Manufacturers are investing in multi-function machine tools to gain a competitive advantage. By combining multiple machining operations, such as milling and turning (in a single machine), multiple-function machine tools reduce the number of setups required to process parts, thereby machining parts more quickly and with fewer positioning errors. However, multi-function machines can require more complexity in NX programming, post-processors and machine simulation. Mastering this complexity is key to return on investment.

The Synchronization Manager in UGS' latest NX solution goes a long way toward mitigating the challenges, risks and expenses of using multi-function machines to manufacture your products. It orchestrates several of the NX products together and when fully utilized, the Manager allows exact and very detailed examination of all the programmable axes' motion.

Another benefit that NX offers is improved utilization and tracking of the in-process workpiece (or IPW, which is the model of the partly machined workpiece). If a lathe operation first removes substantial amounts of material, it is important that the next cavity mill operation is 'aware' of what the resulting shape is so that the cavity milling cutter path will make fewer air cuts. Being able to take an IPW from the main spindle and pass it to the sub spindle is equally important. NX tries to emulate exactly what the machinist will see on the actual multi-function machine at run time.

For more information on how NX can help you address the challenges of programming multi-function machines, you can view an informative whitepaper. Download: The challenges of programming multi-function machines

March 2005 Main Page