Siemens PLM Software

High productivity part

manufacturing
NX CAM – a complete solution for making better parts faster

siemens.com/plm/nxcam
 The NX CAM advantage

How does NX™ software help you make better parts

faster? What NX advantages make part manufacturing
more productive?

More value in each key capability

NX CAM delivers real differences through key

capabilities such as its advanced programming,
postprocessing and simulation functionality. Each NX
module provides more than the standard functions you
expect from typical CAM packages. For example, the
integrated machine tool simulation is driven by output
from the NX postprocessor rather than just tool path
data. As a result, NX facilitates a higher level of program
validation right inside its CAM system.

NX for manufacturing

NX provides a complete set of NC programming

capabilities in a single CAM system as well as an
integrated set of manufacturing software applications.
These applications facilitate part modeling, tool design A leader in manufacturing
and inspection programming – all based on proven NX
technology. When the right design and manufacturing software is
matched with the latest controllers, machine tools and
Right for your industry other shop floor equipments, you can implement a
process chain that delivers maximum performance for
NX has been adopted across many industries, delivering your business.
proven capability for manufacturing in the aerospace,
automotive, medical device, mold and die and Siemens is an established leader in advanced machine
machinery industries. tool controller technology and drive equipment. This
combination of software and manufacturing equipment
Whether you have a small machine shop with a few expertise enables us to develop part manufacturing
machine tools or a large team of manufacturing solutions that provide you with unique and powerful
engineers who utilize numerous machine tools, NX advantages.
provides a solution to match your business needs.

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 Key capabilities in NX CAM

Complete the
design-to-machining
process chain with NX

Advanced programming capabilities Postprocessing and simulation Integrated solution

NX CAM provides a wide range of NX CAM has a tightly integrated post- NX provides advanced CAD tools that
functionality, from simple NC processing system. Multiple levels of NC can be used by the NC programmer for
programming to multi-axis machining, program validation include G-code-driven everything from modeling new parts to
enabling NC programmers to address simulation, which eliminates the need for creating setup drawings directly from
many tasks using one system. separate simulation packages. 3D model data.

The flexibility of NX CAM means that the Ease of use For manufacturing, NX offers special
most demanding jobs can be completed applications alongside CAM, including tool
easily. For maximum productivity, users can work design and inspection programming
on the system graphically. For example, modules. The 3D model moves seamlessly
Programming automation selecting and moving the 3D model of the between applications without data
tool to adjust a tool path is a fast and translation.
Advanced feature-based machining intuitive way to drive the system.
provides extra value in programming Connecting NX to Teamcenter® software
automation. The dialog boxes use graphics with clear for data and process management
annotation to indicate what values are establishes a basis for an extended part
With feature-based machining pro- required for menu input. manufacturing solution. All types of data
gramming time can be reduced by as from 3D part models to setup sheets, tool
much as 90 percent. lists and CNC output files can be fully
managed.

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 Advanced programming capabilities

Fixed-axis milling High-speed machining

NX CAM provides a wide range of 2-axis Successful high-speed roughing in NX

and 3-axis machining capabilities for maintains high metal removal rates while
prismatic and freeform parts – ranging managing tool loads.
from manual tool path creation and editing
to advanced, automated cutting methods. HSM finishing operations, such as the
Streamline feature, produce smooth
• Optimized roughing methods maximize flowing cutting patterns that result in
the material removal rate without fine finishes at high feed rates.
overloading the tool.
• Fully automated rest milling removes
uncut material from previous operations
and eliminates air-cutting.
• Wide range of finishing techniques
deliver superior surface finish quality.
• Automatic collision detection ensures
safe machining of the most demanding
geometry.
The trochoidal cutting pattern in NX auto-
matically prevents you from exceeding
permissible cutting conditions based on
user-specified criteria.

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 Industry leader
in advanced
NC programming

5-axis machining • Curvature matching technology with

a continuously adjusted tool axis
Multiple-axis machining in NX enables you maximizes tool contact to facilitate fewer
to produce precision complex parts with passes with larger tools
fewer operations and setups – reducing • Automatic variable-axis profiling requires
cost and delivery times. only minimum geometry selection to cut
along drafted walls and other profiles
NX CAM supports a range of methods for
defining precisely controlled multi-axis tool Wire EDM
paths on complex surfaces, with effective
collision and gouge checking. NX Wire EDM programming works
from both wireframe and solid models,
• Fast and accurate roughing and finishing facilitating the cutting of parts in 2-axis
methods facilitate machining of complex and 4-axis modes.
parts, such as those typically machined
for the aerospace industry. A wide range of wire operations are
• Z-level method with tilted tool facilitates available, including multi-pass profiling,
the use of of shorter tools to reduce tool wire reversing and area removal.
deflection.
• Smooth flowing Streamline strategy is an
ideal cutting method for multi-axis HSM
finishing.

