Manufacturing module, mill contour

[slayer001]

Hi everyone!

I'm new using the manufacturing module in NX. I create programs for molds machining.

I use 4 operations:

Operation Stock Tool
1. CAVITY MILL (follow periphery) 0.500mm 3/8" end mill
2. CONTOUR AREA (zig zag) 0.250mm 3/8" ball mill
3. CONTOUR AREA (zig zag) 0.125mm 1/4" ball mill
4. CONTOUR AREA (zig zag) 0.000mm 3/16" ball mill

The problem is that when a CONTOUR AREA operation is done, sometimes it leaves a lot of stock in small areas for the next operation, and resulting in tool breaks.

So, I want to know if there is a way to machine this small areas with multi-depth cut. I tried with cavity mill but it wastes a lot of time, I also tried with the option of multi-depth in 'cutting parameters', but not success.

I attached an image of what I am talking about

NX6.0.3.6 -> NX7.5.4.4 -> NX8.0.0.25

 

[John2025]

It sounds like you should use REST milling and/or Flowcut with a reference tool. We've starting using REST with good results. Hard to understand at first, but gets better. Start with the wizard. Flowcut looks interesting, but we've not used it much yet.
Good Luck

 

[joycejo]

Try using z-level profile and use a reference tool to clear out any corners before using a contour operation. I could not open your image for some reason.



John Joyce
N.C. Programming Supervisor
Barnes Aerospace, Windsor CT
NX6.0.5.3

 

[John2025]

I couldn't open the attachment either. I guess what you use depends on whether it's 2D or 3D. Flowcut for 3D or z-level (or REST) for 2D. I forgot about the Reference tool option with z-profile.

 

[slayer001]

Here is the image again

NX6.0.3.6 -> NX7.5.4.4 -> NX8.0.0.25

 

[slayer001]

Thanks for your comments.

I used REST MILLING and it seems to work. I'll tell you if something goes wrong.



NX6.0.3.6 -> NX7.5.4.4 -> NX8.0.0.25