NX Machining:

A complete solution for machine tool

programming

Siemens PLM Software www.siemens.com/plm

NX® software, the digital product development solution from

Siemens PLM Software, delivers a complete and proven system for
machine tool programming. NX Machining software applies leading-edge
technology and advanced machining methods to maximize efficiency
of manufacturing engineers and NC programmers.
A complete solution for Total design-to-manufacture
machine tool programming connectivity
NX, the digital product develop- NX Machining is totally integrated
ment solution from Siemes PLM with the NX product development
Software, delivers a complete and solution. NC programmers can
proven system for machine tool directly access comprehensive
programming. NX machining design, assembly and drafting tools
applies leading-edge technology in the same unified system. Design
and advanced machining methods through manufacturing associativity
to maximize efficiency of manu- means that design changes are
facturing engineers and NC automatically propagated to
programmers. machining operations. With this
complete development solution,
Maximizing productivity programmers and manufacturing
and efficiency engineers can work with part
With NX Machining, companies can models, create and assemble
transform their NC programming, fixtures, develop tool paths and
manufacturing engineering and even model entire machines
machining processes to dramatically for 3D machining simulation.
reduce waste and significantly
boost productivity of resources –
both manpower and machinery.

An all-inclusive solution for machining:

Broad support of machine tools A full set of applications

and operations Design/assembly
Milling • Fixture design
• 2- and 3-axis machining • Part and assembly modeling
• 5-axis milling and editing
• Drilling • Geometry translators
• Feature-based machining Automation tools
• High-speed machining • Process templates
• Engraving • Tool libraries
Turning • Feeds and speeds data
• Turning Verification and simulation
• Merging lathes • Tool path verification
• Milling and turning combination • Machine tool modeling
Other and kinematics
• Electrical discharge machining • Machine tool simulation
(EDM) Output
• Postprocessor building
and editing
• Shop documentation output
• Data management
The NX Machining advantage

NX offers an extensive array of First-time quality through

tools for the NC programmer. simulation
Driven by the real-world Companies using NX Machining
requirements of manufacturing can take advantage of integrated
companies worldwide, NX simulation tools to ensure that
Machining offers great flexibility programs hit the shop floor with
in methods and a wide range right-first-time quality, without NX
of practical machine tool requiring tryouts at the machine
programming capabilities. tool. Full material removal and
machine tool motion simulation
are immediately available in the
Productivity through NX programming environment –
automation no separate system and no data
NX Machining reduces translation steps are required.
programming time and required All in one system
skill levels through advanced NX covers complete NC programming, building and executing
Efficiency through leading
automation of the programming postprocessors, tool path and machine motion simulation. In addition,
technology
tasks.With feature-based its market-leading design and assembly software can be used to model
NX Machining improves efficiency
programming, NX automatically the product, tooling and fixtures and to create 3D models of the
with high-performance capabilities
creates optimized machine machine tool for the simulation.
that help companies reap the
programs directly from part benefits of the latest machine
design models. Process templates tool and machining technologies.
and wizards ensure the use of It easily handles programming
preferred and proven machining “The breadth and depth of functionality,
of multiple-function machines
methods.The result is high levels data integration, and knowledge-based
that eliminate multiple machines,
of quality in both the finished orientation of the NX CAM offering is
setups and transit time. NX
product and the process. impressive. NX includes robust capabilities
supports high-speed machining
across the entire CAM spectrum.”
that maximizes cutting performance,
Experience and leadership Alan Christman
material removal rates and surface
Siemens is the world’s leading CIMdata
finish. For advanced multiple-axis
vendor of CAM software and
machining, NX enables faster
services, according to the
programming with total tool control
CIMdata research firm.
for the most complex parts.

NX Machining applications are fully integrated

components of the NX product development
solution, leveraging synchronized product and
process data from design through manufacturing.

