DIGITAL INDUSTRIES SOFTWARE

NX Total Machining
Benefits Summary
• High-speed machining maximizes CNC NX™ Total Machining software delivers a complete computer-aided design/
machine investments computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) package that provides advanced
capabilities across key industries and machine technologies. High-speed
• 3- and 5-axis adaptive milling enables
machining, multifunction mill-turn machining and 5-axis machining capabilities
high material removal rates
are provided along with a full CAD seat.
• Smooth cutting pattern for high
quality surfaces Capabilities

• Feature-based machining automatically NX CAM Turning

creates complete machining processes NX provides comprehensive turning functionality that is driven by the
in-process 3D solid part model.
• Master model capability ensures that
NC programs stay associative to the Associative turning profile
source model The software tracks allowable turning volumes precisely, even for mill-turn
parts. You can maintain correct turning profiles through part updates. Spun
• Integrated postprocessor provides
solid profiles and merged multiple cross sections provide the correct turning
production-ready output
profiles for any part and automatically update when geometry changes.

Comprehensive set of automatic operations

• You can easily program a full range of lathe operations, including:
• On-center hole making: spot, drill, peck, chip, ream and tap
• Roughing: face, turn, back turn, bore, back bore and undercut –
all with multiple patterns and depth of cut control and angle control

siemens.com/nxcam
NX Total Machining NX

Features • Rough/finish grooving – with auto left/right tracking point control

• 3- and 5-axis adaptive roughing • Outside diameter/inside diameter (OD/ID) threading
• OD/ID face
• Interpolated patterns
• Cutoff operation and bar feed operation types
• NC code simulation
Feature automation
• Feature-based machining NX CAM Turning automates grooving with feature-based machining processes.
• Synchronous technology You can produce threads according to standards with parameter-driven thread-
cutting processes. You can also break corners with arcs or chamfers that
• Post Configurator
account for the finish status of the adjacent geometry.

User control
You can customize and fine-tune turning boundaries to account for various
finish requirements or in-process characteristics, such as grind stock. NX
suppresses features as needed. Transitions to/from boundary edits ensure that
the desired end result is easily achieved. Additionally, you can compensate for
cutter diameter variance or use zero diameter tool programming (part dimen-
sion programming).

Advanced options
NX provides special cutting patterns, such as finish all, down-only cutting and
toward/away from corner patterns. You can protect valuable work pieces by
interrupting long cuts for insert changes. Safe exit and re-entry to the cut are
handled automatically.

Teach mode
NX Turning provides step-by-step motion instructions through a few simple
mouse clicks. It supports all of your turning center’s capabilities (including bar
feeds or tail stocks) and visualizes their motion.

Tools
You can specify the holder and insert as part of a
tool assembly. NX enables you to configure
left-handed or right-handed tools for inside or
outside diameters. You can cut either side of the
centerline using either upper or
lower turret configurations.
Multiple drive points per tool
facilitate flexible usage of tools
versus various geometry.
NX Total Machining NX

2.5-axis milling and drilling Probing cycles

2.5-axis milling and drilling operations cover NX CAM performs on-machine probing with
machining of prismatic parts using automated the included Renishaw probing cycles for
programming methods. single-tip probes. You can measure faces,
holes and bosses.
Flexible Machining Coordinate
System (MCS) Generalized roughing
With NX CAM, you can make holes and planar NX CAM roughs any generalized 3D shape with
cuts anywhere on the part using any valid tool intelligent multilevel volume removal patterns
axis. It enables 2.5-axis operations to be and automatically cuts levels corresponding to
performed on 3+2 positional machines in any horizontal faces. Area-clearing patterns
orientation. include zig, zig-zag, part or blank offsets.

