Converting a 3 axis operation to a 5 axis operation with NX CAM

The Tilt Tool Axis option can be a very useful when determining how to machine areas that are difficult to reach with standard tooling.  This option was introduced in NX8.0.  When trying to cut difficult to reach areas, options were limited to creating a new 5 axis operation or using longer tooling before the Tilt Tool Axis option was available.  Now, you can take a 3 axis operation such as Surface Contouring or Z level operations and convert the operation into a 5 axis operation on the fly.

As you can see in this example, the tool holder comes in contact with the part on the steep wall toward the lower portion of the operation.  This is a Z Level Profile operation with the tool axis vector set to the +ZM axis.

To convert this operation to a 5 axis operation automatically, the Tilt Tool Axis option can be used. 

First, right click on the operation and select “Tool Path” and then select “Tilt Tool Axis”:

Next, set the desired tilt and clearance settings in the Tool Path Tilt dialog box:

NX automatically adjusts the tool path by tilting the tool to avoid the collision areas.  As seen in the pictures below, the tool axis vector remains along the +ZM axis until the tool reaches the problem area and automatically tilts to avoid the steep wall.

As we can see, this functionality can be very helpful when cutting steep areas.  This option can also be used for avoiding clamps and fixtures.  For more information, please contact Ally PLM Solutions at www.allyplm.com/contact.

Chad Varney

Application Engineer

Ally PLM Solutions

Expanded Online Training Offered by Ally PLM Solutions

Ally PLM Solutions now offers all of their interactive training courses online. Students can realize significant benefits from online training which includes cost and time savings by cutting out the travel. Ally PLM utilizes GoToMeeting for these sessions which supports live screen sharing.

Online sessions offer all the same benefits of in-person sessions. Students will be guided by an experienced Ally PLM engineer to learn all of the capabilities of our software offerings, tips and tricks, and how to best leverage our products to increase engineering and design productivity. Screen sharing allows for real-time demonstrations and feedback and connects the user directly to the instructor.

The requirements for online training are simple and can be found by clicking here.  All training sessions are held from 9:00AM-4:30PM EST unless otherwise noted. We have several different online course offerings for our products which include:

• Solid Edge Fundamentals
• Solid Edge Synchronous Technology Update
• Essentials for NX Designers
• NX CAM Fundamentals (NEW)

To view all of our online training courses and to register for a class, visit our training overview website. Now anyone can take advantage of Ally PLM’s comprehensive and unique training opportunities whether they’re located in Cincinnati, outside Ohio, or even outside the United States.

Bridget Hatfield

Ally PLM Solutions

Brand new NX Training Opportunity from Ally PLM Solutions

Ally PLM Solutions will hold its first ever NX CAM Fundamentals Training Overview on June 17, 2013. This 5-day course can be taken at the Ally PLM Corporate Office in Cincinnati, Ohio, or online (available after the June 17-21 course). This unique training opportunity will bring the NX user to a higher level of productivity and a better overall understanding of the software’s capabilities that cannot be gained elsewhere. Ally PLM’s professional staff and precisely designed NX CAM curriculum will exceed the expectations of students.

This interactive training teaches students to develop models, assemblies, shop documentation, and efficient manufacturing in 2 ½ and 3 axis tool paths. It is designed to increase CAM productivity by providing guided instruction in part modeling for manufacturing, assemblies for manufacturing, and efficient axis milling CAM programming techniques. Students will work directly with one of Ally PLM’s engineers to solidify concepts and processes related to the successful use of NX.

The agenda for NX CAM Fundamentals Training Overview includes:

• General User Interface
• Synchronous Modeling
• Tool and Holder Creation
• Tool Path Editing
• Shop Documentation

To see the full agenda, to find out more about this course, and to register, visit our NX for CAM Fundamentals Training Overview website.

To take full advantage of NX training from Ally PLM solutions, be sure to also explore our Essentials for NX Designers course.  The next offering is May 6-10. Students who take the May course will receive a FREE iPad Mini. To find out more and to register for Essentials for NX designers, visit our website.

Bridget Hatfield

Ally PLM Solutions