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High-speed machining

Faster to finish
Delivery yesterday may be impossible – but with NX you have the > Maximized
tools to get there faster, more efficiently and at lower cost, while
maintaining the target product quality. machining
Maximum productivity
With process automation, the latest tool path technology and unified
solutions spanning tool design and manufacture, NX can help you
achieve maximum productivity in mold and die work.
Extensive capabilities for efficient die/mold machining include Z-level
roughing, semifinishing, steep and nonsteep area milling, uncut material
The optimized trochoidal
removal, finishing and profiling. Feature-based machining and process-
pattern automatically
based automation can greatly reduce mold and die structure introduces additional loops
programming times. to avoid exceeding permissible
cutting conditions based on
user-specified criteria.
High-speed machining:
hard milling made easy
High-speed machining (HSM) techniques can provide significant savings
in machining hard mold and die metals.

Uniform metal removal

Successful high-speed roughing maintains metal removal rates while
managing tool loads. NX tracks remaining material at each cut and
adjusts subsequent tool paths for best finish with least machining time.

Unsafe tool loading while slotting

P ROV E N VA L U E

Optimized trochoidal tool path eliminates

unsafe loading

“With Siemens, we found software and support of the

highest quality and performance. Results show us that
our decision to introduce high-speed machining was right With high-speed machining, the rate of metal removal should remain as
and we are now collecting the fruits of our investment: constant as possible. Poor tool paths can cause sudden severe tool loading
(as shown in the upper chart), resulting in broken tools. Simply reducing
excellent accuracy and surface finishing with reduced
spindle RPM or depth of cut, as depicted by the yellow area on the chart,
manufacturing time.” wastes the value of the machine tool and reduces productivity. NX tool path
CM Sole, Spain technology and HSM methods offer results depicted by the lower chart,
with the highest metal removal rate consistent with good tool life,
maximizing productivity and optimizing machine and tool utilization.

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 > Faster
and
finer
Consistent finish in steep and shallow regions
The automatic addition of intermediate tool paths in Z-level in
shallow regions leaves a constant depth of stock in semifinishing,
ensuring uniform cutting in finishing operations.

Smooth continuous cutting Chatter-free machining for

Various options for noncutting moves longer tool life
enable tangential connections between Extensive research at Siemens delivers
adjacent cuts. Smooth helical cutting can recommendations for stable, chatter-free
be achieved even on irregular shapes. high-speed machining, critical for maximizing
metal removal while extending tool life.

Proven, integrated machining data

NX includes a customizable machining database allowing the user
to manage and apply proven data to associative tool path operations.
A data set is included for P20, a typical steel for molds and dies.

Fast tool path generation

The latest software for Z-level rest-milling enables super-fast
tool path computation.This allows tolerances to be tightened
for highly accurate and robust rest-milling.

Fine-tuned output for high-speed machining

NX tool paths are fine-tuned for high-speed machine controllers.
Uniformly distributed point-point, tangential circular records and
Nurbs output options enable users to match the method to the
parameters of each task.

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Proven multi-axis machining

Mutiple-axis machining enables companies to produce precision

complex parts efficiently with fewer operations and setups –
reducing cost, waste and delivery times. Efficient and accurate
multi-axis machining requires extreme flexibility in both parameter
setting and cutting sequences. NX supports these requirements
with sophisticated NC processors, multiple levels of control and
user-defined drive methods.

Comprehensive
NX is the most comprehensive multi-axis NC programming system
available.With proven capability developed from years of experience
in aerospace and related industries, NX offers efficient and accurate
multi-axis machining. It supports a range of methods for defining
precisely controlled tool paths on complex surfaces, with effective
collision and gouge checking.

Flexible
NX includes many flexible methods for defining precisely controlled
tool paths on complex surfaces. Variable-axis milling includes multi-
ple drive methods with a wide range of tool axis control options.
These are coupled with the effective collision and gouge checking
that is essential on many jobs.
Curvature matching is new technology that allows for fewer passes
with larger tools.
P ROV E N VA L U E

> Unmatched
“People say that you have to use a programming language
flexibility
such as APT to get total control over machine function.
But we have total control with NX CAM and it’s much
faster than hand coding.With NX, we can get the tool
to do anything we want, even for something complex
like 5-axis finishing.”
Brian Carlson
NC Programming Manager
Aerospace Dynamics International

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 >Total tool
control
NX enables fast, accurate
roughing and finishing of typical
aerospace parts. Geometry selection
is highly automated for easier,
faster programming.

Variable-axis surface contouring and a set of tool axis

interpolation options allow 5-axis machining on the
most demanding of parts. Automatic variable-axis profiling
speeds programming.

P ROV E N VA L U E

“With NX, we get consistent and error-free tool paths,

and we haven’t run across anything we couldn’t
program with this software. By supporting state-of-
the-art machine tools, NX is a key element of how
we’re speeding time-to-market.”
Bob Curwood
NC Programming Supervisor
Smiths Aerospace Mechanical Systems
Landing Gear and Hydraulic Systems
NX Simulation provides 5-axis programmers with the essential tools for proving out
their machine motion.

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A complete solution set for multi-function machines

NX offers a complete range of machining capabilities enabling

support for the latest multi-function machines. The value of multi-function machines

Not all systems can offer both high caliber turning and milling. • Reduces the number of machines needed, as much as 8 to 1
In addition, the programming often requires more complex • Eliminates time costs and possible position errors associated
positioning, work coordinate and tool-axis control. NX has with multiple setups
a highly flexible machining configuration
to accommodate these demands. • Reduces the need for fixturing
• Eliminates transit and wait time between separate machines
Synchronization manager controls
multiple functions
NX provides a dynamic display of each
machining function as a channel on the
display. Start and wait code control the
flow of each phase of the machining
process. Integrated machine tool
simulation provides visual validation Multiple program channels
of the entire process.

Postprocessing for multi-function

machines
Each machine function requires a specific
postprocessor stream which is combined
into one synchronized output set. Not limited by CL file content,
the NX postprocessor connects directly to the internal tool path
definition. It can access any information in the NX Machining database,
enabling automated software decisions at the postprocessing stage.

NX post builder
Customers and solution implementers can create or edit postprocessors,
working from example configurations and their own specifications.
Standard postprocessors for typical machine and controller configurations
can easily be edited. NX also creates CLS files that can be used as
input to third-party postprocessors.

3D simulation and verification Timeline display

P ROV E N VA L U E

“We have evaluated other CAD/CAM systems, and NX

has always provided the best functionality of any system
available – and it can support any machine tool we need
to support with its robust processing capabilities.”
Bob Curwood
Supervisor of NC programming for landing gear and hydraulic systems
Smiths Aerospace

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Maximizing productivity

Automation through process and setup templates

In order to make the task easier for the programmer, process-based
machining in NX employs templates embodying typical machining
methods for each machine type and configuration. By selecting and
applying the templates to new jobs, many of the time-consuming tasks
are automatically applied and specific machine control parameters are
preset, making the task faster, easier and repeatable.

Machining simulation
Precise simulation is essential to optimizing the complex interactions
of multiple parts of the machine. NX offers full tool path and
machine tool motion simulation. Motion simulation is driven by
the postprocessed output – and it all happens in the NX
programming environment.

>All in NX
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Programming automation

Automation in NC programming provides a major opportunity for Maximum productivity

competitive business advantage. Automation makes programming Software that can apply the knowledge and skill of experts,
much faster and repeatable and it provides expert results every time. automating the same decision processes, maximizes the
productivity of the everyday user.
Practical automation
While fully automated design-to-machining solutions in NX can Maximum resource utilization
provide extraordinary business advantage, practical elements of Software that applies proven methods, tooling and fixtures
automation applied to key programming tasks can transform even automatically ensures that the use of existing and preferred
the most variable work. resources are maximized.

Process wizards
For everyday use of common tasks, companies can use NX to build P ROV E N VA L U E
process wizards with easy-to-follow steps. Wizards can make complex
software settings based on simple user selections.

Process templates
NX enables programmers to apply predefined process and
setup templates that can be driven by rules.This automates
and speeds the programming task, ensures the use of preferred
methods and tooling and helps the less experienced user.
The user can easily create new templates or modify
existing ones.

