NX CAM 3-Axis Milling

Simplify the programming of prismatic parts by previewing and specifying a sequence of volumes to be machined. By selecting 3D solid faces to define the features, you can eliminate the tedious task of manually creating and selecting boundaries used in traditional numerical control (NC) programming. 

The intuitive and interactive programming process displays the calculated cut levels and the updated in-process workpiece (IPW). This process enables the rapid generation of efficient toolpaths associative with part design. 

The associativity helps you quickly respond to design changes through a fully integrated CAD/CAM system that keeps machining operations associative to the part model.

Automatically create optimized machine programs directly from 3D part models by using feature-based machining (FBM), reducing programming time by up to 90%. FBM helps you automatically recognize and program various machining feature types, including prismatic, turning, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), color and attributes. 

NX can read product and manufacturing information (PMI), such as tolerances and surface finish attached to the model, to drive the selection of machining methods.

NX provides adaptive high-speed cutting strategies that help you achieve a new level of machining efficiency. This advanced roughing method enables deep cuts and consistent tool load, resulting in high material removal rates.   

Ideal for cutting hard material, this innovative cutting strategy can reduce the machining cycle by up to 60% while extending tool life.

Planar deburring helps you automate the programming of one of the most-used operations – corner chamfering. It can reduce programming time by up to 90%.  

It automatically recognizes the part edges (modeled or unmodeled) and creates optimized toolpaths to machine the required chamfer size. You can specify a size range for holes to be skipped for more precise control of the toolpaths.

Additionally, it tracks already chamfered corners, avoiding recutting and enabling efficient 3+2 machining.

PrimeTurning™ is an innovative machining method, implemented in cooperation with Sandvik Coromant. High-performance CoroTurn Prime inserts are used for this high-performance machining operation. 

The tool enters the workpiece at the chuck and removes material as it moves toward the end of the component, away from the chuck. This enables use of a small entering angle and more aggressive cutting parameters. Additionally, you can use the CoroTurn Prime inserts for conventional turning – from part-end toward the chuck. 

PrimeTurning can be used for a dual roughing operation and continuous B-axis too. 

For certain applications, PrimeTurning offers increased productivity by more than 50% compared to conventional techniques, while extending tool life by two times.

Multiple-part programming delivers powerful, streamlined multipart machining. It speeds the development of various tombstone and fixture configurations, distributing toolpaths to as many components as required. Complete machining sequences and toolpaths developed for one workpiece can be immediately distributed to the other workpieces in various positions and orientations. 

Using this advanced programming method, you can prepare complete jobs in the same time it takes to program a single part.

Machining simulation is a key NX CAM advantage that facilitates integrated simulation and verification, enabling programmers to check tool paths within the NC programming session. It eliminates the need for a stand-alone simulation software that requires data transfers between the systems. 

Multiple levels of machining simulation capability are available in NX, including: 

• Toolpath verification 
• Material removal simulation 
• G-code-driven simulation (available as an add-on)

Post Hub, a modern, cloud-based postprocessing platform, helps you output production-ready NC programs. Its extensive online library, with more than 1,200 postprocessors and machine kits, enables you to quickly output programs for a wide range of operations: including milling, turning, mill-turn, electrical discharge machining (EDM) and additive manufacturing.   

Smart Machine Kit Solutions (SMKS) that represent the digital twins of CNC machine tools are also available on Post Hub. Each kit includes an accurate digital model of the machine with kinematics, postprocessor and G-code-driven simulation. SMKS allows you to program, simulate and output optimized programs for various CNC machines, such as Haas, DMG MORI, Okuma and Makino.

NX CAM provides industry-leading CAD for modeling, editing and assembly capabilities, which speed up CNC programming. Using the integrated translators you can read all the standard data formats, including IGES, DXF, STEP, STL, and JT.

Synchronous technology enables direct editing of the part model to prepare it for NC programming, including closing holes and gaps, offsetting faces and resizing part features. Develop as-cast models or other derivatives from existing parts by interactively pushing and pulling the existing faces.

The assembly tools let you define an accurate digital replica of the setup, including the part, fixtures, table and complete CNC machine. This helps you easily program optimized toolpaths that automatically avoid the workholding components, ensuring safe and error-free production.

Full associativity to the part model ensures automated updates of machining operations as the design model or setup changes.