What’s New in CAM for NX 2512: Fixture Automation
Note: This blog is part of a small series of blogs deep-diving into new capabilities introduced in NX CAM 2512.
CAM in NX 2512 includes a new Fixture Automation system, designed to revolutionize setup preparation workflows.
What is Fixture Automation?
Implemented in NX CAM for 2512 are intelligent positioning algorithms that automatically align fixtures with workpieces, eliminating manual positioning tasks. The system allows for dynamic part repositioning within fixtures, providing immediate visual feedback of setup changes.
How does it work?
Users benefit from simplified dialogs for both adding fixtures to the library and inserting them into setups. This streamlined interface makes fixture management more accessible while maintaining precise control.
Users can add fixtures to the NX CAM Fixture Library through the Machine Tool Builder. Options for specifying milling or turning, objective faces, and the central plane are described along with other data.
Once the fixture is in the library and properly defined with the appropriate metadata, the fixture can then be used with automatic positioning.
Why is this important?
Fixture automation significantly reduces setup time and complexity, allowing users to focus on high-value programming tasks rather than repetitive setup procedures. This transforms hours of fixture setup into minutes allowing programmers to focus on what’s important tasks rather than simply necessary ones.
- Automatic fixture positioning with workpiece alignment
- Dynamic part repositioning within fixtures
- Simplified fixture library management interface
The Bottom Line: Fixture Automation is intelligent fixture positioning and library management that reduces setup time and complexity.