Customization
With NX Machining companies can fine-tune the programming
Siemens subsidiary Demag Delaval Industrial
environment for maximum productivity using:
Turbomachinery Ltd. uses knowledge-based
• Tool catalogs
manufacturing applications created with NX
• Machining data tables
to make NC programming an automatic,
• User interface customization
repeatable process.
• Wizards and templates
Incorporating proprietary programming
know-how within templates and process assistants,
The NX Machining Wizard the company now begins NC programming while
Builder provides an easy the design is in progress, eliminating delays of up to
graphical way to construct
three months. NC programmers now support 40
custom wizards to support
your shop best practices. additional CNC machines, and tooling costs have
No programming skills been reduced through standardization.
are required.

> Maximum
A familiar wizard interface
steps the user along a
programmer
predefined programming
process. Wizards like
these can help standardize
productivity
programming operations
and capture knowledge
for the future.

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Feature-based machining
NX programming automation Feature identification
directly builds on manufacturing
• Automatic
features in part models. Feature
• By feature type
recognition, even from imported
wire frame geometry, together
with automatic process selection
and tool path generation, can
reduce programming time by
more than 90 percent compared Method selection
to standard techniques.
• Templates
Feature manager • Rules
The feature manager allows • Parameters
the programmer to easily see all
manufacturing features by type,
detail and programming status.

Automatic tool path generation

• Type
> Users report • Method
• Tools
up to 90 percent
reduction in
programming times
Tool path optimization
• Tool changes
• Tool path length

Manufacturing output
• NC program
• Shop documentation
• Process information
• Analysis

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Machining simulation

NX Machining provides fully integrated tools for simulation and

validation of the entire machining process. The solution is scalable
from tool path display, through dynamic material removal, to full
machine tool motion simulation.

Tool path verification

NX allows immediate replay of the computed tool path with a
range of display options, including dynamic material removal from
the stock model.

Machine tool simulation

Full machine tool simulation within NX Machining displays motion
driven from the G and M code output of the NX internal post-
processor. A 3D solid model of the machine, with the part, fixtures
and tooling, moves in the way the machine tool will move as the
machine code is processed.

Collision detection
NX Machining automatically provides checking for actual or near
collisions between the part, the in-process workpiece, tooling and
fixtures and the machine tool structure.

Full data display and control panel

The user can see the NC program running in the program window,
shown as “goto statements” or as G and M codes from the posted
output. Other data such as coolant status is also shown.

Easy-to-use replay controls

Programmers have easy-to-use onscreen control buttons
that work like a standard video player. The user can vary the
program run speed, stop, back up or move to a specific part
of the NC program.

Simultaneous display
With NX, programmers can review simultaneous metal removal
with a live tool path in the context of a full machine tool simulation,
with dynamic pan and zoom of the view.

> All in
one system

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 Image courtesy of Makino
Multiple levels of simulation
Generic simulation
Similar to many systems that utilize an internal tool path, a CL file or
another prepost output to drive the simulation, NX offers a means to
drive its machining simulation from the prepost processor data. For
many machines this provides adequate accuracy.

Postprocessor-driven simulation
For more advanced simulation and higher levels of accuracy for advanced
machines, NX Machining uses the output of the production postprocessor
as G and M codes. This provides a more complete representation of the
machine tool motion and reduces the possibility of errors. For users of
advanced machines such as mill-turns or merging lathes, this is the
preferred solution.

Controller-driven simulation
By adding software within based on the real controller, Siemens can
offer the most accurate representation of the machine tool motion.
Accelerations, speeds and timings as well as controller-specific machining
cycles can be simulated.