Hole making High-speed machining (HSM)

Extensive hole making functions are provided NX provides adaptive high-speed
for spot drill, drill, ream bore and tap. You can cutting strategies that helps you achieve a
use deep drill, peck drill and special boring new level of machining efficiency. Adaptive
cycles. User-defined cycles enable machining milling, an advanced roughing method,
of any hole. Special multi-axis filtering auto- enables deep cuts and consistent tool load,
matically switches MCS for non-parallel hole resulting in high material removal rates.
selections. Ideal for cutting hard material, it significantly
reduces machining cycle while extending
Feature-based automation
tool life.
You can take advantage of automatic feature
processing that comes standard with NX. Z-level finishing
Feature recognition, process application and You can create z-level, or waterline, finishing
tool selection functions automate machining passes on complex 3D geometry. Suitable for
of many features, including holes, pockets relatively steep areas, these cuts provide zig
and slots. and zig-zag options with smooth engages,
retracts and stepovers.
Volume-based 2.5D milling
Solids-based face milling automatically catego- Rest machining
rizes the part and fixture, enabling easy For re-roughing, NX CAM cuts only
programming and safe machining. Cutting the areas untouched by previous
volumes are quickly identified based on floor roughing operations. You can use
and wall selections. These floors and walls in smaller tools only as needed for
combination with the in-process work piece corner clean-out and longer tools
(blank stock) result in volumetric cut regions. for deep reaches.

Generic motion control

You can build step-by-step tool motion with
interactive drag handles and chain together
cut traces with the most efficient transitions.
NX Total Machining NX

3-axis milling
3-axis milling provides extensive fixed-axis
cutting capabilities for complex surfaces such
as those found in mold and die applications.
This functionality enables you to achieve the
smoothest toolpath results in steep areas by
specifying a projection vector different from
the tool axis. You can output the smoothest
raster, or zig-zag, cuts with special stepover
moves and optimized point distribution to
maintain high feed rates and fine finishes.

Independent projection vector

NX CAM enables you to achieve the smoothest
toolpath results in steep areas by specifying a
projection vector different from the tool axis.
Interpolated passes
Smooth raster cutting
NX provides toolpaths that flow organically
You can output the smoothest raster or
with your part faces. With these smooth
zig-zag, cuts with special stepover moves and
patterns, you can interpolate guide curves for
optimized point distribution to maintain high
the smoothest finishes. You can even cut true
feed rates and fine finishes.
3D spiral patterns with no stepover marks.
Optimized cut regions
Automatic valley rest milling
NX improves cutting and extends tool life by
NX discovers uncut valley material remaining
managing steep and nonsteep cutting regions
from larger diameter tools, including bullnose
according to the best cutting strategy.
tools. You can cut the remaining material
Automatic region determinations and manual
along or across valleys.
control let you apply the preferred patterns to
various regions of area milling and rest milling NURBS output
operations. Improve both finish quality and You can output non-uniform rational basis
tool life by matching cutting patterns to spline (NURBS) records for the smoothest
geometry. machine motion and take advantage of high-
level controller capabilities.
Smooth offset cutting
NX provides smooth offset pattern cuts with Facet machining
special stepover moves and corner treatments With NX CAM, you can use scanned data or
to maintain high feed rates and fine finishes. other faceted representations, such as
You can cut inside out or outside in. stereolithography (STL) and the JT™ data
format for numerical control (NC)
Steep/nonsteep area recognition
programming.
You can limit raster cuts to nonsteep areas for
better cut depth control, as well as provide
consistent semifinish cuts with combi­nation
z-level and raster fill-in patterns.
NX Total Machining NX

5-axis tool tip cutting

Rotary milling
You can trace area patterns across complex
This advanced operation streamlines the
geometry while specifying tool axis lead and
programming of cylindrical parts. With mini-
lag relative to the surface normal.
mum input required (part and blank geome-
try), NX generates optimized 4-axis milling 5-axis area patterns
operations. The advanced settings, such as All of the familiar 3-axis area clear patterns are
controls for tool contact shift and point provided with additional tool axis control.
density, enable creation of smooth, highly Raster cuts, offset patterns and interpolated
efficient multi-axis roughing operations. cut strokes are all available.
Additionally, it can be used to machine uncut
5-axis swarf cutting
material from previous operations.
You can keep the side of the tool aligned with
selected faces while controlling tilt.

