Model a New Machining Feature

You can add a new machining feature to the feature library. A machining feature is modeled as a part which is then saved into the library as a feature. Model a new machining feature as follows:

  1. Begin a new part model by selecting >  New and selecting Part.
  2. Sketch the machining feature's geometry.
    Note: The origin of the part's first sketch will become the handle of the machining feature when you save the part. If this point is not suitable for the handle of the machining feature, you can define a new handle after the part is finished but before saving the part as a library feature.
  3. Define a boss feature as a tool by selecting Make Tool in the feature properties. A feature defined as a tool will remove material, when the machining feature is added to a part model.
  4. If necessary, edit the machining feature with a bevel or rounding, for example.
  5. Sketch and add other machining or regular features, if necessary. Regular features add material when the machining feature is added to a part model.
  6. If necessary, add a dimension table to the machining feature. With a dimension table you can edit the feature’s dimensions when you add it to a part. Create a Dimension Table (3D)
    Note: When creating a sheet machining feature, enter the letter t in the Formula field of the feature to have the sheet thickness always automatically checked from the model.
  7. If necessary, move the handle of the machining feature. Move a Handle
    Note: If you create a sheet machining feature, define the direction of the Z axis of the sheet-forming feature's handle so that when you add the feature on a sheet, its Z axis will not be set coincident with the sheet face normal, but in the direction opposite to the sheet face normal.
  8. If you create a sheet machining feature, change Sheet Metal as the part's type by selecting the context-sensitive function Properties and selecting Sheet Metal in the Type section.
  9. When the machining feature is finished, save it by selecting the context-sensitive function Save To Library > As Feature....
  10. Select the machining feature's execution order in the Choose tool execution order dialog box. If you select Tool geometry first, the feature will remove material first and then add material. If you select Additive geometry first, the feature does the opposite. If you select Tool geometry stays as tool geometry, the machining geometry will remain in the feature when it is added to a part.
  11. Select OK.
  12. Select the folder to which you wish to save the feature, and name the file. If necessary, create a new folder.
  13. Select Save.