Slotting thin wall aluminum

[1beekman]

Does anyone know a way to get NX8 to generate a tool path for a drag slot? Basically 10mm x 20mm slot I'd like to plunge and drag with a 10mm endmill. This is a 4mm thick extrusion. Thanks

 

[markrief]

Can you post a picture of what you want to cut?

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[1beekman]

See attached file. Thanks

 

[kukelyk]

Try to program only the center curve of the slot, with the tool 'ON', not Tanto in Planar mill. Use only MCS as parent geometry. It is the fastest method, but note, there is no any gouge check.

Other method, try to use negative offset, for example 0,005mm, or smaller tool diameter (9.995), but that cause longer path..

----
kukelyk

 

[markrief]

Cutting the center in planar milling will work as noted.
You could also use Generic Motion and go point to point between the centers of the arcs on each end.
For more depth options, use Z-Level or Solid Profile 3D and pick the wall on one side of the slot as cut area or wall. Then you can go back and forth if you want multiple depths.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM