NX 9.0 CAM- Programming

[wrightce16]

Is there a way to define variables(VAR1,VAR2,etc.) in the beginning of my NX program and then use them
in point definitions (XC = VAR1 and YC = VAR2 "as needed") throughout all my different operations?
These variables could be adjusted for different size parts.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[markrief]

I'm not sure what you mean by "point".
If you define points in CAD, and select them in your CAM operations, the operations will update if the points move.

Mark Rief
NX CAM Customer Success
Siemens PLM Software

 

[wrightce16]

As in Non Cutting Move points "Engage, Retract, Approach, Departure"
I have to make several moves before NX can start cutting.

 

[markrief]

The CAM is associative to geometry, so you need to pick something for those points.

I would create points by expression, and then select them from non cutting moves.

Mark Rief
NX CAM Customer Success
Siemens PLM Software

 

[wrightce16]

Mark,

I'm new to NX, so I try to be more clearer.

I have "picked" my points as follows: From-----> XC= -.046 and YC= 20.521
Start----> XC= -.046 and YC= 21.500
Approach-> XC= -218.300 and YC= 21.500
Engage---> XC= -218.300 and YC= 20.692
Departure> XC= -218.300 and YC= 21.500

These is my first "operation" or cut on my part. Now I will have probably 50 more cuts to make, so it will require
50 more set of points with the X and Y dimensions changing.

Does NX have a way of defining my "retract to clear the part" variable in the beginning of the program (D1= 21.500),
so I could enter it into point definitions (YC= D1) for the next 50 cuts?

This is called data statements in APT programming and it makes programming repeated numbers easier.

Also, I'm not going to have access to make changes or add points to the CAD model. They don't even want to add chamfers
to the CAD model because NX can add them in the CAM machining. I don't know how our Vericut is going to handle it.

Thanks

 

[markrief]

Let's back up here - I think you are deep in to a solution that may not be necessary.
If you are calculating values to clear the part, NX can probably take care of that automatically.

What are you trying to accomplish with the cutting?
What type of operation are you creating?


Mark Rief
NX CAM Customer Success
Siemens PLM Software

 

[wrightce16]

Mark,

I'm just trying to establish a clearance retract in each Departure Point (YC= 21.500) and call it a variable.
I can then change this variable and it will take care of the retracts in all of my operations when my part Dia. changes.

If I could assign a variable name, then I wouldn't have to change it but in one place.

This would come into play when copying the program and making it for a bigger or smaller part.

Curtis

 

[markrief]

I am guessing this is a turning operation?

NX CAM is driven by geometry. The geometry can be driven by anything.
Maybe a basic workflow will help explain.

Create a point.
In the turning avoidance group, select this point for departure.
Turning operations under this avoidance group will inherit the point.
Move the point.
The departure point in all the operations will move.

You can define point however you want - relative to other geometry, by expressions, or just enter the coordinates and edit the point later to change the coordinates.

Mark Rief
NX CAM Customer Success
Siemens PLM Software

 

[wrightce16]

Mark Rief:

This is turning and I have installed the attached "Avoidance Group" in my program (attached).

In the "AG", I have defined the Clearance (RT)=21.500 (attached).

I have all of the machining operations defined in the "Non Cutting Moves" with the same
"Clear Radial" in the Departure Group (attached).

I have all of the machining operations defined in the "Non Cutting Moves" with the same
"Radial Limit Option = None" in the Clearance Group (attached).

This is working on my retracts (departure points) with the following exceptions.

1) When I want to change the Retract Clearance (RT)= 23.500, nothing happens in the first two
facing operations (T03), but the next five retracts go to "X23.500" (T01).

Of course I will still have to go into each operation and manually change the "Start Point"
to 23.500 and maybe an "Approach Point"

2) I tried defining the "Start Point" in the "AG" but, that turned out even worst results.
The "X23.500" came out only in the last two operations for (T01), so I scraped that idea.

I would be happy with the "Departure Retracts" if they all could be changed in the "AG"

If there is no way to use a variable in these operation point definitions, then I will just
have to go into each operation and make the changes. I was just trying to find an easy and
optimized method of programming with NX.

Please look over the way I have set up the "AP" and help me troubleshoot the first two operations.

Thanks

Curtis E. Wright

 

[wrightce16]

Avoidance Group

 

[wrightce16]

Retract Point

 

[wrightce16]

Departure Group in Program

 

[wrightce16]

Clearance Group in Program

 

[markrief]

I am still convinced that you have a point as real geometry, and then selected the point in the graphics screen.

I suggest you get your part to GTAC, where a turning expert can take a close look at it, or post your question in the NX CAM forum.

Mark Rief
NX CAM Customer Success
Siemens PLM Software