NX Machining – built in 3D modeling and assemblies

For users who wish to create or edit their own simulation models, there is
access to full geometry modeling and assembly capabilities, all in NX. This
means that not only can the programmer edit part or stock shapes, but also
tools, complex fixtures and even the entire machine tool can be modeled.
NX assemblies modeling allows all elements to be correctly positioned
ready for interactive programming and simulation. Creating new machine tool models
With NX, users can easily create or edit 3D machine simulation models, using
Simulation, sample machines included powerful 3D modeling and assemblies. NX also imports 3D machine models
created in other systems and formats.
NX Machining is offered in packages that include machining simulation as
a standard capability. Also included is a set of typical 3D machine examples.
These can be modified by the user with the graphical tools provided.

Machine tool support kits

For advanced machine tools, support kits provide an out-of-the-box
solution that includes:
• Proven postprocessor
• 3D simulation model (NX solids assembly)
• G and M code simulation driver
• Example parts, templates and documentation

No need for duplication

With tool path verification and machine tool simulation included in NX
Machining, there is no need to duplicate data and effort or introduce errors
by moving to third-party software solutions.The same models and assembly
of the parts, stock, fixtures, tooling and the machine tool are employed in
both programming and simulation, all within NX.

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Turning, wire EDM and standard milling

NX Machining has a wide range of milling capabilities. Fixed-axis milling

delivers comprehensive tools for producing 3-axis motion tool paths.
Automatic operations like cavity milling and flow cutting reduce the
number of steps required to cut the part. Optimization techniques
for operations such as planar milling help reduce cutting time for
parts with multiple pockets.

Turning
Turning in NX can use either 2D part profiles or full solid models. It
includes routines for roughing, multiple-pass finishing, grooving, thread
cutting and centerline drilling. Programmers specify parameters such
as feedrate, spindle speed and part clearance. NX turning enables
A- and B-axis tool control. In addition to rich functionality for common
tasks, a special “teach mode” capability provides extra user control
for fine finishing and special cutting situations. NX is very flexible and
allows programming in XY or ZX environments for horizontal,
vertical or inverted vertical orientations.

Wire EDM
Facilitating the cutting of parts in 2-axis and 4-axis modes, the NX wire
EDM programming works from wireframe or solid models. A wide range of
wire operations is available, including multi-pass profiling, wire reversing
and area removal. The package also supports paths that accommodate
glue stops, various wire sizes and power settings. Broad support of wire
EDM packages, includes AGIE Charmilles and many others.

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Postprocessing and shop documentation

Integrated postprocessing
NX includes a post builder capability that graphically creates
postprocessors for 2-axis through 5-axis motion. With the
postprocessor builder, users specify parameters for the
required NC codes and machine tool kinematics required
to interpret the internal NX tool path.

The NX machine tool builder allows the user to add the kinematics
to a 3D assembly model of a the machine – all in NX.

The NX postprocessor builder can create the driver for the

3D machine tool simulation to match the postprocessor.

Shop documentation
Process documentation – including setup sheets, operations sequence
information and tool lists – is often a significant time drain and process
bottleneck. NX automatically generates shop documentation and outputs
it in various formats, including ASCII text or html format for shop
floor intranet access.

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NX: supporting a part manufacturing solution

NX managed development environment

NX provides a seamless capability to manage and synchronize product
and process information across each phase of the lifecycle, utilizing
Teamcenter® software technology.

Design to manufacture
With manufacturing extensions the managed environment supports
collaboration between product designers, tool engineers and all
manufacturing disciplines.

The value of the managed environment for

manufacturing specialists
Typically manufacturing staff spend up to 60 percent of their time just
looking for information. Using the wrong data is often the cause of
delay or material waste. Everyone with access to the managed
development environment can find and apply the correct data needed
for their task, saving time and ensuring right-first-time process and
product quality.
NC programmer

P ROV E N VA L U E NC programming
The NX managed environment
“Teamcenter Manufacturing is a powerful and unique product. provides a means to manage NC
No other product offers such extensive and distinctive information programming data, including tool paths,
management functionality that is focused on manufacturing. output code, shop documentation,
It serves as the information management engine for all NX 3 tooling and setup data, all linked to
manufacturing applications. The integrated combination of CAM, the part model.
digital manufacturing and tool design utilizing Teamcenter
Manufacturing as the core component, provides a solution that
is unmatched in the industry.”
Alan Christman, CIMdata vice president and noted authority
on NC software and market trends.

