NX CAM 3-Axis Milling
A Comprehensive 3-Axis Milling Software Solution
For programming freeform parts, such as molds and dies, you can count on NX software’s 3-axis milling software module to equip you with comprehensive solutions.
Providing advanced cutting strategies like roughing, rest milling, high-speed machining (HSM) and finishing, NX CAM 3-axis milling software delivers a high material removal rate and superior surface finish.
Roughing
Maximize material removal rate without overloading the tool by utilizing the optimized roughing methods in NX. It features:
- Variable cut depths and automatic multiple cut ranges
- Increased material removal rate with HSM cutting patterns
- Automatic tracking of machined and remaining material through the in-process workpiece (IPW)
Trochoidal Cutting Strategy
A high-speed roughing method for maintaining high metal removal rates while managing tool loads, the trochoidal cutting method automatically keeps cuts within specified conditions.
This cutting strategy produces smooth corners, stepovers, and engagements that lead to safe cutting conditions at high speeds and feeds.
Rest Milling
The removal of uncut material from previous operations and elimination of air-cutting are among the advantages of fully automated rest milling. Other capabilities:
- Generating efficient multi-stage roughing based on IPW
- Assuring consistent stock for the next cutting operation
- Developing cutting parameters fine-tuned for HSM
Finishing
For superior surface finish quality, a wide range of finishing techniques is part of the NX CAM 3-axis milling software. Consistent surface finishes in both steep and shallow areas of parts result from available smooth and continuous cutting patterns, such as Z-level and offset.
Streamline Tool Path
To produce superior finishes, this HSM operation follows the natural shapes of machined areas and makes equally spaced passes in both steep and shallow areas. Independent of surface geometry construction methods, it produces smooth, flowing patterns with fine finishes at high feed rates.
Corner Finishing
Through its flowcut cutting strategy, NX automatically identifies un-machined areas in corners, creates efficient tool paths, and improves machining conditions by generating a variety of flowcut cutting patterns for steep and shallow areas. Moreover, it finishes and semi-finishes uncut areas in a single operation.
Synchronized Point Distribution
Align data points on adjacent finish passes of tools by employing synchronized point distribution. Achieve superior surface finishes compared to traditional cutting methods with the consistent machine motion across the passes.
Feed Rate Optimization
Achieve uniform material removal rate by having NX automatically analyze the cutting tool’s material removal rate and adjust feed rate.
Improve machining productivity and extend the tool life with the optimized federate.
Safe Cutting Strategies
Even when faced with the most demanding part geometry, NX delivers safe machining through its automatic collision detection for tools and holders.
Based on part model geometry, NX can determine the optimum tools needed for your job. In addition to part model geometry, it relies on the IPW during tool path creation.