New manufacturing templates for use with Creo NC

Starting with SMARTElectrode 12.0.1.3, updated and new manufacturing templates for Creo NC are included. NC programming can be considerably simplified by using NC templates. Templates can be prepared for different machines or applications and assigned to the electrodes. The templates can be assigned to the electrodes in the corresponding user interface. Upon confirmation, the assemblies are created and necessary references are replaced.

Three different templates are currently available for copying and adapting:

• Updated manufacturing template MFG_DEFAULT
  Empty NC-assembly with prepared datums that are repelaced by SMARTElectrode on creation of assembly.
  
• New manufacturing template MFG_3AXIS
  Template with basic machining operations for a 3-axis milling machine.
  
• New manufacturing template MFG_MODULEWORKS
  Manufacturing template for the use of HSM cycles provided by ModuleWorks..
  

Manufacturing Template Description File (XML)

In addition to the CAD data, the templates require an XML file that describes which references have to be automatically replaced by SMARTElectrode. At present, reference planes in the workpiece and the manufacturing assembly can be replaced.

The current templates can be downloaded here and must be saved in the SMARTElectrode configuration in the “machining” subdirectory of the electrode blanks.