DIGITAL INDUSTRIES SOFTWARE
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining
Benefits Summary
• High-speed machining maximizes CNC NX™ Advanced 5-Axis Machining software provides a complete computer-aided
machine investments design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) package to program any part
geometry. High-speed machining and 5-axis simultaneous milling capabilities
• 3- and 5-axis adaptive milling enables
are provided along with advanced CAD capabilities.
high material removal rates
2.5-axis milling and drilling
• Smooth cutting pattern for high quality
2.5-axis milling and drilling operations cover machining of prismatic parts using
surfaces
automated programming methods.
• Feature-based machining automates
programming and improves productivity Flexible machining coordinate system (MCS)
With NX CAM, you can make holes and planar cuts anywhere on the part using
• Master model capability ensures that
any valid tool axis. It enables 2.5-axis operations to be performed on 3+2 posi-
NC programs stay associative to the
tional machines in any orientation.
source model
Hole making
• Integrated postprocessor provides
Extensive hole making functions are provided for spot drill, drill, ream bore and
production-ready output
tap. You can use deep drill, peck drill and special boring cycles. User-defined
cycles enable machining of any hole. Special multi-axis filtering automatically
switches MCS for non-parallel hole selections.
siemens.com/nxcam
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
Features Feature-based automation
• 3- and 5-axis adaptive roughing You can take advantage of automatic feature processing that comes standard
with NX. Feature recognition, process application and tool selection functions
• 5-axis surface area milling with lead/lag
automate machining of many features, including holes, pockets and slots.
• Contour profile provides swarf cutting
Face milling
• Sequential mill provides cut-by-cut Solids-based face milling automatically categorizes the part and fixture,
user control enabling easy programming and safe machining.
• Turbomachinery milling for multiblade
Generic motion control
geometry
You can build step-by-step tool motion with interactive drag handles and chain
• 4-axis rotary milling for cylindrical parts together cut traces with the most efficient transitions.
Probing cycles
NX CAM performs on-machine probing with the included Renishaw probing
cycles for single-tip probes. You can measure faces, holes and bosses.
Generalized roughing
NX CAM roughs any generalized 3D shape with intelligent multilevel volume
removal patterns and automatically cuts levels corresponding to horizontal
faces. Area-clearing patterns include zig, zig-zag, part or blank offsets.
High-speed machining (HSM)
NX provides adaptive high-speed cutting strategies that help you achieve a new
level of machining efficiency. Adaptive milling, an advanced roughing method,
enables deep cuts and consistent tool load, resulting in high material removal
rates. Ideal for cutting hard material, enabling a significantly shorter machining
cycle while extending tool life.
Z-level finishing
You can create z-level or waterline finishing passes on complex 3D geometry.
Suitable for relatively steep areas, these cuts provide zig and zig-zag options
with smooth engages, retracts and stepovers.
Rest machining
For re-roughing, NX CAM cuts only the areas untouched by previous roughing
operations. You can use smaller tools only as needed for corner cleanout and
and longer tools for deep reaches.
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
3-axis milling
3-axis milling provides extensive fixed-axis
cutting capabilities for complex surfaces such
as those found in mold and die applications.
This functionality enables you to achieve the
smoothest toolpath results in steep areas by
specifying a projection vector different from
the tool axis.
Independent projection vector
NX CAM enables you to achieve the smoothest
toolpath results in steep areas by specifying a
projection vector different from the tool axis.
Smooth raster cutting
You can output the smoothest raster or
zig-zag cuts with special stepover moves and NURBS output
optimized point distribution to maintain high You can output non-uniform rational basis
feed rates and fine finishes. spline (NURBS) records for the smoothest
machine motion and take advantage of high-
Smooth offset cutting
level controller capabilities.
NX provides smooth offset pattern cuts with
special stepover moves and corner treatments Facet machining
to maintain high feed rates and fine finishes. With NX CAM, you can use scanned data or
You can cut inside-out or outside-in. other faceted representations such as .stl and
the JT™ data format for numerical control (NC)
Steep/nonsteep area recognition
programming.
You can limit raster cuts to nonsteep areas for
better cut depth control, as well as provide Rotary milling
consistent semifinish cuts with combination This advanced operation streamlines the pro-
z-level and raster fill-in patterns. gramming of cylindrical parts. With minimum
input required (part and blank geometry), NX
Interpolated passes
generates optimized 4-axis milling operations.
