What is PowerMILL 2011 and How to Use It?
What is PowerMILL 2011 and How to Use It?
PowerMILL 2011 is a 3D CAM solution that runs on Microsoft Windows for the programming of tool paths for 2 to 5 axis CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Milling machines. It was developed by Autodesk Inc. and released on November 22, 2010. [^1^]
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PowerMILL 2011 is used in a range of different engineering industries to determine optimal tool paths to reduce time and manufacturing costs as well as reduce tool loads and produce smooth surface finishes. More than 15,000 organisations use PowerMILL worldwide. [^2^]
In this article, we will show you how to use PowerMILL 2011 to create a simple part from a CAD model. We will cover the following steps:
Importing the CAD model
Defining the stock and workplane
Creating toolpaths using different strategies
Simulating and verifying the toolpaths
Exporting the NC code
Importing the CAD model
To import a CAD model into PowerMILL 2011, you can use the PS-Exchange add-on, which is included in PowerMILL Pro. PS-Exchange allows you to import and export various neutral formats, such as IGES, STEP, and VDA. [^3^]
To import a CAD model using PS-Exchange, follow these steps:
Click on the File menu and select Import Model.
Browse to the location of your CAD file and select it.
Click Open.
In the Import Model dialog box, choose the appropriate options for your file format and click OK.
The CAD model will be imported into PowerMILL 2011 and displayed in the graphics window.
Defining the stock and workplane
The stock is the material that you want to machine from. The workplane is the reference plane that defines the orientation of your part and toolpaths. You need to define both before you can create any toolpaths.
To define the stock and workplane in PowerMILL 2011, follow these steps:
Click on the Stock menu and select Create Stock.
In the Create Stock dialog box, choose the type of stock that matches your material shape, such as Box or Cylinder.
Enter the dimensions of your stock and click OK.
The stock will be created and displayed in the graphics window.
Click on the Workplanes menu and select Create Workplane.
In the Create Workplane dialog box, choose the method of creating a workplane, such as From Model or From View.
Select the appropriate options for your method and click OK.
The workplane will be created and displayed in the graphics window.
Creating toolpaths using different strategies
PowerMILL 2011 offers a variety of toolpath strategies for different types of machining operations, such as roughing, finishing, drilling, etc. You can choose from 2D, 3D, or 5-axis strategies depending on your machine capabilities and part geometry.
To create toolpaths using different strategies in PowerMILL 2011, follow these steps:
Click on the Toolpaths menu and select Create Toolpath.
In the Create Toolpath dialog box, choose the type of strategy that you want to use, such as Area Clearance or Constant Z.
Click Next.
In the Toolpath Parameters dialog box, enter the parameters for your strategy, such as stepover, stepdown, feedrate, etc.
Click Next.
In the Tool Selection dialog box, choose an existing tool from the list or create a new one by clicking on New Tool.
Click Next.
In the Leads and Links dialog box, choose how you want to enter and exit each cut segment, such as Ramp or Plunge.
Click Finish.
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