Batch programming is a separate application that stands outside NX and MasterCAM. It does not open the CAD window, and it does not need you sitting in front of it: point it at a folder of models, and it programs them one after another.
That changes what is possible in a day. You can queue a folder of parts and let it run over lunch or overnight, instead of programming each one by hand.
Screenshot · capture in the English NX interface
The batch programming application
The batch programming window, with the input folder, the output folder and the file list.
The batch programming window, with the input folder, the output folder and the file list.
What it needs #
- The models in a folder. STEP (
.stp) and Parasolid (.x_t) are the reliable formats;.prtmay fail. - Room for the results: it writes a
.prtfile for each model into an output folder of your choosing. - A machining strategy, configured in RockCAM beforehand.
Run a batch #
- Choose the input folder and put your
.stpand.x_tfiles in it.
Screenshot · capture in the English NX interface
Selecting the input folder
The input folder selected, with the models listed.
The input folder selected, with the models listed.
- Choose the output folder. Each programmed
.prtis saved here.
Screenshot · capture in the English NX interface
Selecting the output folder
The output folder selected for the programmed parts.
The output folder selected for the programmed parts.
- Select the files you want programmed from the list.
Screenshot · capture in the English NX interface
Selecting files to program
The file list with several models selected.
The file list with several models selected.
- Start the batch and let it run.
Screenshot · capture in the English NX interface
A completed batch
The batch finished, with the programmed files in the output folder.
The batch finished, with the programmed files in the output folder.
Before you run a batch #
The machining strategy comes from RockCAM’s own configuration, so set it up first. The usual order is:
- Open RockCAM in NX and tune the strategy the way you want — tools, parameters, preferences.
- Open the batch application and select that strategy.
- Run the batch.
Note
Only
.stp and .x_t are dependable inputs. If a model fails, converting it to one of those two formats is usually the fix.