NX CAM 2.5-Axis Milling
Advanced Programming for 2.5-Axis Machining
The NX 2.5-axis milling software module allows for quick and easy programming of prismatic parts. Employ its advanced programming capabilities to create intelligent tool paths with minimum input.
For more variety, utilize its wide range of automated cutting strategies such as optimized roughing, rest milling, and feature-based machining.
Volume-Based 2.5-Axis Milling
To program prismatic parts quickly, use NX CAM to preview and specify volume sequences to be machined.
Among its capabilities, the volume-based 2.5-axis milling processor presents the current in-process workpiece (IPW), allows a choice of a machining volume’s defining faces, displays levels of the calculated cuts, and updates the IPW.
Roughing
The flexible roughing strategies in NX CAM include intelligent multi-level cutting patterns that can machine any shape. The cut levels generated will automatically correspond to horizontal faces on each part.
For efficient roughing strategies NX CAM software includes offset, plunge milling, and trochoidal tool paths.
Automated Rest Machining
In the automatic re-roughing operation, only areas un-machined by previous roughing operations are cut by NX. The IPW capability continually monitors the nominal shape of each workpiece, and recalculates the uncut area following each action.
Available tools can accommodate various conditions on the workpiece: smaller for corner cleanouts, longer for deep reaches.
Z-Level Finishing
The available Z-level or waterline finishing maximizes continuous tool-to-material contact, which produces consistent stock finish. This technique can be used on vertical or drafted walls of prismatic parts.
Hole-Making
Among the hole-making functions found in the 2.5-axis milling software module in NX are spot drill, drill, ream bore, and tap.
Additional flexibility to the hole-making capability comes from user-defined cycles. Also, while accounting for all part and fixture geometry, traverses minimize lifts efficiently and safely.
High-Speed Machining (HSM)
The tool paths feature, one of the specialized HSM patterns found in NX, smoothes corners, stepovers, engages, and retracts, resulting in the highest possible feed rates.
Using specified criteria, the trochoidal roughing pattern automatically keeps cutting conditions within permissible limits.
NX includes a machining data library that can be called on to optimize spindle speeds, feed rates and engagement depths for maximum safe material removal.
Feature-Based Machining
The feature-based machining (FBM) function in NX recognizes and programs a wide range of machining feature types including holes, pockets and slots. From part design models, it will automatically create optimized NC programs.
Such automation of routine tasks can save up to 90 percent on NC programming time.
Generic Motion Control
Interactive drag handles in NX make it easy to build step-by-step tool motion and to control the tool by selecting and moving the 3D tool model on the screen. Using this graphically driven programming, you can quickly create complete 2.5-axis milling tool paths.
