keeping cutting inside the stock model

[ice4star]

I have a component and fixture.
I only want to machine a small amount of the model, so I have created a stock model around the area I wish to machine.
Made the component the 'part'
the stock model the 'blank'
and the fixture 'check'.

This has had the desired effect of restricting the X and Y axis cuts to within the stock, but Z still want to go all the way to the bottom of the component.
Is there a way to keep Z within the predefined stock except manually going in and changing the Z figures in the levels tab? (as this figure is incremental from start of cut and calculating its relevence to actual Z0 is not always easy)

 

[markrief]

In cut levels, you do not need to type in the value. You can navigate to the bottom range, and then select a face on the part to set the level.

Another approach would be to select cut area, which will further contain the cutting to the faces selected.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[wmalan]

Another thing I like to do is not always select the whole component as Part if using Workpiece. Leave that blank and only select the surfaces you need to machine in that operation. It reduces generation time quite a bit if it's a complex model.

--
Bill

 

[ice4star]

Thanks all.
Still seems strange that the stock model is ignored in the 'z' plane?

 

[wmalan]

"Still seems strange that the stock model is ignored in the 'z' plane?"

The processor always defaults to the bottom of the part. This allows you to use CavityMill to cut the part using Profile without stock.

Now, come the day NX can see undercuts in the stock model... that would be the shizzle! One of the issues everyone has is you cut one side of a part, then flip it over and the previous underside cut stock is ignored. The tool cuts as wide as the top faces projected down axis regardless of it tapering from the previous cuts.

--
Bill