GlossaryKind of term: BlakeMachine fit
What is machine fit in Blake?
In Blake, machine fit is a first check per machine of whether a part is within its envelope and axes and which limit decides, not a manufacturability verdict.
The check runs over every machine in your machine park. Where a machine is ruled out, the deciding limit is shown, for example the height in Z. Only size and axes count; workholding, access, tooling and tolerances stay outside it.
What decides whether a part really fits?
Falling inside the X, Y and Z travels is necessary but not sufficient. Whether it really fits also depends on table size and permitted table load, the height of the workholding, tool length, the clearance between spindle nose and table, tool overrun beyond the edge and, on a 5-axis machine, the swivel range and collision clearance. A 450 × 300 × 80 mm frame falls inside travels of 500 × 400 × 400 mm, but with a ⌀20 mm cutter that has to pass both edges, little margin remains in X. A lathe has limits of its own: swing diameter, distance between centres and bar capacity.
How does machine fit work in practice?
A machine ruled out on envelope usually needs no further calculation. Dropping out on axes is less final: a part with features on five sides can be made in fewer setups on a 5-axis machine and in more on a 3-axis one, and both can be defensible. If a part fits no machine at all, the obvious options are subcontracting or a different approach, such as machining it in sections by repositioning it.
What is machine fit often confused with?
Machine fit is not manufacturability, which also covers tolerances, access, tooling, workholding and inspection. Nor is it machine selection: the check shows which machines qualify, and choosing one comes after. And it has nothing to do with a fit such as H7/g6: the combination of hole and shaft tolerance classes that sets clearance or interference.
How do you see machine fit in Blake?
For a part, Blake shows per machine whether it falls inside envelope and axes, with the limit that decides. Which machine gets the work remains your decision. More on the factory.
Frequently asked questions
Does a passed machine fit mean the part is manufacturable?
No. The check says the part falls inside that machine's envelope and axes. Whether the tolerances will be met, the tool can reach everywhere and the workholding fits is for you to judge next.
Why can a part fall inside the envelope and still not fit?
The envelope is the travel of the axes. Workholding, tool length, clearance under the spindle and collision clearance reduce it, and table load is a limit of its own. With a tight margin, check it with the actual workholding and the longest tool.