Defining the Tool Axis

You can define the tool axis orientation in the Tool Axis dialog box. You may need to do this when defining a Machining Operation or a machining feature such as a machining/slope area or a rework area.

Before you begin:
  • This is only an example. The menus available and the setup of the dialog boxes may change depending on the Machining Operation you are working in.
  • The Display tool , Default position and User-defined position options are not available for the definition of a machining/slope area or a rework area.
Related Topics
Defining the Tool Axis

  1. In the Strategy tab of the operation, or in the machining feature dialog box, click the tool axis symbol:

    You can also right-click the symbol and choose Select.

    The Tool Axis dialog box is displayed.

  2. Select one definition mode.

    • Manual:
      • sets the tool axis perpendicular to the screen view,
      • Components lets you define the tool axis orientation by means of I, J, and K components.

      • Angles lets you define the orientation by an angular rotation with respect to the X and Y, Z and X; or Y and Z axes.




        • Angle 1 about X, Angle 2 about Y: The tool axis is rotated an Angle 1 about the x-axis, then rotated an Angle 2 about the y-axis.
        • Angle 1 about Z, Angle 2 about X: The tool axis is rotated an Angle 1 about the z-axis, then rotated an Angle 2 about the x-axis.
        • Angle 1 about Y, Angle 2 about Z: The tool axis is rotated an Angle 1 about the y-axis, then rotated an Angle 2 about the z-axis.
    • Selection:
      • select a line or linear edge: the tool axis has the same orientation as that element,
      • or select a planar element: the tool axis is normal to that element.
    • Points in the View: select two points in the authoring window to define the tool axis orientation.
    • Feature defined: select a machining feature in the authoring window, the axis of that feature becomes the tool axis.

    The tool axis is visualized by means of an arrow.

  3. Click Reverse Direction to invert the direction.

    When available, you can also choose to display the tool at the Default position or at a User-defined position. For a user-defined position, click the [...] button and select the desired position in the authoring window.

  4. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.