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 Advanced programming capabilities

Multi-function machines Turning

NX offers a complete range of machining NX CAM provides a complete turning

capabilities for the latest multi-function solution that is easy enough to use on
machines that support simultaneous multi simple programs and capable enough to
axis operations. tackle your toughest geometry in multi-
spindle, multi-turret applications. Turning
Using a graphical display the Synchron- in NX can use either 2D part profiles or
ization Manager provides interactive full solid models. It includes routines
control for machining sequences across for roughing, multiple-pass finishing,
multiple channels. grooving, thread cutting and centerline
drilling.
Keeping track of the in-process state of
the workpiece is a critical component NX turning enables A-axis and B-axis tool
of effective mill-turning. NX CAM control. In addition to rich functionality
automatically generates an in-process for common tasks, a special “teach mode”
workpiece (IPW) to provide seamless capability provides extra user control for
transfer of workpiece configurations fine finishing and special cutting
between milling and turning. situations.

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 NX Turbomachinery Milling
for easy programming
of multi-bladed parts

Application-specific programming

Application-specific software significantly Rest milling automates the removal of

improves the productivity of the NC remaining material from previous
programmer compared to the use of operations; it also optimizes tool
generic functions. engagement with the part.

Turbomachinery milling Hub finishing creates an optimized tool

path by precisely controlling the side
With NX, you can reduce programming stepover, cut pattern and tool path
effort by applying specialized 5-axis NC smoothing.
programming operations for complex
multi-bladed rotational parts, such as blisks Blade finishing enables you to finish the
and impellers. main blades by specifying which sides of
the blade to cut as well as tool axis
Simultaneous 5-axis roughing enables you stabilization parameters for the edges.
to efficiently remove material between the
blades by specifying parameters, such as Splitter finishing enables you to program
cut level offsets, drive pattern and tool blisk and impellers with single or multiple
axis. splitter blades (on some impellers there
are smaller blades, referred to as splitters,
in-between the main blades).

Tool axis parameters enable you to

create optimized 5-axis tool path.

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 Ten times faster
programming

Programming automation

Feature-based machining (FBM) You can easily configure, add or modify the
feature-based machining operations and how
You can automatically create optimized they are selected using a simple editor
machine programs directly from part (Machining Knowledge Editor).
design models by using feature-based
machining in NX. FBM automatically PMI-driven machining. NX can read product
recognizes and programs a wide range of and manufacturing information (PMI), such
machining feature types including: as tolerances and surface finish, that is
attached to the model and drive the
• Prismatic machining method selection.
• Turning
• Wire EDM For example, a tight tolerance might require
• Color and attributes a specific finishing process and tool. NX CAM
can read the tolerance data added to the NX
Each machining step is selected using design model and use it to select the correct
a configurable logic and criteria managed machining operations. In this way, the PMI
in a machining database provided as a part data drives the NC programming and
of the system (as shown below). machining.

Database of operations
Machining process elements

Operation 1
Roughing 3

Operation 2 Semi-finish 2

Finish 1
Operation 3

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Machining data library Process templates

NX CAM provides a customizable NX CAM enables you to apply predefined

machining database that enables you rules-driven processes and setup templates
to manage and apply proven data to to standardize and speed the programming
associative tool path operations. task.

NX automatically applies the right feeds Typically, processes are employed to

and speeds for a given operation and tool ensure the use of preferred methods and
selection. tooling.

Machining wizards

For everyday common tasks, you can build

process wizards using easy-to-follow steps.
Wizards can make complex software
settings based on simple user selections.
Wizards are easily available from the
NX menu.

Templates are one of the most powerful

ways to standardize NC programming in NX.

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 Optimized output for
Siemens Sinumerik
controllers

Postprocessing

Integrated postprocessor Optimized output for Siemens controllers

NX includes its own postprocessor system, NX CAM also provides an optimized

which is tightly connected to the core Sinumerik postprocessor that automatically
CAM system. selects key controller settings based on
machining operation data.
You can easily generate the required NC
code for almost any type of machine tool
and controller configuration.

Postprocessor library

The postprocessor library is an online

resource that contains a variety of posts
that support a wide range of machine A special menu in NX CAM enables you to
tools. select key functions on the Sinumerik
controller.
PostBuilder

NX CAM includes a PostBuilder capability

that enables you to create and edit
postprocessors. Using its graphical user
interface, you can specify parameters for
the required NC codes.

