Create Manufacturing Automation in NX 9.0 CAM Using Process Studio Author

Many people like to navigate quickly in software by using wizards that prompt you through a step by step process…next…next…finish.  


 
NX CAM comes with four out of the box wizards found by clicking the Manufacturing Wizard Icon on the resource bar:

• Rest Milling Wizard
• Express Milling Quick Start
• Mold Z-level wizard
• Cavity Milling tool sequence

Where do these Wizards come from and what do they do?

The wizards are created using the Process Studio Author that has been available for NX CAM users for some time. This software was not part of the installed software in NX 8.5 and earlier as it was a 32-bit version that is available from the GTAC download site. However, it is now part of the standard install in NX 9.0 for Manufacturing.


Express Milling quick start wizard

This wizard takes you step-by-step to create an operation in NX CAM.  This is very useful for users new to NX CAM or to help create programming standards for your company.
What do you need to get started?

• NX 9.0 CAM
• JAVA SDK 1.7 or higher

Create a Wizard

The following steps create a wizard to set Work Coordinate System and Stock.

1. Click on Start->All Programs->Siemens NX 9.0->Manufacturing -> Process Studio Author



2. Click on File ->Open and browse to NX 9 installation directory then go to \MACH\resource\wizard\ and select mill_startup_1.xml then press Open




3. Click on File -> Save As and name “mill_startup_test” then click the create button

4. Click on Edit->Information for current Process


5. Rename Title Field to Milling Setup


6. Delete 6 items shown below by clicking the delete key.


7. Drag the Finish Step to the same line as shown below and right click on customizable item, click create connector, then click once on the finish box.


8. Click on File -> Save.
9. Click File -> Validate Process to check for errors
10. Close NX if open then start a new session in NX.
11. Open an NX CAM part
12. Click on the Manufacturing Wizard tab of the resource manager and you should see your new wizard there


13. Run the wizard and the wizard will automate the creation of the MCS and Blank.



Matt Beisel
Application Engineer
Swoosh Technologies