Feature Based Machining: Use Machining Knowledge Editor to take full control

[AaronFrankel]

Overview

Learn how to use the Machining Knowledge Editor to fully define your features and processes for maximum flexibility.

Details

• Include optional process steps
• Include dimensional and tolerance-based decision points in your processes
• Customize the rules behind your feature based automation

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[DerekHart]

This question was asked during the live webinar:
Q: Can you build rules on non-cutting moves?

A: Yes. Tom did not do this in his demo, but if you open the MKE and look at some of the examples you will see how this works. The add-on tap is one to look at.

[DerekHart]

This question was asked during the live webcast:
Q: Can we get Tom’s notes to fill in some of the parameters?

A: Here are the notes Tom used during his demonstration. If you keep these handy while watching the webcast replay, it should be helpful:


Exercise 1: Add Feature Mapping rule
Rule header:
•OutputFeatures: STEP1HOLE
•InputFeatures: STEP1HOLE_THREAD
•Empty OperationClass
•Empty Resources

Rule conditions:
mwf.COLOR = 6

IF mwf.DIAMETER_1 = 6 THEN lwf.THREAD_PITCH = 1.0
IF mwf.DIAMETER_1 = 10 THEN lwf.THREAD_PITCH = 1.5

lwf.THREAD_MAJOR_DIAMETER = mwf.DIAMETER_1
lwf.THREAD_DIAMETER_NR = 1
lwf.THREAD_ROTATION ="Right"
lwf.THREAD_LENGTH = mwf.DEPTH
lwf.THREAD_TAPPED_DRILL_SIZE = mwf.DIAMETER_1 - lwf.THREAD_PITCH

Exercise 2: Change OOTB constant to avoid spot drilling
Changed constant “bool_Use_Spot_Drill_Yes1_No0” from 1 to 0
The constant can be found on the “MillDrill” Machining Rule Library

Exercise 3: Change OOTB constant which determines the maximum hole diameter that can be drilled without pre-drilling
Changed constant “Pre_Drill_Limit” and assigned different values for different workpiece materials
The constant can be found on the “MillDrill” Machining Rule Library

Exercise 4: Added a brand new rule for machining a POCKET
Rule header:
•OutputFeatures: POCKET_RECTANGULAR_STRAIGHT
•InputFeatures: BLANK
•OperationClass: mill_planar.FLOOR_WALL
•Resources: 'End Mill (non indexable)'

Rule conditions:
REM Tool Attributes
tool.'(D) Diameter' <= 2.0 * mwf.RADIUS
tool.'(FL) Flute Length' > mwf.DEPTH
tool.'(R) Corner Radius' = mwf.BOTTOM_RADIUS

REM Operation Attributes
oper.Region_Cut_Method="Follow_Part"
oper.Blank_Distance = mwf.DEPTH

Add-on;
Name: o
Type: OperationParameter
Class: mill_planar.FLOOR_WALL

Add-on conditions:
o.Depth_Per_Cut = tool.'(D) Diameter' / 4

[DerekHart]

This question was asked during the live webcast:
Q: Where can we find the documentation for the rules or parameters?

A: The documentation is included in the Help files, delivered with the software’s Technical Documentation. Specifically on the MKE, there is a PDF available that was shown in the last slide: MKE Help --> Help Topics will open this PDF.