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 G-code-driven
simulation –
all in NX

Machining simulation

Machining process validation When the Siemens Virtual NC Controller

Kernel (VNCK) is added to NX CAM, real
A key NX CAM advantage facilitates controller software is used to drive your
integrated simulation and verification, integrated machining simulation solution.
which enables programmers to check tool The integrated solution facilitates the
paths within the NC programming session. closest possible digital representation of
Multiple levels of capability are available. actual machine tool motion with highly
accurate speeds, accelerations, tool
For example, the G-code-driven machine changes and cycle times.
tool simulation displays the motion driven
from the NC code output of the NX Machine tool support kits
internal postprocessor. A 3D model of
the machine – with the part, fixtures For advanced machine tools, support kits
and tooling – moves in the way the provide a complete solution that includes:
machine tool will move as the G-code
is processed. • Proven postprocessor
• 3D solid model of the machine tool
• Example parts, templates and
documentation

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 Ease of use

Graphical-driven programming Operation navigator

NX encourages the user to drive the The operation navigator keeps critical
system graphically as much as possible. information accessible to the programmer
It is much faster and more intuitive to and facilitates re-use. A rich information
control a tool by selecting and moving the environment displays the operation
3D tool model on the screen than typing sequences and dependencies while
numbers into a menu. tracking tool usage and facilitating
associative part data.
Intuitive user interface
Integrated workflow tutorials and
You can increase productivity by documentation
leveraging the latest user interaction
techniques and predefined programming NX provides step-by-step tutorials for
environment. various programming processes, including
die, mill-turn and aerospace machining.
These tutorials are directly accessible from
NX.

The internet-like search engine in NX

enables you to quickly find a command by
searching against a keyword.

Descriptive images provide visual feedback

for dialog options.

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 You can easily edit 3D
models with a simple drag
and drop

The CAD/CAM advantage of NX

3D part model preparation Master model concept

The latest CAD technology in NX enables NX leverages the master model concept
the NC programmer to rapidly prepare part to facilitate concurrent design and NC
models, including third-party CAD models. programming by linking all functions, such
as CAM and CMM, back to the single model
With synchronous technology, you definition of the part.
can directly edit the part model and
prepare it for NC programming, including As a result, the NC programmer can start
closing holes and gaps, offsetting faces programming a part before the designer
and resizing part features. is finished. Full associativity ensures
subsequent updates of NC operations as
NX offers a set of specialized CAD the design model changes.
functions that enables the NC programmer
to quickly analyze the part before creating Modeling, assemblies and drafting
the NC operations.
NX provides one of the most powerful
sets of CAD functions available on the
market today. These functions are
packaged with NX CAM for the NC
programmer who needs to model parts,
stock shapes, fixtures or machine tools
for simulation.

You can examine the part and the workpiece

by viewing a cross section.

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 Expandable
solution for the
manufacturing
engineer

NX for manufacturing

NX also provides a wide range of NX provides a solution for automotive

additional manufacturing applications stamping dies that includes planning,
such as tool design and inspection die face design and feasibility, structure
programming. design and validation.

Tool design NX Electrode Design incorporates

numerous industry best practices into a
NX Mold Design automates the entire step-by-step approach that automates the
process of designing the parting line and design, undersizing, validation and
surfaces, core and cavity, and mold base documentation of electrodes.
directly from the part model. Key feature
data is added to drive automated tool
path programming in NX CAM.

NX Progressive Die Design includes expert

die-making knowledge to automate the
design process. This guides you through a
series of steps for formability analysis,
strip layout, die base design and
validation.

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Expandable Inspection programming NX offers CMM machine simulation,
which you can use to run kinematic model-
NX offers a programming application that based simulations of the machine to verify
helps you create inspection programs for that all features are reachable, as well as
coordinate measuring machines (CMM). to verify that machine limits are not
exceeded.
NX CMM Inspection Programming enables
you to use streamlined workflows to
minimize rampup time and quickly
generate collision-free programs. You
can reduce nonconformance and ensure
accuracy to design requirements by
programming directly on the CAD model.

By using product and manufacturing

information (PMI) on the model
(including GD&T and 3D annotation) to
automatically generate programs, you
are well positioned to guarantee
You can output DMIS or create a custom
completeness. You can further automate
postprocessor for a specific CMM.
the programming process by applying your
own standard inspection path methods,
tools and project templates.

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 Product Design

Manufacturing Engineering Shop Floor

CAD CAM CNC

CAD-CAM-CNC process chain

To maximize the value of a machine tool, CAM

you need to optimize the process that
drives it. A tightly connected overall NX CAM includes NC programming,
process leads to faster deployment of a postprocessing and machine tool
new machine and greater production simulation. In an optimized process chain
efficiency. each of these CAM elements is configured
to match the target machine tools.
CAD
A complete package
The manufacturing process starts with
input from the part design data – usually a Siemens is an established leader in
3D CAD model, but in some instances from advanced machine tool controller
a 2D drawing. technology and drive equipment.

