Create a Multi-Axis Helix Machining Operation in Lead and Tilt Mode

task target This task illustrates how to insert a Multi-Axis Helix Machining operation in the program. This operation will be used to generate a single helix toolpath to mill an entire turbo-machinery blade. To create the operation you must define:
  • the tool that will be used
  • the parameters of the machining strategy with the tool axis guided in Lead and Tilt mode
pre-requisites Open the Blade.CATPart document, then select Machining > Advanced Machining from the Start menu. Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.  
scenario 1. Select the Multi-Axis Helix Machining icon . A Helix Machining entity along with a default tool is added to the program. The Multi-Axis Helix Machining dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page .

The part surface, upper and lower contours, and leading and trailing edges of the sensitive icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required and must be selected. The upper and lower contours and the leading and trailing edges must lie on the faces selected as part surface.

Fixture geometry is optional. 
2. Click the red part surface in the icon then select the faces to be machined in the 3D window. In this scenario, you must select 4 faces: the front face, the back face and the two side faces.

The Face Selection toolbar appears to help you select faces or belts of faces.

Note that faces must be continuous. Gaps between faces may result in a bad tool path.
3. Select the upper and lower contours. The Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you select these contours. They must be closed contours
4. Select the leading and trailing edges to define the limits of the machining. The Edge Selection toolbar appears to help you select these edges. They must intersect the upper and lower contours.
   
The geometry entities of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.
5. Select the Strategy tab page , then select a Start or Stop point using the sensitive icon.

Specify parameters for:

  A default reference tool axis (A) is displayed. You can double click on this axis to modify it. You can also click the tool axis (A) symbol in the Strategy tab page to modify the orientation of the reference axis.
6. Click Preview in the dialog box to verify the parameters that you have specified. A message box appears giving feedback about this verification. 
  7. A tool is proposed by default when you want to create a machining operation. If the proposed tool is not suitable, just select the Tool tab page to specify the tool you want to use. Please refer to Edit the Tool of an Operation.
8. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.
9. Select the Macros tab page to specify the operation's transition paths (approach and retract motion, for example). See Define Macros of an Operation for an example of specifying transition paths on a multi-axis machining operation. 
  10. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.

11. Click OK to create the operation.

end of task