Multi-Axis Tube Machining:
Cavity Zone: Inside and Outside

task target This task shows how to insert a Multi-Axis Tube Machining operation in the program.
This type of Multi-Axis Machining is suitable for parts presenting an obvious central axis.

To create the operation you must define:

  • the tool that will be used

See Multi-Axis Tube Machining Parameters for more information on the parameters.
pre-requisites Open the Cavity01.CATProcess document, then select Machining > Advanced Machining from the Start menu.
Make the Manufacturing Program current in the specification tree.  

You will machine first the inside of the cavity, then the outside.
 
 

  1. Click Multi-Axis Tube Machining .
    The Multi-Axis Tube Machining dialog box is displayed.

  2. Go to the Tool tab and select the tool Lollipop D20.

  3. Go to the Geometry tab and select Body.2 as the Part:

  4. Go to the Machining Strategy tab.
    Set the Guiding strategy to Helical.
    In the Machining tab,
    set Driving tool points to Tool tip,
    Side to machine     to Inside and
    Zone     to Cavity.

  5. Go to the Tool Axis tab.
    Set Tool axis mode to Thru a point and change From to To.

    Select Point.2 as the Axis Point.

  6. Right-click the axis in the graphic icon and
    select As guiding axis in the contextual menu.

    The graphic icon turns to:

    Click the red dot and select Point.1. This point is taken as the center of the cavity to machine.
    Click the arrow representing the tool axis and set the tool axis as shown below:


    The tool axis A (black arrow) specifies where the cavity is located.
    the Machining direction M (orange arrow) specifies that the machining is performed from bottom to top.

  7. Click Tool Path Replay. The Tool Path is displayed:

    Click OK. Multi-Axis Tube Machining.1 is created in the specification tree.

  8. Copy Multi-Axis Tube Machining.1 and edit it:
    Change its name to Multi-Axis Tube Machining.2,
    Set Side to machine to Outside,
    change To to From,
    select Line.1 as the guiding curve and
    reverse the tool axis.


    Note that the center of the cavity is one of the end points of the guiding curve.
    If you define a relimiting point, this point will become the center of the cavity.
    Click Tool Path Replay. The Tool Path is displayed:

    Click OK. Multi-Axis Tube Machining.2 is created in the specification tree.

end of task