3D CAD software often is needed to This combination of software and

prepare or adjust the part design model to manufacturing equipment expertise
make it ready for NC programming. enables us to support a CAD-CAM-CNC
process chain that maximizes the value of
CAD applications can also be used to your latest machine tool investments.
design and assemble fixtures. NX CAM
packages are available with fully integrated
CAD functions – all in the same NX system.

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Part model Tooling and Direct numerical Virtual machine
preparation fixture design CAM control CNC

Data and process management

CMM Process Tool Shop floor Tool CMM inspection

programming planning libraries data access management execution

A part manufacturing solution

The CAD-CAM-CNC process chain supports Shop floor applications are available,
the core machining solution. Many including distributed numerical control
companies need additional applications (DNC), to connect Teamcenter-managed
and other equipment to complete their data directly to machine tools. Shop floor
part manufacturing process. tool data management solutions can use
plan data and interfaces to equipment
A solution to match your needs such as tool presetters.

Being able to use the same 3D model in Our solution

multiple applications, such as tool design
or CMM programming, is a major As you define a part manufacturing plan
advantage. NX can support these and take it to the shop floor for execution,
initiatives by enabling all of these Siemens PLM Software can support you
applications to share the same 3D model with a solution that matches your
technology for a faster, more integrated business-specific requirements.
process.

Data and process management

Siemens PLM Software facilitates data

and process management through the
Teamcenter suite, which you can
leverage to manage a complete
manufacturing plan.

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 NX CAM – A full range of capability

NX CAM offers a wide range of in-depth NC programming capabilities that allows the NC programmer to address
many tasks using one system.

2 1/2-axis milling This module facilitates simple milling and drilling that’s used on almost every job. Zig-zag,
offset and plunge milling are examples of the tool paths provided. Methods can range
from manual tool positioning to advanced trochoidal roughing. Any of the milling
modules can be combined with the turning module for mill-turn support.

3-axis milling Roughing, rest milling, semi-finishing and contoured surface finishing address the
challenges of freeform surfaces. This capability includes additional functions needed for
high-speed machining.

5-axis milling Flexible 5-axis programming functions are available with highly automated geometry
selection and precise tool axis control.

Turbomachinery milling Specialized 5-axis NC programming operations are supported for complex multi-bladed
rotational parts, such as blisks and impellers.

Turning This module provides simple 2-axis turning as well as multi-spindle, multi-turret applications.
The system can work with solids or wireframe or even 2D profiles. For mill-turn machines,
this module can be combined with any of the milling modules as needed.

Wire EDM 2- to 4-axis programming is supported, including multi-pass profiling, wire reversing and
area removal.

FBM Author These capabilities enable you to create and modify feature definitions and rules-driven
automation processes through our Machining Knowledge Editor.

NC simulation Fully integrated, G-code-driven machining simulation uses postprocessed output for the most
complete simulation. Simultaneous multi-channel motion is synchronized and analyzed.
The included Machine Tool Builder constructs realistic, kinematic machine assemblies.

Advanced CAD for The latest NX CAD technology is provided to facilitate fast 3D model preparation and
NC programming editing. This NC programming capability can be used to create 3D models of stock shapes,
machine tool assemblies, tools and fixtures. The level of the CAD functionality depends
on the selected CAM package.

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 Maximize the
value of your
software investment

NX CAM modules and packages

NX CAM packages

CAD/CAM CAD/CAM CAM-only Advanced

Software modules Turning Milling 5-Axis 5-Axis Total
Foundation Foundation Machining Machining Machining

Foundation • • • • •
2 ½-Axis Milling • • • •
3-Axis Milling • • • •
5-Axis Milling • • •

Turbomachinery Milling •
Turning • •
Wire EDM (NX30431) •
Feature Based Machining Author •
NC Simulation • • •
Advanced CAD for NC programming* • • • •

* The Foundation module includes a range of CAD editing functions. The Advanced CAD for NC programming functions (level 1 or level 2) are included
in the NX CAM packages as shown above. Each of the other CAM modules is available as a separate add-on.

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About Siemens PLM Software
Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens
Digital Factory Division, is a leading global provider of
product lifecycle management (PLM) and manufacturing
operations management (MOM) software, systems and
services with over nine million licensed seats and more
than 77,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano,
Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with its
customers to provide industry software solutions that help
companies everywhere achieve a sustainable competitive
advantage by making real the innovations that matter. For
more information on Siemens PLM Software products and
services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

Headquarters Europe Industrial Technology Systems, s.r.o.

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