NX provides toolpaths that flow organically
The advanced settings, such as controls for
with your part faces. With these smooth pat-
tool contact shift and point density,
terns, you can interpolate guide curves for the
enable creation of smooth, highly
smoothest finishes. You can even cut true 3D
efficient multi-axis roughing oper-
spiral patterns with no stepover marks.
ations. Additionally, it can be
Automatic valley rest milling used to machine uncut material
NX discovers uncut valley material remaining from previous operations.
from larger diameter tools, including bullnose
tools. You can cut the remaining tools along or
across valleys.
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
Automatic 3-axis tilt
NX CAM invokes automatic tool tilt as a reac-
tion to tool holder collisions in deep cavities.
Tilting the tool over to provide clearance for
the holder facilitates cutting with shorter tools
and higher feed rates.
Turbomachinery milling
NX CAM optimizes programming for turboma-
chinery configurations, including multibladed
turbines and blisks. Special operations for
roughing and finishing blades and hubs
maintain clearances even in the tightest blade
configurations. Geometry inputs allow for
imperfect and unstitched selections without
5-axis milling slowing down the programmer with geometry
5-axis milling provides extensive capabilities repair.
for simultaneous multi-axis cutting of complex
5-axis user control
surfaces, including multiple drive methods
NX CAM includes high levels of user-controlled
with a wide range of tool axis control options.
5-axis milling. You can control multi-axis tool
5-axis surface contouring and a set of tool axis
motion with traditional drive, part and check
interpolation options facilitate 5-axis machin-
surface specifications. These flexible
ing on the most demanding of parts.
options make it possible
5-axis roughing to program virtually
This high-speed adaptive roughing method any 5-axis cut.
lets you get closer to the final shape using a
minimum number of setups/operations. The
adaptive milling strategy reduces heat genera-
tion and vibration in the cutting zone, which
in turn reduces the wear of the cutting tools
and extends tool life.
5-axis tool tip cutting
You can trace area patterns across complex
geometry while specifying tool axis lead and Machining simulation
lag relative to the surface normal. The machining simulation capability provides
a 3D model-based visualization of the planned
5-axis area patterns
machining operations. NX CAM facilitates mul-
All of the familiar 3-axis area clear patterns are
tiple levels of simulation from a basic toolpath
provided with additional tool axis control.
verification to a full machining simulation that
Raster cuts, offset patterns and interpolated
includes a complete machine tool model.
cut strokes are all available.
Collision checking and multichannel synchro-
5-axis swarf cutting nization are simulated at the g-code level for
You can keep the side of the tool aligned with the most accurate results. With NX CAM, you
selected faces while controlling tilt. can perform machine simulation right from
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
the programming environment so information
is at hand when you need it, avoiding the
requirement for a separate machining simula-
tion package for the NC programmer.
Toolpath driven simulation
You can drive the machine simulation straight
from internal toolpath records for the fastest
simulation result.
G-code driven simulation
NX CAM drives the machine simulation with
postprocessed output that takes account of
any program content provided by the postpro-
cessor. Home positions, special tool change
Toolpath visualization
motion and other content can be inserted by
You can stay confident with toolpath visualiza-
the postprocessor, minimizing surprises by
tion and material removal verification tools.
making sure to simulate the posted g-code.
Integrated collision checking identifies any
Multichannel synchronization possible problems.
NX helps shrink cycle times for multichannel
Toolpath editing
machines (multiple milling or drilling heads on
You can make fast changes to toolpath results
the same machine) by optimizing synch codes.
with graphical editing tools and protect your
The visual system displays timelines and simu-
edits by locking toolpaths from future
lates multichannel motion to ensure that mini-
re-calculations.
mum cycles are achieved without interference.
CAM templates
Standard supporting functions
You can utilize the powerful template mecha-
Translators nism to create semi-automated processes
You can read data from practically any CAD customized to your environment. Highly
system with a set of translators for the familiar operation dialogs help you streamline
Parasolid® software, Initial Graphics Exchange common tasks with minimum user input.
Specification (IGES), Drawing eXchange
Postprocessing
Format (DXF), Standard for the Exchange of
NX outputs production-ready g-code via its
Product Data (STEP) and the JT data formats.
integrated postprocessing. You can edit and
In addition, you can write data in all of these
fine-tune existing postprocessors with the
formats, plus stereolithography (STL).
included interactive Post Configurator
Operation navigator application, or even build a postproces-
From the CAM application’s information sor from scratch using Post Configurator
center, you can create, view, modify, verify, templates. You can also use included
inspect and organize your NC programs. You sample posts or download a post from our
can manage tools, methods, geometry and support library.
output from an information-rich program
Shop documentation
display.
You can produce HTML setup documents with
the included shop doc capability.
