MachMotion

Alexsys™

Alexsys™ for CNC Milling Machines: Quick Start Guide

Alexsys™ is a conversational programming assistant for CNC milling machines. It combines the ease of classic conversational programming with the visual assistance of simple CAD, so you can create and verify parts directly at the CNC control.

Summary

To create a part in Alexsys™, define your stock, add an operation, enter the part dimensions, select a tool and cutting depth, simulate the cycle, then touch off the part and press Cycle Start.

What do I need before I start?

Have the following information ready:

  • The material you plan to cut
  • The stock shape and stock dimensions
  • The operation you want to perform
  • The hole dimensions and quantity, if drilling
  • The tool you plan to use
  • The required cutting depth

Follow your standard shop safety procedures and verify the setup for your specific CNC milling machine before cutting.

How do I create a part in Alexsys™?

1. Set up the stock

Start by defining the material and workpiece that you will use.

  1. Select the material.
  2. Select the stock shape.
  3. Enter the stock dimensions.

Accurate stock information helps Alexsys™ display the part and simulate the operation correctly.

Selecting material and stock shape in the Alexsys™ conversational control

2. Add a drilling operation

Add the machining operation you want to perform.

  1. Choose one of the available basic shape operations, or draw your own geometry.
  2. Select the area where the operation should be applied.

For a drilling job, use the drilling operation and continue to the hole settings.

Adding a drilling cycle in the Alexsys™ conversational control

3. Enter the hole information

Define the drilling pattern and hole size.

  1. Enter the hole radius.
  2. Enter the number of holes.
  3. Review the pattern shown in the visual workspace.
Entering hole radius and quantity in the Alexsys™ conversational control

4. Select the tool and cutting depth

Choose the tool and specify how deep it should cut.

  1. Select the tool.
  2. Enter the required drilling depth.
  3. Confirm that the tool and depth match the planned operation.
Selecting the cutting tool in the Alexsys™ conversational control

5. Simulate the part

Use the simulation before cutting to verify the cycle.

  1. Check that the tool is clear of collisions.
  2. Confirm that the cycle works as planned.
  3. Review the estimated cycle time.

Simulation gives you an opportunity to identify problems before the tool contacts the material.

Reviewing cutting depth before simulating a part in Alexsys™

6. Cut the part

When the setup and simulation are verified, cut the part.

  1. Touch off the part.
  2. Confirm the machine is ready to run.
  3. Press Cycle Start.
Stock ready for cutting on a CNC knee mill running Alexsys™

How do I change a part after creating it?

If you need to make a change, you can return to the conversational package without starting over.

  1. Use the one-button shortcut to return to the conversational package.
  2. Make the required changes.
  3. Use the two-button shortcut to return to cutting.

This workflow lets you edit the part and resume the cutting process quickly.

Returning to the conversational package to edit a part in Alexsys™

How do I add text to a part?

Alexsys™ can add text directly to a part using a standard keyboard.

  1. Type your message on the keyboard.
  2. Select the font.
  3. Select the location of the text.
  4. Set the text angle.
  5. Review the placement before cutting.

How do I import a DXF drawing?

Alexsys™ supports a simple DXF drawing import workflow.

  1. Open the DXF file.
  2. Position the drawing over the stock.
  3. Add the cutting operation.
  4. Simulate the toolpath before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alexsys™ used for?

Alexsys™ is used to create and run conversational CNC milling programs. It combines conversational programming with visual CAD assistance so operators can create parts at the machine control.

Can I create a part without starting with a finished CAD drawing?

Yes. You can choose from basic shape operations or draw your own geometry directly in Alexsys™.

Can Alexsys™ drill multiple holes?

Yes. For a drilling operation, enter the hole radius and the number of holes, then select the tool and drilling depth.

Can I check for collisions before cutting?

Yes. Use the simulation to verify tool clearance, confirm that the cycle works as planned, and review the estimated cycle time before cutting.

Can I edit a part after I create it?

Yes. Return to the conversational package, make the changes, and return to the cutting workflow using the available shortcuts.

Can I add text to a milled part?

Yes. Type the message with a standard keyboard, then choose the font, location, and angle.

Can I import a DXF file?

Yes. Open the DXF file, position it over the stock, add the cutting operation, and simulate the cycle before cutting.

What is the basic Alexsys™ workflow?

The basic workflow is: set up stock, add an operation, enter the part information, select the tool and depth, simulate the part, and cut the part.

Questions about setting up Alexsys™ on your mill? Call (573) 368-7399 or email sales@machmotion.com.