Multi-Axis Isoparametric Machining: 4-Axis Lead/Lag

To create the operation you must define:

• the geometry to be machined
• the tool that will be used
• the parameters of the machining strategy with the tool axis guided in 4-Axis Lead/Lag mode
• the feedrates and spindle speeds
• the macros (transition paths) .

1. Select the Isoparametric Machining icon .
   An Isoparametric Machining entity along with a default tool is added to the program.
   The Isoparametric Machining dialog box appears directly at the Geometry tab page . 
   The part surface and corner points of the sensitive icon are colored red indicating that this geometry is required.
   All other geometry is optional. 
   

2. Click the red part surface in the icon then select the desired surfaces in the 3D window.
   The Face Selection toolbar appears to help you select faces or belts of faces.
   These can be adjacent or non-adjacent. For more information please refer to Non-Adjacent Belts of Faces.

3. Click a red point in the icon then select the four corner points of the selected surfaces.
   Machining starts from point 1 to point 2, and finishes either from point 3 to 4 or 4 to 3
   (depending on the One way or Zig zag tool path style).
   The part surface and corner points of the icon are now colored green indicating that this geometry is now defined.

4. Select the Strategy tab page to specify parameters for:

   Tool axis:

   A default reference tool axis (A) and 4-Axis Constraint arrow (N) are displayed. You can double click these axes to modify them.

   Click the 4-Axis Constraint arrow (N). This is the normal to the plane in which the tool axis is constrained.  A dialog box appears showing the default direction. You can modify this direction, if needed.

   Machining:

   Radial:

5. Click Preview in the dialog box to verify the parameters that you have specified.
   A message box appears giving feedback about this verification. 

6. 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.

7. Select the Feeds and Speeds tab page to specify the feedrates and spindle speeds for the operation.

8. 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. 

9. Before accepting the operation, you should check its validity by replaying the tool path.

10. Click OK to create the operation.