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Fixture designer Tooling manager

Fixture design Tool, fixture and general Manufacturing engineer

The managed development resource management
environment provides fixture Using Teamcenter technology the
designers with structured access managed development environment
to part models and libraries of provides a resource library with full
standard components that streamline classification capability. The data may
development of workholding fixture be retrieved directly into applications
assemblies for machining. such as NX Machining.

NX managed Process planning

Manufacturing engineers can build process plans

development using Tecnomatix® software applications that are fully

compatible with the managed environment.

environment Shop floor output

Correctly configured packages of data
can be sent from the managed environment
to the point of manufacture, including
Synchronized product tool and fixture lists, postprocessed data,
and process data setup sheets and work instructions.

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Value added in tool design – maximized in manufacture

The NX portfolio offers a set of highly automated solutions for

mold and die design. NX Mold Wizard, NX Progressive Die Wizard
and NX Transfer Die Design dramatically reduce the time required
to create fully functional tools – and just like an expert.
The shared technology of NX means that NX tool design applications
and NX Machining are a combination providing unmatched process
time reductions, maximum efficiency and highly repeatable
product quality.

Transfer die design

NX offers a set of process-oriented tools to address die process
specification, die layout, die analysis and detail die design.The
package automates the more costly and time-consuming processes
associated with the production of stamped sheet metal parts,
significantly reducing their typical lead times.

Integration with machining

The automated tool design applications create mold and die faces,
bases and structures that can be machined directly with NX
Machining using shared 3D geometry and with associative updating
for easy changes, all in one system.

Progressive die design

Progressive Die Wizard maximizes progressive die design productivity Mold design
through intelligent automation of industry-proven processes. It provides NX Mold Wizard automates the entire process of designing
a complete environment for progressive die design and encapsulates mold faces and structure components directly from the part model.
die making expert knowledge, while allowing flexibility to incorporate Key feature data added by Mold Wizard drives automated tool path
customer-specific requirements. programming in NX Machining.

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The NX advantage
Throughout its broad product application suite,
NX leverages key attributes that help companies
achieve business objectives of waste reduction, quality
improvement, shorter cycle times and greater product
innovation.These unique attributes directly support
business process initiatives aimed at transforming
product development:

Managed development environment

NX solutions include fully integrated, synchronized
management of all product data and process
knowledge to transform product development
with a structured collaborative environment.

Unified product development solution

Seamless integration of NX applications rapidly
propagates changes of product and process
information, replacing point solutions with a unified
development system, from concept to manufacturing.

Knowledge-driven automation
With NX, companies can apply product and process
knowledge across all elements of product development
to automate processes and maximize re-use.

Simulation, validation and optimization

Comprehensive simulation and validation tools in NX
automatically check performance and manufacturability
at every step of the development process for
closed-loop, continuous, repeatable validation.

System-based modeling
NX structured conceptual models standardize
design practices and allow rapid creation of variants,
transforming development from component-based
design to a systems engineering approach.
About Siemens PLM Software Siemens PLM Software leads to
Siemens PLM Software, a division of greater innovation
Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D), There is no single road to innovation, but there
is a leading global provider of product lifecy- are signs you’re headed in the right direction.
cle management (PLM) software Leading innovators get to market faster, manage
and services with 4.3 million licensed compliance, optimize resources and achieve
seats and 47,000 customers worldwide. globalization. They’re also four times more
Headquartered in Plano,Texas, Siemens
likely to use PLM software to plan, define,
PLM Software’s open enterprise solutions
build and support their products. Siemens
enable a world where organizations and
PLM Software’s family of PLM solutions
their partners collaborate through Global
helps businesses establish Global Innovation
Innovation Networks to deliver world-class
products and services. For more information Networks that transform their process
on Siemens PLM Software products and of innovation. Drive your business
services, visit www.siemens.com/plm. to greater innovation and
accelerate your growth.

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