Virtual Machining

Virtual machining allows users to estimate the cost of machining the following sorts of features:

• Features that are not actually modeled as solid geometry in the CAD model (as, for example, when a large number of holes are modeled as points rather than as solid material-removal features)

• Features that are modeled as material-removal features at the assembly level and thus not detected by aPriori (see Assembly Machining).

To use this capability, you must be aware of the assembly machining required and manually enter both the operation type and other relevant geometric information such as number of setups, workpiece material (if different from the default), hole diameters and depths, surface areas, and tool sizes. This information is entered via the Routing Editor and process setup options.

First you should select a routing that has the appropriate process. Certain operations of the following processes are supported:

• 3-Axis-Mill

• 4-Axis-Mill

• 5-Axis Mill

• Drill Press

• Deburr

A Virtual Operations node is available in these routings, as shown below. Next, you should expand the routing and locate the new Virutal Operations node.

Use the Process Setup options on this node to specify the number of part setups (reorientations) required to machine the assembly.

Next, expand the Assembly Operations node to view the available operations. The assembly machining operations available for manual assignment include the following:

• Bulk Milling,

• Face Milling,

• Side Milling

• Contouring

• Drilling

• Tapping

• Reaming

• Boring

The operation names and are preceded with the word “Virtual” to identify that these are manually applied operations.

For each operation required for the assembly, indicate the number of instances of that operation by using a process setup option. Each instance of the operation represents one of a set of like features with identical dimensions and machining specifications. For example, if spot facing occurs in two locations on the assembly, indicate that there are two instances and provide the facing tool diameter and surface area to be faced for each instance.

Expand this node and its child to reveal the instance node. Use the process setup options on the instance node to enter other relevant geometric information