UGNX4 CAM 3

[Johnny2008]

I just started using NX4 and have a problem using a model for making a program. I have a part that is an impeller. It is sitting down on a table with the blades fanning out horizontally, (they are swept) and the hub axis vertical. I am trying to use "fixed_contour" operation to rough the blades. I was going to break each blade down into 3 sections so I can change the tool axis to simulate "B" rotation as I work my way up, due to clearance from the next blade. (It's a 4 axis horsizontal M/C) When I go to pick the surface (top) of impeller blade, it highlights the entire blade, top and bottom. I only want to do the top section of the blade first. Can I create my own sheet on top of the surface, and how do I do it if I can?

Johnnyh2008

 

[joycejo]

It really depends on the "drive method" you are using.
I prefer to use Area Milling. When using this method you can define a cut area.
These are the faces you want to machine. You can further limit the cut area by using a trim boundary to trim the path to a specific area using curves or edges to define a boundary within the cut area. Check out the help docs and

http://www.myigetit.com

Can you post an example of the file?

John Joyce
Tata Technologies iKS
1675 Larimer St.
Denver, CO

http://www.myigetit.com

 

[EVERFABCHAD]

There is a million ways to skin a cat. You can also divide the face of the impellar to only machine the sections you want. This keeps the tool path from wanting to rap over the edges, which is where i seem to have the most trouble holding tolerance. You can also make datum planes that project the tool path only onto the impellar area you want cut. There are many many options.

 

[Johnny2008]

I have more than one problem with the model. When I try to grab the top of the fin to just make a mill operation for the top, part of the top half as well as bottom half highlight, as you can see in the jpeg.
I can't pick an edge to define a curve or boundary at the top because the model doesn't have any around the radius. Ideally, I want to rough and finish each fin with a ballnose cutter straight up and down the top of the fin.... But the top surface is also in two sections. I tried using fixed_contour as well as variable contour for the milling. It is supposed to be a 4 axis rotational horizontal mill.

 

[joycejo]

Looks like you may need to subdivide the face. Without having the model it is hard to describe what to do here. Can you post the model or e-mail me a copy.

jjoyce(at)myigetit.com



John Joyce
Tata Technologies iKS
1675 Larimer St.
Denver, CO

http://www.myigetit.com

 

[Johnny2008]

Thanks for the information, but I am unable to send the model. (not my choice). I was thinking about dividing the faces using: > insert > divide > face? The only problem is, at the top of the fin, there is a radius, I'm not sure how to make a curve there to have a boundary to use for the divide? Any ideas?

 

[wmalan]

I'm not at work now but... I'd look at Cavity mill. 3 ops = 3 depths, each diff axis for blade clearance. Next, look at Surface contour with Interpolate for the tools axis control. A bit tricky to setup but gives good tool control for getting under the suction side of the blade.

Btw, I just installed NX6 and it appears Streamline now has Interpolate for the tool axis control which has been holding us back from using it more.

--
Bill