Lesson 1 - Create Features

00:08

With our part completely setup, we're ready to start programming our features.

00:13

Now with 5-axis positioning machining, we were able to position the tool along the fixed axis that we defined by creating a new setup.

00:23

When creating new setup, we'd make sure to align our Z in the correct direction, and this direction would also define our tool axis.

00:32

This allowed us to create 2.5D and 3D features anywhere along the part, but we would have to lock our two rotational axes while machining a given feature.

00:43

With 5-axis machining, the orientation of the tool axis can be continuously varied, which allows us for much greater flexibility.

00:52

By changing the tool axis while machining, we can avoid collisions with the part while allowing for the use of shorter more rigid tooling, which will ultimately help us achieve better surface finish.

01:11

So let's start by creating a roughing feature to machine away the majority of the material on this part, then we'll create a finishing feature.

01:20

Later on, while simulating, we can add 5-axis simultaneous control to this finishing feature.

01:26

So to start, let's select the entire model.

01:30

Open the new feature wizard.

01:33

Create a new surface milling feature with all of these faces selected.

01:38

We’ll choose a single operation.

01:40

And let's go again with a Z level roughing strategy.

01:45

We’ll leave a lot of these default values how we're used to, but let's also add some step cutting to this machining process.

01:52

As you may recall from the FeatureCAM premium class, step cutting allows us to efficiently remove a much larger amount of material on a roughing operation than if we were to just decrease our Z increment value.

02:05

So here, let's say re-machining, step cutting, and every time we stepdown, let's step back up an eighth of an inch.

02:16

Now that we've entered that in, "OK", "Next", we can hit "Finish", "OK", and move on to creating our finishing feature.

02:25

Again, I'll select the entire model, new feature wizard, surface milling.

02:30

Make sure all the faces are selected.

02:33

This time, we'll choose a single operation, and let's just go with a simple parallel finishing strategy.

02:40

Since we setup our X direction going along this long length of the part, let's do an X parallel finishing operation.

02:50

Tell FeatureCAM that we'd like to cut the top edge or just roll over this top edge, not the bottom.

02:57

We’ll define this toolpath using our stock dimensions.

03:01

And we'll leave our toolpath unlimited by slope.

03:05

As you may recall, FeatureCAM has automatically selected that half inch ball end mill because of our machining attributes.

03:13

Let's change this to a smaller tool right now by going next, selecting search for another tool.

03:20

And let's grab a quarter inch ball end mill instead.

03:23

With that selected, I'll hit "Finish", "OK".

03:27

And we created the features necessary to machine this entire model.

03:31

With our part setup and our features created, we can now move on to the simulation and revision stage of our process.

03:39

As you probably noticed, creating our features to utilize 5-axis simultaneous is the same process as creating your average 3D milling feature.

03:49

The 5-axis control will be added after we simulate and make any necessary revisions.