Automatic 3-axis tilt

NX CAM invokes automatic tool tilt as a reac-
tion to tool holder collisions in deep cavities.
Tilting the tool over to provide clearance for
the holder enables cutting with shorter tools
and higher feed rates.

5-axis user control

NX CAM includes high levels of user-controlled
5-axis milling. You can control multi-axis tool
motion with traditional drive, part and check
surface specifications. These flexible options
make it possible to program virtually any
5-axis milling 5-axis cut.
5-axis milling provides extensive capabilities
for simultaneous multi-axis cutting of complex
surfaces, including multiple drive methods
with a wide range of tool axis control options.
5-axis surface contouring and a set of tool axis
interpolation options facilitate 5-axis machin-
ing on the most demanding of parts.

5-axis roughing
This high-speed adaptive roughing method
enables you to get closer to the final shape
using a minimum number of setups/opera-
tions. The adaptive milling strategy reduces
heat generation and vibration in the cutting
zone, which in turn reduces the wear of the
cutting tools, extending tool life.
NX Total Machining NX

Machining simulation Standard supporting functions

The machining simulation capability provides a
Translators
3D model-based visualization of planned
You can read data from practically any
machining operations. NX CAM facilitates
computer-aided design (CAD) system with a
multiple levels of simulation from a basic
set of translators for the Parasolid® software,
toolpath verification to a full machining simu-
IGES, Drawing Exchange Format (DXF),
lation that includes a complete machine tool
Standard for the Exchange of Product Data
model. Collision checking and multichannel
(STEP) formats and the JT data format. In
synchronization are simulated at the g-code
addition, you can write data in all of these
level for the most accurate results. With NX
formats, plus STL.
CAM, you can perform machine simulation
right from the programming environment so Operation navigator
information is at hand when you need it, From the CAM application’s information
avoiding the requirement for a separate center, you can create, view, modify, verify,
machining simulation package for the NC inspect and organize your NC programs. You
programmer. can manage tools, methods, geometry and
output from an information-rich program
Toolpath-driven simulation
display.
You can drive the machine simulation straight
from internal toolpath records for the fastest Toolpath visualization
simulation result. You can stay confident with toolpath visualiza-
tion and material removal verification tools.
G-code driven simulation
Integrated collision checking identifies any
NX CAM drives the machine simulation with
possible problems.
postprocessed output that takes account of
any program content provided by the postpro-
cessor. Home positions, special tool change
motion and other content can be inserted by
the postprocessor; this minimizes surprises by
making sure to simulate the posted g-code.

Multichannel synchronization
NX helps shrink cycle times for multichannel
machines (multiple milling or drilling heads on
the same machine) by optimizing synch codes.
The visual system displays timelines and
simulates multichannel motion to ensure that
minimum cycles are achieved without
interference.
NX Total Machining NX

Toolpath editing
You can make fast changes to toolpath results
with graphical editing tools and protect your
edits by locking toolpaths from future
re-calculations.

CAM templates
You can utilize the powerful template mecha-
nism to create semi-automated processes
customized to your environment. Highly
familiar operation dialogs help you streamline
common tasks with minimum user input.

Postprocessing
NX outputs production-ready g-code via its
integrated postprocessing. You can edit and
fine tune existing postprocessors with the
included interactive Post Configurator applica-
tion, or even build a postprocessor from
Standard model editing functions
scratch using Post Configurator templates. You
NX CAM provides design tools to address
can also use included sample posts or down-
common model editing functions that make
load a post from our support library.
NC programming more efficient. The standard
Shop documentation range of provided functions are effective for
You can produce html setup documents with making the kinds of changes to existing
the included shop doc capability. models that are often needed in the NC
programming context, such as altering a basic
Feed rate optimization
stock material shape. A set of more extensive
NX CAM helps you to easily maximize material
CAD functions are available in the CAD/CAM
removal rates and minimize tool wear. The
version of this package to enable you to
ability to adjust feed rates to achieve a speci-
create/edit complex 3D part models and
fied chip volume eliminates overloading as
produce drawings.
well as under utilization of the cutting tool.
Using the standard model editing functions,
you can perform important model cleanup
tasks with key editing capabilities for:

Associative geometry
You can create associate copies of master
geometry, enabling model editing without
affecting the original design model.

