When you pick a template from the cards, its form opens. The set of fields is different for each template — it is defined in the template itself at the production site, so below is not a description of specific fields but of how the form works and what you may encounter.
Form header
At the top are the template's name (description) and its number, as well as a note from the firm if one is set. By this number the template is easy to find in the library.
Template fields
There are two kinds of fields:
- Drop-down list — a choice among ready options. An option may have a picture preview (opens enlarged on click) and an explanatory caption. Choosing one option may hide fields not needed with it, so the form's composition changes as you fill it in.
- Number field — a value with an allowed range. Below the field the hint «from … to …» is shown. The range bounds may depend on the part's sizes and on other fields' values, so they are recalculated on the fly.
If, because of the part's sizes, the range becomes invalid (minimum greater than maximum), the field is highlighted and a message appears that the part's sizes need checking.
The “Cutter diameter” field is not always shown: the manufacturer can hide it in the template settings. In that case the diameter is filled in automatically from the manufacturer's parameters, and the client does not see this field in the form — this rules out ordering machining for a tool the manufacturer does not have.
Choosing a corner or a side
For corner and side templates one of the fields is choosing the processing place by pictures. For corners these are the four corners of the part (bottom-left, top-left, top-right, bottom-right), for sides — eight «side from corner» options (for example, «left side from the bottom corner», «top side from the right corner»). The pictures help not to confuse the orientation.
Warning about part sizes
A template may have minimum part sizes set (separate values for an edged and a non-edged part). If a part side is smaller than such a limit, a warning appears at the top of the form indicating the side and the allowed minimum, and the save button is locked.
Cut edging and glass
For milling templates a «Cut edging» field appears — choosing an edge band for the resulting cut (only bands fitting by height are listed). For glass parts, instead of it the «Edge processing» is shown with options: no grinding, with grinding, polishing, bevel.
Adding and saving
The button at the bottom is «Add» for a new application of the template or «Save» when editing. While there is an unresolved part-size warning, the button is inactive.
What templates are and where their library opens — in the article «CNC operation templates».