designed to be used once, they are called sacrificial fixtures.
Full machine simulation (FMS) simulates all components in the machine environment: turrets, heads, spindles, tool shanks, tool changers, rotary tables, axis slides, clamps and fixtures.
G-code is a common name for the programming language that controls NC and CNC machine tools.
Gouges are areas where too much material has been machined away. Sometimes called overcut.
Numerical control or numerically controlled (NC) machine tools are machines that are automatically operated by commands that are received by their processing units.
NC Simulation is a representation of the machining process of a NC toolpath.
NC toolpath is the path the tool travels through in order to remove material from the stock.
NC Verification is the process of running an NC toolpath in software to detect and eliminate errors before machining takes place.
OpenGL is a graphics library available on numerous platforms including Windows. MachineWorks fully supports rendering using OpenGL.
Rendering is the complete process of producing an image from a model.
Rest material are the areas where insufficient material has been machined away. Sometimes called undercut.
STL file (Stereolithography) is a triangular representation of a 3D surface geometry.
Software Development Toolkit is a set of tools, APIs, and documentation to assist with the development of software in a specific computer language or for a particular operating environment.
Stock solid is a piece of material that is to be machined (also known as a 'Workpiece').
Target part is a representation of a required solid that can be compared with the stock solid at any point during a machining simulation to see how closely the stock matches the target. The target part is used for comparison and analysis purposes only and does not take part in the machining simulation (also known as a 'Design part').
Tool holder solids are used to represent the non-cutting part of the tool and to represent the tool housing.
Toolkit - see Software development toolkit.
Tool solids represent the part of the NC environment that actually performs material removal.
Workpiece - see Stock solid.