3D wireframe construction for boundaries

Wireframe elements can be constructed from
scratch or derived from part edges. Boundaries
can be used directly for certain 2D operation
types or used indirectly as containment
boundaries to control toolpath coverage.
NX Total Machining NX

Basic solid shapes Extended CAD content

Solid blocks and cylinders can be created for (included with the CAD/CAM package)
use as blank models or fixture components. The standard CAM version of the CAD/CAM
package provides geometry tools to address
Surface extensions and patches
common model editing functions that make
You can patch over features that don’t need to
NC programming more efficient. A set of more
be machined. Toolpaths will move smoothly
extensive CAD functions (described below) are
across the patch, rather than try to dig into the
available in the CAD/CAM version of this
feature. You can extend faces to help guide
package that enable you to create and edit
tool tips around 3D edges if necessary.
complex 3D part models and produce draw-
Surface and edge extraction ings. The combination of CAD and CAM in one
Surfaces and edges can be extracted, divided, system provides one of the most fully inte-
projected and used in various ways to more grated solid modeling systems available today.
precisely support the needs of NC program-
Drafting
mers. For example, a divided surface provides
You can create engineering drawings that
an additional edge that can be used to drive or
remain associative to your part models, includ-
define toolpaths. Likewise, trim, sew and join
ing automatic view creation from solids,
functions enable surface and edges to be
hidden line processing and automated parts
modified to support NC operations.
lists. You can use templates to automatically
Synchronous modeling create drawings for borders and view layouts.
Synchronous modeling, a powerful method for
Solid modeling
directly editing solid faces, is also available in
Using the CAD/CAM integration provided in NX
the NC environment. Developing as-cast
Total Machining, you can develop 3D models
models or other derivatives from the existing
with a full range of synchronous modeling and
parts is easy since the programmer simply
parametric modeling tools, including wire-
needs to push and pull on the existing faces.
frame, primitives, swept and revolved bodies.
Assembly modeling Boolean operations and associative editing are
NX CAM includes important fixture compo- supported. You can provide details such as
nents in the programming session and facili- blends, tapers and thin-wall features. NX
tates intelligent collision avoidance. Our modeling is powered by synchronous technol-
master model concept keeps the assemblies ogy, Siemens Digital Industries Software’s
and toolpaths associative to your source unique approach to 3D design that combines
model. NX assembly design supports the power of parametric feature-based model-
“top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches and ing with the freedom of history-free modeling.
provides rapid navigation of the assembly
User-defined features
hierarchy with direct access to the design
Integrated CAD/CAM capabilities let you
model of any component or subassembly.
capture and store families of features for easy
retrieval and editing, starting with existing
associative solid models. You can establish
relationships between parameters, define
feature variables, set default values and decide
the form the feature will take when started.
NX Total Machining NX

Basic surfacing Associativity

You can create complex surfaces and solid This CAD/CAM package allows you to quickly
models using loft and sweep techniques, respond to design changes through a fully
including multirail methods. You can also integrated CAD/CAM system that keeps
fine-tune surfaces with surface extension and machining operations associative to the part
surface normal control. model.

Sheet metal Available Teamcenter integration

With the included sheet metal capabilities, you You can integrate NX CAM with Teamcenter®
can create sheet metal component models software by including the NX CAM Teamcenter
using feature-based design tools for tabs, Client add-on. This integration provides a
flanges and other typical features. You can use managed environment for your NX data.
forming tables and bend sequence tables to Additional Teamcenter functionality is avail-
account for bend deformation and generate able separately.
accurate flat pattern data for manufacturing.

Siemens Digital
Industries Software
siemens.com/software

Americas
1 800 498 5351

Europe
00 800 70002222

Asia-Pacific
001 800 03061910

For additional numbers,

click here.

© 2023 Siemens. A list of relevant Siemens

trademarks can be found here. Other
trademarks belong to their respective
owners.

23233-D27 7/23 C