Setting up a part for multi-spindle turning

Setups

You need at least two Setups for multi-spindle turning, one Setup for the main spindle and a second Setup for the sub-spindle. The Z axes of the two Setups must point in opposite directions.

Note: If your NC controller requires that both coordinate systems point in the same direction, this adjustment is made in the post processor.

The origin of the two setups can be positioned at any convenient point on the part.

Tip: FeatureCAM automatically creates setups with non-descriptive names like Setup1 or Setup2. You may want to rename your setups with more descriptive names like Main Spindle.

The first Setup is automatically assigned to the main spindle. To perform the first operations on the sub-spindle, in the Part View panel, click and drag the sub-spindle Setup above the main spindle Setup.

Associating features with Setups

Features are associated with the current Setup. For multiple turret cutting, the Setup associated with the feature dictates which spindle holds the part while the feature is being cut. The Part View displays a list of the Setups in the model, with the Features on each Setup listed below the Setup name.

Moving the part

The part must be moved between the two spindles using a collection sub-spindle features and perhaps bar feed features.

Machine Simulation

Machine simulation shows each Setup cut twice if there is a sub-spindle move.