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
Feed rate optimization
NX CAM helps you easily maximize material
removal rates and minimize tool wear. The
ability to adjust feed rates to achieve a speci-
fied chip volume eliminates overloading as
well as under utilization of the cutting tool.
Standard model editing functions
NX CAM provides design tools to address com-
mon model editing functions that make NC
programming more efficient. The standard
range of provided functions are effective for
making the kinds of changes to existing mod-
els that are often needed in the NC program-
ming context, such as altering a basic stock
material shape. Using the standard model edit-
ing functions, you can perform important
model cleanup tasks with key editing capabili-
ties for the following:
For example, a divided surface provides an
Associative geometry
additional edge that can be used to drive or
You can create associate copies of master
define toolpaths. Likewise, trim, sew and join
geometry, enabling model editing without
functions enable surface and edges to be mod-
affecting the original design model.
ified to support NC operations.
3D wireframe construction for boundaries
Synchronous modeling
Wireframe elements can be constructed from
Synchronous modeling, a powerful method for
scratch or derived from part edges. Boundaries
directly editing solid faces, is also available in
can be used directly for certain 2D operation
the NC environment. Developing as-cast mod-
types or used indirectly as containment
els or other derivatives from the existing parts
boundaries to control toolpath coverage.
is easy since the programmer simply needs to
Basic solid shapes push and pull on the existing faces.
Solid blocks and cylinders can be created for
Assembly modeling
use as blank models or fixture components.
NX CAM includes important fixture compo-
Surface extensions and patches nents in the programming session and pro-
You can patch over features that don’t need to vides intelligent collision avoidance. Our
be machined. Toolpaths will move smoothly master model concept keeps the assemblies
across the patch, rather than try to dig into the and toolpaths associative to your source
feature. You can extend faces to help guide model. NX assembly design supports “top-
tool tips around 3D edges, if necessary. down” and “bottom-up” approaches and pro-
vides rapid navigation of the assembly
Surface and edge extraction
hierarchy with direct access to the design
Surfaces and edges can be extracted, divided,
model of any component or subassembly.
projected and used in various ways to more
precisely support the needs of NC operations.
NX Advanced 5-Axis Machining NX
Extended CAD content included
with the CAD/CAM package
The standard CAM version of the CAD/CAM
package provides geometry tools to address
common model editing functions. A set of
more extensive CAD functions (described
below) is available in the CAD/CAM version of
this package that enable you to create and edit
complex 3D part models and produce draw-
Basic surfacing
ings. The combination of CAD and CAM in one
You can create complex surfaces and solid
system provides one of the most fully inte-
models using loft and sweep techniques,
grated solid modeling systems available today.
including multirail methods. You can also
Drafting fine-tune surfaces with surface extension and
You can create engineering drawings that surface normal control.
remain associative to your part models, includ-
Sheet metal
ing automatic view creation from solids, hid-
With the included sheet metal capabilities,
den line processing and automated parts lists.
you can create sheet metal component models
You can use templates to automatically create
using feature-based design tools for tabs,
drawings for borders and view layouts.
flanges and other typical features. You can use
Solid modeling forming tables and bend sequence tables to
Using the CAD/CAM integration provided in NX account for bend deformation and generate
Advanced 5-Axis Machining, you can develop accurate flat pattern data for manufacturing.
3D models with a full range of synchronous
Associativity
modeling and parametric modeling tools,
You can absorb changes with ease with a fully
including wireframe, primitives, swept and
integrated CAD/CAM system that keeps the NC
revolved bodies. Boolean operation and asso-
program connected to the design model and
ciative editing are supported. You can provide
updates to new geometry.
details such as blends, tapers and thin-wall
features. NX modeling is powered by synchro- Available add-ons
Siemens Digital
nous technology, Siemens Digital Industries You can configure the perfect CAM seat by
Industries Software
Software’s unique approach to 3D design that adding the toolpath creation options that your
siemens.com/software
combines the power of parametric feature- programs require. You can choose from:
Americas
based modeling with the freedom of history- • Turning
1 800 498 5351
free modeling. • Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM)
Europe
• Feature-based machining author
User-defined features 00 800 70002222
Integrated CAD/CAM capabilities let you cap- Available Teamcenter integration Asia-Pacific
ture and store families of features for easy You can integrate NX CAM with Teamcenter® 001 800 03061910
retrieval and editing, starting with existing software by including the NX CAM Teamcenter For additional numbers,
associative solid models. You can establish Client add-on. This integration provides a click here.
relationships between parameters, define fea- managed environment for your NX data.
ture variables, set default values and decide Additional Teamcenter functionality is avail-
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