Siemens PLM Software

NX CAM 9.0.1:
Generate IPW in Background
Use background processing to create IPWs for selected objects.

Answers for industry.

About NX CAM
NXTM CAM software has helped many of the worlds learning manufacturers and job shops produce
better parts faster. You can also achieve similar benefits by making use of the unique advantages NX
CAM offers.

This is one of many hands-on demonstrations designed to introduce you to the powerful capabilities in
NX CAM 9.0.1. In order to run this demonstration, you will need access to NX CAM 9.0.1.

Visit the NX Manufacturing Forum to learn more, ask questions, and share comments about NX CAM.

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Hands-on Demonstration: Generate IPW in Background
Background processing can now be used to create and update IPWs for selected objects and
operations. Like Parallel Generate for tool paths, background processing for IPWs is useful for
operations or programs requiring significant processing time, allowing you to continue using NX (you
cannot edit operations currently being processed) while processing is taking place.

You may select any combination of objects in any view of the Operation Navigator. Background
processing for IPWs is available for milling and drilling operations (any operation in which you can
MB3WorkpieceShow 3D).

Do you have a question?

Post your questions or comments at the bottom of this Tech Tip article in the NX Manufacturing Forum.

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Prerequisites:
1. You will need access to NX CAM 9.0.1 in order to run this demonstration.

Demo:
For this demo, you will retrieve a part file and machine tool assembly from the NC Simulation Samples
library.

1. Select MenuHelpManufacturing Tutorials.

2. In the Shortcuts section at the bottom of the Manufacturing Tutorials home page, select Open a
Sample Part.
3. Scroll down and select sim08_mill_5ax_cam_fanuc_mm.prt from the NC Simulation Samples list.
4. Click OK in the Open dialog box.

5. Display the Program Order View of the Operation Navigator.

6. Display IPW as the first column in the Operation Navigator if it is not already displayed
(MB3ColumnsConfigureIPW).

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Each operation in the GREEN_TOP_AREA program contains a valid tool path ( ) but does not contain
an IPW ( ). A valid tool path is required to generate an IPW.

7. Right-click GREEN_TOP_AREA and choose WorkpieceParallel Create 3D.

Notice the symbol appears beside the operation names in the Operation Navigator while
processing.

Operations should not be edited or the part closed while processing since edits can be lost or the part
can be damaged. You may, however, create new operations and edit operations that are not being
processed. You may also open another part. When processing is complete, the IPW column indicates
an IPW has been generated ( ) for each operation in the GREEN_TOP_AREA program.

Out of date IPWs ( ) can be updated using Parallel Create 3D.

8. Right-click ROUGHING and choose Tool PathDelete to delete the tool paths from the operations.

9. Right-click GREEN_TOP_AREA and choose WorkpieceParallel Create 3D.

When complete, the IPW column indicates an IPW has been generated ( ) for each operation in the
GREEN_TOP_AREA program.

10. Right-click ROUGHING and choose Generate (or Parallel Generate) to generate the tool paths for
the three operations.
You may stop background processing by right-clicking any selected operation and choosing Stop
Parallel Create 3D or by selecting the program and choosing Stop Parallel Generate.

11. Right-click PROGRAM_GROUP and choose WorkpieceParallel Create 3D.

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12. While still processing, right-click any operation in the program (displaying ) and choose Stop
Parallel Create 3D.

The list of right-click options has shortened to prevent modification of operations being processed.

13. Right-click PROGRAM_GROUP and choose WorkpieceParallel Create 3D.

14. Point to one of the operation names to display the tool tip.

The tool tip for the affected operations shows that the IPW is being generated and shows the operating
system process ID of the background process.

Background IPW processing can also be accessed by selecting MenuToolsOperation

NavigatorWorkpiece Parallel Create 3D IPW.

15. Close the part without saving.

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