Lesson 1 - NC Code

00:09

With our part completely programmed and our final simulation run, we're now ready to review our NC Code and save it to our given directory so that we can go machine this part.

00:20

Once you've run your final simulation, open up the Results pane, navigate to the NC Code tab, review all the NC Code needed to machine this part.

00:30

Once you're satisfied, select Save NC, select a directory, indicate a file name, and let FeatureCAM know what exactly you want to save.

00:41

The only necessary thing is the NC program, but some of the other options may be helpful to you.

00:48

Once you've worked through this window and are happy, select "OK".

00:52

And we've saved our NC Code and are ready to machine.

00:56

In review, we covered quite a bit with this lesson.

00:60

We've been brought in our solid model, as always, and set it up.

01:04

We created regular 3-axis milling features with a Z level rough and an X parallel finish.

01:10

And then we experimented with the various 5-axis simultaneous options in the 5-axis tab of the finishing operation.

01:19

First, we looked at fixing our tool axis along a given vector.

01:24

Then, we looked at utilizing lead and lean tools.

01:28

And finally, we took a look at the tilt axis for gouge avoidance option.

01:34

This allowed us to keep a vertical tool axis unless we were in danger of colliding, in which case we altered the lead angle to move us to safety.

01:44

Hopefully you feel comfortable with everything covered in this lesson.

01:47

But if not, please go back and work through this lesson until you feel comfortable with all of the different options that were covered.

01:54

Specifically, make sure you feel comfortable with setting up a fixed tool axis, utilizing the lead and lean angles, and finally using tilt axis for gouge avoidance.

02:07

As you see, 5-axis simultaneous is not that difficult.

02:12

Programming your features is just like programming a regular 3-axis document.

02:17

And then you just need to indicate how you would like to move your rotational axis while machining that 3D feature.

02:25

Once you feel comfortable with everything covered in this class, feel free to move on to lesson 2.