Execute Machining Features

General

  • The context-sensitive function Machining Features can only be selected for assemblies where at least one part includes tool geometry.
  • Machining is executed only with the context-sensitive function Machining Features >  Execute..
    • The shortcut key F5 or the context-sensitive function Update All will therefore not execute the machining again, for example in the case where the relative position of the parts has been changed.
  • The machining does not machine the original link part, but only the instance of the part in the assembly.
  • Machining features cannot be selected. Instead, all machining features of the assembly model are executed at once.
  • Machining is either allowed or prevented in the properties of the parts.
  • A part that contains a working feature can be given a limitation: Makes machinings only to parts in same subassembly, in which case such a part does not machine parts of other sub-assemblies in the main assembly.
  • A model machined in an assembly can be saved as a file.
  • Note that in the assembly properties you can select Hidden Parts Disabled When Machined if you want to restrict hidden parts from acting as machining parts.
    • The feature does not work if the assembly has only one part containing tool geometry.
  • Note that a part or a component that has a machining feature cannot be machined with the machining features of other parts.

Figure 1: An assembly consisting of link parts. One link part has machining features.

Execute the machinings

  1. Execute the machining by selecting the context-sensitive function Machining Features >  Execute.
  2. If necessary, you can undo the machining by selecting the context-sensitive function Machining Features >  Delete.
  3. A part machined by the feature is highlighted in the assembly tree by the label:
    • A machined part is a link part of an assembly - The extension LM in the part label.
    • A machined part is a local part - The extension M in the part label.

Figure 2: Note, the extension LM means the link part has been machined.

If you edit the geometry of the machining feature or its position in the assembly after executing the features, re-execute the machining features by selecting the Machining Features >  Execute function.

Note:
  • You can hide a part/component with a machining feature from the assembly model. The entire geometry of a part/component is hided.
    • Click the part and select the context-sensitive function Hiding > Hide or
    • Move the cursor over the part and press the H key.
  • You can hide the machining features in the assembly model
    • Press the M key. The key is an on/off key, i.e. every other press hides and every other press shows the machining features.
    • Or select the function File > > User Preferences > Drawings, Models Show machining features.
      • This option is in the Model group on the View tab.
    • Note that hiding the machining features does not prevent the execution of machining.