Case Study
 

CREATING FeatureMILL3D FEATURES

Strategy Window

FeatureMILL3D includes all the functionality of FeatureMILL2.5D and FeatureRECOGNITION, plus powerful 3D programming capabilities!

Determining a strategy for 3D cutting has never been easier! FeatureMILL3D's New Feature wizard walks you through roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing steps for 3D feature and toolpath creation. FeatureMILL3D also includes a surface milling wizard that allows you to specify options, boundaries, and slope limitations.

 

 

5-Axis Simultaneous Machining

5 axis machine simulation render

bullet point Complex 5-axis milling with FeatureCAM’s ease-of-use

bullet point Includes FeatureCAM’s signature straightforward user interface, simplified and consistent with other FeatureCAM modules

bullet point Accelerates toolpath creation, while still providing control

bullet point Support for 5-axis milling machines as well as turn/mill machines

bullet point New toolpath techniques, including 5-axis trim and swarf milling

 

5 axis renders

bullet point Automatic tool axis control

bullet point Available for parallel, z-level finish, isoline, 3D spiral, flowline, swarf and 5-axis trim

5 axis machine simulation renderbullet point Ability to specify simultaneous tool axis with vertical, lead/lean and others

bullet point Additional level of tool axis control includes tilt axis for gouge avoidance, which permits deeper cuts with shorter tools

bullet point 5-axis hole feature recognition identifies holes at any index angle

bullet point 5-axis machine support in Xbuild

 

Manufacturing Details

3D Manufacturing Techniques

FeatureMILL3D provides gouge-free toolpath generation in a unique 3D feature-based interface.You can create machining strategies for roughing and finishing multi-surface models using several techniques.

Interleaved Finish Toolpath

FeatureCAM's Interleaved Finish Toolpath uses a single pass technique to provide a superior finish on complex surfaces. With retract moves kept to a minimum, the tool stays on the metal and maintains smooth transitions for a faster and more productive toolpath.

Z-level Semi Finish Radial Finishing Parallel Finishing
Z-level Slice and Pocket Roughing Spiral Boundry 3D Pockets and Bosses
A small selection of toolpaths used in FeatureMILL.

3D Toolpath Transitions

FeatureMILL3D includes a variety of options for controlling transitions, which provide excellent support for high speed or hard metal cutting.

 

SIMULATION

Simulation images

FeatureMILL3D provides additional simulation options to make verifying toolpaths quicker and easier.

RapidCut Simulation - With FeatureMILL3D's RapidCut simulation, you can view the results of 3D toolpaths in a matter of seconds, without waiting for the tool to animate. You can also use this feature to fast forward to specific toolpaths and then animate the tool to study certain toolpaths more closely.

Part Comparison - You can meet part tolerance requirements in less time with FeatureMILL3D's part comparison. FeatureMILL3D instantaneously compares the original part with the simulation. Areas with remaining material are shown in shades of blue and areas with gouging are shown in yellow, orange or red, according to the extent of the gouge. Green indicates areas that are cut within tolerance. You can change tolerance amounts to meet you specific requirements.

 

FeatureMILL3D Improvements (2008 Version)

bullet point New operation – Between Two Curves

bullet point Provides a morphed toolpath between two curves to eliminate sharp corners, ideal for high speed machining

bullet point Works well for outside fillet on multiple surfaces

bullet point Supports open curves

bullet point Supports 3D stepover, similar to spiral 3D

bullet point New operation – Swarf Milling

bullet point Best and easiest way to cut vertical or near vertical side surfaces

bullet point Faster toolpath computation

bullet point New plunge/retract options for plunge off part

bullet point New horizontal plunge clearance for undercut handling

bullet point 3D cutter comp support is now available for supported machines