Multiple curves selection for Machining?

[cnc07]

Hi,

I have developed some algorithms for a high speed smooth tool-motion. In Catia I create lots of cl drive geometry(surfaces, curves, etc..) and then I drive them using Catia's existing tool-path commands such as Profile-contouring, Multi-Axis Flank Contouring etc.. But Catia doesn't offer enough APIs so extra work has to be done interactively even if you use such automation in their machining workbenches. So I decided to buy NX and use my automation there hoping it has more APIs available in it.

I was looking for a Total Machining package NX13430 and it turned out to be an Almost Total Machining because there was some extra modules needed for what I want to do.

I would like to know what exactly this module/option NX30104 provides extra on top of Almost Total Machining? In Catia I can build any automation using VB and sell it to any other Catia user. And I don't have to pay anything to Dassault since my EULA allows me to do that. I was under this impression that NX would allow you to do the same but I guess there is always a catch.

Also I would like to know if user can select lots of curves(roughly over 1300) in one shot and drive the cutter on them? I have a 8.5 learning edition on my machine and I could not find any way to select such guide curves in one shot. All I can do select them one by one. To me it is not an efficient method. I was hoping there is some additional Mill-Geometry container similar to Mill-Boundary where user simply selects and stores all the cl curves in one shot.
For example I have done some Vacuum fixtures this year. In Catia all I did is select the entire set of curves in one shot by a window selection method or I could select them from the Tree in any given Geometrical Set. I was looking this type of functionality in NX but I didn't find any so far.

Thanks,
Singh

 

[cnc07]

Hi,
I appreciate any feedback.
Thanks.

 

[markrief]

Please direct questions about the contents of a package to your account manager or partner/reseller.

Regarding the API, it's not my direct area of responsibility, but as I understand it, all users can record, share, and run vb programs, based on the functional licenses required; but to distribute an executable to other users requires "signing" and additional licensing. If you are interested in distributing executables outside of your company, please inquire about our partner program.

Regarding the curves in CAM, there are several ways to store hundreds of curves for reuse - it really depends on what you want to do with them. For example, you can pick them as PART or BLANK geometry in a mill_geom group (workpiece). Just set the type filter to curves and do a rectangle pick, for example. You can also pick them as drive geometry in the curve/point drive method in surface contouring.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[cnc07]

Mark,
Thanks for the reply. I got the answers for API related info from the reseller.
Regarding multiple curve selection, attached is a small sample step file I made for a vacuum fixture. And I would like to drive these curves using 1/4" ball endmill .015" deep.

 

[markrief]

I see a solid, but not curves. If you want to drive the edges, use a boundary and set the curve rule to "Tangent Curves" - one pick grabs the entire loop.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[cnc07]

Mark,
Thanks for looking into it. Please make sure that you turn on the Curves option when opening the step file. By default it is almost always unchecked.
Regards,
Singh

 

[cnc07]

Is it safe to say that it cannot be done efficiently in NX? If so then can it be added as an enhancement to create a new type of mill geometry for such contours?
Thanks.

 

[markrief]

I did it with one rectangle pick.
Create a cavity milling operation, select the curves as blank, set the cut levels, and generate.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM

 

[cnc07]

Mark,
Thanks for the workaround but it doesn't produce a quality toolpath at all.

 

[markrief]

Please log a call and work with somebody in GTAC to see if there is a solution here.

Mark Rief
Product Manager
Siemens PLM