Mini-turrets

You can simulate mini-turrets, which are tools with multiple inserts where the tool rotates around the b-axis to access each insert. The tools are simulated simultaneously, which enables you to check for gouges with the tools that are not currently in use.

To simulate a mini-turret:

  1. In the Machine Design file, create a solid and UCS to represent the mini-turret, with the X axis of the UCS pointing towards the main spindle.
  2. Create a UCS for each tool location. The difference between the X axis of the tool location UCS and the turret UCS determines the angle that the mini-turret is rotated to use the tool.
  3. In the Tool Block dialog:
    1. Select the turret solid under This solid is a tool block for solids.
    2. Select the turret UCS under This UCS will match up with the tool location on the turret.
    3. Use the Tool Locations tab to add each tool location UCS as a separate sub slot in the tool block.
    4. Click OK to close the dialog.
  4. Save the Machine Design file.
  5. In the FM document, use the Tool Mapping dialog to specify which tool block and sub slot to use for each feature.
Parent topic: To create a Machine Design document