Ask for radius instead of diameter in tool definition 1

[FrankMalone]

Hello all,

Could be possible to customize the tool definition menu in manufacturing application so NX asks for tool radius instead of tool diameter?

Te data we have is the raduis get from the numerical control, we need to insert the radius times 2 every time, and we have made several mistakes when the operator forgets this and insert the radius instead of diameter.

Thanks in advance.
Frank.

 

[markrief]

The short answer is that you can customize the layout of the tool dialog, but not the meaning of the parameters.

You could write a vb program to create or edit a tool by entering a radius, if you do this a lot.

I am curious what your workflow is. It sounds like you are entering radii from the machine back in to NX - why are you doing that?

Thanks,

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[FrankMalone]

Hi Mark, thanks for your answer.

We are measuring the tool with the numerical control machine and the operator inserts this radii into NX.

The workflow is, first we measure the tools then, we make the programs with NX, the data from numerical control to NX is made manually, no automatic process so, the operator from time to time makes a mistake inserting radii instead of diameter.

Is there any process to automatize the flow of data from NC to NX?

Thanks
Frank.

 

[Jaydenn]

Hmmm...
I can't really answer the question, but I am very curious as to why you are doing this.

Are you saying that you are customizing you tool sizes in NX based on the tools that are set up in real life?
Why not use cutter comps and program to a nominal size cutter?

Perhaps I am not seeing the whole picture but it appears to me that you are sort of working backwards.

J

 

[FrankMalone]

Well, in fact we use cutter compensation in 2D programs but not in 3D. Is there any way to compensate in 3D?

Frank

 

[Jaydenn]

Ahhh...
I see where you are going with this.

There most certainly are ways to compensate in 3D but it is very specific to NC controller on how you accomplish it and it may not be possible on your setup.

Are you talking about full 5-axis milling? or more like a fixed axis, profiling operation?

Back when I had these types of issues, we simply decided to NEVER use reground tools. Always new and we set them up to a tight tolerance. This way you simply program to a Ø1.0 cutter, and you ONLY use a Ø1.0 cutter. Simple.
And when that cutter becomes used...It's downgraded to semi-finisher, then a rougher, then it's pretty much done.

There are even some really good insert based options available. As long as you purchase an quality insert with a ground profile, you will get very good repeatability and accuracy.

Another option, would be to do the radius times 2 calculation right in the CNC machine control.
I'm guessing you have a laser or touch probe doing the measurment? You could write a short little routine that takes the measured rad variable and doubles it before you print it to the final tool table.
It might work, but I really don't know your setup.

Good luck!

J